All eyes are set on Saalbach, where one of the most prestigious events in alpine skiing will take place in a few days. The Alpine World Ski Championships will run from Tuesday, February 4th to Sunday, February 16th. It’s the perfect time to discover this village, with its snow-covered peaks and rich ski culture.
Whether you’re a die-hard skiing enthusiast or a casual fan planning to soak in the atmosphere, this guide will provide you with all the essential information you need. From event details and travel tips to car rental options and local attractions, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we explore everything that makes Saalbach a must-visit destination for this year’s Alpine World Ski Championships.
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What is the Alpine World Ski Championships?
The Alpine World Ski Championships, organized by the International Ski Federation (FIS), is one of the most prestigious events in alpine skiing. Held biennially, it brings together the world’s elite skiers to compete on some of the most demanding slopes across the globe.
Facts about the Alpine World Ski Championships
The 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships marks the 48th edition of this iconic event, which began in 1931. It’s a highlight of the alpine skiing calendar and a major event in the world of winter sports. Over the years, the competition has been hosted across four continents, with Austria and Switzerland tied as the countries that have hosted it the most (nine times each). In 2025, the Championships return to Saalbach, Austria, which last hosted the event in 1991.
Event details
The 2025 Alpine World Ski Championships is expected to attract over 150,000 spectators, featuring more than 600 athletes from over 70 nations. Among the star competitors, fans can look forward to seeing the best level from Henrik Kristoffersen, Atle Lie McGrath, and Marco Odermatt from up-close.
The event is not just about skiing—it’s a cultural celebration, featuring lively parties, local cuisine, and a festive atmosphere surrounded by snow-covered landscapes.
This edition will introduce an exciting new discipline: the Team Combination, where pairs of downhill and slalom skiers compete together. This innovative event will replace the traditional men’s and women’s individual combinations. In addition to this new format, classic disciplines like Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, Slalom, Team Combined, and Team Parallel will also feature in the competition.
Things to do in Saalbach
Saalbach, nestled in the Salzburg region, is a paradise for nature lovers. With its lakes, snowcapped mountains, hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints, it attracts thousands of outdoor enthusiasts. But, during this time of year, winter sports take centre stage.
Saalbach is often celebrated as **one of Austria’s premier ski destinations**—arguably the best. At the heart of its appeal lies the renowned Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, a world-class resort featuring over 270 kilometers (167 miles) of pristine slopes. With 70 state-of-the-art lifts, more than 60 charming ski huts, thrilling snow parks, a dedicated freeride park, floodlit slopes, and exhilarating toboggan runs, the Skicircus offers endless adventures for winter sports enthusiasts. To top it all off, this incredible area will be fully accessible during the Alpine World Ski Championships!
Saalbach is also known for its après-skis, especially during big events like this. After an exhilarating day on the slopes, head to popular après-ski spots such as Schwips Après-Ski and OFF PISTE BAR. The village is brimming with bars and pubs where you can unwind, enjoy a drink, and savor delicious local dishes.
Top tips for visiting Saalbach
If you are planning your trip to Saalbach and need some tips before you head to Saalbach, you are on the right place
How to get to Saalbach
Saalbach is nestled in the mountains, far from major cities, and does not have its own airport or train station. So, how do you get there if you’re traveling from abroad or from a city outside the region? The best option is to fly to the nearest airport and hire a car for the remainder of the journey.
The closest airport is Salzburg Airport, approximately 86 kilometres(53 miles) away. Other viable options include Innsbruck Airport (158 km or 98 miles) and Munich Airport (215 km or 133 miles). If you prefer to travel by train, the nearest major station is Zell am See, located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Saalbach.
Hiring a Car
Hiring a car upon arrival at the nearest airport can significantly simplify your travel experience. It gives you the flexibility to explore Saalbach and its surrounding areas at your own pace, without having to depend on public transport schedules. This way, you can make the most of your trip and easily reach remote attractions.
Renting a car is often more convenient and cost-effective, saving you the hassle of arranging taxis or navigating public transport. Imagine landing at Salzburg Airport and dealing with the stress of finding transportation or paying a steep taxi fare to Saalbach. A much better option is to hire a car at Salzburg Airport, allowing you to start your trip on a smooth and stress-free note.
Accomodations in Saalbach
We recommend staying in a hotel or apartment close to the ski station for convenience and easy access to the slopes. For budget-conscious travelers, consider looking for accommodations in the surrounding region; the further from the ski station, the more affordable the options tend to be. If you have booked a rental car this will not be a problem and can be a great way to save money while still enjoying all that Saalbach has to offer.
CarJet is the best car rental option
We understand that getting to Saalbach is your priority. As mentioned earlier, the best way to reach Saalbach is by hiring a car. For unbeatable car hire deals, turn to CarJet, a rental comparison platform that instantly finds the lowest prices in real time. CarJet provides services at all the major airports—Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich—ensuring you get the best value for your trip. Skip the hassle of comparing offers from different companies. Simply input your requirements, and in seconds, the best deals will appear, saving you time and effort.
