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This is the ski trip that combines breathtaking scenery, reliable snow, and classic Austrian hospitality. Kaprun and Zell am See are located in the heart of the Salzburg Alps, and these two interconnected resorts deliver the perfect mix of glacier skiing, family-friendly runs, and traditional alpine charm, all just over an hour from Salzburg Airport.
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Why Ski Kaprun and Zell am See
Unlike some ski regions that only operate in the heart of winter, Kaprun’s Kitzsteinhorn Glacier guarantees snow for almost eight months a year, from October to May. The neighbouring resort of Zell am See, with its sweeping lake views and lively après-ski, adds variety to your trip, ideal for families or mixed-ability groups.
How to Get There
Getting to Kaprun and Zell am See is fairly simple.
Nearest airports:
✈️ Salzburg Airport (SZG) around 1–1.5 hours’ drive
✈️ Munich Airport (MUC) roughly 2–2.5 hours
Transfers can be arranged through your hotel or booked in advance online. If you’re hiring a car, ensure it has winter tyres or snow chains during ski season. The roads are well maintained, but weather can change quickly.
Buying Your Ski Pass
Your ticket to the mountains is the Ski ALPIN CARD, which covers all three ski areas (Kaprun, Kitzsteinhorn, Zell am See) under one convenient pass. You can buy it online or through the Zell am See–Kaprun App, which also provides live lift updates and digital ticketing.
Pro tip: Some hotels — including Hotel Sonnblick — sell ski passes directly at reception. It saves time queuing on your first morning, especially during busy weeks.
Where to Ski in Kaprun & Zell am See
1. Kitzsteinhorn Glacier – For Guaranteed Snow
Perched at 3,029 metres, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is the jewel of Kaprun. It’s Austria’s first glacier ski area, offering reliable snow and wide, open pistes perfect for carving. Even in early winter or late spring, the glacier remains skiable.
Make sure to stop at the Gipfel Restaurant, Austria’s highest restaurant, for incredible 360-degree views over the Alps.
2. Maiskogel Family Mountain – For Beginners & Families
Just minutes from Kaprun village, Maiskogel is perfect for families and those easing into skiing. The runs are gentle, the lifts are modern, and it’s connected directly to Kitzsteinhorn via the 3K K-Onnection gondola.
The Maiskogel Alm Ranch is a brilliant lunch stop — hearty Austrian food, a petting zoo for kids, and a sunny terrace with panoramic views.
3. Schmittenhöhe (Zell am See) – For Scenic Skiing
A short bus or taxi ride from Kaprun, Zell am See’s Schmittenhöhe mountain offers a more traditional Austrian ski experience. Here, you’ll find a mix of intermediate runs, charming huts, and unforgettable lake views.
Head to Das Panorama for a quick, delicious self-service lunch with a side of lake-view perfection.
Where to Stay
Hotel Sonnblick – Kaprun
We stayed at Hotel Sonnblick in Kaprun, a well-located, four-star family-friendly hotel about 200 metres from the ski lifts and the local bus stop. The rooms range from cosy doubles to family suites with children’s rooms, and many offer mountain-view balconies. Facilities include a spa, heated outdoor pool, and it’s only a 5 minute walk to the gondola. The location means you’re centrally based yet quiet enough for a restful evening after skiing.
It’s a smart base if you’re visiting with children or want quick access to the Maiskogel area and the glacier.
Alternative stays (Zell am See & Kaprun)
For those wanting a lakeside vibe, Zell am See offers a range of hotels from boutique to luxury. For ski-in/ski-out convenience, some Kaprun hotels offer direct access to the Maiskogel valley station – ideal for families and mixed-ability groups.
Here are five more highly-rated hotel recommendations in the Kaprun & Zell am See region, each offering something a little different depending on your budget, family size or preference:
Das Alpenhaus Kaprun(Kaprun)
4-star superior, well-reviewed for spa facilities and mountain views.
Hotel EVER.GRÜN Kaprun (Kaprun)
Boutique-style, modern design and high guest scores. A strong option if you want something stylish and contemporary.
Romantikhotel Zell am See (Zell am See)
Classic Alpine charm in the centre of Zell am See.
Haidvogl MAVIDA Zell am See (Zell am See)
Family-friendly with great mountain views; good for those travelling with children or larger groups.
Sportresort Alpenblick (Zell am See)
Highly rated and good value for money, especially for families seeking a resort-style experience with lakeside access.
Ski Hire in Kaprun
I have my own skis, but I find it’s a hassle lugging them on the plane, not to mention the excess baggage fees. We rented all our equipment from Bründl Sports, located right at the bottom of the Maiskogel gondola. They offer the latest skis, snowboards, helmets and even overnight gear storage.
We booked online in advance and it saved us time at the destination as well as money. If you book online in advance, you can save up to 10% off rental prices – plus, they’ll have everything ready when you arrive.
There are lockers where you can store your equipment just above the ski rental shop, at the main Maiskogel gondola, making it super easy and convenient.
Where to Eat on the Mountain
You’ll find an excellent variety of mountain huts and restaurants across the pistes, here are some of our faves:
Maiskogel Alm Ranch (Kaprun) – Family-friendly, great for a relaxed lunch with children. Grilled dishes, happy terrace and fun for all ages. The small petting zoo with alpacas and goats was a huge hit with my kids.
Gipfel Restaurant (Kitzsteinhorn summit) – Unforgettable high-altitude dining with panoramic views; perfect for a special lunch after skiing the glacier.
Das Panorama (Schmittenhöhe) – Modern self-service restaurant overlooking Lake Zell; good variety, quick turn-around, and breathtaking views.
Blaickner’s Sonnalm (Schmittenhöhe) – Recommended in the region’s official list of mountain restaurants.
AreitAlm & AreitLounge (Schmittenhöhe) – Stylish alpine dining with seasonal local dishes and comfortable seating.
Pinzgauer Hütte (Schmittenhöhe) – A rustic hut with regional favourites like schnitzel, Kaiserschmarrn and dumplings, there’s a great atmosphere here.
Tip: Arrive early for popular huts (especially at noon or earlier) to grab a terrace spot and avoid wait times. Also carry some cash as some huts still prefer or only accept cash payment.
When Is the Best Time to Go
Early/late season (glacier skiing): October–May – Kitzsteinhorn keeps things moving even when snow is sparse.
Main season: December–March – all areas open, lively après and full winter feel.
Spring skiing: April–May – sunny days, fewer crowds, fantastic value.
Practical Tips:
- Download the Zell am See–Kaprun app for lift status, maps, live cams and mobile tickets.
- Book gear hire online with Bründl Sports (Maiskogel valley station) to save money and time.
- Mix your days: one glacier day, one family mountain day, one scenic day above Zell am See.
- For families: Maiskogel is ideal for kids and beginners; Schmittenhöhe adds scenic variety.
- Après-ski: more relaxed than some mega-resorts. Kaprun village has cosy bars and Zell am See offers lakeside evenings.
