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The ski area of Zell am See and Kaprun (Schmitten) has everything you need for a wonderful skiing holiday with the whole family. Beautiful pistes for beginners and advanced skiers, cosy après-ski facilities, beautiful views and delicious food. The child friendliness is also good. There are several children's countries with adventurous facilities for young winter sportsmen.
The Kitzsteinhorn glacier near Kaprun is high and therefore very snow sure. Even in autumn and spring you can explore the slopes here. And in Zell am See, the view from the pistes on Lake Zell is unforgettable. The ski area can be reached both by car and by plane. Or get on the night train in the Netherlands to Zell am See and arrive rested.
In Austria lies the ski area Schmittenhöhe, or Schmitten. This ski area is centred around the village of Zell am See. With the ski pass for Zell am See you also have access to the adjacent ski areas of Kaprun: the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the Maiskogel. The three ski areas are therefore seen together as one large ski area.
The ski resorts are not directly connected to each other. The ski bus takes you quickly between Zell am See and Kaprun. The ski area is mainly aimed at children, beginners and slightly advanced skiers. The Zell am See - Kaprun ski pass is subject to reduced fares in the low season. There are also special arrangements for families. Children up to about 5 years of age ski for free.
You can also choose the SuperSkipas which gives access to as many as 23 Austrian ski areas and 2396 kilometres of pistes. A good option if you're going to ski for more than a week. You can then, for example, take the car or ski bus to Saalbach-Hinterglemm or the Zillertal Arena for a day. The characteristics of the ski area near Zell am See and Kaprun are listed in the table below. In the table you will also find a link to the map of the Kaprun ski area and the map of the Zell am See ski area.
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Characteristics ski area near Zell am See and Kaprun |
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| Highest point Schmittenhöhe | 2000 meters |
| Highest point Kitzsteinhorn glacier Kaprun | 3029 metres |
| Lowest point | 757 metres |
| Total kilometres of pistes Schmittenhöhe | 77 (30 blue, 28 red, 19 black) |
| Pistekilometers Kitzsteinhorn (& Maiskogel) | 41 (13 blue, 22 red, 6 black) |
| Pistekilometers SuperSkipass | 2396 (1040 blue, 1117 red, 239 black) |
| Villages | Zell am See, Kaprun,
Schüttorf, Piesendorf, Fusch, Bruck, Maishofen |
| Snow security | Moderate - High |
| Après-ski possibilities | Good |
| Child-Friendliness | Very good |
| Oportunities for beginners | Very good |
| advanced options | Moderate |
| Extra possibilities ski pass | SuperSkipass |
| Post ski pass (6 days) in 2018 | € 260 |
| Post SuperSkipas (6 days) in 2018 | € 272 |
| Ski lesson costs (4 days x 4 hours) | € 150 - € 220 |
| Cost lunch on the slopes | € 5 - € 20 |
| Best travel period | December to March |
| Travel time from Salzburg airport | 1 hour and 30 minutes |
| Distance to Utrecht | Only 950 kilometres |
| Pistecards | Ski area Kaprun map |
The most famous villages in the ski area are Zell am See and Kaprun.Zell am See is centrally located in the ski area. From the village you can take several lifts up to the Schmittenhöhe ski area. The location between the mountains and the lake is beautiful. There are a number of valley runs to different parts of the village. Zell am See is quite large, authentic and has a car-free center. In the centre you will find all kinds of restaurants, shops, pubs and accommodations to spend the night.
Kaprun is the centre of the ski area near the Kitzsteinhorn and the Maiskogel. It is an authentic village of considerable size. The lifts are modern and fast. The glaciers I and II will take you to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in no time. Kaprun is home to many national ski and snowboard teams. The atmosphere is cozy and sporty. The village center has a lively atmosphere and there are several shops, restaurants, bars and accommodations.
Piesendorf, Bruck, Maishofen or Fusch are authentic and a lot quieter than the Kaprun and Zell am See. The accommodations are also often cheaper. In the table below are the characteristics of each village included.
| Village | Height (m) | Downhill | Lift | Snow | Price | Authentic village | Après-ski | Children | Achievable |
| Zell am See | 750 | + | + | +/- | +/- | + | ++ | ++ | +/- |
| Kaprun | 786 | + | + | +/- | + | + | ++ | + | +/- |
| Schüttdorf | 750 | + | + | +/- | +/- | + | +/- | + | +/- |
| Piesendorf | 785 | - | - | +/- | + | + | - | - | +/- |
| Fusch | 805 | - | - | +/- | + | + | - | - | +/- |
| Bruck | 757 | - | - | +/- | + | + | - | - | +/- |
| Maishofen | 768 | - | - | +/- | + | + | - | - | +/- |
The ski resorts at Zell am See and Kaprun have a lot to offer for winter sports enthusiasts. The pistes are varied and you can descend from various mountain peaks. Ski or snowboard in the high mountains on the glacier near Kaprun. Or make a beautiful section between the trees to Zell am See. The ski area is particularly suitable for beginners. This applies to the Schmittenhöhe, the Maiskogel as well as the Kitzsteinhorn glacier near Kaprun. There are many blue slopes and easy red runs. In addition, the area is compact and well organized. You won't get stuck anywhere easily because the slopes are too steep.
For advanced skiers, the possibilities in the ski areas of Zell am See and Kaprun are a little less. You will find a number of beautiful red and black runs, but there is not much challenge. The black valley runs from the Schmittenhöhe to Zell am See are quite tough. And on the red slope that ends at the TrassXpress in Zell am See you can make good speed.
The Trass-abfahrt is a nice slope for advanced skiers
On the Kitzsteinhorn near Kaprun you'll find some challenging red and black slopes. There are racing teams that practice here regularly. Sometimes the race tracks are closed for that reason. In addition to those few red and black runs, there is not so much challenge for advanced skiers to find in the ski area. In Kaprun there are some great off-piste possibilities. Langwied, for example, is a popular slope for freeriders. Around Zell am See the off-piste options are limited. Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can go to one of the snowparks.
Flat stretches can hardly be found in the ski resorts of Zell am See and Kaprun. This also has to do with the fact that tours are not really possible and therefore the area has few connecting paths. The ski area is too small and compact for tours. In addition, the sub-areas of Zell am See and Kaprun are not directly connected to each other. The surroundings near Zell am See and Kaprun are ideal for winter activities other than skiing or snowboarding. For example, you can go hiking, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. Just like paragliding or ice skating on Lake Zell am See when it's good cold. A day of swimming or relaxing is also possible, for example at the Tauern Spa.
Zell am See has a lot of blue slopes and the area is quite small and clear. Throughout the area you will find several beautiful children's areas with facilities for the little ones. The lifts are modern and safe. There is a wide range of ski schools throughout the Zell am See ski area. In the ski area the children meet Schmidolin the holiday dragon. On the Glocknerwiese there is an adventurous dragon park with slalom trails, gates and fun obstacles for children. Above the mountain station Areitbahn I you will find the dragon tunnel. This is a covered conveyor belt with next to it a track with obstacles and fun figures.
Ouder children can explore the slopes around Zell am See without getting lost. In short, Zell am See is a great ski area for winter sports with children. Children between 4 and 12 years old can join the Schmidolin-fanclub free of charge.
In Kaprun you can go to the Lechnerberg with children. Here you will find a very beautiful children's land with practice slopes and other children's facilities. And of course there are also several ski schools, such as Hartwegers Ski und Snowboard Schule. It is often busy on the glacier and because of the high altitude it can be quite cold. The Maiskogel is a good alternative.
Ski lessons for children in Kaprun at Hartwegers Ski und Snowboard Schule
The villages of Fusch, Piesendorf, Bruck and Maishofen are not directly connected to the ski area. So with children you always have to take the car or ski bus from here to the ski area of Zell am See or Kaprun.
The skiing area of Zell am See is quite low. Due to the openness of the valley there is not always much snowfall. In the winter months, however, there is almost always enough snow on the slopes. Snow cannons lend a helping hand. January and February are the snowiest months. The village of Zell am See is not very high and here you will not always find a white blanket of snow in the winter months.
The Kitzsteinhorn near Kaprun is a glacier 3000 meters high. There is snow here all year round. In autumn, winter and spring you can ski or snowboard on the glacier. In the summer sledding on the slopes is fun. The village of Kaprun is quite low and is less snow than the slopes.
On the Kitzsteinhorn glacier you can enjoy the snow all year round
In terms of après-ski, there is plenty to do in Zell am See. It starts in the afternoon on the mountain and continues into the night in various tents. The après-ski in Zell am See is extensive and versatile. You can go to a large number of restaurants, cafes and discotheques. A popular après-ski opportunity is Hans Schnaps on the Schmittenhöhe above Zell am See. In addition, there are several schirm bars on the slopes where it is nice and loose when the weather is nice. The Crazy Daisy and the Pinzgauer Diele discotheques are true attractions for exuberant après-ski lovers.
Also Kaprun has lively après-ski. You'll find bars on the slopes and in the village. Nightlife is also excellent in Kaprun. Famous après-ski spots in Kaprun include Pavillon in the village and Zur Lederhos'n at the bottom of the lift. Or dive into the Baumbar after dinner. Schüttdorf is the après-ski a bit less exuberant than Zell am See. You can have a drink here and enjoy some music. In the afternoon as well as in the evening. The Schirmbar and Dorfschenke is a great place to stay after skiing or boarding. Just like the lounge bar in the Salomonstation.
Do you like to rest? In the villages of Piesendorf, Fusch, Bruck and Maishofen there is little to do in terms of après-ski.
First time for everything. And that also applies to winter sports. If you want to learn to ski or snowboard well, it's wise to take lessons. In the ski area of Zell am and Kaprun you will find several ski schools where you can book group lessons and private lessons. This can be done on the spot, but often also from the Netherlands before departure.
The rates vary per ski school and per type of lesson. For a private lesson you quickly lose 250 euros for 4 hours. For a group lesson you have to count on an amount between 150 and 220 euro for 4 days of lessons of 4 hours. You're cheaper if you choose for 2 lessons per day. This is a good option if you already have some experience and want to learn the technique just a little bit better. The lesson prices for adults and children are similar.
The ski area at Zell am See is not very large. Yet there are many cosy mountain huts where you can have lunch at lunchtime. From small and traditional to large and modern. On the Kitzsteinhorn glacier near Kaprun you will find a lot less restaurants. You soon find yourself in the gigantic Alpincenter. Because of the size of the restaurant there is a lot of choice in dishes.
Enjoy a delicious Austrian dish like Tyrolean gröstl or Kaiserschmarren. And other dishes can of course also be ordered. From a fresh salad to a large plate of fries with a Wienerschnitzel. The price-quality ratio in the restaurants on the slopes is excellent. For a lunch you spend on average between 5 and 20 euros per person.
In the ski resorts of Zell am See and Kaprun you will find various accommodations. Each accommodation has its own price tag. For example, spend the night in a large apartment or beautiful chalet in Zell am See or go for a luxury hotel in Kaprun. The prices in the ski area are normal for Austrian standards. This applies to accommodation, food and drink, shops and the ski pass for Zell am See & Kaprun.
Zell am See is the most expensive village in the ski area. You will be in a central and attractive place. Kaprun is also a bit more expensive than the rest of the villages. This has to do with the central location and the great snow security. Schüttdorf, Piesendorf, Fusch, Bruck and Maishofen are a lot cheaper. In Schüttdorf you are less central in the ski area and the village is quite quieter than Kaprun and Zell am See. Piesendorf, Bruck and Maishofen are also quiet and have no lift connection to the ski area. Hence the cheaper prices. If the lift connection in Piesendorf is a fact, this village is expected to quickly become more expensive and busier.
The ski area at Zell am See and Kaprun can be very busy. Especially in holiday periods. In spite of the modern lifts, queues can arise. Especially at the lifts from the valley. Tip: go early on the slopes.
To get to this ski area, take the motorway to Oberaudorf. From there you still have a long way to go on an inside road. On the way you pass a number of ski resorts. The route has no steep climbs or hairpin bends. During changeover days it can be busy. Especially during holiday periods and heavy snowfall.
In winter conditions, winter tyres are compulsory in Germany and Austria. And it's also quite safe. Also make sure there is a set of snow chains in the trunk. You'll need them if a lot of snow has fallen. And don't forget to buy a vignette for the motorway. This can be done on the road at a gas station or in advance for example at the ANWB. You can also travel to Zell am See or Kaprun by train. The night train, for example, is an excellent option. Take a look at the site of train travel shop for the possibilities. It is also possible to book a train journey to Zell am See via NS International. Zell am See has its own train station.
With the plane you can best choose the airport of Salzburg. With an hour and 30 minutes you can take a taxi to Zell am See. You can also take the train from the airport.
The ski area near Zell am See and Kaprun is one of the most popular winter sports areas in Salzburgerland. The area is a dream destination for families with children as well as for beginners and slightly advanced skiers. Well groomed slopes, a snow guaranteed glacier, cozy après-ski, delicious food, beautiful views and adventurous children's countries. You will find it all at Zell am See and Kaprun.
