An enchanting lakeside setting, glacier skiing and a combined ski area of 408km make Zell am See-Kaprun utterly irresistible as a holiday destination.
What's more, it has one of the longest ski seasons in Austria, starting in October and not finishing until early summer.
How to get around
Not only can you easily get to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier at Kaprun via Maiskogel, but you can also take advantage of the K-onnection cable car that whizzes you from the Glemmtal Valley to the family mountain of Schmittenhöhe.
The Ski Alpin Card is your ticket to ride some of the most scenic slopes in Austria. In keeping with Zell am See-Kaprun’s sustainability pledge, you can hop on environmentally friendly cable cars and even take the train from Salzburg Airport directly to the resort.
Early birds, take note: you can beat everyone else to the pistes by joining the selective few during Ski ’n’ Brunch. Start your day by making first tracks before rewarding yourself with a hearty brunch of Austrian dishes.
Also, if you’ve always wanted to try freeriding, join the workshop that takes place every Monday.
Great outdoors
Zell am See-Kaprun has been creating a buzz among fans of ski touring, particularly the Ronachkopf mountain in Thumersbach. It’s exclusively set aside for ski tourers and snowshoe hikers, so if you want to give it a go, hire a professional guide to lead the way.
Families are in for a treat on Schmittenhöhe mountain, pictured above, where the XXL fun slope is one of the longest in the world.
There’s more excitement in store for eager young skiers and snowboarders in Maisi Park in Maiskogel and the Eagle Line in Kitzsteinhorn.
When evening comes, don’t let the skiing stop: Schmittenhöhe has floodlit night skiing that features gorgeous night-time views of Zell am See.
Slow down the pace with a morning session of yoga before taking a slow amble around the pretty streets of Zell am See. After a day’s skiing, head to the Zell am See Leisure Centre and unwind in the indoor pool and spa.
Food and drink
When you’re ready to get back on the slopes, you’ll have a superb choice of places to stop for a leisurely lunch.
You could, for instance, take in the heavenly views from Gipfel Restaurant, which, at 3,029m, is the highest restaurant in SalzburgerLand.
Pinzgauer Hütte in Schmittenhöhe is at the end of an 800m piste – but getting back is a doddle when you’re riding the restaurant’s motor-driven sledge. The mountain also offers some of the most glorious views in Zell am See.
To find out more about Austria's SalzburgerLand, visit austria.info and zellamsee-kaprun.com
