How it all began.

Josef Salner Senior built Ischgl’s first petrol station, which was attached to a small restaurant. The hole for the foundations was dug entirely by hand using shovels and pickaxes. On 10 December, the doors opened to the first guests, with a cosy seating capacity of 20 at the time. Word of the little restaurant spread quickly, and anyone who had eaten there once would return. The restaurant grew alongside its guests, eventually accommodating 150 people.

With Hotel Fatlar at the entrance to the village, the family created a retreat for their guests in 1976/77. The rooms, in the cosy Salnerhof style, offered couples, families, and those seeking relaxation a real home away from home in the mountains.

That small petrol station and restaurant laid the foundations for what is now Salnerhof. A top-class 4-star hotel with 60 beds and the first in-house wellness area. Shortly afterwards, the first two-storey underground car park in Ischgl was built.

The conversion of the attic added 65 beds. Four years later came the Salner Apartments for guests seeking greater privacy and the freedom to plan their own holidays.

In the midst of planning for the new water park, Josef Salner senior fell seriously ill. He died on 27 September 1992. What remained was his standard: work until it’s right, get things done before anyone asks, and take guests seriously. The family carried on what he had started.

A new touch of luxury took hold. The simple sauna was transformed into the „Thermarium of Joy“, a place to linger rather than just to sweat. Shortly afterwards, the west wing was completely demolished and rebuilt: plenty of wood, the scent of which you can smell before you see it, and a tranquillity that endures to this day.

The hotel underwent extensive renovation and was prepared for the new millennium. A completely new entrance area, an inviting hotel lobby with a bar, a new dining room, and state-of-the-art infrastructure behind the scenes were created

Between 2006 and 2011, Salnerhof continued to grow upwards. New suites on the 3rd and 4th floors opened up views of the mountains. A new heating system was installed, and the range of facilities expanded further with the addition of the Mountain Lounge.

In August 2009, the eldest son, Ewald Salner, took over the management of the hotel. Having grown up at Salnerhof, he knew the hotel and its guests like no other. At his side was his youngest brother Josef, who had been at the helm of the restaurant for decades, first as F&B Manager, then as Executive Chef. Two brothers, one rhythm.
When Ewald had to step down in 2024, Josef gradually took over. In the autumn of 2025, he officially became managing director.

In 2010, Christina Salner – the heart and soul of the hotel and a loving mother – passed away. What she brought with her – her eye for the extraordinary and her unique style of hospitality – remains an integral part of Salnerhof to this day. 

The Salner team resort, featuring modern apartments and single rooms, was built in Ischgl. A real home for our staff, who give their all every day.

A touch of magic found its way into Salnerhof. Elegant reclaimed timber met new, fine fabrics. Even the restaurant upholstery was renewed. Because true luxury can be felt in the smallest of details.

In April 2026, Ewald Salner passed away, right in the middle of the construction planning.
A son. A brother. A host through and through, whose laughter echoed through these rooms for decades. He is missed – yet he lives on: in the spaces he helped to shape, in the way we work here, and in the memories of thousands of guests who knew him.

The starting signal for one of the most extensive refurbishments in recent history. The entire ground floor – from the reception, through the lobby and the bar to the restaurant – has been completely reimagined, redesigned, and refurbished. A new, spacious ski storage room is now available to ensure maximum convenience.
Today, Josef Salner, together with his wife Angelika and daughters Adelina and Pia, is leading Salnerhof into the future. With decades of experience, a deep reverence for his parents’ legacy, and fond memories of his brother Ewald. 
Much has changed over the decades. The small establishment has become an exclusive hotel. Yet the genuine joy we take in our work and our honest craftsmanship are still as much a part of life at Salnerhof as they were on the very first day. When you step through our doors today, you will sense one thing immediately: The spirit has remained the same.

From 25 November 2026, a whole new chapter begins. Our rooms will shine in new splendour, the wine bottles will be chilled, and the fire will be crackling in the fireplace.
A life’s work is not made up of walls. It is made up of people, encounters, and memories.
The book of our history is now open. And we can’t wait to write the next pages together with you.
Become part of our story. We look forward to welcoming you!