Winter holiday full of variety

A winter holiday can be so diverse! Perhaps you'd like to ski in the morning, go ice dipping in the evening, hike through the winter landscape the next day, and spend an afternoon deliberately taking a break from sports. It's precisely this variety that makes your winter break in Zell am See-Kaprun so special.

Zell am See-Kaprun combines glacier, mountain, and lake, creating a unique winter paradise. The Kitzsteinhorn, with its highest accessible point at 3,029 m, defines the high-alpine winter in Kaprun, the Schmittenhöhe combines skiing and winter hiking with amazing panoramic views, and Lake Zell remains a glittering centrepiece even in winter.

But what can you experience in Zell am See-Kaprun in winter? We've selected seven top activities that will not only make your winter days in the region diverse, but also guarantee plenty of memorable moments and variety.

1. Skiing on 408 kilometres of pistes, lake view included

408 kilometres of pistes – yes, that's how much you can discover with the Ski ALPIN CARD, from freeride routes, steep, challenging descents, glacier skiing to leisurely carving with panoramic views. You can experience all of this in Zell am See-Kaprun on skis or a snowboard. The Kitzsteinhorn combines glacier skiing with freeride opportunities and snow parks. The Maiskogel complements the facilities as a family-friendly ski mountain, while the Lechnerberg in Kaprun is particularly suitable for beginners. And the best part: you can reach the Kitzsteinhorn directly from the village of Kaprun with the K-ONNECTION cable car. From Zell am See, you also have several options for reaching the Schmittenhöhe from the town centre. With a view of Lake Zell, skiing becomes a truly special experience.

2. Enjoying tranquillity and nature while winter hiking

You don't need skis to discover the mountains in winter. Winter hiking trails offer a more tranquil perspective on the landscape. For example, you can hike along the high-altitude promenade on the Schmittenhöhe through the wintry mountain world. Time and again, the view extends towards Lake Zell and the surrounding mountains. This change of pace is good not only for your legs but also for your soul. For a bit more action, put on your snowshoes and join a guided snowshoe hike – for example, to the ICE CAMP, a world of snow and ice, on the Kitzsteinhorn.

3. Ice dipping, winter yoga or torchlight hikes: Experience winter away from the pistes

A winter’s day in Zell am See-Kaprun doesn't have to begin on skis and end with the last ride on the lift. Sometimes, a change of perspective is all it takes: early morning winter yoga, a snowshoe hike through snow-covered landscapes, or an evening by torchlight. Ice dipping can also be part of this more mindful winter experience – provided you choose a professionally guided tour. Snowshoes, cross-country skiing, or ski touring equipment, and toboggans can be hired from various rental stations in town! Zell am See-Kaprun offers a wide range of guided activities in a winter weekly programme full of variety. This is especially convenient if you want to try something new without dedicating an entire day to it. For example, on the Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour, you'll discover the winter landscape accompanied by a National Park Ranger all the way up to the TOP OF SALZBURG.

4. Switching to the cross-country ski track: Cross-country skiing

Cross-country skiing transforms the rhythm of a winter's day. Instead of lifts, upper terminus, and downhill runs, the experience is defined by steady movement, a focus on endurance, and one's own pace. This change can feel surprisingly good especially after several days on the pistes. Zell am See-Kaprun boasts a network of trails for both classic and skating style. Short loops are ideal for beginners, while longer and more challenging routes demand both fitness and technique.

The Schlossloipe cross-country ski track in Kaprun offers a good starting point if you want to try cross-country skiing for the first time or prefer a more leisurely pace. Introductory sessions and cross-country ski schools help beginners learn the basic techniques. Those with prior experience will also find more challenging tracks for classic and skating styles in Zell am See-Kaprun. And if you fancy an evening skate, illuminated sections of the tracks extend your day of cross-country skiing well into the evening hours.

5. Ski touring by one's own efforts

Those who climb the mountain step by step by their own efforts experience a winter's day in a completely different way than by cable car. The pace slows down, your own rhythm takes centre stage, and every metre of elevation gain becomes part of the journey. Zell am See-Kaprun offers various options for this – from designated ski touring mountains to marked ascent routes in the ski resort.

Zell am See: Ski tour to the Ronachkopf

In Thumersbach near Zell am See, the Ronachkopf is reserved for ski tourers and snowshoe hikers. The ascent leads through wooded terrain towards the summit. A groomed route is available for the descent. The Enzianhütte mountain hut below the summit serves refreshments.

Kaprun: Marked ascent routes on the Maiskogel and Kitzsteinhorn

Kaprun boasts several marked routes for ski touring ascents on the Maiskogel and Kitzsteinhorn mountains. Two routes start near the Gletscherjet 1 upper terminus on the Kitzsteinhorn: "Schneekönigin" (Snow Queen) and "Eisbrecher" (Icebreaker).

A marked ascent route begins directly at the lower terminus of the MK Maiskogelbahn cable car on the Maiskogel. If you prefer a shorter option, you can end the tour at the intermediate terminus. Accompanied by mountain guides, "Ski Touring Thursday", for example, takes place on the Kitzsteinhorn as part of the winter programme. The descent on fresh snow is a truly special experience.

6. Spending a winter‘s day around Lake Zell and enjoying Advent

Lake Zell glitters especially beautiful in winter. And instead of swimming and water sports, the days are filled with winter light, walks along the shore, and views across the water to the surrounding mountains. You can stroll along the shore, then take a walk through the town of Zell am See, go shopping in Kaprun, and end the day in a café or restaurant. Zell am See-Kaprun combines a winter holiday with a town and lake experience. And perhaps Lake Zell will even freeze over, making it perfect for ice skating. During the Star Advent market, the stalls are located directly on the wintry shores of Lake Zell. Those who wish can enjoy the experience from a different perspective on a boat trip. The parish Advent market on the Kirchbichl and the Star Advent market at Kaprun Castle invite to a cosy and historic Advent experience in Kaprun.

7. A wellness day at the Tauern Spa

A relaxing day can provide just the right amount of respite especially after many altitude metres and long hours in the crisp winter air. Whether the weather is good or not, the Tauern SPA is definitely worth a visit. It doesn’t matter if you spend just a few hours or the whole day at the spa, here you'll find a wide range of pools and sauna areas, with the Skyline Pool offering amazing views of the mountains surrounding Kaprun. The Kidstein area provides a dedicated space for families with children.

YOUR WINTER HOLIDAY IN ZELL AM SEE-KAPRUN

What would you like to experience? Which activity do you fancy most? The best way to decide is based on your mood, the weather, and the conditions. For ski tours, winter hikes, and other outdoor activities, you should check current conditions and safety information. 

Even when a travel group has differing interests, a close look at the daily itinerary is worthwhile. Zell am See-Kaprun is particularly well-suited for mixed groups because not everyone needs to participate in the same sport to enjoy a winter holiday together.

Conclusion: Who will be happy on a winter holiday in Zell am See-Kaprun?

Zell am See-Kaprun is perfect for you if you don't want to limit your winter holiday to just one activity. For skiing, you'll find a variety of mountain experiences with the Schmittenhöhe, Maiskogel, and Kitzsteinhorn, offering access to 408 kilometres of pistes, including the Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn ski resort. Winter hiking, cross-country skiing, and ski touring allow you to experience winter away from the classic pistes. The weekly winter programme offers something different every day and invites you to try new activities. Lake Zell adds a tranquil touch to the landscape, and the Tauern SPA provides a space for relaxation.

In Zell am See-Kaprun, you'll discover the diversity of winter between glacier, mountain, and lake. You don't have to choose between an active or relaxing holiday, a high-alpine experience or a city break. You can adjust your focus day by day.