Saalbach is one of the liveliest centers in Land Salzburg for nightlife. The after-skiing crowd shuttles back and forth between Saalbach and Hinterglemm, and after a few drinks, the resorts seem to merge into one.
Hexenhäusl, Zwolferkogelbahnweg 122 (tel. 06541/6334), is one of the busiest and most consistently popular après-ski venues in Hinterglemm. Positioned at the bottom of the Zwolferkogelbahn gondola, it combines the functions of a bar, pub, and cafe into a rowdy, sudsy, beery, schnapps-permeated mountain hut. Cozy, dark, candlelit, and moderately claustrophobic, it's a place where English and French skiers mingle with locals, some of whom aren't particularly interested in skiing at all. Beer sells for 2.50€ to 6€ ($4-$9.60); snacks such as strudels, pizzas, and baguettes sell for 1.75€ to 5.50€ ($2.80-$8.80). You'll recognize the place by the carved effigies of hexen (witches) that decorate the outside and inside of this folkloric but very hip place. From May to October, it's open Tuesday to Saturday 3pm to 6am; November to April it's open daily 3pm to 6am -- so late that anyone who actually remains on-site till closing will probably not venture onto the ski slopes the following day.
Since its opening in the 1950s, Hotel Glemmtalerhof, Glemmtalerlaudstrasse 150, Hinterglemm (tel. 06541/7135), has always maintained an active nightlife for both vacationers and local residents. The folksy Glemmerkeller Nightclub hosts a series of live bands performing everything from Bavarian oompah music to more modern (and highly danceable) tunes. It's open every night 9pm to 3am, although during ski season it's also open every afternoon for post-slopes revelry from 4 to 6pm. A small but energetic dance club, the Almbar plays high-volume sounds from New York, London, and Los Angeles. There's no cover to get into either bar, and beer costs 3€ ($4.80) in summer and 4€ ($6.40) in winter.
In winter, live dance music is usually featured at Knappenhof Knappenkeller, Knappenhof Tirolerhof, Hauptstrasse 222, Hinterglemm (tel. 06541/6497), while the adjacent dance club plays recorded tunes. Sometimes Tyrolean music is interspersed with more modern sounds. Grilled specialties are offered as well as Wiener schnitzel, pizza, and Italian food, with meals beginning at 10€ ($16). The cover charge of 8€ ($13) includes your first drink. Open daily from 9pm to 4am; closed in October.
The cellar at Saalbacher Hof, Dorfstrasse 27, Saalbach (tel. 06541/7111), is devoted every Wednesday to drinking, dancing, and alpine folk music. On other nights of the week, the theme is more modern. The music begins around 8:30pm in summer and winter. There's no cover; beer costs 4.50€ ($7.20).
Club Discoteque Club, in Berger's Sporthotel, Dorfstrasse 33, Saalbach (tel. 06541/6577), offers good bands and good drinks (often many good drinks) to a young crowd energized by a day on the slopes. A beer starts at 4€ ($6.40). It's open December to March daily from 9pm to 3am.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
