Key facts at a glance
The Kitzsteinhorn is Kaprun's glacier mountain, rising to 3,029 m. It is Austria's glacier ski area with the longest season and is home to the Gipfelwelt 3000, with viewing platforms, the Nationalpark Gallery and the highest viewpoint in the Salzburger Land.
Part of our complete guide: Zell am See–Kaprun: The Complete Travel Guide
At 3,029 metres, the Kitzsteinhorn towers above the Zell am See-Kaprun region and is Salzburg’s only glacier ski area. In the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, a high-mountain world of eternal ice, rugged rock and a panorama that stretches across the three-thousanders of the Hohe Tauern awaits you. Whether in the height of summer or deep in winter snow, the Kitzsteinhorn is a destination that fascinates in every season.
Getting there & cable cars
From Kaprun, the modern 3K K-onnection cable car connection takes you comfortably up the mountain. Across several sections you glide from the valley station up to the Gipfelwelt 3000, enjoying magnificent views of the glacier and reservoir landscape along the way. Kaprun is easy to reach by car or public transport.
Gipfelwelt 3000
The Gipfelwelt 3000 is the heart of the excursion. From here, the highest experience world in the SalzburgerLand opens up to you, with viewing platforms, tunnels and paths right in the middle of eternal ice.
- Top of Salzburg: the province’s highest panoramic platform at 3,029 metres
- Nationalpark Gallery: a 360-metre tunnel straight through the mountain with fascinating insights
- ICE CAMP: a snow and ice world at around 2,600 metres altitude
Glacier & snow
As Salzburg’s only glacier ski area, the Kitzsteinhorn offers guaranteed snow from October into late spring. Wide slopes, snowparks, a superpipe as well as freeride and touring options make the glacier a meeting point for winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels. For the 2025/26 season, skiing is planned from 11 October to 25 May.
Nature & national park
The Kitzsteinhorn lies at the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, the largest protected area in the Alps. On guided tours with national park rangers, you’ll learn fascinating facts about glaciers, geology and the high-alpine flora and fauna. In summer, hiking trails of varying difficulty and three mountain bike freeride trails also beckon from June to mid-September.
Places to eat
Several mountain restaurants and cosy alpine huts along the cable car route invite you to a relaxing break. Enjoy Salzburg specialities and a warm drink while soaking up the view of the glacier world.
Tips for your visit
- Bring warm clothing – it’s cool at the summit even in summer.
- Sun protection and sunglasses are essential on the glacier.
- Pack sturdy shoes for the tunnel and platforms.
- Check the weather forecast – clear days offer the best long-distance views.
Looking for more summer adventures in the region? Our guide Zell am See in summer has further excursion tips and inspiration for your stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is the Kitzsteinhorn?
The top station and the Gipfelwelt 3000 sit at 3,029 m – the highest point reachable by cableway in the Salzburger Land.
Can you ski on the Kitzsteinhorn year-round?
As a glacier ski area, the Kitzsteinhorn has Austria's longest ski season and operates for much of the year. In high summer skiing is limited depending on snow conditions.
How do you get up the Kitzsteinhorn?
Several cable cars and gondolas lead up from Kaprun via the Alpincenter to the Gipfelwelt 3000.
Is the trip worthwhile even without skiing?
Yes, the Gipfelwelt 3000 with its viewing platforms, the Nationalpark Gallery and panoramic views of the Großglockner is a rewarding year-round destination.