Alps At Their Very Best

A holiday in Austria’s Zell am See-Kaprun ski region reaches a higher level, and regular visitors can easily name dozens of reasons why.

But put them all together, and they tend to fall within five main reasons which stand out time and again.

First, there’s the wonder and joy of natural snow; then second, the sweeping views from both the family-friendly Schmittenhöhe above Zell am See and the 3,000-metre Kitzsteinhorn above Kaprun. Third is the sheer scale of the ski area, with its rare blend of glacier, mountain and lake that defines the region and offers infinite possibilities for skiers and riders. Fourth it’s the rich culture of the region with its many off-slope attractions and great cuisine and finally, fifth, the area’s impressive sustainability initiatives.

Here’s a deeper dive into those plus points:

Glacier, Mountain and Lake

Few destinations offer such a striking trio. The glacier-crowned Kitzsteinhorn mountain rises sharply into the sky, with the Hohe Tauern National Park close enough to admire from Salzburg’s highest lift-accessed point at 3,029 metres. Skiers feel wonderful here, carving down on the deep natural-snow covered glacier pistes at 3,000 metres. From the nearby Schmittenhöhe, Zell’s home mountain, more than 30 peaks above 3,000 metres dominate the panorama. And Lake Zell completes the picture, whether for strolls along its snowy shoreline, relaxed shopping in Zell am See or Kaprun, winter boat trips, or simply enjoying a warming Kaiserschmarren (translating literally as “Emperor’s Mess” and a local speciality, these are light, fluffy Austrian pancakes that are torn or shredded into bite-sized pieces and lightly caramelised in butter and sugar, yum!).

One Region, Limitless Experiences

Panoramic piste skiing, easy-access freeride terrain near the lifts, Nordic trails, world-class snow parks and fun slopes, Zell am See-Kaprun has it all and makes almost anything possible thanks to its combined glacier-mountain-lake setting. Ski tourers can head for Ronachkopf or the marked ascent routes on the Maiskogel and Kitzsteinhorn, while freestylers flock to the superpipe and snow parks used by international pros and amateurs alike.

408 kilometres of pistes draw winter sports fans to Zell am See-Kaprun. The terrain spans the Schmittenhöhe, Salzburg’s only glacier ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn, and extends further into the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. The Ski ALPIN CARD links it all, opening up vast freedom across the mountains, enhanced by extensive ski-in/ski-out access.

The Schmittenhöhe, the main ski area above Zell am See, is a standout, offering a broad mix of pistes and huts, ski-in/ski-out directly from town, and sweeping views over Lake Zell and the Hohe Tauern. Five long downhill runs, one of the world’s longest fun slopes, the Black Trass with gradients reaching 70 per cent, and numerous winter hiking trails form part of the mountain’s appeal. January and February bring Ski’n’Brunch mornings, where a small group enjoys early-bird skiing and breakfast on the Schmittenhöhe.

The Kitzsteinhorn, Salzburg’s only glacier ski resort, delivers wide glacier pistes with premium snow quality above 3,000 metres, modern lifts, designated freeride routes, world-class snow parks and marked ski touring ascents. Ski-in/ski-out access and the state-of-the-art 3K K-ONNECTION cable car and gondola lifts make reaching the slopes easy. Lower down, the Maiskogel offers gentle, wide pistes right into the centre of Kaprun.

Family-friendly terrain and ski-in/ski-out access make both areas easy to enjoy, while experts can tackle the famous Trass descent on the Schmittenhöhe or the Black Mamba on the Kitzsteinhorn.

Indeed, skiing, snowboarding, freestyle, freeride, ski touring and even ice swimming all find a home here. The Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe are ideal for piste days, powder runs or even scenic winter hikes for non-skiers. The valley offers extensive cross-country kilometres for both classic and skating styles. And when it’s time to unwind, TAUERN SPA, one of the Alps’ most modern and spacious wellness retreats, provides a welcome retreat.

A Distinctive Way of Life

Zell am See-Kaprun is synonymous with outstanding Alpine cuisine. There are around 90 restaurants in the region including eight awarded with prestigious Gault Millau Toques for their high gourmet standards. However you’ll find everything from traditional hut classics to refined gourmet dishes and international flavours with regional influence. Between glacier, mountain and lake, guests enjoy a rich culinary landscape.

The weekly programme adds variety for all ages, including guided snowshoe hikes, winter yoga, guided ski tours and cross-country taster sessions. Highlights include the Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour, which leads through four climate zones up to the glacier with a national park ranger, and romantic torchlit hikes at dusk.

Exceptional Natural Spectacles

Families find endless variety across the Schmittenhöhe, Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel. Non-skiers can also enjoy the year-round destination at 3,029 metres: TOP OF SALZBURG, the highest-situated attraction in Salzburg, features panorama viewing platforms, the National Park Gallery, a cinema and Salzburg’s highest-situated restaurant.

The Schmittenhöhe is accessed by state-of-the-art gondolas, including one designed by Porsche. At the summit, views of 30 three-thousand-metre peaks unfold from the “Kaiserblick” platform, which rises 30 metres and features telescopes and sections of glass flooring. Families can also enjoy the fully redesigned Kids Indoor Park Areit 1400, complete with a slide car track, giant bouncy castle and play zone.

A Surprisingly Sustainable Approach

Sustainability has long shaped the region. The Schmittenhöhebahn, Salzburg’s first cable car, opened in 1927, and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area followed in 1965. Today, Zell am See-Kaprun prioritises environmental protection, from pristine lake water and protected landscapes to wildlife, forests and cultural heritage.

The region holds the Austrian Ecolabel certification for Destinations, supported by measures in mobility, travel and climate-friendly infrastructure. Direct train connections from major European cities make car-free travel easy, complemented by rail transfers, free e-ski buses and other low-CO₂ options. All cable car companies operate on 100% renewable electricity, and 21 local businesses already hold the Austrian Ecolabel.

Thanks to the glacier on the Kitzsteinhorn, the winter season begins especially early here and runs through May. And the region’s appeal goes well beyond piste skiing: freeriders, freestylers, ski tourers, winter hikers, cross-country skiers and families all find the variety they’re looking for.

For a winter holiday in a magnificent natural wonderland, with a vast ski area climbing to snowsure glacier slopes and great non-ski facilities, dining and accommodation options it has to be Zell am See-Kaprun.

Find out more: zellamsee-kaprun.com/en/sport/winter

Main image: sunrise over the Schmittenhöhe, Zell am See. Photo: © Zell am See-Kaprun

Zell am See-Kaprun FAQs

How big is the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area?

Zell am See-Kaprun has 408km of pistes on the Ski ALPIN CARD, which links the Schmittenhöhe, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the Maiskogel with the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn.

Can you ski on a glacier in Zell am See-Kaprun?

Yes. The Kitzsteinhorn above Kaprun is Salzburg’s only glacier ski area, with wide pistes above 3,000 metres. Thanks to the glacier, the season starts especially early and runs through May.

Is Zell am See-Kaprun good for families?

Yes. The Schmittenhöhe and Maiskogel have family-friendly pistes and ski-in/ski-out access from town, there is a weekly activity programme for all ages, and the Kids Indoor Park Areit 1400 has a slide car track, giant bouncy castle and play zone.

What is there to do in Zell am See-Kaprun if you don’t ski?

Plenty. Non-skiers can visit TOP OF SALZBURG on the Kitzsteinhorn at 3,029 metres, go winter hiking, snowshoeing or on torchlit walks, take a winter boat trip on Lake Zell or spend the afternoon at TAUERN SPA in Kaprun.

Can you get to Zell am See-Kaprun by train?

Yes. There are direct train connections from major European cities, and once you arrive, rail transfers and free e-ski buses make a car-free ski holiday easy.