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    Austria, Europe · Ski Alpin

    Zell Am See

    77km of pistes above Lake Zell with 1,240m vertical drop. 100% snowmaking, ALPIN CARD access to 408km across Austria's Salzburgerland.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    28 Nov 2025
    Closes
    20 Apr 2026
    Days open
    143
    Annual snow
    3m
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    The Schmittenhöhe rises directly above Lake Zell, offering 77 kilometres of piste terrain served by 27 lifts between 760 and 2,000 metres elevation. The 1,240-metre vertical drop delivers five distinct valley runs, including the challenging Trass descent with gradients reaching 70 percent over its four-kilometre length. Annual snowfall averages around three metres at summit level, whilst 100 percent snowmaking coverage across all 499 snow cannons ensures reliable conditions from early December through mid-April.

    Terrain splits across 30 kilometres of blue runs, 28 kilometres of red runs, and 19 kilometres of black runs - a balance that suits intermediate cruisers while offering genuine challenge for advanced skiers. The Trass and Standard descents rank among Salzburg's most demanding black runs, dropping over 900 vertical metres through steep pitches and forest glades. Seven marked freeride routes extend the offering for powder seekers, whilst Schmidolin's Dragon Park and the Kidsslope at Glocknerwiese provide dedicated learning terrain for families.

    The ski area wraps around three sides of the Schmittenhöhe peak, with 23 mountain restaurants and après-ski bars distributed across the slopes. Night skiing operates twice weekly on the 1.5-kilometre floodlit Ebenbergbahn sector above Zell am See town centre. Views from the summit platform extend across more than 30 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres in the Hohe Tauern range, including the Grossglockner and Kitzsteinhorn.

    The Ski ALPIN CARD links Schmittenhöhe with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, creating a combined network of 408 kilometres and 121 lifts. Epic Pass holders receive five days access across the alliance. Adult day tickets cost €56 during regular season and €66 at peak periods, with season passes priced at €889. The resort suits intermediate skiers seeking varied piste terrain with glacier-skiing options nearby.

    1240m
    Vertical
    41
    Runs
    77 km
    Piste
    3m
    Annual snow
    Ski Alpin
    Pass
    The Terrain

    41 runs across 77 km of piste

    Zell Am See spreads 41 runs across 77 km of piste of terrain. It leans beginner at 39%, with 16 beginner runs to find your feet and 10 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    41
    runs
    41 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner16 runs · 39%
    Intermediate15 runs · 36%
    Advanced8 runs · 20%
    Expert2 runs · 5%
    Time it right

    When to visit Zell Am See

    The 2025-26 winter season on the Schmittenhöhe runs from 5 December 2025 to 6 April 2026, spanning approximately four months of operation. The Ski ALPIN CARD alliance extends the skiing period considerably through the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which operates from mid-October through late May. Main lifts typically open at 8:30am, with early-bird hours from 7:30am during peak weeks in March.

    Annual snowfall averages around three metres at summit elevation, with February typically recording the deepest base at approximately 135 centimetres on upper slopes. The 100 percent snowmaking coverage across all 77 kilometres of piste ensures valley runs remain skiable throughout the season, compensating for the relatively low 760-metre base elevation. January averages 16 sunny days, making it the clearest month for views across the Hohe Tauern peaks.

    January and February deliver the most reliable snow conditions, with snowfall occurring approximately three days per week during these months. Mid-week skiing from Tuesday to Thursday offers quieter slopes compared to weekend crowds when family groups concentrate on the mountain. Spring conditions emerge from mid-March, with morning groomers softening by early afternoon - ideal for those preferring softer snow on the south-facing aspects.

    Ski'n'Brunch events run Thursday mornings from January through March, offering early access to freshly groomed slopes followed by breakfast at summit restaurants. The Schmitten Sound music festival brings live acts and DJs to mountain venues throughout winter. Culinary Ski Days from 5-8 March 2026 feature live cooking demonstrations and regional wine tastings at on-mountain locations.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    28 Nov 2025
    Opens
    20 Apr 2026
    Closes
    143
    Days open
    3 m
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Zell Am See, and where to stay

    Zell am See occupies a peninsula extending into Lake Zell at 750 metres elevation in the Pinzgau region of Salzburgerland, Austria. The town sits at the junction of the Kitzbühel Alps to the north and the Hohe Tauern range to the south, with the Schmittenhöhe (1,965 metres) rising directly from the lakeside. Lake Zell stretches 3.8 kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide, reaching depths of 69 metres - one of Europe's cleanest alpine bathing lakes.

    The district capital lies 80 kilometres south of Salzburg, 100 kilometres east of Innsbruck, and just 30 kilometres north of Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner (3,798 metres). The neighbouring village of Kaprun sits 10 kilometres south, providing access to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Saalfelden, the region's largest town with 20,000 residents, lies 15 kilometres north along the Salzach valley corridor.

    Road access follows the A10 Tauern motorway south from Salzburg, exiting at Bischofshofen and continuing via the B311 through St Johann im Pongau. An alternative route crosses Germany via Bad Reichenhall to Lofer, then south through Saalfelden - often faster during peak season traffic. Drive time from Salzburg is approximately 90 minutes; from Munich approximately 2.5 hours; from Innsbruck around two hours via Wörgl.

    Salzburg W.A. Mozart Airport lies 76 kilometres north, with direct bus service (line 260) taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to Zell am See via Bad Reichenhall and Saalfelden. Zell am See's train station sits in the town centre, with hourly ÖBB services from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof taking 90 minutes. Overnight guests receive the Guest Mobility Ticket providing free public transport throughout Salzburgerland, including ski buses between Zell am See and Kaprun.

    Where to stay

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    Lift tickets

    Ski Alpin12 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 19–64

    Adult ALPIN CARD

    €56up to €66 peak

    ALPIN CARD access to Schmittenhöhe Zell am See plus Saalbach and Kitzsteinhorn. Three Austrian premium regions with 408 kilometers of slopes and spectacular lake views.

    Buy pass
    Adult 19–64

    Adult Schmittenhöhe Only

    €48up to €56 peak

    Day ticket for Schmittenhöhe family mountain in Zell am See. Scenic Austrian skiing with panoramic views of Lake Zell and surrounding Alps with gentle terrain.

    Buy pass
    Youth 15–18

    Youth ALPIN CARD

    €42up to €50 peak

    Youth ALPIN CARD for three Austrian premium regions including Schmittenhöhe. Perfect for teens with access to glacier, lake, and Skicircus terrain.

    Buy pass
    Child 10–14

    Child ALPIN CARD

    €28up to €33 peak

    Children's ALPIN CARD for family skiing across three Austrian regions. Access to Zell am See's family mountain plus glacier and Skicircus terrain.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–9

    Child (9 & Under)

    Free

    Free skiing for children 9 and under at Zell am See when accompanied by adult. Complimentary ALPIN CARD access to three Austrian premium regions.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–99

    Senior ALPIN CARD

    €42up to €50 peak

    Senior ALPIN CARD for three Austrian premium regions from 65 years. Discounted access to Zell am See plus Kitzsteinhorn glacier and Saalbach Skicircus.

    Buy pass
    Youth 7–18

    Junior XPLORE CARD

    €15

    Saturday junior special for just €15 across three Austrian premium regions. Incredible weekend value for youth at Zell am See, Saalbach, and Kitzsteinhorn.

    Buy pass
    Adult 19–64

    Weekend Family Special

    €56up to €66 peak

    Saturday day tickets valid across all Pinzgau ALPIN CARD resorts. Weekend family skiing with access to Zell am See, Saalbach, and Kitzsteinhorn regions.

    Buy pass

    Half-day passes

    Adult 19–64

    Valley Lift Flexible Rides

    €15up to €18 peak

    Flexible valley lift rides at Schmittenhöhe from 9am, until 12:30pm, or from 12:30pm. Customized Austrian skiing with single rides or 10-ride packages available.

    Buy pass

    Multi-day passes

    Child 0–15

    Easter Family Special

    Free

    April 12-21 Easter promotion: Children born 2009 or later ski free with adult 4-day pass purchase. Austrian family skiing with spectacular lake views.

    Buy pass
    Adult 19–64

    Multi-Day ALPIN CARD (6-Day)

    €280up to €330 peak

    Six-day ALPIN CARD for extended Austrian vacation. Save on daily rates with access to three premium regions totaling 408 kilometers including glacier terrain.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 19–64

    ALPIN CARD Season Pass

    €889

    Unlimited access to three Austrian premium regions all season. Zell am See Schmittenhöhe plus Kitzsteinhorn glacier and Saalbach Skicircus with 408 kilometers total.

    Buy pass

    Zell Am See lift tickets & passes

    The 2025 - 2026 season at Zell Am See closed on Apr 20, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.

    Day passes start from €15, with peak rates up to €66.

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Zell Am See day pass cost?+
    Zell Am See day passes range from €15 to €66 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Zell Am See lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Zell Am See lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Zell Am See, including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Zell Am See lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Zell Am See - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Zell Am See lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Zell Am See offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Zell Am See directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Zell Am See.

    More Zell Am See intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.