Saalbach, January 2013.

You're aware it's RAF champs fortnight in Saalbach every January?
My mate goes every year and loves the place. Despite some erratic snowfall in recent years.
The goat stahl is legendary I am told.
The bars will be very busy with heavy drinking forces people which could be brilliant or awful depending on what you like from your nights out ;-)

We were there in January 2011. Snow and weather were not good what spoiled overall impression. Well linked area.
Our favourite run was Blue run No:68 to Viehhofen. The longest in the area. Best done at the end od the day as there is only a bus connection back to Saalbach. Runs to Leogang are also well worth doing. Alte Schmiede mountain restaurant is a must visit on the way :thumbup: The best moutain restaurants we encountered anywhere so far. Night sledging in Hinterglemm down 5 km run is also great fun.

Was also there in Jan 2011. Snow was good,but viz not great. RAF boys were good fun, my D-i-L's brother is an RAF BASI instructor, they were good regular skiers. From my observations average drinking capabilities, very much aware of the image they project.

I certainly agree the run over to Leogang is pleasant. The whole valley is good to ski. It changes in late March, as the south facing slopes suffer.

It's a great summer walking valley. I walked the area in 2000.

We go there the last week in January. When are the RAF there? Ironic really as we have an Ex-RAF in our group. We usually have a current RAF server but he cannot make it this year perhaps he knows something we don't!! :D

Never did find out if the RAF are there when we are, we arrive 26th Jan.
It would appear we have our ski hire sorted. Feel free anyone to suggest must do slopes. We are a group that cope with most things but I think its fair to say a number of us tend to survive the harder steep black runs as opposed to skiing them properly.
Like an Apres bar which is busy but not necessarily mobbed with live music any suggestions? Just trying to work out beer voucher supply, we have been fortunate in Soll the last 3 years to be paying E3.20 to E 3.80 for a large beer, appreciate it will be dearer in Saalbach but hope we are not talking silly prices!!

Raf champs first 2 weeks mate

Tony_H wrote:Raf champs first 2 weeks mate

Not this season, Tone, RAF championships run from January 12 to 26.

I've been a few times to the RAF event, which has been based at the Hinterglemm end of the valley. Great fun, the nightlife is Austrian exuberant and the GoaBstahl has something for everyone (including Welshmen and Saracens, Fez!)

The skiing is quite entertaining too as long as the snow is good - lots and lots of cruising pistes.

Sounds great Lota. Before we know it the season will be on us.