The ski resort on the lake.
In the west of the Salzburg region of Austria, you can find one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Europe, Zell am See
In this article, you will find everything you need to know before planning a vacation in Zell am See. In addition, you’ll get some great tips to help you make better decisions, save time and, most importantly, money!
How to get to Zell am See?
The closest airports to Zell Am See are Salzburg, with a transfer time of 1 hour and 11 minutes; Innsbruck, with a transfer time of 2 hours and 9 minutes and Munich, with a transfer time of 2 hours and 28 minutes.
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From Munich airport, you can take a train to Zell am See.
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Schmittenhohe ski area
Zell am See ski area is spread on the Schmittenhohe mountain, peaking at 2 km and comprised of 77 km of connected ski runs. 30km of blue runs, 28 km of red runs and 19 km of Black runs. Although it is not big, you have an amazing view of the lake from most of the slopes.
The new Alpin card ski-pass
Since the 2019/20 season, the union the Ski Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See, and Kitzsteinhorn Kaprun to one Alpin card skipass.
The Alpin card ski pass enlarged the total km of the skipass from what used to be 138km to 408km and from 49 total ski lifts to 121 total lifts!
Six-day skipass prices for the 21/22 season costs 302€ for adults, 226.50€ for youth, and 151e for a child.
You can begin to ski from 3 pm the day before the validity of the skipass, so better use it to check your rental equipment and make some runs to get the rust off!
The new Zell am See – Ski Circus connection
Since winter 2019/20, the Schmittenhöhe has been one step closer to a connection with the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Apart from the three access points in Zell am See, there is also a new lower terminus in the Glemmtal Valley since December 2019. With the completion of the lower section of the zellamseeXpress, you can now ski down to Viehhofen in the Glemmtal Valley. A ski bus service takes you to the Skicircus within a few minutes!
On your way back, take the comfortable blue natural snow piste 168 from the Grober Asitz Peak back to Viehhofen, and ride the new 10-person gondola back to Schmittenhöhe Peak.
The new Maiskogel- Kitzsteinhorn connection
Ten minutes ski bus ride south from Zell am see centre, you’ll arrive in Kaprun. Upgraded Kaprun.
The Maiskogel family mountain has been offering the highest comfort level with the MK Maiskogelbahn, a new 10-person gondola lift circulating on one cable, already since December 2018.
The top-modern 3K KONNECTION, the first three-cable circulating lift in Salzburger Land, officially started operating between the Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn on 30 November 2019.
Thus, Kaprun, the Maiskogel family mountain and the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier ski resort become a fascinating united entity. The result is a top-modern ski-in-ski-out from the centre of Kaprun directly uphill to the glacier and back. Thus, the fantasy of generatons of skiers finally becomes a reality!
Guests can also enjoy the new Kaprun-Center, an innovative service centre with cash desks, a ski depot with over 2,000 storage spaces and a modern rental & sports shop at the lower terminus.
The Maiskogel in Kaprun is not only the new entrance directly from Kaprun to the Kitzsteinhorn; with its wide pistes, the family mountain is the soft and comfortable contrast to the high alpine glacier ski resort. Small and tall kids who love to move prefer the new Maisi Park with wave tracks, banked curves, jumps and a snowpark line. The “Salzachblick “platform, with a beautiful panoramic view of the Salzachtal Valley and the surrounding mountain world, awaits visitors at the modern upper terminus in 1,570 metres above sea level.
Skiers and non-skiers get to the summit terminus of the Kitzsteinhorn on 3,029 meters by using six cable cars. The twelve-kilometre long panoramic ride is not just the longest continuous cable car axis in the Eastern Alps, with 2,261 altitude metres – it also manages the biggest difference in altitude.
Recommended Hotels
Whether you’re chasing lake views from the slopes or après-ski vibes at Diele and Offpiste bars, most hotels offer easy lift access and that unique Austrian lakeside atmospher. here are standout options by key areas.
Lakeside & Town Centre – Pedestrian Area with Casino & Bars
Right on the shores of Austria’s most famous alpine lake, Hotel Salzburgerhof delivers prestigious 5-star luxury with panoramic mountain and lake views, a refined spa and gourmet dining; it’s perfect for those wanting elegance steps from the charming old town.
Grand Hotel Zell am See (reclassified as superior 4-star) combines historic grandeur with modern amenities and lakeside gardens; guests love the central location near the Casino and pedestrian zone.
Just minutes from the après-ski alley’s Diele and Offpiste bars, Hotel zum Hirschen offers centrally located 3-star comfort with spacious family rooms and traditional Austrian warmth; it’s ideal for exploring both lake and slopes.
Close to Crazy Daisy for cover band nights, Hotel Garni Pension Hubertus provides budget-friendly B&B comfort with mountain views and warm Austrian hospitality; its central spot suits value-seekers exploring the old town.
Near Schmittenhöhe Lifts – Quick Mountain Access
Elements Resort Zell am See, BW Signature Collection stands as a modern 4-star with ski access, all-inclusive dining options and contemporary alpine design; families appreciate the resort amenities and quick access to Sonnealm lift.
A short walk from the city express ski lift for instant Schmittenhöhe access, Hotel Berner delivers 4-star slopeside comfort with a spa, mountain-view balconies and excellent dining; couples love the intimate atmosphere near the slopes.
Family Zones & Modern Comfort
Hotel Der Waldhof shines as a family resort with spacious interconnected rooms, multiple pools and exceptional cuisine; kids enjoy the amenities while parents appreciate easy access to both Maiskogel family runs and night skiing.
Near convenient shuttle stops for Kaprun’s 3K connection to Kitzsteinhorn glacier, VAYA Zell am See offers modern 3-star value with slope access and comfortable rooms; it’s perfect for budget travellers exploring the expanded Alpin Card network.
Apres- ski in Zell am See
One of the unique experiences in Zell Am See is the night skiing slope, which operates every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 6:30 to 9 pm and is free for skipass holders.
The town of Zell am See, located at an altitude of 757 meters above sea level, is charming and has a pedestrian area in an old town from the lake shores almost to the city express ski lift.
you can try your luck in the Casino or get some drinks at the apres-ski alee, in the Diele, or offpiste bar, or watch a cover band after dinner in Crazy Daisy.
Ratings and Conclusion
To conclude, here are our ratings for Zell Am See:
- Snowboarders: 7.5
- Advanced skiers: 8.
- Intermediate skiers: 7.5.
- For beginners: 8.5
- Freestylers: 7
- Free riders: 6.5
- Nightlife: 7
- Aprés ski: 7
- Resort charm: 9
Our total score for Zell Am See is: 8
On the one hand, the immediate ski area of Zell am See is small, and you still need a ski bus to ski in Kaprun or the ski circus.
On the other hand, Zell am see seat in the middle of the Alpin card ski-pass area, and The built of the lifts mentioned above, made it possible to ski all the 408 km of ski slopes in a week holiday.
Our bonus tips for Zell am See:
If you are not taking ski-school lessons, we recommend you to ride the Sonnealm lift in the morning because it’s less crowded.
If you have a car, we recommend you visit the berggasthof in Thumersbach, for the fantastic views.
