Key facts at a glance
In winter Zell am See offers far more than just skiing: winter hiking, tobogganing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and wellness at the Tauern Spa are among the most popular of the 10 winter activities.
Part of our complete guide: Zell am See–Kaprun in Winter: Ski Holidays & Winter Magic
1. Hit the Slopes at Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn
Welcome to a skier’s paradise! Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn boast immaculate slopes catering to all skill levels. Whether you’re carving down the groomed pistes or venturing into fresh powder, the thrill of Alpine skiing here is unmatched.
2. Embrace Serenity with Winter Hiking
Explore the winter wonderland on foot! The region offers a variety of winter hiking trails, where the snow-covered landscapes and tranquil forests create a magical atmosphere. Don’t forget to stop at cozy mountain huts along the way for a warm drink.
3. Experience the Joy of Tobogganing
Feel the rush as you whizz down a natural toboggan run into the valley. Right in Zell am See, the Köhlergraben run in the Schmittental is open — and lit — until 10 p.m. daily whenever there’s enough snow, and once a week a toboggan bus even shuttles riders up to the start, currently on Wednesdays. Looking for more distance? Head to Bruck, where the Kohlschnait run drops over 3 km and is also illuminated at night. For the ultimate descent, make the trip to the Wildkogel near Bramberg, with a run of 14 km. Note that Kaprun itself has no public natural toboggan run.
4. Ice Skating in Zell am See-Kaprun
Ice skating is a winter staple here — most reliably on the region’s groomed ice rinks. The indoor Eishalle Zell am See keeps you skating whatever the weather. Outdoors, glide around the “Frozen Daydream” rink on the forecourt of the Ferry Porsche Congress Center: 200 m² of ice, free entry, with skate rental for €3. In a hard cold snap, a natural rink also opens at the entrance to Kaprun.
The Zeller See itself, however, is not a skating spot. A safe, officially released ice sheet has only formed in a handful of winters since 2010 — 2010/11, 2012/13 and 2016/17. Most recently, a marked area near the Wieshof bathing spot was opened on 23 January 2026, only to be closed again on 8 February 2026 because it had become dangerous. Only ever step onto the lake ice where the authorities have explicitly released and marked it — if there’s no notice posted, stay off.
5. Dive into a Thermal Spa Experience
After a day in the cold, what better way to unwind than in the warm, therapeutic waters of TAUERN SPA? The outdoor pools offer a spectacular view of the snow-capped mountains, creating a blissful and rejuvenating experience.
6. Discover Cross-Country Skiing
Traverse the serene landscapes of Zell am See-Kaprun on cross-country skis. The extensive network of trails caters to both classic and skate skiing, offering a peaceful and invigorating way to explore the region.
7. Snowshoeing Adventures
Strap on some snowshoes and venture off the beaten path. This activity allows you to access remote, untouched parts of the winter landscape, providing an intimate connection with nature.
8. Take a Scenic Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Snuggle under a warm blanket as you journey through the snowy countryside in a traditional horse-drawn sleigh. It’s a romantic and nostalgic way to enjoy the winter scenery.
9. Savor Local Cuisine in Mountain Huts
Indulge in the flavors of the region at charming mountain huts. Warm up with traditional Austrian dishes like Kaiserschmarrn and Pinzgauer Kasnocken, perfect after a cold day outdoors.
10. Ride Up to Gipfelwelt 3000
You don’t need skis for what might be the biggest view of your entire winter trip. Six cable cars carry you from Kaprun’s town center at 768 m up to Gipfelwelt 3000 at 3,029 m — Salzburg’s highest-altitude excursion destination, reachable by cable car all year round. At the top, two panorama platforms look out over Hohe Tauern National Park, the Nationalpark Gallery offers six information stations inside the tunnel, Cinema 3000 is Austria’s highest cinema, and the Gipfel Restaurant is Salzburg’s highest restaurant. The true summit of the Kitzsteinhorn rises another 174 m to 3,203 m and is reserved for mountaineers.
Zell am See-Kaprun is not just a destination; it’s a winter wonderland waiting to be explored. From adrenaline-pumping activities to tranquil moments in nature, there’s something here to enchant every winter enthusiast. Pack your warmest clothes and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Frequently Asked Questions
What winter activities are there in Zell am See away from the slopes?
Winter hiking, tobogganing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides and relaxing at the Tauern Spa are all popular alternatives to skiing.
Is Zell am See suitable for non-skiers in winter?
Yes, with its wide choice of winter activities and wellness options, the region is a rewarding winter destination even without skiing.
Can you ice skate on the Zeller See in winter?
Only rarely. The lake itself has been officially released for skating in just a handful of winters since 2010 (2010/11, 2012/13 and 2016/17) — most recently when the town opened a marked area near Wieshof on 23 January 2026, only to close it again on 8 February 2026 as unsafe. Never step onto the ice unless the authorities have explicitly released and marked it. For reliable skating, head to the indoor Eishalle Zell am See or the outdoor "Frozen Daydream" rink at the Ferry Porsche Congress Center.
Which winter activity is best for families?
Tobogganing, ice skating and the family area at the Tauern Spa are especially popular with families travelling with children.
