Zell am See, Europa Sport Region , Austria

Zell am See skiing

Set by a lake, Zell am See and its bus-linked neighbour Kaprun make up the 'Europa Sport' region, with a total of 130km of runs, 80 of which are at Zell. The setting is one of Zell's biggest selling points, with lovely views of the lake from the medieval town and the slopes above. The ski area is actually quite small with short runs, mainly catering for intermediates keen on improving technique rather than getting miles under their belts. Advanced skiers have few true challenges, while beginners may find Zell's biggest failing, its questionable snow reliability, a bit of a bother. Neither boarders nor experts would approve of Zell's conservation regulations, which ban any off-piste skiing. The lifts can become crowded at peak times, as can the local Kitzsteinhorn glacier at Kaprun, although it does guarantee year-round skiing. There are also extensive cross-country trails.

Zell am See ski resort

Zell is actually more popular in the summer than the winter. The lakeside town has loads of activities for those not on skis or a board, with lively nightlife, decent restaurants and a full range of accommodation. It is good to check where you are staying in relation to the lifts, as there is a short free bus to access the slopes. For skiing, it is also worth exploring some of the other terrain in the area, like Saalbach, Bad Gastein and Schladming. Overall, Zell is a lovely spot for a winter holiday, with or without skiing.

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