Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Zell Am See is unlike most other Austrian Ski resorts in that it is a lake side town with a charming old centre and offers great non skiing facilities. With excellent road and rail links it is easily accessible and makes a great base from which to explore the surrounding areas.Towering over the town, the Kitzsteinhorn is one of the highest mountains in Austria with a glacier giving year round skiing. The Schmittenhohe at 2000m offers skiing staight from the centre of Zell am See. Access to the Kitzbuhel ski area is a mere 30 mins away by road and the skicircus area of Saalbach-Hinterglemm with 200km of piste only 20mins.
For Skiers and non-skiers alike, Zell am See offers the perfect winter wonderland.
22nd November 2008 - 19th April 2009
With 77 km of piste the 'Schmitten' offers varied and challenging skiing for all abilities. From the centre of town the 'City Xpress' gondola gives speedy access to Mittelstation from where a 4 seater fast chairlift links onto the Areitbahn gondola from where superb intermediate skiing is available. In 2007/8 a new high speed gondola was opened from the the old cable car station up to the top of the Schmittenhohe, so relieving congestion on the cable car and making the black descent from the peak a more effective option.
The Sonnekogel offers superb sun bathed slopes, accessed by the Sonnenalmbahn cablecar or linked pistes from the top of the Schmittenhohe.
The mountain has a great selection of restaurants and bars, all of which offer great value local cuisine. The Breiteck Alm at the Mittelstation is a particular favourite with locals
Year Round Skiing - nearly!
Rising to just over the 3000m, the Kitzsteinhorn is one of Austria's highest mountains. With its north facing glacier skiing is available all year round with the exception of a two week period in June. The cable car journey to the top of the 'Kitz' is worth it just for the amazing view across the whole Hohetauern area.
The glacier offers excellent skiing for all abilities, from the beginner slopes at the plateau of the glacier to the many off piste options for expert skiers. The mountain has an impressive lift system with queuing very minimal even at peak times.
29th November 2008 - 14th April 2009
29th November 2008 - 14th April 2009
