Ski holiday Salzburger Land
Hochkönig region
Powder snow. Wide slopes. And that tingling sensation when you make your first turns in the morning and the Hochkönig towers above you.
Welcome to the Hochkönig. Welcome to Maria Alm. Welcome to The Eder Collection.
If you’re planning your skiing holiday in Salzburger Land, you’ll find the perfect conditions for varied days on the slopes in Maria Alm. The Hochkönig ski region connects the villages of Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach: up to 120 kilometres of slopes and 34 lifts offer plenty of scope for those first turns, relaxed days on the slopes and challenging runs.
And after a day’s skiing? At The Eder Collection, you’ll find the perfect place to stay for your holiday – from a vibrant lifestyle hotel to a family hotel or self-catering apartment.
Why the Hochkönig and Maria Alm ski resort is the perfect choice for your skiing holiday in Austria
The ski resort at a glance
- Ski region: Hochkönig
- Season: usually from early December to mid-April
- Connected towns: Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach
- Slopes: up to 120 kilometres of slopes
- Lifts: 34 cable cars and lifts
- Opening hours: Lifts and cable cars operate during the day from 08:30 to 16:00.
- Difficulty levels: blue, red and black runs
- Königstour: six peaks, around 35 kilometres of slopes and 7,500 vertical metres
- Ski alliance: Ski amadé
- Special features: Funslope, Family Run, snow park, as well as training and adventure areas
The Hochkönig ski region links the three villages of Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach to form a single, interconnected ski area. With up to 120 kilometres of slopes and 34 cable cars and lifts, there is something for everyone – from beginners and families to experienced skiers and those looking for a challenge.
The ski area features blue, red and black runs, as well as further training and adventure zones.
You can find a standardised, official breakdown of the kilometres of slopes by difficulty level and the connections via cable cars and lifts in the official piste map.
To help you plan your day’s skiing, you can find the latest official information here:
Access to the Hochkönig ski resort via Maria Alm
Maria Alm is the western gateway to the ski region and therefore an ideal starting point for your skiing holiday in Salzburger Land. From here, you can reach the large ski area and ski via the linked slopes as far as Dienten or Mühlbach and back again.
The advantage of Maria Alm as a starting point:
Maria Alm not only offers a great gateway to the Hochkönig ski area, but also impresses with its short distances within the village, meaning that all the key locations for your skiing holiday are quick and easy to reach. From ski hire and restaurants to accommodation.
All valley access points in and around Maria Alm at a glance
- Maria Alm (Natrunbahn)
The Natrunbahn is situated in the centre of Maria Alm and is particularly convenient if you’re staying in the heart of the village. From here, you can start your day’s skiing straight away and reach the slopes at Natrun. This lift is ideal for anyone looking to combine short distances, good local facilities and a hassle-free start to their skiing holiday. - Aberg (Abergbahn)
The Abergbahn takes you comfortably from Aberg into the Hochkönig ski region. It is a key access point for skiers who wish to explore the area around Aberg, Hintermoos and Hinterthal. Depending on your accommodation, you can get there by car, ski bus or a regional shuttle. - Hintermoos (Sinalcobahn) & Hinterthal (Hochmais 6-seater chairlift)
You’ll also find key access points to the ski region in the districts of Hintermoos and Hinterthal. The Sinalcobahn runs from the Hintermoos Ski Centre up to the Gabühel; the Hochmaisbahn serves the Hinterthal area. These access points offer you an alternative to starting from the centre of Maria Alm and are ideal if you want to focus on this particular part of the ski area.
Places to stop for refreshments right by the slopes
There are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat on the Hochkönig. There are currently 38 ski huts, 19 of which are in Maria Alm, 11 in Mühlbach and 8 in Dienten. The offerings range from down-to-earth home-style cooking to trendy huts.
A selection:
- TOM Almhütte (Maria Alm, part of The Eder Collection): modern architecture with alpine charm and panoramic mountain views.
- Steinbock Alm (Hochmais): regional cuisine, including vegetarian dishes.
- König & Kuh (formerly Hochkönigalm, Maria Alm): An interactive dining experience with a burger lab and village disco.
- Zapferlalm (Mühlbach): a cosy spot to stop off with table service and a sun terrace.
- Karbachalm (Mühlbach): right next to the Karbachalm cable car mountain station, with table service.
- Tiergartenalm (Mühlbach, 1,540 m): right on the slopes, renowned for its Kaiserschmarren and regional specialities.
When the day draws to a close sooner than expected
There is no ski bus between Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach. The return journey must therefore be made using the ski lift connections within the ski area, or by taxi or regular bus. We therefore recommend keeping a close eye on the time to ensure you reach your desired destination without any hassle.
A highlight – the Königstour:
The Königstour is the best-known ski circuit in the Hochkönig ski area. In a single day, you ski through the entire resort, linking Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach: six peaks, around 35 kilometres of interconnected slopes and approximately 7,500 vertical metres. It is suitable for experienced skiers who are confident on red runs.
The Hochkönig ski region – part of Ski amadé
The three towns of Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach together form the Hochkönig ski area and are part of the Ski amadé ski alliance. Other smaller ski areas in the vicinity, including Hinterreit and Hochkeil, are considered separately and are not included in the 120 kilometres of slopes in the main area.
Your day’s skiing begins with The Eder Collection in Maria Alm
Accommodation as varied as your days on the slopes
A large ski resort is a good start. But just how relaxing your day’s skiing feels also depends on where you’re staying. In Maria Alm, The Eder Collection brings together a variety of accommodation options and holiday styles – all under one roof, so to speak, each with its own character.
Hotel eder, Hotel SEPP and Hotel EdeR FriDa range from cosy village hotels and alpine lifestyle accommodation to adventure-filled destinations for families. Those looking for more independent accommodation will find a home away from home in the eder.VIEW Apartments and the St. Josef Apartments a home away from home.
Depending on your accommodation, you can reach the ski area access points, as well as ski hire, ski schools and ski storage facilities, on foot, by ski bus or after a short transfer. Whether you’re staying in the heart of the village, with your family or completely independently: at The Eder Collection, you’ll find the perfect base for your days on the slopes – and a place you’ll be happy to come home to afterwards.
Take the ski bus to the lifts in Maria Alm
On a skiing holiday in Maria Alm, you can reach the ski lifts on foot or by ski bus. Please note that the ski bus only operates within Maria Alm (including Hintermoos and Hinterthal), within Dienten and within Mühlbach. There is no ski bus service connecting these towns.
Specific timetables, routes and conditions depend on the winter season in question. Please check the current timetable before your day’s skiing.
Ski hire in Maria Alm – equipment for your skiing holiday
Are you planning a skiing holiday in Salzburger Land but don’t have your own skis or can’t bring them with you? Then you’ll find plenty of options in Maria Alm and the surrounding villages to hire skis, snowboards and equipment such as helmets, poles or ski boots, or to buy them from specialist sports shops. Many hire shops are located near the mountain cable cars or are affiliated with a ski school.
Points of contact:
- Sport Löb (Oberdorf 2, 5761 Maria Alm)
- Intersport Maria Alm (Dorfstraße 8, 5761 Maria Alm)
- Sport Mayer (Urslauerstraße 19, 5761 Maria Alm)
- Ski hire at Edelweiß Ski School (Am Dorfplatz 3, 5761 Maria Alm)
- Intersport Maria Alm – Natrun shop (Am Kirchplatz 3, 5761 Maria Alm)
- Intersport Maria Alm – Landal shop (Dorfstraße 2, 5761 Maria Alm)
- AGA Sport Maria Alm (Oberdorf 19, 5761 Maria Alm)
- Sport 2000 (Hochkönigstraße 25, 5761 Maria Alm)
To ensure a stress-free start to your skiing holiday in Austria, it’s worth booking your equipment in advance – especially during peak holiday periods. Get advice on site about which skis suit your ability and the slopes you plan to tackle. For beginners, a full set of equipment comprising skis, boots, poles and a helmet is recommended – this makes getting started on the slopes much easier.
Ski storage facilities in Maria Alm – start your day’s skiing in a relaxed way
With The Eder Collection, your skiing holiday gets off to a relaxed start – without having to lug all your kit around every day. At the Ski, Bike & Golf Depot at the valley station of the Natrunbahn, your equipment is kept safe and dry in a personal locker. So you can simply leave your skis, boots and the rest of your gear there and be ready to hit the slopes again first thing the next morning. The ski depot is open daily from 07:30 to 21:30 during the ski season.
After 17:00, access is only possible with a valid ski depot keycard.
Everything you need to know about the Natrun valley station ski storage facility
Ski schools in Maria Alm – Ski holidays for beginners in Austria
Do you want to improve your skills, or are you a complete beginner on skis or a snowboard? No problem – in Maria Alm and the Hochkönig region, there are ski schools for children, teenagers and adults, as well as courses for different ability levels. As well as group lessons, some providers also offer private lessons, snowboard courses and personalised technique training.
For children, there are fun, play-based learning activities and supervised groups, whilst adult beginners can benefit from manageable learning steps and a safe introduction to braking, turning and using the lifts. If you already have some experience, you can improve your technique or have local ski instructors show you new areas of the slopes.
Your skiing holiday, your house – which one suits you?
The Eder Collection brings together several properties and types of accommodation in and around Maria Alm. For your skiing holiday, this means you don’t just choose a room, but also the setting that suits your day on the slopes – centrally located in the village, family-friendly, adults-only or with the independence of an apartment.
A look inside the individual houses
Situated right on the village square in Maria Alm, Hotel eder is the ideal base for anyone wishing to combine a skiing holiday in Salzburger Land with easy access to the village’s amenities. After a day’s skiing, you can look forward to regional cuisine, the offerings from eder&sons, and some wellness and spa time. The central location makes it easy to catch the ski bus or the cable car in the morning and to pop into a pub in the evening without having to walk far. The ski storage facility and the valley station of the Natrunbahn are 150 metres away.
Hotel eder – Ski holidays with a village square location, fine dining and wellness facilities
Situated right on the village square in Maria Alm, Hotel eder is the ideal base for anyone wishing to combine a skiing holiday in Salzburger Land with easy access to the village’s amenities. After a day’s skiing, you can look forward to regional cuisine, the offerings from eder&sons, and some time to relax in the wellness and spa facilities. The central location makes it easy to catch the ski bus or the cable car in the morning and to pop in for a bite to eat in the evening without having to walk far. The ski storage facility and the valley station of the Natrunbahn are 150 metres away.
Your skiing holiday at Hotel eder
- Central location on the village square in Maria Alm
- Culinary delights in the restaurant and at eder&sons
- Wellness and spa facilities for relaxation after a day’s skiing
- Ski storage and Natrunbahn valley station: 150 metres
- With a valid ski pass, you can use the local ski bus free of charge
SEPP – Rooftop Pool, Design & Lifestyle – adults only!
Your skiing holiday in Salzburger Land doesn’t end at the slopes. At SEPP, the rooftop pool and bar are the perfect places to unwind or carry on the party. This is where young adults, couples and friends come together to enjoy their skiing holiday amidst stylish surroundings, new encounters and a uniquely relaxed atmosphere. Active on the Hochkönig by day, wellness or a cool drink in the evening – at SEPP, you’ll find everything a skier’s heart desires.
Your skiing holiday at SEPP
- Rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Hochkönig
- Adults-only concept for guests aged 21 and over – peace and quiet whenever you want it
- Lifestyle & Events
- Floating Brunch & Sensei Retro Arcade Gaming
- Contemporary cuisine
- Ski storage available on request, 650 metres from the Natrunbahn valley station. The Sporty rooms have their own storage areas with ski boot warmers.
- With a valid ski pass, you can use the local ski bus free of charge
EdeR FriDa – A skiing holiday for the whole family
A skiing holiday with the kids? Absolutely! The EdeR FriDa family hotel, part of The Eder Collection, is entirely geared towards quality family time. With a 1,000 m² water park, an 80-metre adventure slide with a timer and many other adventure areas, there’s plenty to do – even off the slopes. For fun, games, excitement and, above all, shared holiday memories.
Your skiing holiday at EdeR FriDa
- Family rooms & high-quality facilities for all generations
- ALL inKlusiv from 07:00 to 22:00, including drinks and alcohol
- Joint programmes for the whole family (over 70 events per week)
- Cinema showing 30 feature films a week
- Ski storage & ski boot dryers
- With a valid ski pass, you can use the local ski bus free of charge
eder.VIEW Apartments and St. Josef Apartments – Your skiing holiday, just the way you want it
Ready for a skiing holiday where you’re as independent as you want to be? At the eder.VIEW Apartments and St. Josef Apartments, you can organise your skiing holiday at your own pace.
You decide for yourself when to have breakfast, when to hit the slopes and where to round off the evening. At the same time, depending on your location, you can reach the ski lifts, restaurants and other attractions in Maria Alm on foot, by ski bus or via a short transfer.
Your skiing holiday in an apartment
- More privacy and independence
- Set your own pace for relaxing and active winter days
- A flexible retreat in Maria Alm
- Access to the winter world of The Eder Collection
- Ideal for anyone who wants to live independently whilst still being right in the middle of it
Maria Alm: the perfect destination for your skiing holiday
Frequently Asked Questions
The Hochkönig ski region links Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach and offers up to 120 kilometres of slopes as well as 34 cable cars and ski lifts. You can find the latest information here:
Maria Alm is part of the Hochkönig ski region, making it an ideal base for varied days on the slopes. From wide, gentle runs for families and leisure skiers to more challenging slopes for experienced skiers. Throughout, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Hochkönig massif and the Steinerne Meer. A particular highlight is the Königstour: six peaks, 35 continuous kilometres of slopes and 7,500 vertical metres link the three villages into one large ski circuit that can be completed in a single day. Unlike particularly well-known large-scale or party-oriented ski resorts, Maria Alm is less about sheer scale and après-ski hustle and bustle, and more about a balanced combination of varied skiing, stunning mountain scenery, a cosy village atmosphere and culinary delights.
The Königstour is a major ski circuit through the Hochkönig region. It links six peaks, 35 kilometres of continuous slopes and around 7,500 vertical metres between Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach. What makes it special is that you can ski through the entire ski area in a single day without having to take the same run twice. This turns a normal day’s skiing into a proper alpine discovery tour.
No. The Hochkönig region combines wide, well-groomed slopes for families and leisure skiers with more challenging runs for experienced skiers. There’s also the Schönanger Funslope, several fun parks and the Natrun Beginners’ Park. This means that everyone in a group can plan their own day’s skiing and then meet up again later for a drink together.
In Maria Alm, you can plan your day’s skiing differently every day: a challenging route across several peaks, relaxed runs with panoramic views, a fun slope or a detour to the snow park. If you’re in the mood for a special experience, you can also enjoy a few more runs in the evening on the floodlit Simmerllift along a route of around 550 metres.
Maria Alm combines the best of both worlds: the Hochkönig region offers a varied ski area with around 120 kilometres of slopes and 34 modern lifts. At the same time, Maria Alm remains a compact and friendly village. The cable car departs from the village centre, and many trips can be easily organised on foot or by ski bus.
Because not everyone is looking for the same thing on holiday. Whilst some are out on the slopes, others can visit a cosy mountain hut, go winter hiking, go tobogganing or simply enjoy the mountain views. There are also various options within the ski resort itself – from family runs and fun slopes to the challenging Königstour.
Yes. In Maria Alm and the surrounding villages, there are ski hire shops, specialist sports retailers and ski schools. You can book ski hire and ski schools directly with the providers
Yes. At the Natrunbahn valley station, there is a central ski storage facility where skis, poles, boots and helmets can be stored safely and kept dry. It is situated 150 metres from Hotel eder and is open daily during the ski season. Guests at the SEPP (650 metres from the valley station) can use it on request.
You can reach the Natrunbahn in the centre of Maria Alm. The ski bus only operates within Maria Alm, within Dienten and within Mühlbach; there is no ski bus service linking these towns. To reach the Karbachalmbahn (Mühlbach) you will therefore need to use a different mode of transport to the ski bus, such as a car.However, you can reach the Sinalcobahn in Hintermoos (Maria Alm), which leads up to the Gabühel, by ski bus.
Yes. In Maria Alm, you can combine active days on the slopes with wellness, fine dining and relaxation: Hotel eder offers wellness and spa facilities, the SEPP has a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Hochkönig, and the EdeR FriDa boasts a 1,000 m² water park.
Collecting life.
Not moments.
