With world-class touring and freeride terrain at your doorstep, skiing off piste in Zell am See Kaprun is a freeskier’s dream.

While some of us love to be on the famous slopes in and around Zell am See Kaprun, riders looking for a more adventurous skiing experience are increasingly heading into the backcountry and ‘hunting’ for untracked powder snow. The region’s free-ride terrain is not yet well known in international circles, but we can guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for in the backcountry here – from big-mountain lines and deep, dry powder, to magic ridgeline touring routes.

Freeriding and backcountry riding around Mecca Kitzsteinhorn

Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski resort offers five specially marked freeride descents, known as Freeride XXL, which allow you to explore sidecountry lines while still enjoying chairlift support. Watch out it’s an addictive formula!

Alpine Safety is paramount in the backcountry. Kitzsteinhorn takes this seriously and has created a Freeride Info Base, Info Points and an avalanche-search-field where you can practice beacon-search and other emergency skills. Always remember any person who leaves the official ski runs needs to carry avalanche safety equipment, ride with a partner and should be aware of the current avalanche forecast.

If you need the daily avalanche forecast, just ask our staff and we’ll be happy to print a copy for you in the morning.

Touring and untouched powder in Hohe Tauern National Park

Kitzsteinhorn’s freeride arena is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to fresh powder and terrain around Zell am See Kaprun. A big chunk of that iceberg lies nearby in Hohe Tauern National Park’s sprawling, big-mountain terrain. Many of the park’s mountains offer great ski-touring and freeride options. Route and safety information is available from the Nation Park Office.

So Grab your touring equipment and explore the ski-touring terrain in Zell am See Kaprun. When the snow conditions are right you can even explore the ‘grass mountains’ in the area. And if you don’t want to hike everything yourself, you can take advantage of the great side country terrain in Saalbach Hinterglemm or Maria Alm.

‘Go big or go home’ – but make sure you go home in one piece. If you are aiming for the famous big mountains, you need to come in good physical condition! Reaching the summit of famous mountains in the Hohe Tauern requires knowledge, equipment and preparation. An early start in the spring time is a must and there are a lot of different options, depending on conditions and experience. Many climbers come to tackle the Stubacher and Rauriser Sonnblick, Hocharn or the even-higher Grossvenediger. You can also hike up the Grossglockner, Austrians highest peak, on skis. Be careful, but don’t be shy. We have a good network of ski and mountain guides who we’re happy to put you in contact with, to ensure your visit is as safe as it is exciting.

And after an exhausting day, come back to Haus Altenberger, relax on your balcony and reflect off the perfect turns you just had!

For more information on skiing around Zell am See, guide details, or accommodation bookings, please get in touch.