Don’t let the charming rustic façade of the area deceive you- there’s far more here than meets the eye. There’s fantastic skiing for those of all abilities- from Austria’s largest superpipe to the beginner friendly ‘Family Mountain’- and enough variety in the après scene to keep the largest of groups interested all week.
The Europa Sport Region comprises of the resorts of Kaprun and Zell am See, boasting 138 km of slopes split between 3 ski areas: Maiskogel, Schmitten, and Kitzsteinhorn. A free shuttle bus runs regularly between both villages so you’ll have your pick of the slopes wherever you stay.
The two villages each have their own distinct character and with the variety of slopes on offer at the different ski areas, the options for your trip are almost endless.
Zell am See is the larger of the two, and with the pedestrianized centre full of shops, bars and restaurants there’s always something going on. The slopes on the Schmitten are excellent for intermediate skiers, with the broadest range of terrain in the area and the on mountain dining is wonderfully diverse. The lakeside location is breath-taking year round and donning a pair of skates to take to the ice the middle of the season is a real treat.
The village of Kaprun is quieter, though offers quicker access to the more challenging skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier – it’s the better option if you’re after faster access to higher, harder terrain. The superb beginner facilities at Maiskogel are right on your doorstep, so it’s also a great place to stay if you’re skiing with kids. Again, on mountain dining facilities are brilliant- Maiskogel’s family friendly restaurants all offer children’s menus - and the après scene straight from the slopes is lively. Despite the slower pace of Kaprun when compared to its neighbour, there are still plenty of great options if you fancy a drink or two in the evening.
Salzburg airport is only 80km away- approximately an hour and a half transfer during the season- and with Munich only an hour further out, the region is readily accessible from throughout Europe.
Kaprun and Zell am See.
As clichéd as it sounds, there literally is something for everyone - regardless of where you’re staying or how you like to kick back off the slopes.
For a unique experience, there are few better ways to spend an afternoon than at Kitzsteinhorn’s ice camp. A small hamlet of igloos at 2500m, there’s an art igloo, ice lounge and a great sundeck, not to forget the piece de la resistance - a glowing bar carved from ice where you can enjoy some exclusive ‘Pure Glacier’ vodka!
Fans of classic European après will love the slope side restaurants and the bars right at the bottom of the runs in both villages. For a strong sense of tradition, the Breiteck Alm in Zell and Kaprun’s Dorfstadl both specialise in local delicacies - a firm favourite being the delicious Kasnocken (melted cheese dumplings)- all washed down by the ever present glühwein and jagertee.
That said, there are plenty of watering holes with a more modern vibe. The Ginhouse in Zell has more varieties of gin than you’d ever have thought possible and in Kaprun the Kitz900m specialise in tower drinking- an economical and inventive way of ordering rounds, the beers are served in a giant tower that you tap yourself!
Ice skating on the frozen lake Zell is a favourite for tourists and locals alike, though nearer the end of the season you may have to be satisfied with the indoor option. The Tauern Spa has all of the saunas and spas you’d expect, as well as a great range or treatments. The new “Kidstein” Children’s SPA, allows parents to relax and be pampered whilst little ones enjoy their own pool compete with slinky slide and ‘Wolfs grotto’.
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