Zell am See - Kaprun Reviews & Ratings

Zell am See, a picturesque ski resort nestled by Lake Zell, offers an appealing mix of charm and scenery, but its skiing and overall experience leave room for improvement.

Skiing

Zell am Sees ski area is relatively small, and its range of slopes may leave advanced skiers wanting more. The skiing is excellent in the mornings, especially when the slopes are freshly groomed. However, by afternoon, the sun directly hits the main slopes, softening the snow and creating slushy conditions. This, coupled with the increased traffic later in the day, makes for a less enjoyable experience.

A notable downside is the closure of one of the main lifts, reportedly due to a prolonged dispute between the resort and the lift owner. The lack of this lift limits access to certain areas, and the bar/eatery at its toponce a convenient and popular spothas also been shuttered as a result.

That said, the ski school consistently receives praise. Families in particular have found it reliable, with skilled instructors catering well to beginners and kids alike.

Apres-Ski and Nightlife

The apres-ski scene in Zell am See is decent, but it has declined over the years. Crazy Daisys stands out as both the best bar and restaurant in town, offering great atmosphere and reliable food and drinks. However, other options feel limited, and the resort would benefit from more variety and quality in its dining scene.

One of the biggest disappointments is the so-called Irish bar. Once a highlight of Zell am Sees nightlife, it changed ownership a few years ago and was renamed Murraysa name that hardly inspires confidence in its authenticity. Poor staff service and subpar pints have left many feeling let down.

Pricing and Value

Zell am See is expensive, and the experience doesnt always justify the cost. Between the limited skiing, ongoing lift issues, and declining nightlife, the resort feels like its coasting on its reputation rather than improving to match modern expectations.

While Zell am See boasts stunning views, a charming town, and a reliable ski school, it struggles to deliver a standout experience. The skiing conditions vary greatly depending on the time of day, apres-ski is hit or miss, and the resort is overpriced for what it offers. Unless some of these issuesespecially the lift dispute and declining nightlifeare resolved, Zell am See risks losing its appeal to more dynamic and better-value alternatives.

A wide variety of blue and red slopes perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers. All runs have a variety of different terrain and ease of access to lifts make this resort brilliant with easy access and variety of places to eat on the slopes. I had an excellent time and will visit again.

Shuttle buses were excellent. Went in middle of March tricky Spring conditions but still a great resort. Reasonable prices for food and drink too

We stayed in Zell but skied both Zell and Kaprun as it's a short free bus ride away.
Lifts are excellent, well maintained and speedy.
Glacier skiing at Kaprun is really good.
Skiing was always good for us intermediate come advanced skiers with lots of blues and red runs, we don't do black runs so can't comment.
All the restaurants on the slopes serve great food and are well kept and easy to ski in/out of.
Zell town is quite big with lots of good restaurants/cafes and the lake is lovely.
Zell is our go to destination when skiing.

I have been going to Zell am See for over 18 years with my family skiing. It was the place where I first learned to ski as a child and, I would argue, the best resort there is. From it's gentle blue cat walk runs, red slopes down the the village and a few blacks for a challenge, it's the perfect place for any family, no matter your ability. With a range of hotel and board options, you will be spoilt for choice on where you want to say. After skiing, there are many aprè bars and restaurants you can stop off in to relax before heading back to your hotel. On days where you may not be skiing, there are many walking and bike routes around the lake and mountains for all abilities. No matter the time of season, you are almost always guaranteed snow with the kaprun glacier a 30 minute bus journey away. And if it's a wet and snowy day, you could always relax in the Tauner Spa in Kaprun and relax. No matter your ability, Zell am See is the perfect place for a family ski trip, with many ski schools for adults and children.

Stayed in Zell am See for a week in March. The town is stunning and has loads going on. Access to ski areas are really easy. 2 minute walk to the Gondola for Zell am See ski area and busses every 15 minutes for Kaprun and Saalbach. We skied all of these areas with Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn being my favourite. Some fantastic runs including the Black Mamba and some amazing off piste. Great Apres bars on and off the mountain. There were four of us and we all loved this place so much that we've booked again for next year.

Great resort, and lots of good skiing variety. The only downside to get to different areas there's a lot of traversing across the mountains, you need to plan your days well and may not be suitable for beginners!

Great area, with lots of bars and restaurants, we also loved skiing on a glacier but it was very busy!

There is so much to do in Zell am See/Kaprun, with the alpine card you have access to the Schmittenhöhe, the Kitzsteinhorn, the Maiskogel, saalbach, hinterglemm and fieberbrunn. More skiing than you could do in 2 weeks of holiday.

There is loads of freestyle parks and infinite freeride/off piste. The freeride world tour took place in fieberbrunn last year, just to give you an idea of how technical some of the skiing is here.

However, there is so much variety and slopes for people of all ages and abilities.

For my winters I always choose Zell am See/Kaprun

Very friendly resort with plenty of wide open slopes (particularly at the top). Not the cheapest places but snow is practically guaranteed