Zell am See, Austria
Hotel Berner
Low season:£185per night
~£1,295 per week

Austria
Stunning lakeside views meet snow-sure glacier skiing in the heart of the Austrian Alps.
19 properties available
About the Resort
Zell am See offers one of the most picturesque skiing experiences in Austria, uniquely situated on the shores of Lake Zell and surrounded by soaring alpine peaks. The town itself is a vibrant, historic hub characterized by a pedestrian-friendly medieval center, a lively après-ski scene, and a seamless blend of traditional Austrian charm with modern luxury amenities.
The Resort
Skiing in Zell am See is primarily centered on the Schmittenhöhe mountain, which boasts excellent tree-lined runs, sunny slopes, and panoramic views of thirty 3,000-meter peaks. Thanks to the regional Ski ALPIN CARD, visitors have unrestricted access to a staggering 408 kilometers of pistes, seamlessly connecting Zell am See with the high-altitude Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun and the vast Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn network.
Whether you are carving down the famous Trass descent, cruising family-friendly blue runs, or soaking in the views from a mountain-top chalet, Zell am See caters to every level of skier. The inclusion of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in the local lift network guarantees exceptional snow conditions from early autumn well into late spring.
On the Mountain
The local Schmittenhöhe mountain provides fantastic tree-lined cruisers and scenic intermediate pistes with panoramic lake views. For more extensive and snow-sure terrain, the connected Kitzsteinhorn glacier offers high-altitude carving and excellent freeride routes, while the wider ALPIN CARD network unlocks endless miles of skiing.
Pinzgau, Salzburger Land
Located in the state of Salzburg, this region is renowned for the Hohe Tauern mountain range and encompasses some of Austria's largest and most famous interconnected ski areas.
Location
Resort Details
Ideal For
Intermediates
Endless red and blue cruisers across Schmittenhöhe and the connected Skicircus.
Couples
Romantic lakeside setting, historic town center, and excellent dining options.
Families
Great ski schools, the family-friendly Maiskogel mountain, and plenty of off-slope activities.
Après-Ski Enthusiasts
A lively town atmosphere with iconic mountain huts and vibrant bars.
By Type
Slope Access
Wellness
Full Collection
Where to Eat
AreitAlm
Schmittenhöhe (Top of AreitXpress)
A traditional mountain hut offering high-quality regional dishes and a fantastic sun terrace.
SchnapsHans Alm
Schmittenhöhe Summit
Famous for its lively afternoon atmosphere, large portions of Austrian classics, and spectacular lake views.
Gipfel Restaurant
Kitzsteinhorn Summit Station
Salzburg's highest restaurant at 3,029m, serving hearty meals with panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Villa Crazy Daisy
Zell am See Town Center
A legendary après-ski spot and restaurant offering great food, live music, and heated outdoor terraces.
Common Questions
The ski season in Zell am See typically runs Late November to mid-April (Kitzsteinhorn opens October to July). The resort averages 5m per season of snowfall, so conditions are usually reliable throughout. The Ski ALPIN CARD provides access to 408km of pistes across three major ski regions.
Zell am See offers 408km of pistes with a vertical drop of 2,279m. The local Schmittenhöhe mountain provides fantastic tree-lined cruisers and scenic intermediate pistes with panoramic lake views. For more extensive and snow-sure terrain, the connected Kitzsteinhorn glacier offers high-altitude carving and excellent freeride routes, while the wider ALPIN CARD network unlocks endless miles of skiing. It forms part of the Pinzgau, Salzburger Land ski area.
Stunning lakeside views meet snow-sure glacier skiing in the heart of the Austrian Alps. Zell am See is a traditional alpine village, known for its distinctive character and atmosphere. Key highlights include family friendly, intermediates, glacier, lively town, extensive terrain.
Zell am See receives an average of 5m per season of snowfall. With skiing up to 3,029m, higher altitude terrain holds snow well into spring. The resort also benefits from glacier skiing, extending the season and ensuring reliable coverage. Recent snowfall: Consistent winter coverage backed by extensive snowmaking.
Zell am See is well-suited for several types of visitors. For intermediates: Endless red and blue cruisers across Schmittenhöhe and the connected Skicircus. For couples: Romantic lakeside setting, historic town center, and excellent dining options. For families: Great ski schools, the family-friendly Maiskogel mountain, and plenty of off-slope activities.
The nearest airport is Salzburg Airport (SZG), about 78km away (approximately 1h 15min by transfer). Regular shuttle services, private taxis, and direct train connections available from Salzburg and Munich. Zell am See is also reachable by train via Zell am See Hauptbahnhof. Excellent local ski bus network connecting Zell am See, Kaprun, and the Skicircus, free with a valid ski pass.
Lift passes in Zell am See are available as Ski ALPIN CARD Adult 1-Day (EUR 72), Ski ALPIN CARD Adult 6-Day (EUR 378). Passes often cover the wider Pinzgau, Salzburger Land area, giving access to a much larger ski domain. Book lift passes online in advance for dynamic pricing discounts and to avoid ticket office queues.
Standout dining in Zell am See includes AreitAlm (A traditional mountain hut offering high-quality regional dishes and a fantastic sun terrace.), SchnapsHans Alm (Famous for its lively afternoon atmosphere, large portions of Austrian classics, and spectacular lake views.), Gipfel Restaurant (Salzburg's highest restaurant at 3,029m, serving hearty meals with panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern National Park.). With 4 recommended restaurants in total, the resort offers an impressive dining scene for a ski destination.
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