Zell am See Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
Zell am See has teamed up with the nearby and smaller Kaprun to create the large skiing region. Skiing gathered pace early here. Downhill descents were recorded as far back as 1893, and the Kitzsteinhorn was the first Austrian glacier to be skied. Unfortunately, unwanted publicity came in November 2000 from a devastating fire in Kaprun's Glescherbahn mountain railway, in which 155 died.
Mountain facts
Where in the world?
Hit the slopes
Skiing is best for intermediates. Despite the altitude, the glacier runs are mostly easy to medium, in a relatively smooth arena circled by peaks.
The best twisting, expert runs are above Schmittenhöhe, where the cable car ascends to 1,965m (6,647ft). Following the fire, the Glescherbahn has remained closed, and has been replaced by a new cable car.
Off-piste skiing is discouraged in most places in the interests of environmental protection. There's a snowboard park at the Gipfelbahn, and halfpipes on the glacier.
Beyond the slopes
The parish church has an elegant interior, despite its sturdy exterior. Close by, the medieval Vogtturm houses local crafts, including examples of the scary, horned masks used in the annual Krampus festival on 5 December. The world-class attractions of Salzburg are within reach of a day trip.
Family fun
The family-friendly leisure centre, Freizeitzentrum, Steinergasse 3-5, has a swimming pool with water slides, saunas, bowling and an ice stadium. There's an Alpine Centre above the old Glescherbahn.
Retail therapy
Après ski
Eating out
The restaurant in the Hotel Zum Hirschen, Dreifaltigkeitsstrasse 1, is a good mid-price choice, serving fish from the lake in a wood-panelled room. For top quality dining in refined surroundings, there's Salzburger Stuben, Salzburgerhof Hotel, Auerspergstrasse 11.
Getting around
Splashing out
Accommodation
Luxury
Hotel TirolerhofHotel facilities include a swimming pool/sauna complex, and there are bright, clean, well-equipped rooms, with friendly staff and good meals on half-board deals.
Auerspergstrasse 5
Tel: (06542) 772.
Website: www.tirolerhof.co.at
Moderate
Hotel KroneIn the southern suburb of Schüttdorf, but still convenient for the centre and ski lifts, Krone offers fresh-looking rooms or apartments, plus a garden and sauna.
Kitzsteinhornstrasse 16
Tel: (06542) 574 210.
Website: www.hotel-krone.at
Budget
Pension HubertusThis good-value pension is housed in a chalet near the Zeller Bergbahn and provides amenable staff, fine breakfasts, and rooms in varying styles.
Gartenstrasse 4
Tel: (06542) 72427.
Website: www.hubertus-pension.at
Getting there
Distance to resort: 100km (62 miles).
Driving time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
Nearest railway station: Zell am See.
Website
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