The Hotel Lebzelter is a historic hotel that dates all the way back to the 15th Century. You can feel the history as you walk through the hotel past the wooden clad walls and ceilings. It offers great value for money, a great location (right in the colourful pedestrianised centre of Zell and 200m from the City Express gondola) and it has a very popular après-ski bar (known as a Stüberl in Austria). It's the perfect place for a rejuvenating beer at the end of the day.

Zell am See skiing

Set by Lake Zell, 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 caters well for beginners intermediates keen on improving technique in the mostly tree-lined pistes. Advanced skiers have the Kitzsteinhorn glacier located down the road at nearby Kaprun. 

Zell am See ski resort

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.

The beautiful setting gives Zell am See a unique atmosphere not found in many Austrian resorts, and really sets it apart. Despite the smaller ski area, Zell am See remains one of Austria's top 5 resorts, and deservedly so.