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    • Early bird skiing at Schmittenhöhe
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    Ski Zell am See-Kaprun Like a Local

    Endless skiing fun, glacier runs and lake views, top-notch snow quality, and off-piste experiences – Zell am See-Kaprun is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.

    • Why Austrians Ski at Zell am See-Kaprun

      • Kitzsteinhorn is the highest ski area in the Salzburg region and the only one on a glacier
      • Spectacular excursion destinations like the "Top of Salzburg" at 9.937 ft or the "Kaiserblick" viewing platform at nearly 6561,68 ft
      • A unique combination of glacier, mountains, and lake: Wide glacier pistes with stunning views and romantic walks and boat trips on the lake
      • Endless skiing fun on 253,5 miles of pistes in 3 premium ski regions with the SKI ALPIN CARD
      • Premier Alpine cuisine featuring young chefs who combine traditional recipes and techniques with regional ingredients and modern influences
      • Included public transport options and a focus on sustainability to preserve an environment worth living in
      • Winter sports activities for everyone: skiing, freeride routes, ski touring, Nordic cross-country, winter hiking, and snowshoe tours
    • Zell am See-Kaprun Mountain Facts

      • 121 state-of-the-art ski lifts & cable cars
      • 253.5 miles of marked ski runs with the Ski ALPIN CARD
      • 5 freeride routes on the glacier (only recommended with a guide)
      • 66.5 miles of cross-country tracks
      • 24.2 miles of winter hiking trails
      • 10 ski, snowboard, and cross-country skiing schools
      • Vertical drop: 7.454 ft (altitude 2.483,6 – 9.937,7 ft)
      • Highest peak: Kitzsteinhorn (9.937,7 ft), almost accessible by cable car – the last 656,2 ft can be accessed using a via ferrata (only recommended with a guide)
      • Skiing season: from mid-October until the end of May
      • Ski ALPIN CARD (3-day pass from $ 217 – $ 240)
      • All facts and info are always with you in the Zell am See-Kaprun App

    Zell am See-Kaprun – Alps at their very best

    The glacier, the mountain and the serene lake create spectacular scenery at Zell am See-Kaprun. It's a natural paradise on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park, just a short drive from the Sound of Music hotspot, Salzburg.

    It is one of Austria's most attractive winter regions for sports enthusiasts, event lovers, active vacationers, families, or those seeking relaxation from October to May. The Ski ALPIN CARD ticket alliance allows skiers to enjoy 253.5 miles of pistes in three ski resorts. These include the Kitzsteinhorn (the only glacier in the Salzburg region at 9937.66 ft), the Maiskogel family region, and the panoramic and family mountain Schmittenhöhe.

    At Zell am See-Kaprun, tradition and authenticity blend seamlessly with innovation and modernity, reflected in the region's food scene, events, and infrastructure. The town of Zell am See stands out for its vibrant town life, its historic old town right on the lake, and the locals' commitment to welcoming their guests. Its sister village, Kaprun, is in no way inferior. Nestled in the mountain landscape at the foot of the glacier and marked by the iconic Kaprun Castle, it promises a true mountain village experience.

    Local Tips to Make The Most Out of Your Stay

    "My favourite places are those that reveal a mountain view. Admire the Schmittenhöhe or the Kitzsteinhorn mountains from Mitterberg at Lake Zell, or Austria's highest peak, the Großglockner, from the Maiskogelbahn mountain station – these are true places of energy for me."

    Hans Nindl aus Zell am See-Kaprun
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    Hans Nindl, local from Zell am See-Kaprun

    5 Tips for Things To Do Besides Skiing

    At Zell am See-Kaprun, you'll find pure variety on and off the pistes. These activities, loved and recommended by our locals, will ensure a winter vacation full of unforgettable moments:

    • Old Town & Lake Stroll: Explore the historic old town of Zell am See and walk along the lakeside, offering views of the crystal-clear water with the glacier in the background.
    • Winter Events: Enjoy a variety of events, such as Balloon Week, Christmas markets, a nostalgic ski race on historic skis, and big international sports and lifestyle events!
    • Winter & Snowshoe Hiking: Discover the scenic winter landscapes off the beaten path.
    • Wellness at the Tauern SPA in Kaprun: Wellness with a view at the centre of relaxation in the region.
    Winter hike with view to the Kitzsteinhorn
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    6 Restaurant & Mountain Hut Tips

    Alpine cuisine is a cornerstone of Austria's culinary heritage: traditional recipes and techniques passed down through generations, a focus on regional ingredients and sustainability, blended with modern influences. In Zell am See-Kaprun, you can enjoy the full range, from cosy inns to top-tier restaurants. Here are some of the locals' favourite spots:

    • Mayer's Restaurant Schloss Prielau: Enjoy the highest quality cuisine, with sustainability as a top priority for star chef Andreas Mayer.
    • Flo's Restaurant: Chef Florian Zillner cooks up creative dishes with ingredients from his own garden.
    • Hilberger's Beisl: Serving typical Salzburg delicacies in the heart of Kaprun since 1996.
    • Weitblick – Lounge | Rooftop | Bistro: A sustainable gastronomy concept with organic, seasonal, and regional delicacies aiming to minimize the ecological footprint.
    • Berggasthof Mitterberg: Enjoy traditional dishes or homemade pastries along with a magnificent view of Lake Zell at 3.937 ft above sea level.
    • AreitLounge: Take in scenic views paired with regional "Pinzgau Tapas" made from the best regional ingredients.
    • Restaurant Gletschermühle: The finest regional cuisine, quality wines, brewing art, and Alpine cosiness with great views from a sunny plateau.
    Summit breakfast at Kitzsteinhorn
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    9 Hotel Tips

    Family-run accommodations that think outside the box and ensure unforgettable experiences while treating guests like friends—that's what hospitality means in Zell am See-Kaprun. Here are some of the local's recommendations:

    Grand Hotel Zell am See
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    Porsche Design Gondel auf der Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See-Kaprun
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    5 Top-Notch Mountain Innovations

    Zell am See-Kaprun excels at innovative projects. The region focuses on energy efficiency and the highest technological standards in infrastructure, all aimed at preserving nature for future generations. Here are some of the mountain innovations that the locals are especially proud of:

    • Porsche Gondola: Zell am See-Kaprun inspires big brands like Porsche, which has a long history in the region, housing its Porsche Design headquarters there since 1974. The eye-catching Porsche Gondola ascending the Schmittenhöhe showcases innovative solutions, high-quality materials, and durability, all integrated into sophisticated designs, setting a new standard in mountain transport.
    • 3K K-onnection on the Kitzsteinhorn: One of the world's most modern and energy-efficient cable cars. Spanning 7.46 miles, it is the longest in the Eastern Alps, enabling smooth travel from the village of Kaprun to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier at 9.937 ft.
    • Panoramic Platform "Kaiserblick": The brand-new "Kaiserblick" viewing platform on the Schmittenhöhe summit takes you to lofty heights. A 108-foot glass walkway extends over the mountain's edge, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding landscapes and the 30 mountain peaks over 9,800 ft.
    • Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs: The two high mountain reservoirs, nestled at 6,562 ft like Alpine fjords, showcase one of the region's greatest engineering marvels. Turbines hidden in the mighty dam walls generate electricity year-round by holding the turquoise water in check.
    • TOP OF SALZBURG - Gipfelwelt 3000: This glacier experience is comfortably reachable via cable cars all year round, offering panoramic rides through four climate zones. Enjoy two panoramic platforms with views of the Hohe Tauern National Park, explore the ICE ARENA, and dive into Austria's highest-situated movie theatre, Cinema 3000.

    Practical Travel Tips

    • How to get there & around

      Closest Airports

      • Salzburg (approx. 47 miles)
      • Innsbruck (approx. 90 miles)
      • Munich (approx. 121 miles)
      • Vienna (approx. 250 miles)


      Arriving by train

      Direct train services connect Zell am See Bahnhof with:

      • Salzburg (approx. 1 h 36 min)
      • Innsbruck (approx. 1 h 56 min)
      • Munich (approx. 3 h 17 min)
      • Vienna (approx. 4 h 17 min)


      Getting around

      • In the Zell am See-Kaprun region, there is no need for a car!
      • The train station in Zell am See is located directly in the town center. Upon arrival, find numerous hotels, accommodations, and restaurants within walking distance.
      • The new ÖBB shuttle service comfortably takes you from the Zell am See train station to your holiday home in the Zell am See-Kaprun region and back to the train station at the end of your stay. Shuttles can be booked up to 48 hours before arrival.
      • The ride by ski bus is free with the Ski ALPIN CARD (except line 680).
      • With the Pinzgau Mobility Card (available from your host between 1 May and 31 October), you can enjoy free travel on public transport during your stay, with some exceptions.
    • Explore Europe from Zell am See-Kaprun

      If you're eager to venture beyond the mountains, Austria's central location in the heart of Europe makes it easy to extend your ski adventure to other enchanting destinations across the continent!

      Here are 8 destinations reachable from Zell am See-Kaprun in less than 8 hours (or a little more) by train:

      • Salzburg, Austria (approx. 1 h 35 min)
      • Innsbruck, Austria (approx. 1 h 50 min)
      • Munich, Germany (approx. 3 h 15 min)
      • Vienna, Austria (approx. 4 h 20 min)
      • Zurich, Switzerland (approx. 6 h 30 min)
      • Milan, Italy (approx. 5 h 50 min)
      • Venice. Italy (approx. 8 h)
      • Stockholm, Sweden (approx. 12 h), with the Snälltåget night train via Zell am See-Kaprun–Hamburg–Malmö–Stockholm
    • More info about Zell am See-Kaprun

      Find out more about Zell am See-Kaprun, its offerings, current events, and practical information: www.zellamsee-kaprun.com

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