Best Ski Runs in Zell am See

Zell am See is an all-round fantastic spot for a ski holiday in Austria. Perched alongside the stunning Lake Zell, at an altitude of 757m, this resort offers the most scenic of mountain escapes. Explore its varied slopes, lively nightlife, and the range of activities to enjoy when the skis come off. The town itself is quaint, with cobbled streets and traditional, snow-kissed buildings. The car-free centre maintains a peaceful and magical winter wonderland feel throughout. Instead of cars, the streets are filled with locals and visitors enjoying the range of restaurants and bars that Zell am See has to offer.

The slopes of Zell am See are best suited to beginner and intermediate skiers. The ski area covers more than 138km of slopes, reaching impressive heights of 2,000m. There is an exciting range of blue and red runs, ideal for speedy carving and perfecting parallel turns. For expert skiers and snowboarders, there are 26km of challenging black runs, plentiful opportunities for exploring off-piste and a skiable glacier. Zell am See is also particularly well connected. The K-onnection and zellamseeXpress lifts transport skiers into neighbouring resorts such as Saalbach-Hinterglemm, offering even more opportunities for unforgettable skiing. One thing is for sure, wherever you explore around the resort, you will be met with magical winter scenery. Here is our top pick of the best ski runs in Zell am See.

Blue 5

This wide and cruisy run begins from the top of the cityXpress gondola. Make your way down the piste, with snow-kissed forests on either side of you. The slope becomes windy as you descend, splitting into two as you enter the woodland. Take the blue 5 slope out of the trees, and ski back down to the bottom of the gondola. Or, continue on blue 5b through the forests and towards the bottom of the trassXpress gondola, to head higher up the mountain to altitudes of 1,900m.

Black 14

This steep black slope is perfect for keen skiers and snowboarders who like to pick up speed. Courtesy of its length, this ski run is one of the best in Zell am See. Take the trassXpress gondola up to 1,900m. Cruise down the scenic Blue 1 and take in magnificent views of the surrounding valley. You will shortly reach the start of the Black 14 slope. Lined by trees, this piste is particularly beautiful. Enjoy slight twists and turns as you race down towards Zell am See. As you finish the run, you can either take Blue 7 back to the resort or head back up to the top and do it all over again.

Red 15

The ski area that surrounds the Red 15 slope is fantastic for intermediates. Here you can find some of the best ski runs in Zell am See. This network of perfectly pisted red runs offers everything from gentle slopes to steeper segments and tree-lined beauty. This slope begins from the top of the Sonnkogelbahn chairlift. The descent begins fairly smooth, before steepening into a short, black-pisted stretch. After this more challenging part, you are rewarded with a beautiful and cruisy ski, alongside snow-kissed forests, down to the bottom of the lift. Here, you can take the lift back up, or hop on the Hochmaisbahn chairlift to explore more of this fantastic section of the resort.

Blue 9

If you are looking for higher altitude skiing, but want to keep it cruisy, then the cluster of blue slopes that surround the Kapellenbahn and Kettingbahn chairlifts is the area to explore. You can take the Schmittenhöhebahn gondola from Zell am See up to 2,000m. Here you can begin to explore the network of scenic blue slopes. Blue 9 flows down directly from the top of the gondola, linking onto some steeper reds as you fly down the mountain. There are also some beautiful spots for a hot chocolate break. For a challenge, you can traverse onto Black 9, and loop back to the top of the mountain using the Kettingbahn chairlift. To explore a different side of the mountain, head to Blue 9b, where you can enjoy wide slopes and magnificent views across the valley.

Black 13

This racy black run flows down towards Zell am See, and offers the perfect opportunity for picking up some serious speed. To access this slope, begin from the top of the Hirschkogel-Express chairlift and cruise down the Blue 2 run. As you pass the woodland, you will arrive at the top of the grand Black 13. Enjoy its beautifully wide pistes and fantastic views as you make your way towards the resort. If you fancy a little tree-lined action, enter the piste at a different spot. To do this, continue on Blue 2 to the top of the cityXpress gondola and turn off into the winter forests. Enjoy a short adventure through the woodland (13a) before linking back onto the main slope, towards Zell am See.

To find out more about the best ski runs in Zell am See, call our ski experts on 020 7471 7700.