Nestled on the shores of the Zeller See and dominated by stunning peaks, Zell am See and its neighbouring resort of Kaprun offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Salzburgerland. Not to mention some of the most varied skiing options, with a season lasting ten months of the year. Whether you’re an expert skier or on holiday with young children, whether you want to party at night or have a relaxing time — Zell am See has what you need.
Winter sports in Zell am See
The town is surrounded by three mountains, the Schmittenhöhe, the Kitzsteinhorn and the Maiskogel, which between them offer everything from freestyle slopes to child-friendly pistes. The Kitzsteinhorn has the most challenging slopes to suit the experts, while the Maiskogel is more suitable as a place to take the kids. The Schmittenhöhe has a full range, from expert to easy.
Each of the mountains has a snow park. The Snowpark Kitzsteinhorn, at 2900 metres, includes Austria’s biggest superpipe, 160 metres long and 6 metres high, while the Schmittenhöhe boasts the world’s longest Funslope, packed full of obstacles. The MPark on the Maiskogel mainly caters for children to have fun, but it includes areas to challenge advanced skiers, too.
There’s a ski shuttle to take you to whichever mountain you want, which is free with a ski pass, and the area has many ski schools, if you feel the need to improve your skills.
Après-ski
The night-life of a ski resort is important too, of course. Pubs and bars both down in the town and on the slopes offer drinks, live music and a party atmosphere. These include the Schnapps Hans Alm-Bar, the biggest après-ski in the Alps, but there are many other choices to suit every taste.
Or maybe that isn’t your thing. If you’re more interested in a romantic evening — or just a quiet one — than partying until you drop, there are plenty of Gasthofs and mountain huts that offer local specialities like Kasnocken and Gluhwein while you can look down at the lights in the valley or across the lake.
And, if you’re looking for something completely different, there’s always the Ice Camp Kitzsteinhorn, an igloo complex high on the mountain that offers an Ice Bar and Ice Lounges for social events.
Salzburgerland
In the unlikely event that you can tear yourself away from the slopes for a day, there’s still plenty to do in the area, ranging from the museum of vintage cars in Kaprun to the sights of Salzburg itself — whether you’re more a fan of Mozart or of The Sound of Music.
Whatever you’re looking for in a winter holiday, Zell am See has everything you could want.
