Resort Info

Kaprun Ski Resort

Once an old mining village with finds around the village dating back to the Celts, the current village of Kaprun is a quaint little Austrian ski haven.

Once an old mining village with finds around the village dating back to the Celts, the current village of Kaprun is a quaint little Austrian ski haven. Forming part of the Zell am See Kaprun ski area, the resort of Kaprun plays a sidekick role to its more popular neighbour Zell am See; but do not be fooled by its role, as this resort is probably one of the most balanced ski resorts in Austria. There are three ski areas in Kaprun, each offering a different and unique experience to the other. Kitzsteinhorn, the glacier mountain at Kaprun, is one of the three ski areas at Kaprun and it offers high altitude skiing at 3,09 metres, wide glacier pistes, two modern terrain parks and early to late ski season. Opposite the Kitzsteinhorn is the Schmittenhöhe ski area with up to 77 kilometres of pistes and peaks at 2,000 metres altitude and the third ski area is the Maiskogel mountain, connected to Kaprun via the 3K K-onnection cable car, and which peaks at 2074 metres. Maikogel is the self-proclaimed family favourite with its long gentle pistes and cosy huts on the slopes. In addition, the ski area of neighbouring Zell am See is also accessible to skiers in Kaprun.

Kaprun ski resort welcomes all types of skiers from travelling family groups with young children trying to learn how to ski to advanced and experienced snowsports enthusiasts. Sitting at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, Kaprun offers much more than just high altitude skiing and snow-sure pistes; it also offers a traditional Tyrolean village experience. Its old church, 13th-century castle and traditionally styled buildings serve as charming reminders of the area's past yet its Alpine suburban feel balances the vibe quite nicely. Kaprun is generally a calm resort and often lives in the shadow of Zell am See but it does have its own identity and is able to stand on its own merit as a much desired ski destination.

There are a good number of non-activities to engage with when taking a break from the skis and snowboards. Kaprun’s central area is perhaps one of the resort's most pleasant and attractive areas and it makes a great backdrop when walking through the pedestrianised centre. The Salzburger Platz is the main hub of the resort with a few shops and cafes there. The apres here is surprisingly vibrant, given its size and sidekick role to Zell am See but come out on a night in Kaprun and be truly entertained.

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All skill levels of skiers are welcome at Kaprun Ski Resort, from vacationing families with young children attempting to learn to ski to more experienced and advanced snowsports enthusiasts. Sitting at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, Kaprun offers much more than just high-altitude skiing and snow-sure pistes; it also offers a traditional Tyrolean village experience. Its old church, 13th-century castle and traditionally styled buildings serve as charming reminders of the area's past yet its Alpine suburban feel balances the vibe quite nicely.

While off the slopes, there are plenty of non-skiing activities to partake in. One of the nicest and most picturesque parts of Kaprun is its central area, which provides a wonderful backdrop for exploring the pedestrianized center. The resort's central gathering place, Salzburger Platz, has a few stores and cafes. Considering its small size and secondary status to Zell am See, the apres here is surprisingly lively; however, visit on a night in Kaprun to be thoroughly entertained.

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The ski area is split into three with Kitzsteinhorn, Schmittenhöhe and Maiskogel. The pistes range from 762 metres to 3,029 metres altitude and a total of 138 kilometres of pistes (including the Zell am See ski area).

Skiing in Kaprun

Kaprun and the surrounding slopes of Scmittenhohe, Kitzsteinhorn and Zell am See have fantastic ski terrain well suited for skiers and snowboarders. Maiskogel also has great ski conditions however it is better known for its gentle slopes, easy blues and fantastic snow park specifically designed for children. The Zell am See-Kaprun ski area has a total of 138 kilometres of pistes between them covering varying terrain from wooded, tree lined runs to wide open slopes with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier also offering high altitude glacier skiing at just over 3,000 metres.

Beginners will probably have the most fun at Kaprun. There are dedicated beginner slopes just next to the village centre to practise the basics before heading up the slopes for application. The Maiskogel will be the best option for beginners just trying to master the basic turns and ploughs thanks to its gentle, wide open pistes.

Intermediates will find a good number of challenging reds on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, however, those interested in just taking it easy can head over to Maiskogel for wide-open reds. Advanced skiers and confident intermediates could head further up Kitzsteinhorn for a bit of a challenge in the infamous, narrow, 63% gradient Black Mamba run, which is the steepest run down the glacier. It gets its name from its winding shape.

There are several off-piste opportunities abound in Kaprun with Kitzsteinhorn having some of the most well known freeride areas across Europe. The conditions are always fantastic for freeriding and off-piste skiing; and you can find almost all the desirable terrain from powder lines, cliff jumps and natural pipes. If visiting for the first time and unsure about the area, ensure you take a local guide.

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Snowboarding in Kaprun

Kitzsteinhorn has not just one but two snowparks with guaranteed snow reliability and a season that kicks off late autumn in October and lasts until May. Located at 3,000 metres altitude, the snow parks offer varying setups for across snowboard skill abilities from beginners, experts and pros until the beginning of May.

Freeriders couldn’t wish for better terrain with both Kaprun, Zell am See and Kitzsteinhorn having fantastic freeriding terrain. In addition to that, do not miss the five well-signposted freeride routes displayed close to the lifts detailing Kitzsteinhorns freeriding routes across diverse terrain from "Ice Age“ to "Jump Run

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Snow Conditions in Kaprun

The slopes at Kaprun benefit from excellent weather and snow coverage from the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The Snow Parks are open early in autumn and some areas keep the mountain open 10 months every year. The area has received an average annual snowfall of 295 centimetres within the last 4 years.

Apres Ski in Kaprun

Get into the party mode both on and off the slopes at Kaprun. To its credit, for its small size and profile, Kaprun does have a lively apres ski scene. Whilst it may not be as glamorous or flamboyant as the larger Austrian resorts of Ischgl and St Anton, Kapruns apres does hold its own. There are a number of huts on the slopes where you can kick off your apres ski evening before heading back to base camp and carrying on for as long as you wish. We have taken a look at a few places you may find interesting on your apres ski crawl at Kaprun.

On the pistes: At Kaprun, you will soon realise that the party does start on the pistes before you get back to the resort below. If you are thinking of stopping by at a few places, consider the Parasol Schirmbar on Kitzsteinhorn which sits at 2,450 metres; it is a large apres-ski tent with lots of outdoor seating, drinks and meals. Kitz900M is also an apres-ski bar on Kitzsteinhorn which offers hot drinks, meals and alcoholic drinks if you want to kick off your night early. Located at 900 metres, it is on the local ski bus/ shuttle route, so if you don’t feel like skiing back down, just hop on the bus for a drive back to the resort.

Off-Piste Bar

Probably the largest and most popular apres-ski bar in Kaprun ski resort. Off-Piste also has other bars in Zell am See and Sallbach. Off-Piste hosts live bands and DJ sets every day of the ski season. Its popularity stems from its relentless party mood. It functions as a bar, nightclub and events hub hosting regional and international bands every ski season.

Kitsch & Bitter

The traditional Austrian Alpine restaurant and bar with a modern and contemporary twist, Kitsch & Bitter is a great place to meet up for an evening of drinks with your ski buddies. In addition to the restaurant and bar, Kitsch & Bitter also has a Vinotheque where you can book a wine tasting. One of Kapruns most popular and well-known bars, Kitsch & Bitter does have a known reputation for crazy DJ sets and parties until early hours. It is centrally located, making it a very convenient pit stop on the apres-ski express.

The Pavillion

The Pavilion is a restaurant, bar and nightclub all rolled into one. Centrally located, it is one of Kapruns most lively and vibrant places to be. Open every day between 10 am until 2 am, Pavilion seemingly has everything to offer. You can start with an early dinner, have one or two drinks and stay on for the party which lasts until the early hours. The pavilion is also known for its friendly bar staff and dancing waitresses in the traditional lederhosen attire. There is also an outdoor heated area for punters who would like a break from the loud music.

Baumbar

Another one of Kapruns most popular, Baumbar is a typical Alpine ski bar and restaurant. It is also centrally located and only a few minutes walk from most of the accommodation and residences on the resort. Open every day until 4 am, Baumbar features DJ sets with dance music, live music including regional and international bands and ski parties throughout the season. Baumbar is also notoriously known to play classic Austrian oompah music where the baying crowd may also join in the singing. Wide range of drinks on the menu from beers, spirits to cocktails. Pizza is also served until 10 pm. Great place to checkout.

Paletti

If you are looking for a cosy, quiet drink and some friendly chatter, Paletti might just be the right place to visit. Popular with locals and groups of friends looking to have a nice calm evening without blaring loud music. It is a friendly, low lit bar with an impressive drinks menu and pizza oven. The TV’s are usually on a snowsports channel or ski-themed movies.

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Facilities in Kaprun

Unsurprisingly, the facilities in Kaprun ski resort are excellent. From a traffic-free resort centre, high-quality accommodation and a wealth of off-ski activities for visitors of all ages.

Facilities for Children in Kaprun

There’s a lot to offer for children in Kaprun. The resort has adequate facilities to ensure that visiting children are very well entertained and looked after as well as ensuring the parents and guardians of children can rely on the services and facilities available at Kaprun.

Kaprun Ski Extras
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