David Hobden headed to Alpin Juwel, right at the heart of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski area, to experience what this jewel in the Austrian Alps has to offer.

Nestled in a breathtaking panoramic setting, Alpin Juwel Hotel is the epitome of relaxation, adventure and sustainability.

Located in Hinterglemm, a charming mountain village in Austria’s Salzburg region, Alpin Juwel is right at the heart of the Saalbach-Hinterglemm ski area. Just 60 miles from Salzburg, it’s an idyllic destination for skiing, hiking and year-round adventure.

This luxurious retreat seamlessly blends traditional Alpine charm with contemporary elegance, offering beautifully-designed rooms, crafted from wood and glass, with stunning mountain views. Guests can unwind in two pools, a lavish spa and a stylish games room, while the great outdoors beckons just beyond the doorstep with endless activities.

At the heart of this 4-star superior retreat is a commitment to quality and comfort, creating a space where privacy and unforgettable experiences go hand in hand. Whether you’re seeking an active getaway, a culinary journey or pure relaxation, Alpin Juwel invites you to escape the everyday and embrace the moment. With crisp mountain air, the scent of fresh wood, and a seamless mix of home-like comfort and holiday indulgence, it’s an experience to savour.

PHOTO: © Foto Atelier Wolkersdorfer

The hotel’s elegantly-designed rooms and suites showcase natural materials and stylish interiors, creating a warm yet sophisticated retreat. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the breathtaking mountain scenery, while plush furnishings and modern touches ensure every stay is as comfortable as it is luxurious.

Travel connections from the UK are excellent, with Salzburg Airport offering the most direct route, while Munich Airport provides additional options. The drive from Salzburg takes around 90 minutes, following a scenic route through the Austrian countryside, while a train journey – via Zell am See – takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Hit the Slopes

Hinterglemm is a fantastic ski destination for skiers of all levels, offering a vibrant après-ski scene, modern lift systems and extensive terrain. It’s known for being slightly quieter and more family-friendly than Saalbach but still provides plenty of action for party-goers and advanced skiers.

It offers 270km of well-maintained slopes, ranging from gentle blues to challenging blacks, and is excellent for intermediate skiers, with plenty of wide, cruising red runs. There are also off-piste opportunities for advanced skiers around Fieberbrunn, which is known for freeriding, and night skiing is available in Hinterglemm, which adds a fun twist to your trip.

Hinterglemm has reliable snow coverage, with modern snowmaking facilities ensuring a long season. Higher-altitude runs tend to have better snow, especially in late season.

It has the benefit of modern and efficient lifts, with minimal queues even during busy periods – plus heated chairlifts and gondolas add to the comfort.

For Beginners and Families

Hinterglemm has several nursery slopes and gentle runs, making it great for beginners and kids. The Ski Schools are highly rated, with English-speaking instructors. There are also dedicated children’s areas and activities off the slopes, such as sledding and winter hiking.

Wellness & Spa: A Sanctuary of Relaxation

At the heart of Alpin Juwel is its luxurious spa, a true haven of tranquility. Guests can take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool, unwind in the indoor wellness area, or indulge in bespoke treatments using organic Alpine ingredients. Saunas, steam baths and peaceful relaxation zones complete the experience, offering the perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes or hiking trails.

A Culinary Experience to Savour

Food-lovers will appreciate Alpin Juwel’s farm-to-table approach, with a strong focus on organic, locally-sourced ingredients. The hotel’s restaurants serve up gourmet Austrian cuisine with a creative twist, complemented by an extensive selection of fine wines. For an extra-special experience, the panoramic terrace offers al fresco dining with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

With its seamless blend of luxury, adventure, and sustainability, Alpin Juwel is more than just a hotel – it’s an escape to the extraordinary.

Sustainability at Alpin Juwel: Luxury with a Conscience

Alpin Juwel takes its environmental responsibility seriously, seamlessly integrating sustainability into every aspect of the guest experience. The hotel prioritises eco-friendly practices without compromising on luxury – from energy-efficient lighting and steam-cleaning methods that eliminate harsh chemicals to the use of natural fibre textiles and locally-sourced materials. Every detail reflects a deep commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and quality. By embracing sustainable sourcing, responsible energy use and chemical-free cleaning, Alpin Juwel offers a truly eco-conscious retreat, where guests can indulge in nature’s beauty while helping to preserve it.

Year-Round Fun

In the summer months, Hinterglemm transforms into a vibrant hub of outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation or family-friendly fun, Hinterglemm offers a diverse array of experiences to make your summer holiday unforgettable.

With over 400km of well-marked hiking trails, Hinterglemm is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Trails range from leisurely walks to challenging alpine hikes, catering to all skill levels. Along the way, you’ll encounter breathtaking vistas, alpine meadows and traditional mountain huts offering local delicacies. The Alpine Herb Trail is a particularly delightful path, showcasing over 200 varieties of herbs and alpine flowers.

Recognised as Austria’s largest bike region, Saalbach Hinterglemm boasts more than 90km of lines and trails, along with over 400km of mountain bike routes. Whether you’re a downhill enthusiast or prefer cross-country rides, the region provides diverse terrains to suit your preferences. Numerous bike shops and schools are available to equip you with gear and guidance.

Families will find a plethora of attractions designed to entertain and engage children of all ages including Montelino’s Adventure Path, where you can help Montelino the clown retrieve his lost smile by completing interactive stations along this engaging trail. Or why not embark on a quest to recover stolen magic tools by solving riddles and challenges on the Reiterkogel with Kodok’s Adventure? There’s also Teufelswasser (Devil’s Water), a water-themed park featuring Kneipp pools, play areas and mystical cave paths, offering a refreshing experience for the whole family.

Or head for the High Rope Park – as Europe’s largest high ropes course, this park presents over eight kilometres of courses with varying difficulty levels, ensuring an adrenaline-pumping adventure.

For thrill-seekers, Hinterglemm offers activities that promise to get your heart racing, including paragliding, where you will soar above the Glemm Valley with experienced pilots, taking in panoramic alpine views; canyoning, offering the chance to navigate through gorges, waterfalls and natural slides, experiencing the raw beauty of the region up close; plus Mega Flying Fox, where you will experience the exhilaration of flying at high speeds over the landscape on one of the world’s longest zip lines.

With its perfect balance of luxury, wellness and adventure, Alpin Juwel is more than just a hotel – it’s an experience that captures the essence of the Alps in every detail.

Summer rates start from Euro 160; winter rates start from Euro 190 per person in a double room (includes half board). To book, visit alpinjuwel.at

Categories: Austria, Luxury ski and snowboard, News, Resort News & Reports

Tags: Alpin Juwel, Austria, Saalbach-Hinterglemm