While the alpine meadows bloom in the valley, real glacier snow still lies on the Kitzsteinhorn at 3,029 metres. Salzburg’s highest excursion destination turns summer into a rare double experience: glide across the snow in the morning, sit on the sun terrace in short sleeves at noon. Anyone heading up in summer experiences the high mountains at their purest – in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Summer skiing on the glacier

As the only glacier in the Salzburg region, the Kitzsteinhorn holds its snow into early summer. Depending on conditions, skiers and snowboarders carve their turns here when other areas have long since turned green – sunny skiing with a panorama that is hard to match.

Snow in midsummer: the ICE ARENA

Even without skis, snow is never far away. In the free ICE ARENA, guests young and old sledge across real glacier snow in the middle of July. For many families, this surprising winter’s day in summer is the highlight of the trip.

Gipfelwelt 3000 – the roof of Salzburg

At the top await the “Top of Salzburg” viewing platform, the Nationalpark Gallery running through the mountain, and Austria’s highest cinema, Cinema 3000. On a clear day the view sweeps over countless three-thousanders all the way to the Großglockner.

Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour

The guided Explorer Tour leads from the valley to the glacier through four climate zones – from the forest, across the alpine pastures and the tree line, up to the eternal ice. Along the way, National Park rangers share insights into glaciers, geology and the wildlife of the Hohe Tauern.

Hiking: my first 3,000er

For many guests it is the first three-thousander of their lives: on secured paths and guided tours, the high-alpine world around the summit can be discovered even without mountaineering experience. Sturdy shoes and warm clothing belong in your pack.

Tips for your summer day on the glacier

• Even in midsummer, pack gloves, a hat and sunglasses.
• Use high-factor sun cream – the sun on the glacier is intense.
• Start early and check the forecast: visibility is best in the morning.
• The ascent is comfortable via the 3K K-onnection and Gletscherjet lifts from Kaprun.

For more ideas for warm days, see our summer travel guide to Zell am See.