Skiing and snowboarding in Grossarl has a satisfying rhythm to it. The mountain opens up above the village into well-groomed pistes that connect the Grossarl and Dorfgastein sides. Terrain rewards confident skiing, with long red and blue runs that let you build speed, with variety in gradient to keep things interesting. Connecting to the wider Ski Amadé area opens up over 760km of pistes across five regions, making Grossarl a strong base for those who like to explore.

Grossarl's own lift system is modern and efficient, making queues manageable even during busier periods. From the top stations, you get sweeping views across the Hohe Tauern range, reminding you just how deep into the Austrian Alps you are.

Skiing for beginners in Grossarl

Grossarl's beginner facilities are concentrated around the base area, with gentle nursery slopes and easy-gradient runs that give new skiers a calm, uncrowded environment to learn in. Once you've mastered the basics, blue runs on both the Grossarl and Dorfgastein sides of the mountain provide a natural step up, with wide, well-groomed pistes and a manageable pitch.

The village's relaxed pace extends to the slopes, making it a particularly encouraging environment for first-timers who might feel overwhelmed in a busier resort. Ski schools here tend to work with smaller groups, which allows for more individual attention and faster progression.

WeSki insider tip: The blue runs on the Dorfgastein side are wider and slightly less steep. These are a great next step once you've outgrown the nursery area.

Intermediate skiing in Grossarl

Intermediates will find Grossarl's terrain rewarding. The area's 67km of pistes are weighted towards red and blue runs, with sustained descents that let you cover real distance. From the Fulseck summit (2,033m), the run all the way back to the valley floor is a particular highlight. It provides nearly 8km of varied terrain that takes you from open alpine slopes into tree-lined sections with changing snow conditions.

Confident intermediates can push onto the steeper reds without feeling out of their depth, and the connection between Grossarl and Dorfgastein means you can plan a full day's circuit without repeating runs. For an even bigger day out, the Ski Amadé pass connects you to the Gastein Valley's larger network.

WeSki insider tip: Ski the full descent from Fulseck to the valley in one go. It's one of the longest continuous runs in the Salzburg region and properly satisfying when the grooming is fresh.

Advanced and expert skiing in Grossarl

Locally in Grossarl, advanced riders have steep sections above the treeline to provide solid skiing, with sustained black runs that demand good technique on variable snow. North-facing slopes hold their condition well, and after fresh snowfall, there are accessible off-piste lines between the marked runs for those willing to look for them.

For dedicated experts, Grossarl works best as a base for accessing the wider Ski Amadé region, where the Gastein Valley and Sportgastein add higher-altitude terrain and more challenging descents. The Sportgastein area in particular, at over 2,600m, provides proper high-alpine skiing with off-piste opportunities that extend well beyond what's available locally.

WeSki insider tip: The ungroomed itinerary routes off the Fulseck ridge are the best advanced terrain in the immediate area. Ask local instructors for guidance on conditions before heading out.

Snowboarding in Grossarl

Grossarl's wide, well-groomed pistes suit snowboarders well, with enough gradient for satisfying carving and natural terrain features throughout the area. A terrain park at the resort adds a freestyle element, and the gondola-based lift system means you won't be battling draglift buttons. The main thing to watch for is a few flat connection sections between the Grossarl and Dorfgastein sides, but as long as you keep your speed up, they're manageable.

Off-piste skiing

Off-piste opportunities in the immediate Grossarl area are limited but worthwhile after fresh snowfall, with the best terrain found on the north-facing slopes above the treeline. The Fulseck ridge has several accessible lines visible from the lifts. For more serious freeride terrain, the Sportgastein area (accessible on the Ski Amadé pass) provides high-alpine off-piste in a properly dramatic setting at over 2,600m, including touring routes for those with the right equipment and experience.

Grossarl ski school and lessons

Ski schools in Grossarl provide group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. English-speaking instructors are typically available, and the smaller resort size means lesson groups tend to be less crowded than at large Austrian resorts. Children's programmes include dedicated learning areas and age-appropriate teaching methods that keep younger skiers engaged and progressing.

Grossarl terrain parks

The Grossarl ski area has a terrain park with a mix of kickers, rails, and boxes suited to intermediate and progressing riders. It's not the largest park in Austria, but it's well-maintained and has a friendly, encouraging atmosphere. Visiting the wider Ski Amadé region adds further park options for those wanting more technical features.

Grossarl piste map

1. Grossarl Family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Grossarl
3. Planning your trip in Grossarl
4. How to get to Grossarl
5. Grossarl FAQs

Grossarl family ski holiday

Grossarl's farming village character makes it a particularly welcoming base for families. The pace is calm and manageable, children can walk around safely, the slopes are uncrowded, and there's a genuine friendliness from locals that makes the whole family feel at ease. It's the kind of resort where the village itself is part of the holiday rather than just somewhere you sleep between ski days.

Young children have access to dedicated beginner areas with snow gardens and ski kindergartens, where small group sizes allow for attentive, patient teaching. The wide, well-groomed blues across the area give improving skiers plenty of room to build confidence without feeling rushed by faster traffic. Older children and teenagers will enjoy the freedom to explore the connected terrain between Grossarl and Dorfgastein, effectively skiing between two valleys in a day, while the terrain park provides an extra draw for freestyle-minded teens.

Off the slopes, the valley's farming heritage sets Grossarl apart from more conventional resorts. Visits to working alpine farms give children a chance to meet animals and see traditional mountain life up close, something that tends to be a holiday highlight for younger ones. Tobogganing, ice skating, and snowshoe walks provide further variety on rest days. Dining is straightforward for families, with restaurants serving honest, filling Salzburg-style cooking that works for all palates. The rustic mountain huts above the village are particularly good for family lunches, offering hearty food, sun terraces, and a relaxed atmosphere where nobody minds a bit of noise from the children's table.

Things to do in Grossarl

Grossarl's valley setting and traditional character make it a rewarding place to spend time away from the slopes. The village is surrounded by alpine farmland and forest, providing a scenic backdrop for rest days and activities beyond skiing. Whether you're giving your legs a day off or travelling with non-skiers, the valley has a quiet appeal that feels fun, charming, restorative.

Snow activities

The Grossarl Valley provides a good selection of winter activities set against a beautiful alpine backdrop:

• Snowshoeing: Guided snowshoe hikes through the valley's forests and alpine meadows.
• Cross-country skiing: 25km of groomed Nordic trails winding through the valley floor.
• Tobogganing: Natural toboggan runs in the area, including evening runs by torchlight.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Traditional sleigh rides through the snow-covered Grossarl Valley.
• Winter hiking: Cleared walking paths along the valley with views of the surrounding peaks.
• Ice skating: Outdoor rinks in the area for a relaxed skating session.
• Ski touring: Backcountry touring routes into the quieter corners of the Hohe Tauern.
• Farm visits: Visit working alpine farms in the valley for a unique local experience.

Non-snow activities

For days off the slopes, the Grossarl Valley and nearby Gastein towns provide a good range of options that make the most of the region's alpine heritage and natural setting.

• Spa and wellness: Several hotels offer spa facilities with saunas, pools, and relaxation areas.
• Bad Gastein thermal baths: A short drive to the famous thermal spa town with indoor and outdoor pools.
• Village walks: Stroll through Grossarl's traditional centre, admiring timber farmhouses and the parish church.
• Scenic gondola rides: Non-skiers can ride the gondola for mountain views and lunch at altitude.
• Salzburg day trip: The city of Salzburg is around 80km away for a rewarding cultural day out.
• Gastein Valley exploration: Visit Bad Gastein's Belle Époque architecture and waterfall in the town centre.
• Local produce and markets: Sample regional cheeses, cured meats, and schnapps from valley producers.
• Alpine museum visits: Small local museums exploring farming heritage, mining history, and alpine culture.

Grossarl restaurants

Dining in Grossarl is rooted in traditional Salzburg and Austrian mountain cooking. Think generous portions, locally sourced ingredients, and robust flavours that suit a day on the slopes. The village has a good selection of restaurants and Gasthäuser (traditional inns) that keep the dining experience authentic without being overly rustic.

• Markterwirt: Traditional Gasthof with refined Austrian cuisine and a well-regarded wine selection.
• Alpenblick: Mountain-view restaurant serving classic Salzburg dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.
• Gasthof Alte Post: Historic inn with hearty portions of regional favourites and local beer on tap.
• Berggasthof Harbachtal: Mountain hut accessible by ski or walk, known for rustic charm and home cooking.
• Nesslerhof: Hotel restaurant with a focus on regional ingredients and creative alpine dishes.
• Pizzeria Venezia: Reliable Italian option for families wanting a break from Austrian fare.
• Grossarler Hof: Comfortable hotel restaurant serving well-executed traditional dishes and local specialities.

WeSki insider tip: Try Kasnocken, Salzburg-style cheese dumplings, served with fried onions and a side salad. It's a local staple that's satisfying and pairs perfectly with a cold Stiegl beer.

Grossarl après-ski

Grossarl's après-ski is on the relaxed end of the spectrum, suiting anyone who'd rather recall the day's skiing over a quiet drink than navigate a crowded dance floor. Indeed, this is a village where the evening winds down gently over a beer or glass of wine. The bars are friendly spots where you'll find a mix of locals and visitors enjoying the calm pace.

That said, there's enough variety to keep evenings interesting during a week's stay. A few bars stay open later for those wanting to stretch the night, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. For a bigger night out, you also have Bad Gastein just a short drive away, which has a more varied nightlife and restaurant scene. Après-ski spots to know:

• Markterwirt Bar: Central village bar with a good beer selection and a warm, sociable atmosphere.
• Schirmbar at the gondola: Slope-side umbrella bar for the first drink straight off the mountain.
• Nesslerhof Lounge: Relaxed hotel bar with cocktails and a more refined evening setting.
• Gasthof Alte Post Stube: Traditional inn bar with local characters, schnapps, and live music on occasion.
• Kuhstall: Livelier option by local standards, with music and a younger crowd on busier evenings.
• Grossarler Hof Bar: Comfortable spot for a nightcap in a classic alpine hotel setting.

Grossarl map

Planning your trip to Grossarl

Grossarl accommodation

Accommodation in Grossarl is predominantly traditional hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments, many of which are family-run and have been welcoming guests for generations. Half-board is common and often good value, simplifying the daily routine, and several hotels have their own wellness facilities with saunas and pools.

The village is compact, and most properties are within walking distance of the gondola base station. Staying in the village centre keeps you close to restaurants and shops, while properties slightly further out tend to be quieter and often have more space.

Grossarl ski pass

The Dorfgastein - Grossarltal ski pass covers all 67km of pistes and 17 lifts in the connected ski area. An upgrade to the Ski Amadé pass extends access to over 760km of pistes across the Salzburg region, including the Gastein Valley, Schladming, and Hochkönig.

Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Grossarl ski holiday package through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.

Equipment rental

Rental shops in Grossarl stock current-season equipment for all levels, from beginner packages to performance skis and boards. Staff can usually advise on the right setup for the terrain and conditions. Most shops here are located in the village centre or near the gondola base station, making collection and return straightforward. Booking ahead is advisable and convenient, and we especially recommend doing this during peak weeks.

Getting around Grossarl

Grossarl is small enough to navigate on foot, with the village centre, main restaurants, and gondola base station all within easy walking distance. The overall layout is simple and manageable, even for families with young children.

A ski bus connects Grossarl to Dorfgastein and other points in the valley at regular intervals throughout the day, included with the ski pass. This makes it easy to access the Dorfgastein side of the ski area or visit the wider Gastein Valley without needing a car. Taxis are available for evening transport, and most hotels can arrange pickups.

How to get to Grossarl

The nearest airports are Salzburg (approximately 75km) and Munich (approximately 280km), both with regular flights from UK airports. Salzburg offers the quickest transfer, while Munich provides more flight options and carriers. The resort is also reachable by train to St. Johann im Pongau, with onward bus or taxi connections to the valley.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Grossarl. Add them to your Grossarl ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.

Grossarl FAQs

Is Grossarl good for intermediates?

Grossarl is an excellent resort for intermediate skiers. The majority of the 67km of pistes are blue and red runs, with long, sustained descents from the Fulseck summit (2,033m) back to the valley. The terrain is varied enough to keep things interesting across a week, and the Ski Amadé pass upgrade extends your options significantly if you want to explore further.

How does Grossarl connect to the wider Ski Amadé area?

Grossarl's ski area connects directly to Dorfgastein via the mountain lifts. With a Ski Amadé pass upgrade, you gain access to over 760km of pistes across the Salzburg region, including Bad Gastein, Schladming, and Hochkönig. Some areas require a short drive or bus ride, but the Gastein Valley is the easiest to reach and adds significant terrain variety.

Is Grossarl family-friendly?

Very much so. The village's calm atmosphere, manageable size, and dedicated beginner areas make it a natural choice for families. Ski schools work with small groups, the slopes are uncrowded, and the compact village layout means everything is within easy reach. The farming heritage adds a unique dimension and children can visit working alpine farms in the valley.

What's the snow like in Grossarl?

Snow reliability is generally good thanks to the area's north-facing slopes and altitude range up to 2,033m. The season typically runs from late November to mid-April, and snowmaking covers key runs to maintain coverage through any lean spells. The higher slopes above the treeline tend to hold snow well throughout the season.

How does Grossarl compare to Bad Gastein?

Both are in the same Salzburg region and accessible on the Ski Amadé pass. Grossarl is smaller, quieter, and more traditional - a genuine village rather than a town. Bad Gastein is larger, has more nightlife and restaurants, and the skiing at Sportgastein reaches higher altitudes. Grossarl suits those who prefer a calm, family-friendly base with authentic character.

Is there enough to do in Grossarl for a week?

The local ski area covers 67km of pistes, which is enough for three to four days of varied skiing. With the Ski Amadé pass, you can add day trips to the Gastein Valley, Schladming, and beyond. Off the slopes, the valley has snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, and the option to visit Salzburg city for a day of culture.

Explore other resorts in Austria

Mayrhofen - Niederau - St. Anton - Saalbach - Sölden - Kitzbühel - Kaprun - Kaltenbach - Ischgl - Serfaus - Tux - Wagrain - Zell am Ziller - St Johann im Pongau - Lech Zürs - See - Maria Alm - Gerlos - Flachau - Galtür - Ellmau - Scheffau - Söll - Going am Wilden Kaiser - Bad Gastein - Bad Hofgastein - Filzmoos - Obergurgl-Hochgurgl - Zell am See - St Johann in Tirol - Westendorf - Seefeld - Obertauern - Kappl - Alpbach