Anniversary party with a retro vibe
Neon and nostalgia: This year’s carneval party was celebrated by the TVB Saalbach Hinterglemm and the Saalbacher Bergbahnen together on the slopes – and in a very special setting. The occasion also marked the 80th anniversary of the Saalbacher Bergbahnen, celebrated on the exact day.
On 17 February 1946, the first ski lift to the Kohlmais went into operation in Saalbach – a milestone and at the same time the foundation stone for one of the most innovative ski resorts in the Alps. Local farmers, hoteliers and business owners joined forces, invested, and in 1945 founded the Saalbach Ski Lift Company "Saalbacher Bergbahnen" in order to revitalise winter tourism.
“Guys, we’re building a lift!”
Saalbach was already known as a “ski village” before the war, and the founders wanted to build on that reputation. “Guys, we’re building a lift!” they declared with determination. With great confidence and a willingness to take risks, they sourced components from the Army Testing Center for Material Cableways in Mittersill and constructed the first T-bar lift on the Kohlmais – at 1,800 meters, the longest T-bar lift in Austria at the time.
In Original Outfits on the Retro Ski Tour
To mark the anniversary, participants hit the slopes in outfits that were sometimes stylish, sometimes more playful, all in retro style. From brightly colored one-piece suits and jet pants to the distinctive Saalbach hats and jackets from the 1991 World Championships – the outfits not only created a nostalgic atmosphere but also sparked plenty of laughs and fantastic photo opportunities.
Ski guests were also invited on a journey back in time: at the base station of the Kohlmaisbahn, costumed visitors were treated to a traditional Weißwurst breakfast. Equipped with nostalgic ski passes, they could complete a Retro Ski Tour featuring music and photo stations along the way. Those who collected four stamps on their ski pass were entered into a draw to win a season pass for winter 26/27.
The weather was equally generous: fresh new snow transformed the Glemmtal into a true winter paradise, providing perfect conditions. In a lively atmosphere, everyone skied together and raised their glasses – to another 80 years of success.