The Schmittenhöhe is the local mountain of Zell am See and, at 1,965 metres, one of the most beautiful panoramic peaks in the Salzburg Alps. Repeatedly honoured as Austria’s best summer cable car, the “Schmitten” pairs comfortable mountain lifts with a view that is hard to beat – in summer and in winter.
Getting there and the mountain lifts
Several cable cars carry you up from Zell am See: the modern gondolas depart right at the edge of town and at the Schmittenhöhe base. Within minutes you glide over forests and alpine meadows to the top – with no toll road and no traffic jams. Once up there, further lifts open up the high-level promenade and the summit region.
The panorama: up to 30 three-thousanders
The heart of the Schmittenhöhe is the view. From the summit your gaze sweeps over the deep-blue Lake Zell and the town all the way to around 30 three-thousand-metre peaks – among them the Kitzsteinhorn and the glaciers of the Hohe Tauern. The “Kaiserblick” viewing platform stages this mountain cinema especially impressively.
Summer on the Schmitten
- Extensive hiking network, from the easy high-level promenade to the summit tour
- Guided hikes and themed trails for every fitness level
- Austria’s highest E-motocross park
- Paragliding launch site with a dream view
- Yoga and mindfulness experiences on the mountain
Winter in the Schmittenhöhe ski area
- 77 kilometres of pistes for beginners to experts
- Funslope XXL and a styled snowpark
- Night skiing on selected evenings
- Children’s ski courses and a dedicated Kidsslope
- Sun terraces and huts right beside the slopes
A family mountain with Schmidolin
The dragon Schmidolin guides younger guests through interactive adventure worlds full of riddles, stations and tests of courage. The mountain becomes an adventure playground – and families spend the day having fun instead of grumbling.
A bite to eat with a view
Numerous mountain restaurants and huts are spread across the summit plateau. From a quick snack on the sun terrace to a relaxed lunch with regional specialities, there is something for everyone – always with the panorama included.
Tips for your visit
- Start early: visibility is usually clearest in the morning.
- Pack layers – it is noticeably cooler at the summit than in the valley.
- The cable car is often included in the summer and guest card.
For even more inspiration for your stay, see our big summer travel guide to Zell am See.