Zell am See

Zell am See Ski Resort

The pretty lakeside town of Zell am See has access to three varied mountains and plays host to a range of off-slope activities – it is therefore no surprise that this resort is such a favourite with Ski Club members.

The Skiing in Zell am See is perfect for beginners and intermediates, with some terrain suitable for more advanced skiers. Maiskogel’s locals’ hill, the incredibly snowsure Kitzsteinhorn glacier at Kaprun and the vast network of intermediate cruising at Saalbach – to which is will soon be linked to – are only a bus ride away, so there’s plenty of ski area to explore outside of Zell am See too. It’s no wonder the Ski Club Freshtracks holiday to Zell sold out months in advance! 

Zell am See has a great reputation for its alpine charm with a modern skiing twist. Its location near the picturesque Lake Zell and the historic architecture make it an attractive base and a draw for non-skiers too. The dominating mountain of Schmittenhöhe overlooks the village and offers stunning views of the lake and towering glacial peaks surrounding the area.

The Ski Club Leader Service in Zell am See is one of the most popular at the Ski Club and has many members coming back year on year – we’ll be in resort this year from 5th January until 30th March.

Our Zell am See Facebook Page is also one of the most active, possessing almost 300 members, all of whom will be happy to help if you have a question or need some information. 

Our Zell am See Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Advanced ★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ☆ ☆☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ 
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Zell am See Skiing

The terrain is mostly suitable for beginner and intermediate level skiers but there are a few reds and blacks suitable for more advanced skiers, several of which drop down all the way from the summit. On most parts of the mountain you get glorious mountain views over the lake. In good snow there is some good off piste, but the thickly wooded slopes limit the options somewhat.

• Total Pistes: 77km (138km including Maiskogel & Kitzsteinhorn)
• Blue: 39%
• Red: 36%
• Black: 25%
• Additional Ski Routes: 8km
• Lifts: 27 (47 including Maiskogel & Kitzsteinhorn)
• Altitude: 760m – 2000m

For Beginners

There are two low-level beginner areas near Zell – at Schüttdorf and Schmittental, both of which are good places to start out. From here the Glocknerbahn 8-seater chairlift gives access to the gentle Kids Slope and progression to longer blues is fantastic – head up the Areitbahn or lap the Breiteckbahn.

For Intermediates

The Schmittenhöhe mountain is ideal for intermediates and most of the hill is accessible. A long red down to the ZellamseeXpress is a great addition to the piste map and the reds around Sonnkogel and Hochmais are always popular. Intermediates keen to get some miles under their belt should pay a visit to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, especially on a sunny day, and most of Saalbach is ideal for intermediate skiers.

For Advanced/Expert

There are a few tough pistes, including Abfahrt 13 and Abfahrt 14, which both offer a good challenge to advanced skiers and are usually immaculately groomed first thing in the morning. The off piste is fairly limited but can be a blast in good snow – head to the ski routes dotted around the mountain. It is also well worth heading up to the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier to tackle the Black Mamba piste and the several ski routes down to Langwied.

Zell am See Piste Map

The local area piste map can be downloaded here.

Zell am See Ski Pass Prices

All ski passes are valid on the Schmittenhöhe, Maiskogel and Kitzsteinhorn mountains and cheaper rates are available before Christmas and towards the end of the season. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

Season passes cost €660 (or €560 if bought before 5th December 2018) and this also covers Saalbach. Alternatively the Salzburg Super Ski Card can be bought for €805 (or €725 before 5th December 2018) and this covers more than 23 ski areas and a massive 2750km of pistes.

Zell am See Season Dates

• Schmittenhöhe: 30th November 2018 – 22nd April 2019
• Maiskogel: 14th December 2018 – 7th April 2019
• Kitzsteinhorn: 12th October 2018 – 2nd June 2019

For full details see the resort's website and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Zell am See Resort

Zell has a charming, traffic-free medieval centre and sits right on the picturesque Lake Zell. The major through-road was moved into a tunnel a while ago which means the resort is much quieter, but it can still get busy at the start and end of the ski day. There is loads to do away from the slopes, making this one of the top family-friendly destinations and perfect for a groups containing non-skiers.

For Families

Access to the low-level beginner areas is easiest if you base yourself near to the bottom of the AreitXpress, although you would be missing out on the ambiance of the main town. There are a good number of self-catered chalets and apartments to choose from in the area, which is possibly more convenient for families than a hotel. Off the slopes there is loads to do – the winter walking here is particularly good.

For Après

There are plenty of cafes and bars. Start at the top of the slopes at the Berghotel – where the bar has a good vibe, live music and dancing. In town, there are lots of lively bars, including Insiders – the home of the Ski Club’s social hour. O'Flannigan's is the main sports bar, whilst Ginhouse is good for a quiet drink. Villa Crazy Daisy has a rowdy atmosphere, with live music often on.

How to get to Zell am See

Salzburg is the closest airport, with the drive taking around an hour and a half. This route is also served by a regular bus if you’re looking to save some euros. Innsbruck is the next best option – sitting around two hours drive or three hours on the train/bus to the west.

• Salzburg airport: 1.5 hours (driving or bus)
• Innsbruck airport: 2 hours (driving) or 3 hours (by public transport)
• Calais: approximately 14 hours driving (703 miles)

Zell am See Contact Details

• Website: www.zellamsee-kaprun.com
• Email: Contact via online form – click here
• Telephone: +43 65 42 770
• Facebook: @zellamseekaprun
• Instagram: @zellamseekaprun
• Twitter: @zellamseekaprun