The Skiers' Guide to Zell am See - Schmittenhöhe

Visited for the day from Saalbach, was nice. Runs were well kept even though very limited snow recently. Stunning views. Infrastructure not as good as Saalbach, however not many places are and it was more than adequate.

Zell am See is a great base from which you can travel around the Salzburger region skiing in lots of different resorts. Zell am See also stands on its own as an excellent ski area with lots of different runs suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners will learn on the gentler slopes accessible from the gondola so get to experience being high up and appreciate the views without having to ski all the way to the bottom.

I took my family skiing to Zell am Zee as they are experienced skiers and I was an absolute beginner. The snow was a little patchy on some of the lower slopes, but the boys were able to enjoys the challenging higher slopes. I opted to go to ski school and had the most wonderful, patient instructor. By the Thursday (day 4/5) I was confident enough to tackle the blue slopes and enjoy the freedom of solo skiing.

We stayed in the Garten Hotel just 10/15 walk to the ski lifts. We stayed half board and had ample choice and dishes for us all. I am coeliac and was fully catered and had equal choices. Only issue was with bread/bread products at breakfast - no toast options which made it difficult as gf bread isn’t the tastiest. That is my only complaint.

I have the bug and am going skiing again next month

Lovely ski resort with a good connection via local transport. Really enjoyed the slows available and thought that the runs were a good mix of difficulty and enjoyment

Very pretty resort with lots of options for all types of rider and families. A bit of a long bus ride to get to the glacier runs from (which wasn't expected) from Zell am See), which meant we only did it once. I'd definitely go back.

Zell am See is quite a busy resort but the lift pass includes the ski bus to neighbouring Kaprun and Saalbach. Of our 6 days we spent 3 at Kaprun. The snow was really good there and the runs were very wide and long. It was also less busy than Zell and Saalbach. A good mix of slopes and the option of taking the Gondola from the top of the slope to the glacier which opens up the opportunity for more slopes to explore.
Zell am See hadn't had any significant snow for a few weeks but there are dozens of snowblowers to keep the slopes in decent condition. Plenty of reds and blues and a sprinkling of blacks to keep you occupied for a few days. The apres ski is lively (although not as lively as saalbach) and there are plenty of places to eat.
We spent our final day skiing at Saalbach and it really stretched us! Some of the 'blues' were more like blacks (2a was ridiculous) and there are miles of slopes to explore. It was very busy and consequently there was an abundance of moguls. Despite the busyness and the challenging terrain I would like to explore Saalbach more as there is good skiing to be had and the place is big. Thursday night in Saalbach offers the awesome free jump show and is definitely worth a visit. Generally, the night life in Saalbach seemed pretty wild and certainly the loudest of the 3 resorts.
In summary, a great week of skiing and staying in Zel am See gives you good access to all three resorts. I would definitely stay in Zel again even if it was for easy access to Kaprun and Saalbach.

Being able to visit Kaprun one way, and Saalbach the other, makes it a good location. Staying above the town is easier ski access.

Beautiful village, hotel was great with fab food and the spa facilities were a bonus. Lifts efficient and very little queuing groomed lovely blue and red runs plenty for a short break

Locals in the resorts and ski shops were not friendly. The place was very picturesque. I found the blue slopes too busy as a beginner. There were some nice restaurant options, but they were not the best value for money. Apres ski was very quiet. Hotel was lovely inside and surrounding areas very pretty.

A beautiful tree lined resort, with fantastic runs for all skill levels.
Zell am See provides a chilled evening vibe with brilliant restaurants.
Easy, free ski busses to sallbach allows access to another large ski area with great options for apres and nightlife

Loved it here - we went end of season and the lowest runs were shut, but really efficient lifts. Not the largest ski area but plenty to go at, good reds and blacks and overall a great experience. Nice food options on the hill, variety of run types and quiet at that time of year. The lake down below adds extra interest to the view.

Nice resort. Fairly limited skiing, especially as there's no off piste due to snow conditions. Nice runs though and a few challenging blacks. Kaprun lots of sites but a little bland. Skibus to Salbaach gives lots of skiing so well worth the 35 minute trip, or you can ski part way there, although the connecting red would challenge some blue skiers.

I love Zell so much I'm going back again, it's got a great range of pistes for all abilities, and a huge variety with the Alpincard which also covers Saalbach, Kitzsteinhorn.
For me the Austrians just do it right, really friendly place, a lot of fun, there are a huge number of mountain huts to explore for lunch. the views are incredible and accommodation reasonably priced.
Access is easy with free transport form Salzburg airport and the bus included in your lift pass to get you between the three areas with ease. Would highly highly recommend.

Zell am See is a skier’s dream wrapped in postcard scenery. From cruising above the frozen lake on Schmittenhöhe to tackling the snow-sure slopes of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, the resort offers a perfect blend of variety and reliability. The pistes are immaculately groomed, ideal for intermediates, while beginners benefit from excellent ski schools and wide, confidence-boosting runs.

What truly sets Zell am See apart is the atmosphere. Skiing with panoramic views over Lake Zell is unforgettable, and the charming lakeside town provides a warm Austrian welcome after a day on the mountain. Cosy alpine huts, friendly après-ski, and easy lift access make every day seamless and enjoyable.

With stunning scenery, dependable snow, and terrain to suit mixed-ability groups, Zell am See delivers an exceptional Alpine experience — one that stays with you long after the skis are packed away.

The glacier was very icy by the afternoon. Great accesss to Saalbach & other linked areas.

Wouldnt imagine its bests for beginners as the gentle slopes narrow and are not that straightforward

Great runs and easy access to the lift. Nightlife was pretty quiet and we stayed about a 15 min walk from a couple of bars, but Zell am See is a beautiful town to walk round

Zell am See is great for some one who is not entirely new but learning. I cannot recommend enough the ski school “ Ski & Snowboardschule Zell am See” - the amount I have learned in 3 days is unbelievable. Good links to kaprun for another new day out too. Crazy daisies is a great place along with the burger factory to eat in Zell. For drinks, the gin house! Love it x

excellent resort for families and intermediate skiers.
long wide runs and tree lined runs down into the town.
modern lift system with heated seats.
The Ski area isn’t huge so advanced skiers may get bored however this is a ski pass option that provides access to the saalbach hinterglem ski circus.
plenty of mountain resteraunts and apres ski spots on the mountain.

Had a great time went with a school trip many years ago and couldn’t fault the staff or anyone

Very family friendly and good for kids/beginners got a variety for all

Would definitely recommend

Loved the resort, accommodation was incredicble, the town was beautiful. However most of the snow was artifical while I was there and not all the runs were open.