Winter in Zell am See-Kaprun
Memorable Winter holidays in Zell am See-Kaprun
Experience the wonder of a magical winter Zell am See-Kaprun. Zell am See-Kaprun’s pristine landscape is covered in soft snow and you feel like you have been transported to a Winter Wonderland. Zell am See’s charming Altstadt (Old Town) and the Kaprun village centre has embraced the wintery weather, the cobblestone laneways are dusted with snow and the cafes and restaurants invite you into their cosy interiors. The countryside is blanketed in deep snow, icicles dance on the trees and the mountain slopes are glistening in the sunlight. The sky is a bit brighter, the snow a bit crisper -welcome to winter in Zell am See-Kaprun
Guarantee Snow at the Kaprun Ski Resort Kitzsteinhorn
The alpine village of Kaprun is nestled in the valley of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier with direct access to three world renown ski resorts boasting 138 kilometers of slopes.
The world-class Kaprun Ski Resort Kitzsteinhorn Glacier resort is legendary – you’ll be rewarded with some of the highest pistes in Salzburgerland. The Glacier with 41 km of slopes has guaranteed snow from October to May.
Even if you are a beginner - there are 13 km of wide easy slopes that meander down from the glacier to the Alpinecenter. Intermediate skiers will be challenged with over 22 km of slopes. But, where Kitzsteinhorn is in a class by itself is as a paradise for expert skiers.
The narrow "Black Mamba" piste winds its way down with a gradient of 63%, the steepest piste in the glacier resort. For powder snow enthusiasts, there are 5 signposted freeride routes for XXL backcountry skiing – sure to thrill the experts.
Free ski and boarders can hang out on the kickers, rails and boxes in the Glacier Park while the Easy Park and Central Park offer fun for beginners, experts and pros. Or perhaps, perfect your moves on the mighty 6-metre-high superpipe that attracts international athletes to the Kitzsteinhorn.
Once you have experience winter at the Kaprun ski resort Kitzsteinhorn - you'll be back again.
Dream Ski Holidays in Zell am See
The world renown ski resort of Zell am See is a skier's paradise with ideal snow conditions from December to April. The Schmittenhöhe Resort rises from the lakeside village of Zell am See. The summit slopes are easily reached from the gondolas that depart from the village centre and from Shüttdorf. The only sound that disturbs the tranquillity is the swish of your skis carving into the snow.
The resort has 77 km of pistes - 5 runs which lead directly down into the valley. The slopes cater for all abilities: 15 Blue runs (30 km); 17 Red Runs (28 km) and 3 Black Runs (19 km).
The 1.3 km Funslope XXL will challenge you with snails, tunnels, waves and steep curves. Boarders are also accommodated with the 12 obstacles in the snow park. For experienced skiers, enjoy the thrill of the
4.1 km Trassabfahrt as you race downhill with gradients up to 70% on one of the longest black pistes in Salzburger Land.
When the sun sets normally it’s time to head home. But, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday (18.30 to 21.30) the freshly prepared Nightslope at the Ebenbergbahn lift is ready for night skiing. You carve down the slopes under the twinkling stars to the view of the romantically lit village below.
No skis- no problem. There are several ski and rental shops – both within the village and three on the mountain (Areit Valley Station, Areit Mountain Station, Schmittenhöhe Valley Station) to fit you out.
Ski touring Adventures
Not content to riding up to the summit in a comfortable gondola before hurling yourself down a mountain? Then ski-touring is for you! Hike up and ski down. The wider shorter skies with skins attached provide traction on the walk up. When you reach the top, lock down the heels and ski down.
If you enjoy ski-touring, you could not ask for better. As soon as the first snow falls, you’ll be able to join ski touring athletes on the high-altitude training ground on the Kitzsteinhon. The two signposted ski touring routes "Eisbrecher" (Icebreaker) and "Schneekönigin" (Snow Queen) start at the Langwiedboden station.
The Ronachkopfe at Thumerbach is a favourite place to start- not too steep for the climb up and the Enzianhütte provides a cosy rest stop before your descent. For a steeper climb,
the Schmittenhöhe ski tour starts at the Areit valley station for the 6 km trail.
Premier Cross Country Skiing
Cross country skiers will be spoiled for choice in Kaprun. Only the sounds of the skis scraping against the snow crystals is heard as you escape from the crowds.
There are over 36 km of groomed trails in Kaprun including the: Golfplatztrail, Taurenspa trail Schloß trail and trails that lead in to Piesendorf and Niedernsill. When the sun sets, night owls can continue on the lit Nacht trail under the starry sky until 10 pm.
And if that’s not enough, the Gletscherloipe on Kitzsteinhorn provides high altitude training on the glacier plateau at 2,900 m.
Located at the start of Taurenspa trail Schloß train (next to Fire Station) you will find the Langlauf-Sportschule where you can organise lessons and cross country ski rentals.
Off-piste activities in Zell am See-Kaprun
When you want to give your legs a break, there are plenty of non-skiing activities available in Zell am See-Kaprun. Start with exploring the spectacular landscapes on a guided walk -away from any hustle and bustle. With over 40 km of groomed trails to enjoy hiking, walking or snowshoeing in the picturesque mountain landscape. When the lake is frozen, grab some skates and glide across to Thumersbach.
Discover the exhilarating thrill of zooming down the hill into the valley on a toboggan. At Berggasthof Kohlschnait, in Bruck at the Glocknerstraße, ascend to the summit by tractor before you glide down the illuminated toboggan run. Or looking to feel the wind in your hair? Fasten your seatbelt and feel the adrenaline rush as you safely speed down the Maiskogel on the Maisiflitzer alpine coaster.
If a calmer mode of transport is your ideal- curl up under a warm blanket as you enjoy an unforgettable trip around Lake Zell in a horse-drawn sleigh.
For the price of a gondola ticket, ascend to the summit of Schmittenhöhe to sample one of the many delicious Pinzgauer specialities. There are over 14 Alms and mountain Gasthäuser on Schmitten that will entice you to linger on sunny terraces while enveloped in the refreshing mountain air with panorama vistas.
Or take a gondola to the summit of either the Maiskogel or Kitzsteinhorn and be rewarded with stunning winter panoramas. Both mountains offer excellent restaurants, huts and apres ski bars to enjoy a local delicacy in the crisp alpine air. On the glacier, the Audi quattro ICE CAMP is a great place to meet friends, admire the world of ice and snow or cozy up with a warm Glüwein in an igloo.
Traditional Alpine Christmas Celebrations
If you are lucky to be visiting Zell am See-Kaprun in December, you’ll be whisked away to an enchanted scene straight out of a Victorian Christmas card. The villages are dressed in its finest wintery white blanket, windows are frosted, candlelight’s twinkle and the aromas of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread waft through the air. The start of Advent heralds the beginning of the Christmas season- the way it’s meant to be.
From the end of November until Christmas Eve (Thursday to Sundays) transport yourself back in time with a reminiscent stroll through the Magical Christmas Market in Zell am See. A village of small wooden huts sell everything from wooden toys, candles to homemade decorations. Warm yourself with a mug of Glühwein (spiced mulled wine) while you snack on roasted chestnuts (maroni). The 12th century Burg Kaprun (Kaprun castle) comes alive with the Christmas market. Artisan crafts, roasted chestnuts, thick goulash, warm Glüwein and restorative schnapps can all be found within the thick fortress walls.
You would be surprised to find out that not all Austrian Christmas traditions are gingerbread and sugar-coated treats. On December 5th, the eve before the Feast of St.Nicholas, Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) takes place. A half-goat, half-demon, hairy devil appears on the streets of local villages. His arrival is marked by the ringing of bells and exploding fireworks. Along the streets, Krampus is seen carrying a bundle of birch sticks to punish naughty children. But don’t worry, if you’ve been good you’ll be rewarded with small presents from Saint Nicolas.
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