Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Kaprun: hit the slopes and the spa
The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is one of the most famous high-altitude ski areas in Austria and is a symbol of guaranteed snow from autumn to late spring. It rises above Kaprun to an altitude of over 3,000 meters and offers a combination of modern infrastructure, dramatic alpine scenery and varied skiing. I also recommend visiting the Tauern SPA in Kaprun.
We also rank Kaprun as one of our favorite destinations for a winter vacation. It is attractive to us not only for its accessibility, but also for its stable conditions, which make it a reliable choice for a planned vacation from autumn to spring.
Kaprun Accommodation
Kaprun is one of the most popular Alpine resorts for winter holidays, and the accommodation offer here reflects this. From practical apartments to luxury wellness resorts. Thanks to the proximity of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and the Zell am See ski resort, quality infrastructure, both families with children and more demanding skiers in pairs looking for comfort and high-level services can easily choose here. Here are some of my recommendations:
1. Affordable apartment – excellent value for money
Emma Deluxe Aparthotel is a modern apartment accommodation with very good ratings, comfortable equipment and practical facilities for a winter stay. It is suitable for families and groups of skiers who want more space, the possibility of self-catering and a convenient location in Kaprun.
2. Moderately priced hotel with breakfast and pool
Hotel Das Alpenhaus Kaprun is a four-star hotel, which is one of the popular choices for a winter holiday. It offers quality breakfasts, good services and wellness facilities including a swimming pool, so it is suitable for both couples and families who want to relax “on site” after skiing.
A good alternative in the upper middle standard is also the Mountain Hotel Luis, which scores with its atmosphere and wellness facilities.
3. Luxury hotel / resort with wellness and top gastronomy
- My tip for a wellness holiday:
TAUERN SPA Zell am See – Kaprun is a top resort focused on comfort, generous wellness and an overall experience. In winter, it is ideal for those who want to combine skiing with significantly above-standard relaxation, quality cuisine and a spa atmosphere.
Tauern SPA Kaprun
> Find accommodation in Zell am See – Kaprun according to your preferences here
> 11 tips for wellness centers in Austria
Ski resort Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
Kitzsteinhorn is a typical high-altitude glacier with open terrain, wide slopes and distant views of the High Tauern. Skiing here is smooth and clear, ideal for both sporty riders and recreational skiers who will appreciate plenty of space and quality trail grooming. Thanks to modern cable cars, you can quickly get to higher areas, where stable snow conditions prevail even when there is no snow in lower locations.
The resort offers approx. 41 kilometers of slopes, and the composition of the trails is balanced. Red slopes predominate, making up approximately two-thirds of the area and are ideal for intermediate skiers looking for a sporty but still safe ride. Blue trails are wide and clear, suitable for less experienced skiers and technical training. Black slopes are more of an addition here, but in the upper parts they offer steeper sections and a more challenging profile for experienced riders.
Ski resort map: Kitzsteinhorn Glacier + Skipass
A one-day skipass for Kitzsteinhorn / Kaprun (Zell am See-Kaprun region, Ski ALPIN CARD) for the 2025/26 season will cost:
- €79.00 for an adult in the main season (when purchased from 8:00 AM)
- €59.00 for youth / teenager (Youth)
- €39.50 for a child
- (When purchased from 11:30 AM, the price for adults is €65.50)
- Prices vary depending on the date and purchase – whether online or on site and, of course, also depending on the number of days
You can find current information for the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier ski resort on the official website: Kitzsteinhorn.at
Top of Salzburg 3,029 meters – “Gipfelwelt 3000”
In addition to classic downhill skiing, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is also known for its freeride opportunities, snow parks and viewpoints, such as the Top of Salzburg platform at an altitude of 3,029 meters. The overall impression is underlined by quality facilities, modern gastronomy directly on the slopes and the fact that skiing here on the glacier is also about the mountain experience itself. The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier thus offers facilities for day trips for non-skiers.
Tauern SPA Kaprun – a wellness experience with a view of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
Personally, we cannot imagine a winter holiday in the mountains without visiting a wellness center. It is no coincidence that we also choose ski resorts close to the most beautiful wellness centers. It is no different with a holiday in Kaprun.
Tauern SPA Zell am See – Kaprun is one of the largest and highest quality wellness centers in Austria and is often a separate destination for many vacationers, which makes it worth coming to Kaprun even without skis. The modern spa complex lies directly below the Kitzsteinhorn massif and combines interesting architecture, views of three-thousand-meter peaks and exceptionally extensive water and sauna facilities.
Tauern SPA Kaprun
Why go to Tauern Spa Kaprun?
Tauern SPA is an ideal place for regeneration after skiing and for all-day relaxation. You will especially appreciate the generous space, the calm atmosphere and the fact that even with higher attendance, the complex does not feel crowded. A great benefit are the outdoor heated pools with panoramic views of the Alps, which operate all year round and are among the nicest experiences of the entire complex.
- Personally, we plan two days of skiing and one day in the wellness center for extended weekends. Our neighbors also spent a separate autumn wellness holiday here and returned very enthusiastic about the local half board and the hotel’s rooftop pool.
Tauern Spa Pools and Water World + Sauna World
The wellness area offers more than 20 indoor and outdoor pools with thermal water, divided into family and quiet areas. You will find here:
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large outdoor panoramic pools with a view of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
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indoor relaxation pools with loungers in the water
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sports pool
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whirlpools and massage pools
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separate SPA world for adults (16+), focused on peace and quiet – this is where you will usually find us
There is also a separate children’s water world with toboggans, slides and play elements, so Tauern SPA also works well for families.
The sauna area is one of the best in the region and is intended exclusively for adults. It offers:
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several types of Finnish saunas
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steam baths
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infrared cabins
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themed relaxation rooms
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regular sauna rituals with ceremonies (Aufguss)
The entire sauna area is designed as a quiet zone with an emphasis on regeneration, silence and views of the mountains.
Tauern SPA Kaprun
Tauern Spa Kaprun price list for day visitors (for guidance)
Tauern SPA is also open to non-guests. Prices vary depending on the length of stay, day of the week and season:
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daily entry to the pool world: approximately €50–60
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combined entry pools + saunas: approximately €65–75
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evening entry (afternoon/evening tariff): usually a little more advantageous
Children have discounted prices and there are also family tariffs. In the main winter season, it is advisable to expect higher demand and possible advance reservations.
Tauern SPA is an ideal choice for anyone who wants to combine an active holiday in Kaprun (Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and skiing in Zell am See) with truly high-quality wellness facilities and enjoy alpine relaxation at the highest level.
Tauern SPA Kaprun
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