Vorderglemm: Winter Trails, Lift and Alpine Pasture Loop

For a ski holiday in Vorderglemm, the Schönleitenbahn provides a clear point of reference. There is an outdoor car park at its valley station. The Schönleitenbahn I+II has a route length of 2,767 m and overcomes a difference in altitude of 968 m. In addition, the village and its immediate surroundings offer various trails for winter hikes, circular tours and excursions into the alpine pasture region.

Winter orientation around the Schönleitenbahn

The Schönleitenbahn is relevant not only when planning your arrival and day. The S01 Sonnseit Promenade hike crosses the bridge near the Schönleitenbahn and, after descending to the main road, continues to Jausern. From Jausern, it is possible to take the bus back to Saalbach on this hike.

Flat trails and a short return to the starting point

The S03 Saalach Promenade is a pleasant, flat winter hike along the stream. It runs for approximately 4 km to Jausern in Vorderglemm. The J01 Jauser Alm, by contrast, leads uphill to the Jauser Alm and then returns to the starting point along the same route.

The SH 32 Vorderglemm Alpine Pasture Loop

The SH 32 Vorderglemm Alpine Pasture Loop runs through several sections. The starting point is at the Schattberg X-Press; from there, the loop follows the Glemmtal cycle path to Jausern. It initially runs on asphalt, then later continues uphill on gravel into the alpine pasture region. The route passes the Rachkuchl and the mid-station of the Schönleitenbahn. Shortly below its highest point, the loop reaches an altitude of 1,700 m. As the route continues, increasingly impressive views down into the Vorderglemm Valley open up.

Optional detours are possible on the SH 32. One option is a detour to the Schönleitenhütte; there is also a connection to the Saalfelden Leogang mountain bike network. Another optional detour leads to the Wildenkarkogel. The descent leads via the Thurneralm and Bergeralm, winding down to the valley floor through numerous switchbacks.

Differences between the bike trails

Vorderglemm also offers trails with different characteristics. The Wildenkaramba Line is a natural trail with an original surface, roots, small stones and tight bends. The ScheeLeitn Line at Schönleiten, by contrast, features shaped berms, rollers and jumps that create a rhythmic trail flow.

Regional character and a fixed date

Saalbach, including Vorderglemm and Hinterglemm, was historically a poor farming community before skiing initiated an economic transformation. In the wider regional area, the ski terrain is associated with the Pinzgau Grass Mountains. A specific cultural event is the Vorderglemm sheep drive: it is scheduled for 19 September 2026 from 3:00 p.m. at the “Heimat” inn in Saalbach. During the event, the sheep return to their farms at Teuererhof and Hochwarthof in Vorderglemm.

When choosing your accommodation in Vorderglemm, you can use these destinations as personal points of reference for planning your days. Those focusing on the lift area can use the valley station and the Schönleitenbahn as important reference points. For winter hikes, Jausern, the Saalach Promenade and the Sonnseit Promenade are the main options. If you prefer a longer tour, you can compare the various sections and detours of the SH 32. For further destination comparisons, you can also consider Zell am See, Unken, Hütten, Bramberg, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Dienten Am Hochkönig, Wald Im Pinzgau and Krössenbach.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Zell am See District (Pinzgau).