Zell am See Kaprun

Zell am See Kaprun Ski Area

Ski holidays in Zell am See-Kaprun

After that postcard-perfect lakeside charm and serious high-altitude skiing? Look no further than the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area.

At its heart lies the storybook town of Zell am See, where pastel-coloured buildings cluster around the frozen Lake Zell, offering cosy cafés and a vibrant promenade. Just 15 minutes to the base station by free ski bus, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun delivers guaranteed snow from October through May on its 3,203m peak - meaning you can enjoy gentle cruisers with lake views in the morning, then test your skills on glacial blacks in the afternoon. This unique duality is what makes the region a hit, with something for every ability, surrounded by traditional Austrian charm.

The 136km of interconnected pistes cater to every ski level. Beginners thrive on Zell am See’s sunny Schmittenhöhe slopes, where wide blues and dedicated learning areas offer gentle gradients perfect for finding your snow legs. Intermediates can spend days exploring the long, scenic descents from Maiskogel to Kaprun’s tree-lined runs, while advanced skiers will love the Kitzsteinhorn’s challenging mogul fields and freeride routes like the Black Mamba descent. Off the slopes, the region excels at seamless convenience - from the modern 3S-Bahn cable car whisking you up the glacier in minutes, to the free local buses linking every base station.

Whether you’re here to ski beside Austria’s most beautiful Alpine lake, conquer glacial terrain, or simply soak up the lively yet laid-back atmosphere, Zell am See-Kaprun delivers. By day, choose between quaint mountain huts serving schnitzel with a view or seek glacier-top restaurants with panoramic views. By night, wander Zell’s illuminated streets for everything from traditional taverns to cocktail bars, or retreat to Kaprun’s quieter après spots. With its winning mix of natural beauty, varied terrain, and genuine Austrian hospitality, this is a destination that keeps visitors returning year after year.

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Zell am See-Kaprun mountain facts

The Zell am See-Kaprun region offers access to three distinct yet wonderfully connected ski areas: Schmittenhöhe, Maiskogel, and the mighty Kitzsteinhorn glacier.

Together, this remarkable trio provides over 138km of diverse pistes, served by a state-of-the-art lift system comprising around 50 modern gondolas and chairlifts. While Zell am See sits by the lake at approximately 750m, the skiing on the Schmittenhöhe reaches up to 2,000m. Kaprun is around 786m, with the Maiskogel extending to 1,675m, and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier soaring to an impressive 3,029m, guaranteeing high-altitude skiing and breathtaking vistas.

Snow conditions in Zell am See-Kaprun

Zell am See-Kaprun boasts outstanding snow reliability throughout a remarkably long season. The jewel in its crown is the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which ensures superb, guaranteed snow conditions from early autumn to late spring – a true highlight for any discerning skier.

The lower slopes of the Schmittenhöhe and Maiskogel also benefit from consistent natural snowfall, and the entire area is supported by an extensive network of highly efficient snowmaking facilities. This strategic combination of high-altitude glacier terrain and robust snow-making ensures excellent piste quality and dependable coverage from October to April, making it a truly snow-sure destination.

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Skiing in Zell am See-Kaprun

The Schmittenhöhe mountain above Zell am See is an intermediate paradise, offering mile after mile of wide, rolling blue and red pistes that flow effortlessly down to the lakeshore - perfect for building confidence while drinking in those breathtaking views across the frozen Lake Zell to the surrounding peaks. Families and beginners will love the Maiskogel area, where gentle nursery slopes served by magic carpets and easy chairlifts provide a stress-free introduction to skiing, complete with excellent English-speaking instructors at the base. What makes this region truly special is how these idyllic lower slopes connect seamlessly to the high-alpine thrills of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, just a short bus ride away, but a world apart in terms of terrain and snow conditions.

The Kitzsteinhorn is the crown jewel of the area, offering year-round skiing up to 3,203m with guaranteed snow coverage even in early winter or spring. While advanced skiers can test themselves on challenging black runs like the Black Mamba or explore off-piste routes with mountain guides, the glacier also provides superb intermediate cruising terrain and dedicated learning areas, meaning everyone can enjoy that exhilarating high-mountain experience. Modern lifts like the 3S-Bahn cable car make accessing these zones effortless, while free local buses ensure you can easily hop between Zell am See's charming town centre and Kaprun's alpine base stations. Whether you're looking for relaxed lakeside skiing, glacier adventures, or the perfect mix of both, Zell am See-Kaprun delivers an unforgettable Austrian winter holiday with something special for every skier and snowboarder.

Ready to book your dream French ski holiday? Call 0203 011 1222 to chat.

Snowboarding in Zell am See-Kaprun

Snowboarding here delivers the ultimate blend of freestyle progression and all-mountain adventure, set against some of Austria's most stunning alpine scenery. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier stands out as the crown jewel for park riders, home to the renowned Glacier Park with its pro-level kickers and technical rail lines that host international competitions. For those building confidence, the Easy Park offers perfectly sized medium features and a dedicated beginner line with mellow boxes and small jumps - all maintained in pristine condition thanks to the glacier's reliable snow cover from October through to May. Beyond the parks, the glacier's wide-open pistes and natural side hits provide endless opportunities for carving and freeriding, with the added thrill of boarding at 3,203m above sea level.

What makes the area truly special for snowboarders is its versatile terrain across three distinct mountains. The Schmittenhöhe offers long, flowing red runs perfect for perfecting turns while soaking up breathtaking views of Lake Zell, while the Maiskogel serves up playful tree-lined trails ideal for building confidence. The region's modern lift system - including the impressive 3S-Bahn cable car - means minimal flat sections and easy connections between areas.

What accommodation is available when I ski in Zell am See-Kaprun?

Zell am See-Kaprun offers a diverse array of appealing accommodation, from elegant lakeside hotels to cosy Alpine guesthouses and modern apartments, catering to every style and budget. You'll find options ranging from luxurious spa resorts to comfortable family-friendly stays, many offering convenient access to lifts or village amenities.

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Features

Zell am See Kaprun Ski Holidays

Après-ski in Zell am See-Kaprun

Zell am See-Kaprun offers a wonderfully diverse après-ski scene, providing appealing options for every mood and preference after a thrilling day on the slopes. In the charming lakeside town of Zell am See, you'll find a lively yet convivial atmosphere.

Crazy Daisy is a perennially popular spot, known for its energetic music, friendly staff, and vibrant atmosphere that draws skiers in for dancing and drinks.
For a more traditional Austrian pub experience, places like Pinzgauer Diele offer a cosy setting to enjoy local beers and recount the day's adventures.
If you prefer a more relaxed or sophisticated close to your day, many of the elegant lakeside hotels provide chic bars with breathtaking views over Lake Zell, perfect for a quiet cocktail.
Meanwhile, in Kaprun, the après-ski can be a little more focused around the base of the lifts and within the village itself. Bars situated near the Maiskogel lift or those returning from the Kitzsteinhorn generate a spirited buzz, with skiers often gathering for that first celebratory drink.

You'll find a good mix of traditional chalets serving glühwein and beer, alongside more modern establishments that pick up the pace, ensuring a fun and sociable environment to round off your superb days skiing.

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Facilities in Zell am See-Kaprun

Zell am See-Kaprun is exceptionally well-equipped with all the necessary facilities to ensure a seamless and utterly enjoyable ski holiday. You'll find numerous modern ski and snowboard rental shops conveniently located throughout both towns, offering a wide array of high-quality, up-to-date equipment and professional fitting services. For those looking to learn or refine their skills, excellent ski schools, boasting highly qualified and often multilingual instructors, provide comprehensive lessons tailored for all ages and abilities, from thrilling first turns to advanced techniques. Purchasing your lift passes is made incredibly convenient at various well-organised points around the area, ensuring quick access to the slopes.

Beyond the immediate skiing needs, the vibrant towns offer a wide selection of enticing shops, from specialist sports retailers for all your gear to charming fashion boutiques and souvenir stores. Many delightful restaurants and cafes abound, serving everything from authentic traditional Austrian fare to exquisite international cuisine, catering to every palate. A particular highlight is the Tauern Spa Kaprun, an expansive and modern wellness oasis offering extensive thermal pools, rejuvenating saunas, and a wide range of luxurious wellness treatments – a perfect haven for deep relaxation and rejuvenation after an exhilarating day on the mountain.

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Facilities for children in Zell am See-Kaprun

Zell am See-Kaprun truly stands out as an excellent choice for families, offering an abundance of facilities specifically designed to cater to children of all ages. The resorts boast fantastic ski schools with dedicated, patient, and enthusiastic instructors who specialise in teaching younger learners through exceptionally fun and engaging methods, ensuring they build confidence and a love for skiing from their very first turns. On the slopes, particularly at Schmittenhöhe and Maiskogel, you'll discover numerous children's areas that are both safe and wonderfully equipped with easy-to-use magic carpets, gentle slopes, and playful learning aids like fun obstacles and figures to make the experience exciting.

Off the snow, the Family Park on Maiskogel provides additional entertainment with its own alpine coaster, the Maisiflitzer, offering thrills for all ages. The magnificent Tauern Spa Kaprun is another major draw for families, featuring dedicated child-friendly pool areas with slides and splash zones, ensuring a wonderful way to relax and play after a day on the slopes.

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Why choose a ski holiday to Zell am See-Kaprun with Erna Low?

Experience and service: We offer you a one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need for a ski holiday.

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.

If you cannot find what you are looking for please contact us and we can help you build your package

Experience the historic Kaprun and ski one of the Alps' highest glaciers - Zell am See offers endless slopes for all levels and is highly recommended!

Katie Cowgill, Sales Consultant

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