Kaprun Ski Holidays
In Kaprun, the Kitzsteinhorn reigns supreme, offering year-round snow, exhilarating descents, and sweeping views that’ll leave you breathless. Yet Kaprun is more than just altitude and glacier skiing - it’s a resort that marries adventure with charm, combining world-class slopes with a picturesque village straight from a winter storybook.
For those who thrive in the mountains, the Kitzsteinhorn is a paradise - and therefore so is Kaprun. After a day on the mountain, meander through the pedestrianised village, where pretty streets lead to cosy cafés that serve Kaiserschmarren (caramelised shredded pancakes!) and traditional taverns offer hearty Speckknödel (smoked bacon dumplings!).
Quieter than neighbouring Zell am See, Kaprun enjoys excellent snow reliability due to its high altitude.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
Kaprun mountain facts
Kaprun is a true high-altitude gem, primarily known for its access to the magnificent Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The Kitzsteinhorn offers around 41km of varied pistes, while the Maiskogel mountain, directly from Kaprun, provides an additional 20km of slopes, bringing the total skiable area to approximately 61km directly accessible from the village.
The resort of Kaprun itself sits at a comfortable base altitude of around 800m, but the Kitzsteinhorn glacier rockets up to an impressive 3,029m, ensuring superb snow conditions for a much longer season. Navigating these mountains is effortless thanks to a modern and efficient lift system, including the advanced 3K K-onnection gondola that directly links Kaprun village to both the Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn.
Snow conditions in Kaprun
Kaprun boasts an exceptional reputation for snow reliability, primarily due to its direct link to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. This high-altitude glacier guarantees excellent snow conditions throughout a significantly extended season, often from early autumn right through to early summer. Even the lower slopes on the Maiskogel mountain benefit from good natural snowfall and comprehensive snowmaking facilities, ensuring consistent coverage. This combination of glacier skiing and lower mountain terrain means you can count on fantastic snow quality whether you're visiting in early December or enjoying sunny spring turns in April or May.
Skiing in Kaprun
Whether you’re new to the slopes or an old hand, Kaprun effortlessly caters to every level of skier while maintaining its quintessential Alpine charm.
For those just beginning their skiing journey, the Maiskogel mountain provides an idyllic setting to find your snow legs. Wide, welcoming slopes and dedicated beginner areas create the perfect environment to build confidence, with gentle gradients that allow you to focus on perfecting those all-important first turns in a stress-free setting. The modern lifts mean no daunting queues or complicated button lifts - just easy access to terrain that grows with your ability.
Intermediate skiers will delight in Kaprun’s superb selection of well-maintained blue and red runs across both the Maiskogel and Kitzsteinhorn areas. These beautifully groomed pistes offer mile after mile of enjoyable cruising, with just enough variety to keep things interesting - from sweeping motorway-wide runs to more technical tree-lined descents, all with the spectacular Hohe Tauern National Park as your backdrop.
For advanced skiers, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier is nothing short of a winter sports paradise. Here you’ll find genuinely challenging black runs that will test your technique, along with exciting off-piste opportunities (always best explored with one of Kaprun’s excellent mountain guides). The glacier’s famous mogul fields provide the ultimate thigh-burning challenge, while the guaranteed snow quality - often exceptional when lower resorts are struggling - means you can enjoy perfect conditions throughout the season.
Snowboarding in Kaprun
Kaprun is a popular resort for snowboarders, offering an exceptional mix of terrain parks, natural features, and effortless mountain access that will delight riders of all styles and abilities.
The crown jewel for freestyle enthusiasts is undoubtedly the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Park, consistently ranked among Europe's top snow parks. What makes Glacier Park truly special is its high-altitude location, ensuring optimal snow conditions throughout the season. The park's thoughtful design allows progression at every level, while regular maintenance keeps features in prime condition.
Beyond the park, Kaprun's natural terrain is a snowboarder's dream. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier offers wide-open pistes ideal for carving, plus exciting off-piste opportunities when conditions allow (always explore with a guide). Over on the Maiskogel, you'll find flowing tree-lined runs perfect for cruising, with natural rollers and banks that add playful variety to every descent.
What accommodation is available when I ski in Kaprun?
Kaprun offers a charming and diverse range of accommodation options to perfectly suit every taste and budget. You'll find everything from luxurious 4-star hotels with extensive spa facilities and gourmet dining, offering a touch of indulgence after a day on the slopes, to plenty of well-equipped apartments and spacious chalets. Browse our handpicked selection below.
Kaprun Ski Resort
Après-ski in Kaprun
Kaprun boasts an authentic après-ski scene, with plenty of options to unwind and celebrate an epic day on the slopes.
- As you ski down the Maiskogel, one of the first places you’ll encounter with a buzzing atmosphere is the Maisi Alm, right by the base station. Here, you can often find live music and an even livelier crowd still in their ski gear, enjoying drinks and sharing tales of the day’s runs.
- Make sure to visit Baumbar in the village centre, a popular spot known for its energetic vibe, often featuring DJs spinning tunes and people dancing, sometimes still in their ski boots!
- For a more traditional Austrian experience, try Kitsch & Bitter, a cosy bar with a great selection of local beers and schnapps, perfect for a more relaxed chat with friends.
- If you’re looking for something a bit different, The Shamrock Irish Pub offers a friendly atmosphere and often shows live sports.
- For a party that lasts long into the night, Ape Piste Bar near the Maiskogelbahn often stays lively well into the early hours.
Facilities in Kaprun
Kaprun is well-equipped with all the essential facilities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable ski holiday. You'll find a wide selection of ski and snowboard hire shops offering the latest equipment, along with excellent ski schools staffed by highly qualified instructors who provide lessons for all ages and abilities. Purchasing lift passes is equally convenient, with offices located at the base of the main lifts.
Beyond the slopes, the charming village offers a range of shops, including sports retailers, boutiques, and supermarkets for your daily needs. For ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation, the world-class Tauern Spa Kaprun is a highlight, featuring extensive indoor and outdoor pools, various saunas, and a wide array of wellness treatments. Additionally, you can enjoy non-skiing activities such as winter hiking trails through the beautiful landscape and ice skating in the village.
Facilities for families in Kaprun
Kaprun is a truly outstanding destination for families on a ski holiday, offering dedicated amenities to make learning and playing fun for all ages. On the Maiskogel mountain, you'll find fantastic children's areas designed with young skiers in mind, often featuring magic carpets and gentle, confidence-building slopes. The resort boasts excellent ski schools with experienced, patient instructors who specialise in teaching children, often incorporating games and fun activities into their lessons.
The Maiskogel also features the Maisi Park, a family-friendly fun slope with waves and small jumps that kids (and adults!) love. Off the slopes, the village provides various family-friendly activities and events, ensuring there's always something to keep the little ones entertained and create unforgettable memories during your winter break.
Why choose a ski holiday to Kaprun with Erna Low?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re ABTOT and ATOL members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
FAQs
Is Kaprun suitable for beginner skiers?
Yes, very much so! The Maiskogel mountain is particularly well-suited for those new to skiing, offering excellent wide, gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas. You’ll also find top-notch ski schools with patient instructors who specialise in getting beginners comfortable and confident on the snow.
How snow-sure is Kaprun?
Kaprun is exceptionally snow-sure, primarily thanks to its direct access to the majestic Kitzsteinhorn glacier. This high-altitude glacier guarantees excellent snow conditions for a significantly extended season, often from early autumn to early summer, ensuring reliable skiing whenever you choose to visit.
When is the best time to ski in Kaprun?
Kaprun offers excellent snow conditions throughout the winter season, but the Kitzsteinhorn glacier guarantees skiing all year round. For the fullest resort experience, December to April delivers reliable snowfall across all areas, with quieter slopes in January (outside school holidays) and glorious spring skiing in March and April. Early-season skiers (November) and late-season visitors (May) can enjoy pristine conditions on the glacier.
How do I get to Kaprun from the UK?
Kaprun is pretty easily accessible, with Salzburg Airport about an hour and a half away. Regular flights operate from major UK airports, and private transfers or shared shuttles can be pre-booked for a seamless journey.
Alternatively, Munich Airport is a bit further away but offers more flight options, with direct train connections to nearby Zell am See followed by a short taxi or bus ride to Kaprun.
Family friendly and snow sure with the glacier, Kaprun is a great choice for a mixed group or those looking for a slower paced ski holiday.
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager