With 270km of ski slopes, the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is one of the largest ski areas in Austria. Beginners, families and experts can roam across 140km blue slopes, 112km red and 18km of black runs, that criss-cross and link the four main resort villages of the Skicircus.
Served by 70 cableways and lifts, and with more than 60 cosy ski huts to tempt you with their regional cuisine, as well as the numerous snow parks, a freeride park, floodlit slopes and toboggan runs, this superb, interconnected skiing region is one of the most diverse and best ski areas in the Alps, offering seemingly endless scope for pure skiing joy.
And one of the best ways to explore this snow-covered landscape is to take on the Skicircus’ five ski circuits, from ‘THE CHALLENGE’ – an epic all-day adventure covering the entire ski area – to the four shorter ‘local’ circuits highlighting the different parts of this huge domain.
Whether you fancy trying to complete the full set or are content just ticking off one or two, here’s your guide to becoming a Skicircus ringmaster…
Saalbach Circuit
Distance: 19km
Time: 2 hours
Lifts: 8
Runs: 13
Vertical: 3,600m
Difficulty: 100% blue
The perfect ‘welcome to Saalbach’ circuit. Everyone can enjoy this introductory circuit at the start of your holiday visit to the region. It’s a great way to get to know this part of the Skicircus as you can take your time to really appreciate the luxurious cruisy blue pistes.
It’s the circuit for everyone, especially as a warm welcome to Saalbach at the start of your holiday. The two-hour time estimate is without breaks, but, of course, you can take your time to really enjoy riding on the blue pistes of the relaxing Saalbach circuit and throw in as many ski huts stops as you want!
Tip: At Kohlmais, you can ski on the famous slalom and giant slalom runs of the Alpine Ski World Championship 1991. A detour via the I4 Polten 8-seater to Asitzmulde on the Leogang side is also well worth taking on this circuit.
Hinterglemm Circuit
Distance: 30km
Time: 3.5 hours
Lifts: 18
Slopes: 24
Vertical: 6,500m
Difficulty: 66% blue, 34% red
Expanding your ski horizons a bit further, the Hinterglemm Circuit is a tour that covers many vertical metres with some fabulous long runs for sporty skiers. An attractive, scenic circuit with great panoramic views, the 3.5-hour time estimate means you can again take advantage of the many opportunities for refreshment stops in rustic ski huts.
Tip: You can test your skills at the SkiMovie and Speed run at the A9 Unterschwarzach lift. Try the short detour to the B6 Seekar lift on this circuit. Plus, at Zwölferkogel, you can live your racing dreams and ski on the famous slopes of the 2025 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.
The Leogang Circuit
Distance: 26km
Time: 2.5 hours
Lifts: 11
Slopes: 15
Vertical: 4,300m
Difficulty: 100% blue
Pleasure and panoramic views are guaranteed on the Leogang circuit. After making your first turns on the freshly-groomed east-facing slopes of Asitzmulde, this route continues on the gentle southern slopes of Schönleiten and Kohlmais towards Saalbach. Afterwards, you return to Leogang via Schattberg, accompanied by the incredible view of the Leogang Mountains. The circuit can also be started from the L3+L4 Steinberg lift.
Tip: You should have plenty of time for a bonus detour on the L8 Alm lift 4-seater which allows you to test your skills on the SkiMovie run. This fun racing track also gives you a personalised video of your own downhill run.
The Tyrol Circuit
Distance: 22km
Time: 2.5 hours
Lifts: 14
Slopes: 14
Vertical: 4,300m
Difficulty: 28 % blue, 72 % red
Intermediates and upwards…this will be a highlight of your ski holiday! And it’s worth taking note that, with its emphasis on more demanding red pistes, the Tyrol Ski Circuit is undoubtedly rather more suited for ambitious winter sports enthusiasts. It’s certainly perfect for getting to know the Tyrolean mountains in the Skicircus, and promises spectacular views. During this circuit, you cross the federal state border between Salzburg and Tyrol while skiing and can really let your skis run free on a total of 22km of runs. Again, allow about 2.5 hours of skiing time to complete the tour.
Tip: A repeat trip on the E1+E2 Reckmoos Nord face is highly recommended. The natural undulating slopes amid the wild landscape is a real thrill.
THE CHALLENGE
Distance: 65km
Time: 6 hours
Lifts: 32
Slopes: 44
Vertical: 12,400m
Difficulty: 60% blue, 35% red, 5% black
All the previous four circuits will have been essential parts of your preparation and orientation for the big one: THE CHALLENGE. The full Skicircus Circuit is the ultimate ski experience for fit winter sports fans, covering the entire ski area in just one long ski day. Probably the toughest circuit of its kind, you’ll need skill, speed, stamina and a high level of fitness to complete ‘THE CHALLENGE’. Your reward: the chance to win a ski holiday and other great prizes.
Tip: The Skicircus Circuit is such a demanding one that we’ve given it its own article. Read our guide to 'THE CHALLENGE' here.
For more info and for full route information, go to saalbach.com
