Veras Tips for 7 perfect winter days
Vera, your personal holiday advisor, knows how your perfect winter week in Zell am See-Kaprun looks like. It has a lot more to offer besides skiing. Nevertheless, I know that you are also visiting because of the 138 kilometres of slopes. These include 5 freeride lines, 3 snow parks, Austria’s largest super halfpipe and the longest fun slope in the world. How about trying something different, such as cross-country skiing, ski touring, snowshoeing or tobogganing?
The region offers a wide variety of activities for everyone. If the weather does not play along there are also alternative indoor activities to choose from. For example, you can spend a relaxing wellness day in the indoor swimming pool in Zell am See or in the Tauern Spa Kaprun.
Perfect winter week – Day 1
The weather is good, only a few fog clouds in sight. Let’s start the ski day on the Schmittenhöhe and save the Kitzsteinhorn for another day. From the city centre, you can take the City Express cable car and start from the middle station; from there you can easily access the Areit and the Glocknerwiese. In the afternoon, you should ski the southern side slopes. You will find excellent huts such as the traditional Breiteckalm or the Sonnalm. Enjoy your Typical Pinzgau delicacies and relax with an amazing view.
Perfect winter week – Day 2
Today we have blue sky – off to the Kitzsteinhorn! Vera’s Tip: The cable cars start at 08:15. An early first lift is worth it as there are freshly groomed slopes and few skiers. In the upper area of the Kitzsteinhorn there are 3 snow parks for all skill levels, plus the largest half pipe in Europe. Most freeride lines start at the height of the Alpine Centre. The Krefelderhütte is our lunch tip. There they serve traditional Austrian food and have a huge sun terrace. In the afternoon, the Igloo village based just above the Alpine Centre is worth a visit – there is an exciting insight into amazing wonders of ice, let yourself be surprised!
Day 3
A snow shower brings fresh snow. For the terrain, there is poor visibility on the upper slopes, but in the morning you can do a few runs on the Maiskogel before going to the Tauern Spa. The Tauern Spa offers a huge water world for the children and a sauna area with steam baths and panoramic saunas for the adults.
Vera’s insider secret tip: If you only have 2-3 hours, go to the indoor pool in Zell am See. This is the slightly cheaper option, and also offers a similar wellness experience. In the Zell am See indoor pool there is also a 25 metre pool, a diving board and a slide.
Day 4
We already had some good days of skiing and today we want to try something new. Ski touring is the great combination of skiing and hiking. Next to the beautiful runs you can also improve your fitness. Rental equipment is available in numerous sports shops in the region. Every good ski school has experienced ski tour guides. If you already have some experience, you can also go alone on the prepared slopes in the region. If you want to go off piste and leave the secured/marked slopes, a ski tour guide and avalanche equipment is highly recommended.
Vera’s insider secret tip: On Wednesday you can tour the Maiskogel until 20:00/8pm. A night time ski tour is a unique experience. In addition, every evening you can tour the Ronachkopf. Starting point is here in Thumersbach. The Enzianhütte serves regional specialties and is a great thirst quencher after a strenuous tour.
Day 5
If you want to hike the alpine terrain with a bit more security under your feet, try a snowshoe hike. Where there are numerous hiking trails in the summer, there are also several trails in the winter, depending on the level of snow you can either walk or snowshoe.
Vera’s Tip: Register for a guided snowshoe hike on the Schmittenhöhe or the Kitzsteinhorn. Information can be found in the tourism information office or at the valley lift stations.
Who still has enough energy for a fun toboggan party in the evening? For example, on the floodlit toboggan run Kohlschnait in Bruck. After a very short hike of 20-30 minutes you can stop in the Kohlschnait Guesthouse, before you toboggan down on an adventurous journey. Tip: In Bramberg there is an alternative 14 km toboggan run.
Day 6
While some of the family are on the slopes, there are various alternative activities for those who have stayed at home. Did you know? The region has 107 kilometres of cross-country trails for classic cross-country skiers and skaters. The trail travels from Niedernsill via Saalfelden to Fusch. But for those who want to spare their tired feet, book a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the winter landscape the Zeller Moos today. Carriage rides can also be booked for the summer.
Furthermore, numerous cultural highlights are also open in the winter: Kaprun Museum, Vötter’s Vehicle Museum and many more.
Perfect winter week – Day 7
If you still want to ski on your departure day, visit the Maiskogel family friendly mountain or start early on the Schmittenhöhe. The cable cars open at 08:15. One thing is certain: Whoever has caught the first gondola will enjoy freshly pisted slopes and can cover many kilometres of slopes with the cheap half-day ticket. Those who can no longer motivate the children for a last day of skiing can complete their skiing holiday with a stroll through the village. In the village centre, there are many last minute souvenir options for those who were left at home.
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