Zell am See Ski Holidays

Zell am See is one of the most popular skiing destinations around. It is extremely family friendly and has an excellent tourist infrastructure due to its popularity in both summer and winter. It is a beautiful town situated on the shores of one of Austria’s most picturesque lakes and is surrounded by stunning mountains. The resort has excellent facilities making it a perfect location for both skiers and non-skiers alike.

Hotels in this resort

Zell am See Guide

The resort lies at 762m above sea level with the altitude range being from 762-3029m. The starting point for most of the ski runs is Schmittenh�he mountain, a towering wonder which offers long, smooth, tree-lined runs back to the town and superb views from the summit.

The ski area is extensive, with 138km of marked piste, 300km of cross country and the longest run being 8km. The Europa Sport Region lift pass will give you access to Kaprun which is a glacier resort nearby, ensuring you will be able to ski.

There is a variety of slopes and some challenging terrain for all abilities of skiers and there is a total of 57 lifts. For snowboarders there are three snowparks and one pipe. For lunch on the slopes you can also enjoy the benefit of twenty five mountain restaurants.

Zell am See is not just a resort but a thriving town. It has a charming pedestrianised town centre dating back to the 13th century. The old church of St. Hippolyt and the city tower Vogturrm dominate the skyline, giving Zell am See an old bustling merchant town atmosphere and a wander through its old streets is worthwhile.

There are many interesting local shops, from market stalls and craft shops to sport shops, giving away the fact that the town is actually a thriving ski resort and summer activity destination as well. The town itself has a population of 10,000 and is as much a normal town for its residents as it is a delightful place for tourists and you can soak up the atmosphere in one of its many friendly cafes.

The town is a perfect place for families and people who want to do some exploring as well as enjoying the skiing. The village of Kaprun is smaller than Zell am See but has some interesting buildings, an old castle and a car museum. In Zell am See itself there are many other activities to enjoy.

Winter activities include sleigh rides, which are a unique way to experience the surroundings and especially magical for children; also curling, or maybe you could try ice skating. Tobogganing is also a fun activity and equally as exciting as skiing. For indoor activities you can go swimming, go to the bowling alley or play tennis.

From Zell am See you can also take an excursion to Salzburg, the city of Mozart. Here you can see some wonderful architecture, fairytale spires, beautiful gardens and beautiful surroundings.

To see Zell am See from the air you can try paragliding, one of the popular activities in the area and a truly unforgettable experience. With an instructor to fly for you, you can sit tight and look down upon the snow covered mountains and the pretty town.

Eating Out

Since the town is hugely popular with tourists, it offers a wide variety of restaurants and places to eat out. There are plenty of places to sample some local Austrian cuisine, but also places that offer international foods such as Chinese, Italian and French.

Some of the recommended restaurants include ‘Giuseppe’, ‘Lebzelter’, ‘Pizzaman’, ‘Kupferkessel’ and ‘Octopussy’. Zell am See also has a buzzing nightlife as you would expect from such a popular resort and offers traditional cafes, bars and nightclubs.

Nightlife

The ‘Crazy Daisy Pub’ is one of the most popular nightspots amongst those on holiday with live bands every day of the week. The ‘Pinzgauer Diele’ is a bar that turns into one of the top discos after 11pm and ‘Viva Club’ gets into full swing after 1am. There are plenty of other bars for you to try out throughout your stay as well.

Zell am See is a perfect location for those wanting a skiing holiday and for those who want to visit a charming alpine resort and enjoy all the benefits that come with it. It enjoys a picturesque setting next to a lake and is surrounded by breathtaking mountains. The town is an ideal base for skiers and non skiers alike and the facilities are second to none.