Let's discover Zell am See

Zell am See ski resort

Located in the SalzburgerLand region, Zell am See offers a unique Alpine setting between the slopes of the Schmittenhöhe and the shores of Lake Zell. Combining spectacular mountain scenery, a lively historic town and a family-friendly ski area, the resort is an ideal destination for both skiing and winter activities.

The Schmittenhöhe ski area offers 77 km of perfectly groomed slopes served by 27 modern lift facilities. Stretching from Zell am See at around 760 metres above sea level to the summit of the Schmittenhöhe at 1,965 metres, the ski area features runs for all abilities, from wide family slopes to challenging black descents.

Zell am See is particularly famous for its panoramic views. From the top of the Schmittenhöhe, visitors can admire Lake Zell and up to 30 Alpine peaks rising above 3,000 metres. With its snowpark, Funslope XXL, mountain restaurants and direct access to the wider Ski ALPIN CARD area, Zell am See offers a varied winter holiday in a spectacular lakeside setting.

Zell am See Ski Holidays

Winter activities in Zell am See

Ski with panoramic views over Lake Zell

Explore the varied slopes of the Schmittenhöhe while enjoying spectacular views over Lake Zell and the surrounding Salzburg Alps. The ski area combines wide, accessible pistes for families and beginners with challenging descents for experienced skiers. For an exhilarating challenge, try the famous Trass descent. With sections reaching gradients of up to 70%, almost 1,000 metres of vertical drop and a length of more than four kilometres, it is one of the most demanding runs on the Schmittenhöhe.

Discover the Snowpark and Funslope XXL

Add a playful dimension to your ski day at the Schmittenhöhe Snowpark and Funslope XXL. The area features jumps, waves, tunnels and banked turns designed for both families and adventurous skiers. Young visitors can also discover the Kidsslope and Schmidolin’s winter adventure world, making the Schmittenhöhe a particularly attractive destination for families travelling with children.

Tobogganing in Zell am See

Swap your skis for a sledge and enjoy a fun-filled descent through the winter landscape. The family-friendly Köhlergraben natural toboggan run is located in the Schmittental valley and extends for approximately one kilometre. When snow conditions permit, the run remains open until 10 pm, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy an atmospheric evening tobogganing experience close to Zell am See.

Ski with panoramic views over Lake Zell

Discover the Snowpark and Funslope XXL

Tobogganing in Zell am See

Events not to be missed in Zell am See

Star Advent

TFrom late November through December 2026, Star Advent will bring a festive atmosphere to Zell am See. Christmas markets, illuminated streets and seasonal decorations will transform the historic town centre and the shores of Lake Zell into a winter wonderland. Visitors will be able to discover traditional handicrafts, regional specialities and festive entertainment while enjoying the spectacular combination of mountains, snow and lake views.

FAT ICE RACE

On 29 and 30 January 2027, the FAT ICE RACE will return to Zell am See for an action-packed celebration of motorsport on snow and ice. The programme will begin with community events and a warm-up party in the town centre before the main racing event at Zell am See airfield. Combining historic and modern cars, spectacular driving and a lively festival atmosphere, the FAT ICE RACE is one of the region’s most distinctive winter events.

balloonalps

From 30 January to 6 February 2027, balloonalps will fill the skies above Zell am See with colourful hot-air balloons. International balloon teams will take off against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Zell and the snow-covered Alpine peaks. Depending on weather conditions, visitors will be able to watch the balloons glide over the region and experience one of the most photogenic events of the winter season.

How to get to Zell am See?

By train

Zell am See railway station is located directly in the town centre and offers convenient connections from Salzburg, Innsbruck and several major Austrian and European cities.

Many hotels, restaurants and local services can be reached on foot from the station. Buses, local trains and transfer services are also available for onward journeys throughout the Zell am See-Kaprun region.

By car

Zell am See can be reached by car from Salzburg in approximately 1.5 hours and from Munich in around 2.5 hours. Well-developed roads connect the resort with Austria’s main motorway network.

Once in Zell am See, local buses and trains provide convenient connections between the town centre, accommodation and the main ski lifts. An Austrian motorway vignette is required when travelling on the country’s motorways.

By plane

Salzburg Airport is the closest major airport to Zell am See, located approximately 80 km away. The resort can be reached from the airport by car, shuttle, train or regional bus number 260.

Innsbruck Airport, approximately 150 km away, and Munich Airport, around 200 km away, are also possible alternatives for international travellers.