Ski holidays to Zell am See

Ski ALPIN CARD: 1 lift pass, 3 ski areas, 408 km of slopes

From the family-friendly slopes of Schmittenhöhe to the wilder skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn Skicircus – your options are endless with the SKI ALPIN CARD.

There are around 100 different restaurants throughout the area. There are tennis courts, bowling alleys, toboggan runs, the Kitzsteinhorn toboggan run, hiking areas, ski touring, ice skating and much more.

The après-ski is best in Saalbach, but certainly also approved in Zell am See. There are several bars and discos. If you like blackjack, one-armed thieves etc. There is also the Zell am See Casino, which is beautifully situated next to Lake Zell.

Beginners in Zell am See

If you’re a beginner or looking to freshen up your skiing after a break of many years, you can start in the beginner areas at the foot of the AreitXpress and Schmittenhöhe gondolas. Both areas are wide and quiet, and this is also where the ski schools start their day. The blue runs above the Areitalm mountain station are the best choice, you’ll have plenty of space to practice your turns and technique while enjoying great views of the lake – so remember to keep your eyes on the piste.

Easily experienced in Zell am See

The Schmittenhöhe mountain above Zell am See has excellent easy cruising terrain, with a mix of tree-filled runs and wide, open slopes near the peaks. The red runs below the Sonnkogel lift are good slopes. The Kitzsteinhorn is a ski bus ride away, but is definitely worth it for some high-speed carving on the best snow in the whole area. With a lift connection to the nearby Skicircus area, for those who are reasonably proficient all over the mountain on skis or snowboard, the area is great. Alternatively, if there hasn’t been snow for a long time, we recommend taking the ZellamseeXpress lift down and from there you can take the lift up into the Skicircus area or you can take the bus to Saalbach and Hinterglemm. But if you take the lift down and the bus to Hinterglemm for the blue slopes, you will have quickly used an hour of the day – just for info.

Experts in Zell am See

Experienced skiers can test themselves with a number of challenging runs at Schmittenhöhe, which boasts 3 black runs through the trees, some great runs under chairlifts and some fantastic powder skiing when conditions are good, but get up really early on powder days. Saalbach is also worth a visit for experienced skiers, as is the Black Mamba piste on the Kitzsteinhorn which slopes up to 63%.

Glacier skiing – Kitzsteinhorn

Take the bus to nearby Kaprun to check out the fun altitudes offered by the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier. The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier has one of the longest ski seasons in Austria, starting in October. Here you’ll find 61 kilometers of slopes with all levels of difficulty and top snow quality. The Kitzsteinhorn ski resort has five freeride lines and five snow parks, including a superpipe.

The ski area has good variety from gentle blues to steep blacks. Freestylers will love the half pipes, jumps and rails found in the Gletscher Terrain park. If you just want to enjoy the view with a coffee, head to the Gipfelwelt 3000 top station – there may be a queue to get to the top as there is only a small drag lift to get into.

Off-piste

Head up to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier for amazing off-piste terrain at over 3,029m. You can ski down through the finest powder snow when the conditions are right. If you’re new to off-piste, there are some marked tracks, and five of them within a short distance of ski lifts, meaning you’re never that far from the piste. Kaprun even has its own freeride center, check out the conditions or download their app. Or head over to Ski Circus for top-notch off-piste areas in Saalbach and Hinterglemm – ideal for powder hounds who want to get further away from the slopes. Saalbach, Fieberbrunn hosts the Freeride World Tour for a reason.

Funslopes – Challenges, fun and training

In Zell am See-Kaprun you’ll find several fun slopes that provide a great variation to the normal slopes. The Funslope XXL on Schmittenhöhe is even one of the longest fun slopes in the world.

Schmittenhöhe: Funslope XXL

Remember the winding forest trails from your childhood, zigzagging through the trees and trying small jumps on your bike, skateboard, roller skates or scooter. Funslope XXL at Schmittenhöhe is designed to recreate that feeling. Here you fully trust your natural instincts and navigate through natural terrain and shaped obstacles. The Funslope starts at 1,765 meters altitude at the upper part of the Hochmaisbahn, followed by 1.3 kilometers of obstacles: giant hands to clap, giant spirals to ignore, small jumps, tunnels and more. And finally, there’s Speedboost. Funslope is for those with a little experience, you don’t have to be the king of the slopes to do it.

Kitzsteinhorn: Funslope Eagle Line

Of course, the Kitzsteinhorn offers us a funslope. Eagle Line is a fun slope with fun turns, jumps and other obstacles. Just like Funslope XXL, this kilometer-long slope is made for all ages, beginners and pros: while beginners can slowly get used to the waves and slightly differently shaped turns, experts can whiz through the curves and hit the jumps.

Maiskogel: Maisi Park

Family mountain Maiskogel also has a great fun slope: Maisi Park has a line for snowboarders and a fun area with light fun elements. Here’s a more children’s experience, with lots of animal figures made especially for kids: they whiz down the park, over waves between the pine trees – super cozy family ride.

Airports near Zell am See-Kaprun

Salzburg is the closest airport, with a drive that takes around an hour and a half. This trip is served by regular buses if you want to save on transportation. Innsbruck is the next best choice – about a two-hour drive or three hours by train/bus.

• Salzburg Airport: 1.5 hours (drive, bus or train)
• Innsbruck Airport: 2 hours (drive) or 2.5 hours (train)
• Munich Airport: 2.5 hours (drive) or 3 hours (train)

Aprés-ski in Zell am See

Zell am See has great nightlife in the form of traditional cafés, bars and nightclubs. Of course, there’s also Saalbach for those who can’t get enough, here you just have to be ready for a taxi bill, but it’s not super expensive if you’re 8 people, for example.

Frenkie’s Sportsbar

Frenkie’s, an iconic sports bar in the city, hosts weekly quizzes and shows all major sporting events on TV – don’t panic about where to watch the football. It’s a cozy memory place where the focus is on fun and relaxation.

Crazy Daisy Villa

Villa Crazy Daisy is for those who want to party to live music, guest DJs and hang out on the rooftop terrace with heaters and blankets with good friends. You’ll have a great view of the lake, and of course all the beer you can handle. Villa Crazy Daisy is an ideal place for those looking for a wilder nightlife in Zell am See.

GinHouse

If gin is your thing, head to GinHouse which has over 450 different types of gin, which of course means you can try delicious gin cocktails. There’s also an outdoor lounge where you can enjoy the more adult atmosphere with relaxed music. GinHouse represents Zell am See’s commitment to offering quality drinks in a unique atmosphere.

Restaurants in Zell am See

Zell am See is home to more than 30 different restaurants offering a wealth of options – everything from Austrian, French, Italian and Asian. Traditional Austrian dishes are everywhere, but there’s always something new to try when you fancy a change. When you’re on ski holidays in Austria, make sure you make your way around the various mountain huts, which are restaurants.

Copper kettle

Kupferkessel is a charming place located in an old gas station. This restaurant is popular for their fairly priced pizza, pasta, fish and roasts. Whether you want a traditional pizza or their exclusive seafood selection, Kupferkessel is the place to go.

Salzburger Stuben, Salzburgerhof Hotel

Salzburger Stuben, located in the Salzburgerhof Hotel, has more than earned two Gault & Millau toques. Here, the dishes come out as gourmet experiences, with ingredients such as wild garlic soup, fillet of beef with marrow crust, and wood clover sorbet.

The Burger Factory

To experience the best burgers in town, visit The Burger Factory. Here, all burgers are made from scratch – with quality beef, lamb, chicken and game, promising a juicy and delicious dinner.

Crazy Daisy Villa

Villa Crazy Daisy is a modern and lively restaurant with a large menu. The menu includes everything from steak, pizza, ribs, rice and delicious nougat dumplings (nougat dumplings with pumpkin seed butter). It serves both local and international dishes with an innovative twist.

Zell am See hotels in Zell am See

In Zell am See there is a wealth of great hotels, cozy ski chalets/houses and a sea of apartments waiting for you. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best hotels that highlight Austrian hospitality.

Alpin – The sports hotel B&B

This idyllic hotel, nestled at the base of the snowy mountains, is a paradise for skiers and winter sports enthusiasts. Alpin – Das Sporthotel B&B is right next to the slopes and the cityXpress gondola, just a short 3-minute walk from the center of Zell am See and 7 minutes from Lake Zell am See.

The hotel is known for its authentic Austrian charm, warm hospitality and first-class accommodation. It is the perfect base from which to experience all that Zell am See has to offer.

Superior Hotel Tirolerhof – Zell am See

The 4-star Superior Hotel Tirolerhof is known for luxury and comfort in Zell am See. Located in the heart of the city at the base of the Schmittenhöhe mountain and just a few steps from Lake Zell, this hotel is the perfect choice for those seeking a mix of coziness and relaxation.

This hotel features free Wi-Fi throughout, a gourmet restaurant, a luxurious spa and wellness center, and much more. With its friendly staff and cozy rooms equipped with state-of-the-art decor, it’s no surprise that the Superior Hotel Tirolerhof is a great choice for many visitors.

Salzburgerhof Wellness-, Golf- and Genießerhotel

Salzburgerhof Wellness-, Golf- and Genießerhotel is a five-star luxury hotel in Zell am See. This family-run spa, golf and ski hotel offers unique vacation experiences in a beautiful location in Zell am See.

It is equipped with a range of luxurious facilities including a 5-star spa and wellness center, an award-winning restaurant, a first-class golf course, and much more. Whether you’re a keen skier, golfer, a spa enthusiast, or a sucker for good food, the Salzburgerhof Wellness, Golf and Genießerhotel is the perfect place to treat yourself.

Take a look at the following articles if you are going to or are in Zell am See:

• Zell am See hotels in Zell am See
• Restaurants in Zell am See
• Après-ski places in Zell am See
• Ski rental in Zell am See
• Things to do in Zell am See
• Webcams from Zell am See

Ski Alpin Card, provides the framework for Fieberbrunn, Hinterglemm, Kaprun, Kitzsteinhorn, Leogang, Saalbach and Zell am See.