St Johann im Pongau (not to be confused with St Johann in Tirol), is a mountain town south of Salzburg with easy access to some of the closest slopes to the city around the resorts of Alpendorf, Wagrain-Kleinarl, Flachau, and Zauchensee.
Combined, the region boasts 210km of slopes, 70 lifts and 85 mountain huts. This is family and first-timer friendly terrain – most runs are rated either easy or intermediate. But there is some steep stuff too and some decent off-piste, especially through the trees in Zauchensee.
Top tip: stay in Alpendorf (ten minutes from St Johann) for the best access to the slopes.
The ski season kicks off mid December and runs through to Easter in early April, if conditions allow.
With its festive traditions, December is great for Christmas and partying over the New Year. January and February offer the best months for snow quality (especially in St Johann itself, which is lower than the surrounding resorts being situated in the valley, rather than in the mountains).
In March expect longer days and more opportunities to ski in the sun, but it can get slushy lower down as the afternoon progresses.
Things to do in St Johann im Pongau
St Johann is the place to come if you’re after a winter holiday, not just a ski trip. On the cultural side you’ve got castles, cathedrals and Salzburg’s Christmas markets all on the doorstep. On the mountain there’s a toboggan run, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, a terrain park, and extensive ski touring around the region.
St Johann is a beautiful market town, with a history dating back to the 10th century. As far as après goes, it may lack some of the madness you can expect in bigger resorts, but it more than makes up for it in character.
Hotels & Apartments in St Johann im Pongau
Our top recommended hotels and apartments. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists
Aktivhotel Alpendorf
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
2 minute walk
Alpenland Sankt Johann im Pongau
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
5 minute bus
Alpina Alpendorf
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
1 minute walk
Alpines Lifestyle Hotel Tannenhof
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
2 minute walk
Appartements Wieshof
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
8 minute bus
Der Alpenblick
Sankt Johann im Pongau, Austria
5 minute bus
Gasthaus Bacher
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
8 minute bus
Gut Berg Naturhotel
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
Ski-in / Ski-out
Hotel AlpenSchlössl
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
6 minute walk
Hotel Brückenwirt
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
6 minute bus
Hotel Hubertusstube
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
7 minute bus
Hotel Lerch
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
6 minute bus
Hotel Oberforsthof
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
2 minute walk
Hotel Restaurant Stöcklwirt
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
5 minute walk
Sonnhof Alpendorf
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
3 minute walk
Verwöhnhotel Berghof
St Johann im Pongau, Austria
5 minute walk
All Hotels and Accomodations in St Johann im Pongau