Snowshoeing and winter hiking are a great way to explore Zell am See and enjoy the mountains from a different perspective

Winter hiking, with or without snow shoes, is a glorious thing. Without the equipment concerns and pressures of alpine sports, you can really enjoy just being in the mountains. There are winter hiking trails of varying difficulty throughout the region for you to explore. You can hike around the Lake Zell in regular winter shoes. Or gear up and head up the Schmittenhoehe for a winter hike and a real alpine experience. Put snow shoes on and take one of the free guided tours – breathtaking panoramas included.

Enjoy the high-elevated cross country slope on the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier

Cross country skiers will find excellent cross-country trails in the basin around Schüttdorf / Zell am See and Maishofen. Set your own pace and choose the track that fits your ability. Without the stress of lining up for the chairlifts you’ll have time to take in the spectacular mountain scenery. The night skiing slopes in Schüttdorf and in Kaprun next to the castle also offer different, and very picturesque, views of the area. Even if there’s not great snow coverage, there’s a track at the Schmittenhoehe mid-station that allows keen cross-country skiers access or you head up to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier’s year-round snowfield.

Amazing views…

If your idea of fun involves going downhill really fast, you should try tobogganing. There are several different tracks in the area, and for a real kick you can even do it at night. The Kohlschnait Rodelbahn in Bruck or the Biberg Rodelbahn in Saalfelden are the best spots for an evening slide, with chalets dinner options before you head downhill.
As winter temperatures drop, Lake Zell starts to freeze over. Once the ice thickens it transforms into one of the world’s best natural skating rinks. After a few laps on the ice, with views of the mountains and the town of Zell am See, you’ll understand why it’s such a popular winter pastime.
If you ski, skate or simply want to build a snow-man, Zell am See Kaprun is the spot for your next winter vacation. With something to suit everyone from families to big-mountain freeskiers, it’s the ideal place to enjoy the Austrian Alps in winter – and Haus Altenberger has the best accommodation in town.