Key facts at a glance
In summer the glacier on the Kitzsteinhorn becomes an adventure: glacier walks, the Gipfelwelt 3000, cool mountain air and panoramic views make you forget the hot valley summer – eternal ice at 3,000 m.
Part of our complete guide: Summer in Zell am See & Kaprun
While the alpine meadows bloom down in the valley, real glacier snow still covers the Kitzsteinhorn at 3,029 metres. Salzburg’s highest-altitude destination turns summer into a rare double experience: gliding over snow in the morning, sitting on a sun terrace in short sleeves by midday. Anyone heading up in summer experiences the high mountains in their purest form – right in the middle of Hohe Tauern National Park.
Summer skiing on the glacier
As the only glacier in the SalzburgerLand, the Kitzsteinhorn holds onto its snow well into early summer. Depending on snow conditions, skiers and snowboarders carve their turns here while other resorts have long since turned green – sun-drenched skiing with a panorama that’s hard to match.
Snow in high summer: the ICE ARENA
Even without skis, snow is never far away. In the free ICE ARENA, guests both big and small go sledging on real glacier snow in the middle of July. For many families, this surprise winter day in summer is the highlight of the trip.
Gipfelwelt 3000 – the roof of Salzburg
At the top, the “Top of Salzburg” viewing platform awaits, along with the Nationalpark Gallery running straight through the mountain and Austria’s highest-altitude cinema, Cinema 3000. On clear days, the view stretches across countless three-thousand-metre peaks 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 forest, over alpine pastures and the tree line, to the eternal ice. Along the way, national park rangers share stories of glaciers, geology and the wildlife of the Hohe Tauern.
Hiking: My First 3,000er
For many guests, it’s the first three-thousand-metre peak of their lives: on secured paths and guided tours, the high-alpine world around the summit can be discovered even without mountaineering experience. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing belong in every backpack.
Tips for your summer day on the glacier
- Pack gloves, a hat and sunglasses even in high summer.
- Use sunscreen with a high protection factor – the sun on the glacier is intense.
- Start early and check the weather forecast: visibility is usually best in the morning.
- The ride up is easy and comfortable via the 3K K-onnection and the Gletscherjet cable cars from Kaprun.
Find more ideas for warm days in our summer travel guide to Zell am See.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit the glacier on the Kitzsteinhorn in summer?
Yes, the glacier is reachable by cableway in summer. At the top you'll find the Gipfelwelt 3000, viewing platforms and cool mountain air.
Can you ski on the glacier in summer?
Depending on snow conditions, skiing is possible in early summer and autumn; in high summer the glacier experience as a sightseeing destination takes centre stage.
How cold is it on the glacier in summer?
At 3,000 m it's often only a few degrees even in high summer – warm, windproof clothing and sun protection are important.
Does the glacier make a good escape from the heat?
Very much so: on hot days the glacier offers pleasant cool and is a popular trip when the valley gets too hot.