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Winter Holidays in the Salzburg Region
The Eder Collection in Maria Alm at Hochkönig: A Winter Full of Possibilities
Snow. Silence. And that tingling sensation you only feel when the mountains tower before you and winter shows itself at its most beautiful.
Welcome to the Hochkönig. Welcome to Maria Alm. Welcome to The Eder Collection.
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your winter vacation in the Salzburger Land and want to get inspired first, you’ll find plenty in Maria Alm that makes for a wonderful winter.
Maria Alm at Hochkönig – Why Choose This Region for Your Winter Holiday?
Maria Alm is located in the heart of the Salzburger Land—nestled between the Steinernes Meer and the imposing Hochkönig massif. At an elevation of about 800 meters above sea level, the town combines alpine scenery with short distances, authentic village life, and a wide range of winter activities.
Ski Area Around Maria Alm
The Hochkönig ski area spans Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach and offers more than 120 kilometres of slopes with just one ski pass. Thanks to the ski area’s elevation of nearly 1,900 meters, its north-facing slopes, and the winter season running from December through April, you’ll find ideal conditions here for a variety of skiing experiences. As part of Ski amadé, the Hochkönig also provides access to one of Europe’s largest ski networks.
Right in the village rather than on the outskirts – just a short walk to the lift and the slopes
In Maria Alm, you’ll be staying right in the village—and right in the heart of the winter action. The lifts and slopes are within walking distance or accessible via the free ski bus. You can skip the long transfers, daily commutes, and the hassle of finding a parking spot. After a day on the slopes, you’ll be back in the village in no time—ready for a cosy dinner, a warming drink, or a relaxing stroll across the village square.
What makes Maria Alm special is the blend of mountains and village life. You can spend the day on the slopes, hike through snow-covered landscapes, go cross-country skiing, toboggan, or simply enjoy the winter atmosphere in the village. At the same time, Maria Alm remains intimate and personal: here, you’ll experience authentic Alpine village life rather than a purely functional ski resort.
All the benefits of Maria Alm at a glance
- More than 120 kilometres of slopes in the Hochkönig ski area—in Maria Alm, Dienten, and Mühlbach
- One ski pass for three towns and access to Ski amadé
- Ski resort ranging from around 800 to just under 1,900 metres
- North-facing slopes and a winter season from December through April
- Short walks to the lifts and a free ski bus
- Authentic village life around the village square in Maria Alm
- Winter activities off the slopes, including winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing
- HochkönigCard with included ski bus, discounts, and other benefits for guests
One place, many possibilities—and The Eder Collection right in the middle of it all
The Properties in The Eder Collection in Maria Alm
The three hotels of The Eder Collection — Hotel eder, SEPP, and EdeR FriDa—belong together yet are quite distinct. Each property has its own character, its own atmosphere, and its own rhythm. In addition, there’s the TOM Almhütte high above Maria Alm—perfect for groups, families, special occasions, and a relaxing stop after an active day—as well as the eder.VIEW Apartments and St. Josef Apartments for those who prefer a more independent and private Holiday experience.
You start your day right where you’re staying: with breakfast in your home and winter right outside your door. Then it’s off to the slopes, the cross-country trail, the winter hiking trail, or perhaps up to the TOM Almhütte. You can stroll through the shops in town, treat yourself to some downtime, or wind down the day wherever feels just right—with dinner at your own home, at another restaurant in the Collection, or during a cosy stop in the mountains.
This turns your stay into more than just a hotel holiday. It becomes your very own winter world in Maria Alm: with a permanent home base, plenty of options, and a Collection that ties it all together.
From Germany and Beyond
Easily accessible
Maria Alm is easy to reach by car and public transport, especially from Germany and other German-speaking countries. The nearest railway station is Saalfelden, approximately 6 kilometres from Maria Alm. From there, regular bus services connect Saalfelden with Maria Alm and the surrounding area, making it easy to continue your journey to the village and the individual houses of The Eder Collection. The regional bus route 620 runs between Saalfelden, Maria Alm, Hinterthal and Dienten am Hochkönig. During winter, ski buses provide additional connections within the Hochkönig region.
For timetables, routes and current transport information, see bus and train connections in the Hochkönig region and the Regionalbus 620 timetable. Overnight guests in SalzburgerLand also receive the Guest Mobility Ticket, which allows them to use most public transport throughout the province of Salzburg free of charge for the duration of their stay. Find out more about the Guest Mobility Ticket.
ca. 85 km / about 1,5 Hours
Airport Salzburg: ca. 70 km
ca. 160 km / about 2,5 hours
ca. 135 km / about 2 hours
370 km / about 4,5 hours
Skiing at Hochkönig—right outside the door
The Hochkönig. One of the mountains in the Salzburger Land with the most reliable snow conditions. Over 120 kilometres of slopes, a north-facing exposure, and a ski resort that’s just as great for beginners as it is for experts. No wonder you can still find perfect powder snow here even in January. And for those looking for even more variety: The Hochkönig is part of Ski amadé—one of Europe’s largest ski networks, with over 760 kilometres of slopes and 270 lifts across five regions. One ski pass, endless possibilities.
And the best part? You’ll be staying right in Maria Alm—the heart of the Hochkönig ski area. The lifts? Just a stone’s throw away. The ski storage? In the hotel or right at the base station. You’ll be back in the village in no time—for dinner, a drink, or to unwind at the spa.
Hochkönig Ski Area - The Highlights at a glance
- Over 120 kilometres of slopes for all skill levels
- Maria Alm – Dienten – Mühlbach ski area: one ski pass, three towns
- Part of Ski amadé—one of Europe’s largest ski areas with over 760 kilometres of slopes and 270 lifts
- Season: December through April
- Ski schools offering group and private lessons right in Maria Alm
Ski storage available - Free ski bus for guests included
More Than Just Skiing
Winter Activities Around Maria Alm
Skiing is the main attraction—but by no means the only one. Maria Alm in winter is a world of adventure. If you want to experience the tranquility of the Steinernes Meer on snowshoes, you’ll find fantastic trails here. If you’d like to go tobogganing with your family, you’ll find perfect slopes. And if you simply prefer a winter stroll with mulled wine in the village square—that’s possible here, too. You decide how lively or peaceful your winter will be.
Winter activities beyond the Slopes in Maria Alm
- Cross-country skiing: Trails right in the region around Maria Alm
- Snowshoeing: Routes through the Steinerne Meer and the surrounding area
- Winter hiking: Marked trails with panoramic views of the Hochkönig
- Tobogganing: Family-friendly slopes nearby
- Alpaca hiking in the Saalfelden region
- Horse-drawn carriage rides & guided winter tours
Infinity Pool, Spa Suite, and More
Wellness in the Snow
After a day of skiing, take a quick dip in the pool. Let your gaze wander over the snow-capped mountains. Warm water, cold air—and that quiet feeling: This is exactly where I want to be. At The Eder Collection, winter wellness meets alpine charm. A sauna with mountain views, massages, baths, and a spa suite. For the body that simply says “yes” after a long day on the slopes.
Winter wellness at The Eder Collection
- Infinity Pool & Rooftop Pool (depending on the property)
- Großglockner Spa Suite at Hotel eder – private wellness for two
- Rooftop-Sauna with panoramic mountain views at SEPP
- Massages at Hotel eder & Massages at SEPP
- Couples’ & Herbal Baths at the Hotel eder
- Floating Brunch at SEPP
A Traditional Tavern Meets Alpine Cuisine
Cuisine & Coziness
A glass of wine in hand. Cheeks still warm from the slopes. And on your plate, something that smells like home and tastes like holidays. That’s how it should be. The Eder Collection takes cuisine seriously—and it shows. At Hotel eder, the restaurant offers high-quality regional cuisine, while eder&sons features its own culinary concept and a Kaiserschmarrn that’s legendary. SEPP focuses on modern cuisine with a lifestyle twist. And at EdeR FriDa? They know that even our youngest guests deserve real food. Gathering together in the evening. Eating, laughing, sharing stories. Life on your tongue. And up on the mountain, the TOM Almhütte combines regional mountain cuisine with an international flair—complete with panoramic views, a sun terrace, and the perfect spot for a quick stop or a sundowner.
Cuisine in Maria Alm
- Restaurant at Hotel eder – regional cuisine, a big heart
- eder&sons – a unique dining concept
- Modern cuisine at SEPP
- Family-friendly cuisine at EdeR FriDa
- Seasonal winter menus & a cosy atmosphere
- TOM Almhütte – regional mountain hut cuisine with an international flair and panoramic mountain views
Which one fits you?
Your Winter, Your Home
Every property in The Eder Collection is a world of its own. See which one resonates with you.
Hotel eder – ideal for couples and leisure travelers seeking alpine charm, a village-center location, and high-end cuisine
SEPP – ideal for young adults, couples, and groups of friends (adults only) who want to combine skiing with a lifestyle experience, a rooftop pool, and events
EdeR FriDa – ideal for families with children of all ages: a water park, childcare, an ice rink, and family-friendly cuisine—all under one roof
Find out more about each house here
Still undecided?
You love being right in the thick of things. Strolling barefoot across the village square—okay, in boots in the winter—enjoying dinner at the tavern in the evening with your cheeks still rosy from the slopes, and a breakfast in the morning that feels like a little celebration. The Hotel eder is the historic flagship property of The Eder Collection. A modern take on the Alpine lifestyle, right on the village square in Maria Alm. For couples, connoisseurs, and anyone who wants to combine Alpine charm with authentic design.
Your Winter at Hotel eder
- Central location on the village square in Maria Alm
- Restaurant & eder&sons—cuisine with character
- Wellness & Spa with mountain views
- Großglockner Spa Suite for couples
- Ski storage & free ski bus included
A rooftop pool in winter? Yes, please. SEPP is the modern boutique hotel from The Eder Collection—with an urban character, a laid-back atmosphere, and a vibe that feels like a good friend who just happens to own a design hotel. Adults only. Pure lifestyle. For young adults, couples, and groups of friends who don’t see skiing during the day and partying at night as a contradiction.
Your Winter at Hotel SEPP
- Rooftop pool with panoramic views of the Hochkönig
- Adults-only concept—peace and quiet when you want it
- Lifestyle & Events
- Floating Brunch & Sensei Retro Arcade Gaming
- Modern cuisine
- Ski storage & free ski bus included
Kids romping in the snow. Parents finally getting a chance to breathe easy. And grandparents who are simply beaming. The EdeR FriDa is The Eder Collection’s family hotel—featuring high-end design that’s still kid-friendly, a water world that drives little guests wild (in the best possible way), and childcare programs that give parents a much-needed break. A family vacation just the way it should be.
Your Winter at EdeR FriDa
- Family rooms & high-quality amenities for all generations
- Water park & play areas
- Childcare & programs
- Ice rink
- TaNte FriDa—the unmistakable heart of the hotel
- Ski storage & free ski bus included
Do you want to be free to decide when your day begins, when you head out, and when you simply close the door behind you while on vacation? The eder.VIEW Apartments & St. Josef Apartments, part of The Eder Collection, offer you more privacy and independence—yet you’ll still be right in the heart of Maria Alm’s winter wonderland.
Here, you’ll have your own retreat for relaxing mornings, long days on the slopes, and evenings tailored just to your taste. You decide for yourself how much peace and quiet you want, where you’d like to stop for a bite, and which offerings from The Eder Collection you’d like to enjoy during your stay.
Whether after a day on the slopes, a winter hike, or a stop at the TOM Almhütte: In your apartment, you have the freedom to shape your winter vacation exactly as you wish. And if you’re in the mood for more, the shops, restaurants, and other Collection offerings in Maria Alm are just a short distance away.
Your Winter in an Apartment
- More privacy and independence
- Set your own pace for relaxed and active winter days
- A flexible retreat in Maria Alm
- Access to The Eder Collection’s winter world
- Ideal for anyone who wants to stay independently yet still be right in the heart of the action
An entire alpine hut. Just for you. High up in the mountains, with plenty of privacy and the Hochkönig right on your doorstep. The TOM Almhütte is The Eder Collection’s exclusive retreat—ideal for groups, families, and special occasions. Your winter. All to yourselves.
Your Winter at TOM Almhütte
- Exclusive private use—the entire cabin just for you
- Panoramic views of the Hochkönig right outside your door
- Ideal for groups, families, and special occasions
Maria Alm: A Winter Holiday Destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Maria Alm combines several aspects of a winter vacation: skiing and snowboarding, winter hiking, sledding, snowshoeing, regional cuisine, and a village atmosphere. The destination is therefore ideal not only for days spent exclusively on the slopes, but also for winter trips that blend sports, relaxation, and quality time together.
No. Maria Alm is a town; “Hochkönig” refers to the larger mountain and tourism region. In addition to Maria Alm, the Hochkönig ski region also includes Dienten and Mühlbach am Hochkönig. Maria Alm is the eastern gateway to the region and is situated in a particularly striking location against the backdrop of the Hochkönig massif and the Steinernes Meer.
The Hochkönig region boasts high-altitude ski areas at over 1,900 metres. This helps to ensure reliable snow cover throughout the winter season. However, there is no guarantee of specific snow conditions on any given day in the mountains.
For up-to-date information on snow conditions, open slopes and lifts, we recommend checking the lift and slope status for the Hochkönig region before you travel. The live webcams show the current weather and visibility conditions on site. In addition, the Hochkönig weather page provides the latest forecasts for Maria Alm, Dienten and Mühlbach.
The winter season generally runs from December through April. The best time to visit depends on your personal interests:
- December: Advent spirit, the first days of skiing, and a pre-Christmas atmosphere
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve: a festive time with high demand
- January: often good conditions for classic winter and ski vacations
- February: long days on the slopes, school break, and usually a lively atmosphere
- March and April: more sunshine, longer days, and spring skiing—depending on the weather and snow conditions
The HochkönigCard is a regional visitor card that offers various services and discounts depending on the season and the terms and conditions in force. These may include, for example, transport or leisure activities. You should check the official information before your trip to find out exactly which services are included in winter 2026/27.
You can find this information on the official HochkönigCard benefits page
Maria Alm and the surrounding villages in the Hochkönig region are easily accessible via regional buses and seasonal ski buses. Regional bus route 620 connects Saalfelden, Maria Alm, Hinterthal and Dienten, amongst other places. Information on winter ski bus and shuttle services, timetables and stops can be found on the official Hochkönig region ski bus website. As services may vary depending on the season, we recommend checking the latest travel information before you set off.
Maria Alm is ideal for a holiday where everything is within easy reach, as many key amenities are concentrated in the village centre. Anyone wishing to visit neighbouring villages, day-trip destinations or activities outside the village centre can make use of the regional bus and ski bus services. Information on current timetables, stops and operating hours can be found on the Hochkönig Region ski bus page and on the Hochkönig Region’s official travel information page. Regional bus route 620 is also available for the journey from Saalfelden via Maria Alm to Hinterthal and Dienten.
In winter, Maria Alm has a village-like, alpine feel while also offering a variety of experiences. In addition to skiing, snow-covered landscapes, regional cuisine, walking trails, and seasonal events shape the town’s character. The destination thus offers more than just a backdrop for winter sports, without losing its connection to the mountains and the slopes.
Maria Alm and the Hochkönig region offer ideal conditions for families: compact towns, activities for different age groups, ski schools, simple winter activities, and nearby attractions. It’s especially helpful for families that a winter vacation doesn’t have to revolve entirely around skiing.
Yes. Snow-covered mountain landscapes, winter hikes, days spent skiing together, cozy stops for refreshments, and peaceful moments in nature create the perfect setting for a vacation for two. Maria Alm is especially well-suited for couples who want to combine romance with activities and alpine adventures—not just for a quiet getaway.
Yes. The destination offers skiing, group winter activities, dining, and opportunities for socializing in the evening. Compared to places that are heavily focused on clubbing, the emphasis here is more on a combination of mountain sports, spending time together, regional cuisine, and laid-back nightlife.
Yes. The nightlife takes place in the village square and in the local pubs, not on an après-ski strip. At the Hotel SEPP, the rooftop and bar provide the perfect link between a day’s skiing and the evening. If you’re looking for skiing, the mountains and convivial evenings in a village, this is the place for you.
Maria Alm is easy to reach by car, train and bus. The nearest railway station is in Saalfelden, around 6 kilometres away, with regional bus 620 providing a direct connection to Maria Alm. Overnight guests in SalzburgerLand can also use public transport free of charge with the Guest Mobility Ticket.
Collecting life.
Not moments.
