Großarl is the "Valley of Alpine Pastures," a Pongau valley with over 40 working mountain huts accessible to walkers in summer. The Almwirtschaft tradition here is genuine: the huts are active farms and simple restaurants where walkers can stop for food and drink, not themed experiences. The ski area connects to Dorfgastein and the wider Ski Amade circuit. Accommodation is family-run and the valley has kept a working-farm scale. About 1 hour from Salzburg by car; connects naturally to Bad Gastein and the Gastein valley circuit.