Montelino's Water Playground

Refreshing Mountain Summers for Families in Saalbach Hinterglemm

Montelino’s Water Playground on the Kohlmais

When the summer sun climbs high over the peaks, there is hardly anything better for kids than wading through cool mountain water and controlling where it flows. That is exactly what awaits families high above Saalbach Hinterglemm: on the sunny Clover Meadow (Kleeblattwiese) on the Kohlmais, Montelino’s Water Playground trickles, dams, and splashes.

As the cheerful finale to Montelino’s Adventure Trail, the area combines refreshing water play, crisp alpine air, and sweeping mountain views for a day out that both parents and children will fondly remember.

ℹ️ At a Glance

  • Season: Summer operation from approx. mid-May to mid-October (depending on weather and snow conditions).
  • Opening Hours: Daily during the operating hours of the Kohlmaisbahn cable car (approx. 09:00 AM to 04:15 PM).
  • Admission: Free (Only a valid cable car ticket is required).
  • Accessibility: Yes, both the adventure trail and the playground are stroller-friendly.
  • Location: Kohlmais / Clover Meadow (directly next to the Ederalm at approx. 1,500 m above sea level).


Hands-On Water Fun: Where Kids Become Builders

The heart of the area is a thoughtfully designed water network that invites active participation. Wooden pumps are hand-cranked, water travels from station to station along wooden troughs, buckets are filled, and small sluice gates allow young engineers to redirect the current with a few simple moves. Those who dam and release cleverly send the water over the large water wheel and back into its natural stream bed.

Children playfully experience the dynamics of water while staying happily entertained for hours.

Highlights & Attractions:

  • Climb, balance & connect: Spacious play huts, a connecting bridge, and a water balancing track challenge coordination and agility.
  • Hands-on alpine life: Life-sized figures share stories of daily life on the mountain pasture. Clucking chickens wait in the coop, and little visitors can try their hand at milking cow Regina.
  • Muddy fun allowed: Large tables shaped like cloverleaves and flowers provide plenty of space for digging, shaping, and building with water and sand.
for a Relaxed Family Day

Practical Tips

  1. Pack extra clothes & water shoes: Every child is guaranteed to get wet here—and that’s half the fun! A set of dry clothes, a small towel, and sandals or water shoes are essential for your backpack.
  2. Relaxation for parents: While the kids build and splash in a manageable, safe environment, parents can keep an eye on everything from the sun terrace of the adjacent Ederalm with a cool drink and local delicacies.
  3. Don't forget sun protection: At around 1,500 meters above sea level, the sun is stronger than in the valley. Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of fluids ensure a worry-free day.


Arrival, Parking & JOKER CARD Advantages

  • Cable Car: From the valley station, the gondolas of the Kohlmaisbahn take you comfortably up the mountain. The ride itself, with views down into the Glemmtal valley, is a small adventure for kids.
  • Free Parking: Visitors with a valid cable car ticket can park free of charge in the Kohlmaisbahn parking garage during operating hours.
  • JOKER CARD Perk: Guests staying at a partner accommodation in Saalbach Hinterglemm enjoy free use of the Kohlmaisbahn cable car, including the adventure game pass, thanks to the JOKER CARD.


Highlights & Nearby Family Destinations

  • The water playground is easily expanded into a full-day family excursion:
  • Montelino’s Adventure Trail: A 3-kilometer thematic trail from the mountain to the middle station featuring interactive stations centered around Montelino the clown. The water playground marks the big finale.
  • Montelino’s Deer Feeding: In the morning, visitors can watch red deer being fed up close at the game enclosure near the Panorama Alm.
  • Montelino’s Summit Playground: Located directly at the top station of the Kohlmaisbahn, another play zone with panoramic views invites kids to play and climb.
  • Ederalm & Panorama Alm: Traditional mountain huts offering refreshments, play areas, and sunny terraces along the path.
  • Käpt'n Hook Adventure Pool: The outdoor pool down in the valley in Saalbach offers a cool dip for warm afternoon hours.


Summary

Montelino’s Water Playground on the Kohlmais encourages children to play, wonder, and explore while giving parents a relaxing break with a mountain view. Cool water, fresh alpine air, and endless space to discover—a summer day here will stay in your memory for a long time.