Zell am See
Ski Holidays
Zell am See skiing is great for...
Apres ski
Big ski area
Families
Beginners
Intermediates
Snowboarders
Traditional charm
Foodies
Non skiers
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Welcome to Zell am See Ski Resort
- Easy-going runs for beginners and intermediates
- Easy access to high-altitude glacier skiing
- Stunning scenery and traditional charm
When it comes to views, few compare to gazing down over Zell am See ski resort from the top of Schmittenhöhe mountain. A sea of peaks stretching across the horizon, the shimmering 4km long Lake Zell extending in every direction... Truly, one-of-a-kind.
The larger of the two resorts that make up the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area, skiing in Zell am See is pretty chilled – think tree-lined groomers with a few challenging red and black runs.
Things get more challenging in neighbouring Kaprun, with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier's high altitude and off-piste runs, and freestylers will love the terrain park's halfpipes, jumps, and rails.
Foodies will be spoilt for choice with top-notch restaurants both off and on the pistes, and don't get us started on the wealth of spas and saunas available for when the ski legs need some R&R.
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Resort Information
Resort Altitude
750m
Total Piste KM
138km
No. Skilifts
49
Snow Range
760m-3029m
Zell am See ski runs & ratings
TOTAL: 138km
Beginner
8/10
(Distance: 59km)
Intermediate
8/10
(Distance: 51km)
Advanced
6/10
(Distance: 28km)
Best time to ski in Zell am See
Zell am See’s ski season is long, officially running from the beginning of December until mid-April. Christmas is an incredibly magical time in Austria, with enchanting festive markets filling the town with yuletide cheer. But if busy slopes are not your thing, book a ski holiday in Zell am See outside of the holidays to enjoy quieter pistes and save a few quid.
Snow conditions in Zell am See
Zell am See always sees some of the earliest and latest skiing in Austria thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier; it’s even possible to ski in summer on a good year. But in Zell am See itself, the ski slopes only go up to 2,000m, so if you don’t plan to explore the wider ski area, a trip in January and February will offer the best chance of decent snow. Happy to take the free shuttle bus to Kaprun? The glacier cable car will take you up to 3,000m, where there’s epic skiing all season.
Things to do in Zell am See
- Ice skating - Skate across the sparkling surface of Lake Zell.
- Alpine Coaster Maisiflitzer - This two-seater downhill thrill ride reaches speeds of 40 km/h, soaring across waves and jumps 11km above ground - talk about an adrenaline rush!
- Hiking & walking - Explore Zell am See's shoreline on foot or traverse the snowy mountain ridges on snowshoes.
- Discover the town - Souvenir shops, restaurants, and luxury boutiques; These cobbled streets offer something for everyone.
- Tauern Thermal Spa - The perfect place to soak in views of majestic snow-capped mountains and alpine forests.
- 100 Freizeit - Pools and waterslides perfect for little ones.
Restaurants in Zell am See
- Kupferkessel - Traditional Austrian vibes and hearty meals ideal after a big day on the slopes.
- Franzl - This imperial-inspired restaurant is the go-to place for top-notch Austrian dishes with panoramic views of the Alps.
- Deins and Meins - Tuck into homemade pizza, burgers, steaks and salads at this modern bistro.
- Pizzeria Giuseppe - Dating back to 1978, Giuseppe is a part of the furniture in Zell am See. Italian perfection.
Nightlife & Apres in Zell am See
- SchnapsHans Bar - An Austrian take on the Folie Douce. Start your apres on the top of the slopes and dance to live music.
- Off-Piste Bar - For a wild night of hip DJs and dancing, head to this off-the-wall late-night bar in the centre of Zell am See.
- Ginhouse - One for gin lovers. This cosy spot has no less than 400 types of gin; some are even distilled in-house.
FAQs about Zell am See ski holidays
Your questions answered by our Zell am See ski resort expert
Is Zell am See's ski area good for skiing?
If a snow-sure resort is a must-have for your holiday, without the need for planning around the best time to ski, then check out high-altitude ski resorts, like Val Thorens or Tignes with their consistent snow conditions all season long.
And finally, if you want to know the best time to ski in France to skip the crowds, then avoid the school holidays if you can, or choose from one of many lesser-known, quieter resorts.
How snow-sure is a Zell am See ski holiday?
Generally, Zell am See's ski area is excellent for snow, partly thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which provides access to higher terrain and glacier skiing, significantly boosting snow reliability.
In the Zell am See village itself, the altitudes are relatively low, so snow cover can be less predictable, particularly in December and April. However, good snowmaking facilities throughout the resort and glacier lifts operating as early as October mean that finding good snow when you want to hit the slopes is never a difficult task.
When’s the best time to book a Zell am See ski holiday?
- Christmas ski holidays in Zell am See are nothing short of magical and make a fantastic time to book, especially for families. With winter markets, snow-spun streets, and twinkling lights - it's a magical time of year to visit Zell am See.
- Half-term and New Year are also fantastic times to visit, but be warned, it does get very popular, so booking early to get the best accommodation and deals is advised.
- January ski holidays to Zell am See and March ski trips to Zell am See welcome quieter crowds and great deals on flights, accommodation, and ski lessons.
Are Zell am See ski holidays good for beginners?
Yes, Zell am See ski holidays are well-suited to beginner skiers and snowboarders. With a fantastic nursery area for first-timers and heaps of gentle blue runs to help build confidence, Zell am See's slopes are more than welcoming to those just getting started on the snow.
For cruisy, scenic runs once you've learnt the basics, we recommend checking out the runs around the Areit to Schuttdorf.
Take note: A lot of the runs heading back into Zell am See are reds and blacks, so for beginners wanting to access nursery areas and gentler pistes, a lift pass will be essential.
Would you recommend a Zell am See family ski holiday?
Yes, Zell am See is excellent for family ski holidays. Offering a wealth of terrain for every member of your ski family, from first-time kiddo to advanced powder-hound grandpa, Zell am See makes family ski holidays a doddle.
The traditional Austrian village atmosphere is fantastic for getting about, with cobbled streets and family-friendly restaurants and shops - ideal for non-ski days and evenings grabbing dinner off the slopes.
On the slopes, ski schools, modern lifts, and the nursery areas across the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area ensure little ones are well-catered for and kept safe. Meanwhile, the myriad of reds and blacks snaking back down to the resort keep the adults more than entertained during school hours.
Is skiing in Zell am See good for advanced skiers?
Yes, there are heaps of challenging runs across the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area, especially on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
The most well-known run in Zell am See is the Black Mamba, a very steep and challenging black run, along with the Standardabfahrt valley run.
Can I go on a Zell am See snowboard holiday?
Yes, Zell am See is great for snowboard holidays. Advanced and freestyle boarders will find plenty to tackle on the high-altitude Kitzsteinhorn glacier, while beginners can navigate the great nursery area and cruisy blue runs.
There are terrain parks in both Zell am See and Kaprun, where freestylers will love the halfpipes, jumps, and rails, and lift insfrastructure is board-friendly with gondlas and chairlifts.
Where do you fly into for Zell am See ski resort?
The closest airport is Salzburg Airport, about 80km from Zell am See. Private and shuttle transfers from the airport to the resort and back typically take 1-1.5 hours.
Can you take a train from the airport to Zell am See ski resort?
Yes. If you take a bus from the airport to Salzburg main station, you can catch a train directly to Zell am See train station, which is centrally located and close to many hotels, accommodations, and restaurants.
Is Zell am See's ski area linked with any other ski resorts?
Zell am See is closely linked with Kaprun, sharing the Ski ALPIN CARD ski pass. To access Kaprun ski runs, you will need to take a local bus.
A little further afield, you can also access the vast Skicircus ski area, giving you access to even more ski terrain.
Hotels & Apartments in Zell am See
Our top recommended hotels and apartments. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists
Alpenhotel Tauernstüberl
Zell Am See, Austria
4 minute bus
AlpenParks Chalet & Apartment AreitXpress
Kaprun, Austria
12 minute walk
AlpenParks Hotel & Apartment Central Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
3 minute walk
AlpenParks Residence Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute walk
Alpin & Seeresort Top 10 - by Alpen Apartments
Zell am See, Austria
3 minute bus
ALPIN- Das Sporthotel
Zell am See, Austria
Ski-in / Ski-out
Anblick Appartement
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Apartment Rohani Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Apartment Sunny-4
Zell am See, Austria
Ski-in / Ski-out
Apartment Sunny-5
Zell am See, Austria
Ski-in / Ski-out
Apartmenthouse "5 Seasons" - Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Apartments Summer & Winter Fun by All in One Apartments
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Appartement Alpensee
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Appartement Kristall
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Appartement Living Schönwies
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Appartement Tevini by we rent
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Appartements Trinker
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute walk
Berghotel Jaga-Alm
Zell am See, Austria
Ski-in / Ski-out
Berghotel Schmittenhöhe
Zell am See, Austria
Ski-in / Ski-out
Boutique Hotel Martha
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Cella Central Historic Boutique Hotel
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Chalet Ferienhaus Dr-Steiner
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Chalet Struber
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Dahoam by Sarina - Hotel & Suites
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Der Schütthof
Zell am See, Austria
6 minute walk
Elements Resort Zell am See; BW Signature Collection
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Fish'Inn Zell - Hotel Fischerwirt
Zell am See, Austria
6 minute walk
Grand Hotel Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
6 minute bus
HAIDVOGL MAVIDA Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
HEITZMANN - Hotel & Rooftop
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Holiday Home Karin
Zell am See, Austria
2 minute walk
Hotel Berner
Zell am See, Austria
1 minute walk
Hotel Der Schmittenhof
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Hotel Der Sonnberg
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Hotel Der Waldhof
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Hotel Glasererhaus
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Hotel Grüner Baum
Zell am See, Austria
6 minute walk
Hotel Landhaus Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Hotel Latini
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Hotel Lebzelter
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Hotel Neue Post
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute walk
Hotel Pension Hubertus
Zell am See, Austria
1 minute walk
Hotel Pension Schmittental
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Hotel Pinzgauerhof
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Hotel Seehof
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Hotel St. Georg
Zell am See, Austria
3 minute walk
Hotel Stadt Wien
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Hotel Steinerwirt1493
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute walk
Hotel Traube
Zell am See, Austria
2 minute walk
Hotel Villa Klothilde
Zell am See, Austria
2 minute walk
Hotel zum Hirschen
Zell am See, Austria
3 minute walk
Lake and Cityhotel Edelweiss - self Check in
Zell am See, Austria
8 minute walk
Magali's, Bed & Breakfast
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute walk
Neue Post - Apartments
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute walk
Nikolaus by AvenidA Panoramic Wellness Suites Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
16 minute walk
Pension Alpenrose
Zell am See, Austria
3 minute walk
Pension Buchner
Zell am See, Austria
6 minute bus
Pension Margarete
Zell am See, Austria
Ski-in / Ski-out
Pension Max
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
POP-UP LIVING Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Romantikhotel Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
6 minute bus
Salzburgerhof, das 5-Sterne Hotel von Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Schloss Prielau Hotel & Restaurant
Zell am See, Austria
6 minute bus
Schönblick Residence - areitXpress 600m entfernt
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Seehotel Sissi
Zell am See, Austria
7 minute walk
Seevilla Freiberg
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Senses Violett Suites - Adults Only
Zell am See, Austria
5 minute bus
Ski-n-Lake City Apartments
Zell am See, Austria
6 minute bus
Sport- und Familienhotel Alpenblick
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute bus
Superior Hotel Tirolerhof - Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
7 minute walk
The Gast House Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
8 minute walk
The House Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
3 minute walk
TWO TIMEZ - Boutique Hotel
Zell am See, Austria
4 minute walk
VAYA Zell am See
Zell am See, Austria
Ski-in / Ski-out
All Hotels and Accomodations in Zell am See
Alpenhotel TauernstüberlAlpenParks Chalet & Apartment AreitXpressAlpenParks Hotel & Apartment Central Zell am SeeAlpenParks Residence Zell am SeeAlpin & Seeresort Top 10 - by Alpen ApartmentsALPIN- Das SporthotelAnblick AppartementApartment Rohani Zell am SeeApartment Sunny-4Apartment Sunny-5Apartmenthouse "5 Seasons" - Zell am SeeApartments Summer & Winter Fun by All in One ApartmentsAppartement AlpenseeAppartement KristallAppartement Living SchönwiesAppartement Tevini by we rentAppartements TrinkerBerghotel Jaga-AlmBerghotel Schmittenhöhe
Boutique Hotel MarthaCella Central Historic Boutique HotelChalet Ferienhaus Dr-SteinerChalet StruberDahoam by Sarina - Hotel & SuitesDer SchütthofElements Resort Zell am See; BW Signature CollectionFish'Inn Zell - Hotel FischerwirtGrand Hotel Zell am SeeHAIDVOGL MAVIDA Zell am SeeHEITZMANN - Hotel & RooftopHoliday Home KarinHotel BernerHotel Der SchmittenhofHotel Der SonnbergHotel Der WaldhofHotel GlasererhausHotel Grüner BaumHotel Landhaus Zell am See
Hotel LatiniHotel LebzelterHotel Neue PostHotel Pension HubertusHotel Pension SchmittentalHotel PinzgauerhofHotel SeehofHotel St. GeorgHotel Stadt WienHotel Steinerwirt1493Hotel TraubeHotel Villa KlothildeHotel zum HirschenLake and Cityhotel Edelweiss - self Check inMagali's, Bed & Breakfast Neue Post - ApartmentsNikolaus by AvenidA Panoramic Wellness Suites Zell am SeePension AlpenrosePension Buchner
Pension MargaretePension Max POP-UP LIVING Zell am SeeRomantikhotel Zell am SeeSalzburgerhof, das 5-Sterne Hotel von Zell am SeeSchloss Prielau Hotel & RestaurantSchönblick Residence - areitXpress 600m entferntSeehotel SissiSeevilla FreibergSenses Violett Suites - Adults OnlySki-n-Lake City ApartmentsSport- und Familienhotel AlpenblickSuperior Hotel Tirolerhof - Zell am SeeThe Gast House Zell am SeeThe House Zell am SeeTWO TIMEZ - Boutique HotelVAYA Zell am See
Why book a Zell am See ski holiday with Heidi?
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