Zell am See Kaprun’s skiing is legendary – even by Austrian standards.
Winter sport is what living in Zell am See Kaprun is all about, for half the year anyway. The high density of ski resorts in the surrounding mountains is a bit of a giveaway, but there’s nothing like finding out for yourself! There’s no shortage of challenging terrain but all skiers and boarders, from beginners to high-end experts, will find plenty of to enjoy in the resorts and backcountry areas around the town.
Skiing starts early at the glacier ski resort Kitzsteinhorn just 15 minutes away
The ski season starts early in the fall, when the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski resort opens for early-season skiing and snowboarding. It’s an amazing time to ski. Down in the valley summer is only just fading, but up on the glacier you can enjoy winter’s first turns in perfect snow. The Kitzsteinhorn is well known for good training conditions throughout the winter. Beginners can enjoy the surrounding terrain as soon as new snow falls, and once the season is underway expert riders can explore the designated freeride routes nearby. In 2013 Kitzsteinhorn also introduced three designated ski-mountaineering routes – perfect for skiers to really earn their turns, hone their big-mountain climbing and skiing, and add some serious cardio training to their ski day.
Amazing views from the local hill, the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See

Beautiful winter scenery. The Schmittenhöhe in the front and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski resort in the back.
As soon as Christmas comes around, it’s time to hit the slopes on the Schmittenhoehe. Zell am See’s local mountain offers wide open runs to show off your carving skills, as well as some great sun-bathing decks to recharge your batteries.
If you like skiing in the sun, head straight to the Sonnenalm. The snow may not match the Schmittenhoehe, but there are plenty of perfect-groomed corduroy, top-to-bottom runs just waiting to be carved up. So top up your tan and enjoying great views of the Schmittenhoehe before hitting one of the cozy chalets for traditional Austrian food and some après-ski drinks.
Fun on the slopes for the entire family – “Familymountain Maiskogel” in Kaprun.
Just around the corner in Kaprun, the Maiskogel is a well-known summer destination for family fun. But the locals know to head there in winter too. With great snow conditions, well-groomed slopes and just a couple of chairlifts, it’s a little ‘secret spot’ in the area that’s well worth a visit. A handful of mountain chalets offer hearty food on the mountain, while nearby Kaprun is a well-known Apres Ski destination. And don’t worry if you want to enjoy a few drinks, there’s a free bus shuttle back to Zell am See.
Not enough? Have a look at THIS:
Salzburg Super Ski Card – One ticket: 25 ski resorts!!!
With the Salzburg Super Ski Card you get everything you want for your perfect skiing vacation, in one ticket. Obviously the Region Zell am See Kaprun has fantastic skiing to offer by itself, but there is more to explore in your vacation. Owners of the Salzburg Super Ski Card get a very special experience, including the entire state of Salzburg. Almost nobody knows, Zell am See is the perfect starting point for you exploration in 22 different ski resorts!!
Fancy a day skiing in a world-famous World Cup Ski Racing resort? – No problem, let’s head to the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel where you can explore the legendary “Streiff”…
Perfect snow conditions and you want to enjoy fresh powder above the tree line? – Head to Obertauern …
You want a freeride adventure facing big mountains and away from the crowds? Sportgastein is your place to be for the day…
Detailed information about the Salzburg Super Ski Card!
Haus Altenberger in Zell am See is the best location for your ski trip!
Haus Altenberger is placed in Zell am See and is the perfect start point to explore the surrounding areas. Zell am See has so much more to offer in the evenings and is much more than a regular “resort-village”.
Family Aigner is happy to assist you in planning your ski days and has a ton of local knowledge. Liselotte Aigner loves to ski herself and can recommend many good alpine huts to stop for a quick break during your ski day. If Christian is around he can give you great advice for ski training and might even have a couple of secret freeride spots for you!
Get in touch with us and we are happy to help you plan your vacation in Zell am See Kaprun!