Ski Holidays in Zell am See

Superb, varied skiing, with the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier ensuring guaranteed snow

  • Skiing to 3,029 metres
  • 408 kilometres of pistes
  • Transfer approx. 1 hour 30 mins
  • Resort altitude of 760 metres

Skiing in Zell am See offers an exceptional alpine experience, combining breath taking natural beauty with diverse and well-maintained slopes suitable for all skill levels. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, this picturesque town stands out as a premier destination for ski enthusiasts and families alike. Few mountain views are as breath-taking as the sight you are greeted with at the top of the Schmittenhöhe mountain, just above Zell am See. Zell am See's pedestrianised town centre is perched on the edge of Lake Zell and the atmosphere is boosted by regular music events and festivals. The panoramic viewing platform 'Top of Salzburg' is a must with spectacular scenery at 3029m above sea level.

Skiing and snowboarding in Zell am See

The slopes in Zell am See cater to a wide range of skiing abilities, making it a versatile destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

The 138km Zell am See-Kaprun ski area is most famously known for the Schmittenhöhe mountain in Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier at nearby Kaprun which are conveniently linked by a free ski bus. Families are well catered for with a dedicated kid’s slope on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell featuring a combination of obstacles, tunnels and slalom course, and Kaprun’s Maiskogel mountain which is home to wide open, gentle slopes for learning and special kids’ meals at local restaurants.

With the Alpin Card and the new lifts linking the ski areas, the 77km ski area of Zell am See now links with the extensive 270km of terrain at the Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Ski Circus, giving you access to the vast skiing landscape of Zell am See's neighbouring region. From Schmittenhöhe Mountain (Zell am See) side it is possible to ski down to the middle station, then either take the prepared ski route to the bottom or take the section 1 gondola. Once at the bottom it is a short five minute bus which runs every 20 minutes to Saalbach. On return you can choose to ski back to the Zell connection lift or return on the shuttle bus. Alongside the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun, the whole Alpin Card area totals 408km of premium varied slopes including 121 lifts.

Where to stay in Zell am See

Throughout Zell am See, we have a range of fantastic hotels to choose from. Hotel Grand is located on the lake and offers fantastic scenic views as well as direct access to the resort centre. The Romantik Hotel has a leisure area with an interconnecting indoor and outdoor heated swimming pool with views of the peaks. Hotel Berner is a family run hotel in an elevated ski-in position just above the City Xpress Gondola. No matter what you'd like in terms of facilities and location, we're sure you'll find our hotels suit all your needs.

Bars and restaurants in Zell am See

The food in Zell am See is exceptional, featuring some of the finest fresh produce from local farmers. With a wide variety of dining options, you can enjoy a different ambiance each night. Pizzerias, inns, and mountain restaurants serve hearty meals to fuel you up and keep you warm. Meanwhile, cafés and bars provide a cosy atmosphere for evening drinks with friends. For a more upscale dining experience, Zell am See boasts nine award-winning restaurants, offering food enthusiasts some truly special culinary delights.

The resort offers a good selection of sports bars, cocktail lounges, and clubs for those of you seeking a late night out. Apres-ski in Zell am See leans more towards traditional Austrian style, distinct from the bustling scenes in larger resorts like St. Anton or Mayrhofen. However, you can still have plenty of fun while spending less on beer, wine, and cocktails!

What's included in an Inghams ski holiday to Zell am See

Flights, transfers and accommodation based on self catering, bed and breakfast, half board, all inclusive or full board. Optional add ons include equipment hire, lift pass and tuition, please see the 'ski extras' tab below for more information on these.

Added value

Free child helmet when booking skis and boots

Ski hotels in Zell am See

  • from£859pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 48 Rooms
Austria_Zell-am-see_Romantik-Hotel_exterior

The 15th century built charming Romantik Hotel is set in the ideal location on the edge of Zell am See's pedestrianised centre and adjacent to the lake.

Save £100pp when you pre-book your ski pass and lift hire/carriage.

  • from£1039pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 36 Rooms
Hotel Berner Zell Am See Austria Exterior

The family-run Hotel Berner in an elevated ski-in position just above the City Xpress gondola and Ebenberg chairlift. Conveniently located for both ski access and Zell am See's resort centre. With its recently renovated spa and outdoor pool as well as delicious food and attentive service, this hotel has become a firm favourite with Inghams guests.

  • from£939pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 60 Rooms
Hotel Grüner Baum Zell am See Austria

In a central Zell am See position, the food in Hotel Grüner Baum is the product of carefully refined methods. The hotel originated as a butchers, and has been delivering first-class culinary quality since 1945. The state of the art furnishings and lovable service mean its still attracting locals and visitors today. 

  • from£699pp
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    3.5 Rating

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  • 50 Rooms
Hotel Lebzelter Zell am See Austria (2)

For a traditional and warm Austrian hotel in a central Zell am see position look no further. Hotel Lebzelter is an authentic Austrian hotel located within walking distance of the city Xpress gondola and heart of Zell am See’s pedestrianised centre.

  • from£699pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 30 Rooms
Zell Am See Hotel Fischerwirt Exterior Night

Ideally located in the picturesque pedestrian area of Zell am See's medieval town and only a brief walk to the City Xpress gondola. The striking Austrian architecture stands out among other buildings. Expect a welcoming atmosphere and great personal service. 

  • from£1189pp
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    4.5 Rating

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  • 131 Rooms
Hotel Grand Zell Am See Exterior (2)

Occupying a superb, scenic position directly on the lake beside the pedestrian centre and railway, the Grand Hotel is a majestic hotel originally built in 1896. The hotel offers very high standards of service and comfort and is well known for its good food, a combination of international cuisine and Pinzgau local specialities.

  • from£1669pp
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    5 Rating

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  • 68 Rooms
Hotel Salzburgerhof Exterior-Zell am See-Austria

The Salzburgerhof is a truly stunning hotel, it is officially rated as a 5 Star Superior making it one of the finest hotels in Austria. All meals are included in the hotel's award winning restaurant on a full board arrangement. The hotel offers unmatched luxury paired with traditional Austrian hospitality near the shores of Lake Zell.

  • from£1137pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 98 Rooms
Hotel Der Waldhof Zell Am See Indoor Pool

The Hotel Der Waldhof is a family friendly hotel with a great ski-in, ski-out position next to the piste. Convenience is key at this hotel, with the main City Xpress gondola just a short ski or walk away, you can ski back to the hotel at the end of the day.

Ski & Snowboard
Skiing levels
Beginner
Intermediates
Advanced
Snowboard
Cross country

Beginner skiing and snowboarding in Zell am See

In Zell am See learn at the City Xpress gondola which allows access to the best snow conditions and wonderful views. Plus access the interconnected region of Saalbach and Hinterglemm’s nursery slope which is right in the village centre. The local ski school is highly regarded, with friendly, English speaking instructors.

Progress to the mountain from the nursery slope is easy. Gondolas from the village centre to the top of the mountain makes getting around the resort simple & the short blue runs at the top of the Bernkogel are excellent for building up confidence.

Ski schools in Zell am See

The ski schools in Zell am See offer some of the best instructors Austria has to offer. You'll have the opportunity to learn from professionals who can teach you everything there is to know about winter sports. Whether it's your first time in a ski resort, or you'd like to explore some backcountry and sharpen your existing skills, there are a range of tuition options available to everyone. 

Learn to ski or snowboard with like minded people in group lessons, the most popular form of tuition. Or if you would prefer some one on one time so you can hit the bigger slopes quicker, there are opportunities to book a private lesson with one of the many qualified instructors who will respond to your specific needs.

Intermediate skiing and snowboarding in Zell am See

In Zell am See intermediates will enjoy the wide open red runs on the Sonnenalm; alternatively take the Hirschkogel lift over to the Areit side and enjoy the Schüttabfahrt down to Schüttdorf.

Extensive terrain for those preferring blue and red runs is directly accessible in Saalbach/Hinterglemm centre. Plus access the Saalbach/Hinterglemm Ski Circus including Fieberbrunn, Bernkogel, Kohlmais & Reiterkogel. Here you will find a wealth of long runs including reds and blues which are ideal for relaxed cruising or simply travelling as far as possible across the mountain.

The terrain at the top of Reiterkogel provides an excellent mixture of delightful blue and red runs and is a great place to spend the morning skiing. From here you can ski down to Pulvermacherscherm which connects with Fieberbrunn, the latest resort to join the ski circus.

Advanced skiing and snowboarding in Zell am See

In Zell am See head over to Sonnenalm for some off-piste and moguls or take one of the black runs down to the village. The Schattberg in Saalbach also offers a good selections of mogul runs and off piste skiing. Alternatively expert skiers will enjoy the challenging ‘Nordabfahrt’.

In Hinterglemm the Zwölferkogel provides the biggest challenge to advanced skiers. Take the world cup black descent which is challenging and free of crowds. The nearby Seekar bowl provides excellent opportunities, as well as the Schattberg North Descent in Saalbach which is a long and challenging mixture of black and red runs.

Off piste and snow parks in Zell am See

In Zell am See boarders will enjoy the new fun park on the Schmitten, as well as the blues and reds on the Sonnenalm. Head to Saalbach for some of the best boarding terrain including three fun parks, plenty of easy blues and reds as well as an abudance of off piste.

While Hinterglemm is one of the best resorts for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. The floodlit nightpark is open day and night and is suitable, for everyone, whether a complete beginner or an expert.

The park is extensive offering a range of obstacles including the standard kickers and rails as well as a wall ride and a U-bahn gondola lift provides ready access to the park.

There are further freeride parks in Fieberbrunn and Leogang, as well as a dedicated learn to ride park in Bernkogel.

Cross-country skiing in Zell am See

There are a total of 107 kilometres of cross-country tracks throughout Zell am See-Kaprun. There is a large variety to choose from, including flat tracks at the bottom of the valley which are ideal for beginners or if you'd like to take it easy, to challenging tracks that are guaranteed to get your blood pumping. Whether you prefer the skate or classic cross-county style, there are multiple tracks that suit all needs.

Our favourite run

'In Zell am See, I love the Panorama / Trassabfahrt, from top of the Schmittenhöhe cable-car all the way down. Scenic tree-lined scenery and wonderful views over the lake.' (Jodie Perkins, Assistant Product Manager Austria)

Winter walking paths throughout Zell am See, Saalbach & Hinterglemm 


Mountain facts
Area 408 km
Resort Altitude 760m
Ski Alt. From 760m
Ski Alt. To 3029m
Longest run 6 Km
Lifts Lifts 121, Chairlifts 38, Cable car 3, Draglifts 38, Gondolas 41
Lift Ski LockersYes
Local Pass Lifts26
Whole Area Pass Lifts121
Night Skiing IncludedYes
Glaciers1
Mountain Restaurants98
Snow Cannon Coverage100%
Cross Country Trails

Guided walks, nordic walking and snow shoeing available. 197km

Nursery SlopesTop of City Xpress gondola and bottom of TrassX-press
Off-piste OptionsYes
Slope DirectionN, E, S, W
Snowpark Info

Rome Park fun park on the Schmitten, Glacier Park on the Kitzstienhorn - Snow park and Half Pipe. Saalbach - NITRO and Free ride park. Hinterglemm - Family and Snow Park. 

Walking31
Things To Do

Things to do in Zell am See

Restaurants, food and drink

The food in Zell am See is top notch, and uses some of the best, fresh produce from the local farmers surrounding the resort.

There are lots of options for dining, and you can switch up the vibe every night if you really wish. Pizzerias, inns and mountain restaurants specialise in hearty food that will fill you up and warm you up ready to hit the slopes until final lifts. Cafes and bars on the other hand offer a more cosy break, with evening socialising and relaxing at the heart of the experience.

If you're feeling something more high-end, there are 9 award-winning restaurants located around the town, inviting foodies to some very special culinary experiences.

Après, bars, clubs and nightlife 

The resort offers a good selection of sports bars, cocktail lounges, and clubs for those of you seeking a late night out. Apres-ski in Zell am See leans more towards traditional Austrian style, distinct from the bustling scenes in larger resorts like St. Anton or Mayrhofen. However, you can still have plenty of fun while spending less on beer, wine, and cocktails!

Begin your evening at the top of the slopes at Berghotel's SchnapsHans bar, which features a lively atmosphere, live music, and dancing on a spacious terrace - Think of it as an Austrian Folie Douce.

Spas and relaxation

Freizeitzentrum & Indoor Swimming Pool 

The Freizeitzentrum Zell Am See and indoor swimming pool are located in Zell am See, next to the ice rink. The adventure pool, slide and diving tower inspire both big and small guests. You can relax in the spa area, with various types of sauna and infrared cabin. 

Tauern Spa Kaprun

A temple of well-being and just a few minutes drive from Zell am See. On an area of over 20,000m² you will find a fabulous spa complex with over 13 saunas, steam baths and much more. There are also 20 pools in the Tauern Spa, in addition to a brine pool, a sports pool and others pools, offering sensational views of the surrounding mountains around the Kitzsteinhorn.

Shopping

Wander through the pedestrian zone to explore the latest trends, test out the newest ski models, or find the perfect souvenir for your loved ones back home. Many of the retail outlets in Zell am See have been family-run for decades, and here you'll find everything you need from a ski holiday. Take some of the latest sports equipment home with you, or treat yourself to a new item of clothing to wear as you go down the slopes. You'll also find a lot of regional specialities on sale, from local cheeses and homemade jams to fruity liqueurs which make the best souvenirs - you can take a piece of the resort back home to continue that holiday feeling.

Zell am See resort activities

Ice Skating at Lake Zell 

Lake Zell freezes over in winter and turns into a breathtakingly beautiful ice rink. Some people choose to play ice hockey. 

Winter hiking and snowshoeing

Take a guided tour through untouched snowy forests and mountain sides, exploring areas even the skiers and snowboarders don't get to see. Winter hiking and snowshoeing allows you to discover the landscape and experience it at your own pace. The winter hiking trails around Zell am See are all cleared and well sign posted. If you'd prefer to venture more 'off piste' snowshoeing is the best option as you'll be wading through fresh snow so you get to decide your own path to take.

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is an essential part of all ski holidays, regardless of age. All around Zell am See there are several excellently groomed toboggan runs for you to race down with friends and family. Not only is Zell am See home to the world's longest toboggan run, but you'll even find and all-year round toboggan run in the region - The Maisi Flitzer.

  • Snowpark
  • Sleigh rides
  • A full programme of après-ski events
  • Indoor tennis and squash centre (Kaprun)
  • Floodlit cross-country
  • Curling
  • Snow-kiting
  • Horse-riding
  • Resort bus between Zell am See and Kaprun free with lift pass
Lift Passes

Lift Passes

Lift Passes  Days Season Adult
Born Before 2004 
Youth
2004-2006
Child
2007-2016
Area Pass
(Alpin Card)
6 Low £310 £233 £156
High £345 £259 £173

The pass includes Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See, Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun, Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm and Leogang Fieberbrunn.

High season 18 Dec - 01 Apr

Low season all other dates

Children born from 2016- free. Beginners should book in resort for reduced prices. 

Prices and supplements are correct at the time of publishing. Up to date prices will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Ski Equipment

Ski Equipment

(6 days) Please see here for a description of hire categories. 

Equipment Description Blue Red Black
Adult Skis £101 £127 £147
Skis & Boots £138 £165 £184
Snowboard - £101 -
Snowboard & Boots - £138 -
Youth (14-17yrs)
Skis & Boots - £114 £135
Child (3-13yrs) Skis & Boots - £69 -
Snowboard & Boots* - £69 -

*Child snowboard equipment from 8 years

Prices and supplements are correct at the time of publishing. Up to date prices will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Tuition

Tuition

Tuition Days Times Adult Child (4*-14yrs)
Ski Beginner 3/5 10am-12am & 1pm-3pm £196/£243 £196/£243
Ski Intermediate 3 10:30am-1pm £187 £196
Snowboard Beginner 3 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm £196 £196
Snowboard Intermediate 3 10:30am-1pm £161 £161

Ski school might be closed on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day. *Child snowboard tuition from 10yrs

Tuition begins on Mondays

Levels of tuition:

  • Beginner = never skied before
  • Level 1 = advanced beginner; can control speed, snowplough and change direction on gentle slopes 
  • Level 2 = low intermediate, snowplough turns and start to ski parallel
  • Level 3 = Good intermediate, Parallel turns 
  • Advanced = Fully confident on all slopes, looking to improve technique

Prices and supplements are correct at the time of publishing. Up to date prices will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Transfers

Flights depart Saturdays

Transfer time

  • Salzburg airport: approx. 1 hour 30 mins by coach

Private transfers and self drive options are available

Good to know

  • High altitude skiing & guaranteed snow
  • 3 great ski areas on one lift pass
  • Short transfers from Salzburg Airport
  • Inghams rep based in resort
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