The rise of Saalbach

Iron diligence made the village of ski pioneers great

A single chairlift leads up to the Bernkogel.(Bild: TVB Saalbach)

A lot of courage, ideal weather conditions in the snow hole, the right people: A combination of all these factors paved the way for Saalbach-Hinterglemm's transformation from a poor farming village to a winter sports mecca. A flashback. 

The ascent began early in Saalbach-Hinterglemm. As early as the turn of the last century, people took note of skiing as a completely new way of getting around in the snowy village. "Back then, people quickly realized that skiing had potential," says Bartl Gensbichler, Ski Association President and host of the upcoming World Ski Championships.

The village street in Saalbach - hardly recognizable today.(Bild: TVB Saalbach)

There were several lucky coincidences: On the one hand, favorable weather conditions spoke in favor of the snow hole. The conditions on the high grassy mountains were ideal. Then there was the pioneering spirit and abject poverty. The first chambers for guests were set up even before the First World War. The new "invention" made it easier to get around in the municipality at 1000 meters above sea level.

Skiing fun for the little ones: it started early in Saalbach-Hinterglemm.(Bild: TVB Saalbach)

Historical facts & figures

• In 1898, former farmhand Josef Wallner brought the first skis to Saalbach.
• As early as 1907, locals set up "Kammerl" for guests.
• 1914 saw the founding of the Saalbach Winter Sports Association (WSV).
• By 1924, carts to the valley were a thing of the past.
• In 1925 there were already 800 overnight stays by guests.
• In 1935/36, the 1,000-mark ban on travelers was lifted.
• In 1937 there were already 40,000 overnight stays.
• In 1947, the first chairlift was built on the Kohlmais, followed by the construction of the lift on the Zwölferkogel in 1950/51.

The 50s and 60s then saw a total boom. "For the locals, the guests brought a welcome change from the hard work of farming in the valley," Maria Mitterer from the Heimathaus in Saalbach looks back. Reasons for the rise to an important ski resort? "There were the influential personalities," she says. Important businesses and the mountain railroads remained in local hands. And working with guests brought new prosperity. "That was inspiring in the early days," report locals.

Looking back with exhibitions in the Heimathaus
The Saalbach museum of local history and ski museum traces the path from a poor farming village to a ski resort with almost 18,000 guest beds today - including documents such as historical timekeeping. Highlights include the 1991 World Ski Championships with items such as the equipment of skier Ulli Maier, who died far too young.

The next generations in the village have long since taken over the business and are facing new challenges. For once, the joy of the World Championships stands above all else.