Skiing in Zell am See: Schmittenhöhe and Slopeside Accommodation
I recommend skiing in Zell am See for families with children, leisure skiers, and more athletic skiers alike. The local mountain, Schmittenhöhe offers 77 kilometers of slopes, views of Lake Zell, and more than thirty 3,000-meter peaks. A huge advantage is the multiple access points directly in town: cityXpress, Schmittenhöhebahn, trassXpress, and Sonnenalmbahn. So, with the right choice of accommodation, you practically don’t need a car.
© Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus
Out of the total 77 km, 30 km are blue, 28 km are red, and 19 km are black runs. While Schmittenhöhe is a popular family resort, it also offers plenty of space for skiers who want to spend the whole day alternating between intermediate runs.
Slopeside Accommodation in Zell am See
Find accommodation in Zell am See near the lifts using the map:
1. ALPIN – Das Sporthotel
For me, this hotel is the best option if you want to be truly close to the skiing in Zell am See. The hotel stands right by the slope and the cityXpress, with the center just a few minutes’ walk away. It has an indoor pool, two saunas, a steam bath, and a very highly-rated breakfast. A big plus is the ski-in possibility and practically instant access to the resort.
Sporthotel Alpin Zell am See
2. Hotel St. Georg
A more traditional four-star hotel located only 300 meters from the cityXpress and also close to the center. The wellness area includes an indoor pool, Finnish and bio saunas, and an infrared cabin, with a rich breakfast usually included in the price. For me, it’s a very good compromise between price, nice wellness, and location.
3. The House Zell am See
If you prefer a luxury self-catering apartment, I recommend The House Zell am See. These spacious apartments with kitchens are located only about 150 meters from the cityXpress, and they have their own ski room, sauna, and steam bath. A buffet breakfast is also available.
The House Zell am See
Schmittenhöhe for Families with Children
For absolute beginners, I recommend starting at the areitXpress in Schüttdorf. A modern beginner area has been created at the valley station, featuring a 120-meter-long covered magic carpet and two easy runs on either side.
After mastering your first turns, Glocknerwiese is ideal, where you’ll find easy slopes and a Kidsslope. Children can ride through waves, tunnels, and a slalom course. Schmidolin’s Dragon Park and other children’s zones also operate on Schmittenhöhe.
Families with more experienced children shouldn’t miss the Funslope XXL. The route starts at the Hochmaisbahn mountain station and is approximately 1.3 km long. Banked turns, tunnels, waves, and small jumps await here.
© Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus
You might also be interested in:
- Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Kaprun: Head Out for Skiing and Wellness
- 11 Tips for Wellness Centers in Austria
- 9 Tips on Where to Go for Glaciers in Austria
- Summer Vacation in Zell am See Kaprun: Trip Ideas and Where to Stay
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier Kaprun
Slopes for Intermediate Skiers
If you can already safely handle red runs, Schmittenhöhe offers carving slopes and long transitions between different parts of the resort. Officially designated intermediate runs include, for example, Neue Rennstrecke, Alte Rennstrecke, and Osthang.
- More athletic skiers can head for the long descents into the valley. On the other hand, I would leave the famous Trass to the experts; it’s a black run, over four kilometers long, covers nearly 1,000 meters in altitude, and reaches a gradient of up to 70% in places!
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Ski ALPIN CARD 2026/27
The good news is that the ski pass is no longer limited to just Zell am See. The Ski ALPIN CARD is also valid on the Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel in Kaprun and in the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. In total, you get access to 408 km of slopes and 121 lifts.
- During the high season from December 19, 2026, to March 12, 2027, a one-day ski pass costs €82 for an adult, €61.50 for youth, and €41 for a child.
- A six-day pass costs €440, €330, and €220.
- During the Winter Start and Bonus Season periods, prices are lower. Furthermore, children and youth under 19 can take advantage of the Junior XPLORE CARD for €15 every Saturday.
© Zell am See-Kaprun Tourismus
What’s New and Schmittenhöhe Operations 2026/27
The biggest news is the new Kapellenbahn, which is set to open for the 2026/27 season. The original four-seater is being replaced by a detachable eight-seater with bubbles, automatic safety bars, and a capacity of up to 3,400 people per hour. At the same time, the expansion of the Tannwaldabfahrt is being completed, which should provide a wider and safer descent.
- The planned start of winter operations for Schmittenhöhe is December 4, 2026, always depending on snow and weather conditions.
For a week-long ski vacation, Zell am See is an excellent choice in my opinion, especially if you want to combine family skiing, red runs, wellness, and the option to head to Kitzsteinhorn or Saalbach for a day or two without buying another ski pass.
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