Ski Zell am See

A charming ski resort with plenty going on!

Zell am See is a charming 13th century town in a dazzling lakeside setting. There is so much going on here that you get the impression that if the snow all disappeared this would still be a vibrant holiday destination offering value priced ski packages.

It is chock-a-block with culture. Classical concerts, theatre and festivals make way for beach parties and water sports in the summer.

On the edge of the Hoho Tauern National Park the skiing available is varied with more challenging runs than you would expect for a relatively small area.

The downside is that the resort at 757 metres doesn’t guarantee snow and can get quite crowded. If there isn’t an abundance of snow many people jump on the free ski bus over to Kaprun for some glacier skiing. This is all part of the Europa Sport Ski Region – the highest part of this is 3029 metres over at Kaprun. Bruck, Fush and Naishofen are also accessible with this pass.

Unfortunately Zell am See isn’t particularly well linked so bussing it is often the only option to get to higher part of the mountains, meaning the buses are often crammed full of hot impatient Europeans.
Many of Zell am See’s slopes are very pretty tree-lined slopes which bask in glorious alpine sunshine. This isn’t really conducive to good quality snow and despite the resorts best efforts, this depletes rather quickly.

To make the most of this area it’s probably best to hire a car and by daily lift passes wherever the snow is good.

Head over to Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Wagrain Schladming or Obertauern, all neighbouring resorts in easy distance.

Most tour operator’s accommodation is situated a fair walk from the lifts and although things have improved in recent years, at the end of your walk the lift queues are frustratingly long.
The previous negative comments aside, Zell am See is a very welcoming resort, popular with snowboarders with plenty on offer besides skiing. The transfer is painless, Salzberg is only 100km away.

Head over to Kitzteinhorn for some excellent free riding terrain, The park and half pipe at  Schmitten Hohe are highlights and don’t be put off trying the black runs, the general consensus is they should be graded as red.

Glocknerhaus and Ebenbergalm (well marked on piste map) are great eateries up on the mountain while back in the town try Traubenstube for steak, and Pizzeria Steinerwist Guiseppes has a homely cheerful atmosphere. Crazy Daisys après-ski is the liveliest in resort with the added bonus of a Mexican restaurant tagged on.

For the dancing queens who want the party to just keep on going proceed on towards The Plnzgauer Diele Disco Bar or alternatively the more simply named, Viva Bar.

Tobogganing, Ice Climbing, Paragliding, a Bowling Alley, Indoor Tennis, Spa, Sports centre and skating on the lake are your other diversions on offer.

Cross country skiing is extremely well catered for here, but if you are booking a week away for some sensational ski or board action it may be worth your while to pick a more snow sure resort such as Les Arcs or Tignes.