Zell am See / Kaprun is one of Austria's most versatile winter destinations. Here, three different worlds come together in a unique combination: the charming lakeside town atmosphere, the Kitzsteinhorn's high-alpine glacier skiing and family-friendly slopes on the Schmittenhöhe. Together they create a ski experience suited to everyone, from beginners and families to advanced skiers seeking snow-sure terrain.
This is one of the few resorts in the Alps where you can ski a glacier at over 3,000 metres one day and carve down towards a lake with views of the Hohe Tauern peaks the next. Zell am See / Kaprun is simply Austria in concentrated form – scenic, varied and accessible.
The skiing – three mountains, one glacier and huge variety
Zell am See / Kaprun offers skiing on three different mountains: Kitzsteinhorn , Maiskogel and Schmittenhöhe . The combination gives a system with wide terrain, snow-sureness and varying character.
Highlights in Zell am See / Kaprun
- Glacier skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn up to 3,029 metres
- A long season and snow-sure skiing
- A perfect mix of family areas, carving runs and advanced descents
- Newly built lifts linking Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn without a ski bus
- Schmittenhöhe's iconic panoramic views over the Zeller See
- Good off-piste options in the right conditions
The Kitzsteinhorn delivers high-alpine terrain and snow-sureness, while the Schmittenhöhe offers long, rolling runs with fantastic views over the valley. Maiskogel serves as a gentler, family-friendly complement.
Atmosphere and village feel
Zell am See is one of Austria's most charming winter sports towns. It sits right on the lake, surrounded by mountains, with a lively centre featuring:
- restaurants
- cafés
- bars
- shops
- classic alpine hotels
The town feels genuine and lively, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Kaprun, a few minutes away, has a calmer, more traditional character and serves as a base for many who want to be close to the glacier.
Accommodation – wide-ranging and accessible
Zell am See / Kaprun offers a wide range of accommodation:
- central hotels near the lake
- spa hotels with views over the Hohe Tauern
- modern apartments
- family-friendly guesthouses
- affordable accommodation in Kaprun
Whether you want to stay in a lively alpine town or a quieter mountain village, there are options to suit.
Activities off the slopes
Zell am See / Kaprun offers one of the widest ranges of activities in Austria. Here you'll find:
- winter walks around the lake
- ice skating
- cross-country trails in both Zell and Kaprun
- spa and wellness
- an alpine viewing platform on the Kitzsteinhorn (Top of Salzburg)
- winter boat trips on the Zeller See
Families will also find play areas, luge runs and gentle slopes in both Kaprun and Zell.
Getting here
Zell am See / Kaprun is easy to reach from both Salzburg and Munich. Trains go directly to Zell am See station, and the roads are well maintained throughout winter. The transfer from Salzburg is especially quick and smooth.
Who Zell am See / Kaprun is for
Zell am See / Kaprun suits you if you want variety, scenic surroundings and easy access to both glacier and mountain. It's a destination for:
- families
- couples
- groups
- beginners
- advanced skiers who want snow-sure terrain
This is one of Austria's most versatile ski resorts and a perfect choice for travellers who appreciate both town life and high-alpine experiences.
Explore more ski guides
After Zell am See / Kaprun, we wrap up the the Austrian ski resorts in this section and move on to Italy, Switzerland and France – where even more iconic alpine destinations await.
More information
For piste maps, opening hours and lift information:
Zell am See and Kaprun's official website
