Zell am See Information

Apres-ski

As with many other Austrian ski resorts, Zell am See-Kaprun offers lively après-ski entertainment. There are bars dotted on the mountains surrounding the town and many more in the resort itself, from character-filled Alpine huts to rowdy, larger venues.

Crazy Daisy (tel: +43 65 42 725 260; www.villa-crazydaisy.at) is one of the mainstays of the vigorous après-ski scene in Zell am See-Kaprun and attracts young skiers and boarders. A more mature clientele frequents Greens XL (tel: +43 6542 771; www.greens.at), which serves cocktails. Late at night, try K1 nightclub (tel: +43 66 45 116 881) to really let your hair down.

Eating out

There are a range of restaurants in Zell am See-Kaprun, from those serving local fare to eateries offering a smattering of cuisines from around the world.

Among the more affordable options, Kupferkessel (tel: +43 654 272 768; www.kupferkessel.at) – housed in a former petrol station – is good for pizzas. For good-quality Austrian food at low prices, head to Hotel Steinerwirt (tel: +43 654 272 502; www.steinerwirt.com).

Next door to Hotel Steinerwirt is the wood-panelled restaurant in the Hotel Zum Hirschen (tel: +43 65 427 740; www.hotel-zum-hirschen.at). This eatery is a good mid-price choice and it serves fish from the lake.

For top quality dining in refined surroundings, there's Salzburger Stuben in Salzburgerhof Hotel (tel: +43 6542 765; www.salzburgerhof.at).

An increasing number of Asian restaurants are opening within the resort, with Ban Thai (tel: +43 65 422 1438; www.banthairestaurant.at), an authentic Thai eatery, being one of the best – try the Thai curry.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

Zell am See-Kaprun is a large, year-round holiday region with plenty to do outside of skiing and boarding. Other options on the mountains include tobogganing (on Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhöhe) and hiking or Nordic walking. During particularly cold spells it is also sometimes possible to skate across the lake to Thumersbach (when the ice is thick enough).

The town recently added the excellent Freizeitzentrum (tel: +43 65 427 850; www.freizeitzentrum.at) swimming pool complex; and there's now another option, the Tauern Spa Zell am See-Kaprun (tel: +43 654 720 400; www.tauernspakaprun.com/en) at neighbouring Kaprun. Together, these provide plenty of fun for all ages with a range of pools and spa facilities.

Historic buildings in Zell am See-Kaprun include the parish church, which has an elegant interior despite its sturdy exterior. Close by, the medieval Vogtturm displays local art and crafts, including examples of the scary, horned masks used in the annual Krampus festival on 5 December.

Family fun

There's plenty for families within this large resort, both on and off the ski slopes, and the pedestrianised heart of Zell am See-Kaprun provides a safe environment for après-ski fun.

Several ski schools vie to attract business on the slopes. Among them, Sport-Alpin (tel: +43 65 42 550 733; www.sport-alpin.at) at the Zeller Bergbahn base receives positive reviews. It runs the Mini Club kindergarten for children aged two and up and the Kiddy Club for those aged three to four years.

The family-friendly leisure centre, Freizeitzentrum (tel: +43 65 427 850; www.freizeitzentrum.at), has a swimming pool with water slides, saunas, bowling alley and an ice stadium.

Retail therapy

With a resident population of 10,000, there is no shortage of shops in Zell am See. There are plenty of outlets for sports and crafts, as well as flashy boutiques and stores selling more pragmatic items. Hierner (Stadtplatz 6) is good for authentic souvenirs and gifts with decorative glass items and ceramics.

Splashing out

While off-piste skiing is restricted, it's possible to hire a guide and ski off the back end of the glacier down to the Niedernsill Valley, an exhilarating ride for even the most experienced off-piste powder hounds. Contact Offpiste Adventures (tel: +43 67 64 445 185; www.offpiste.at) or Mont Alpin (tel: +43 65 478 681; www.mont-alpin.at) for bookings.

Hotels

Many of the hotels in Zell am See-Kaprun are a fair way from the lifts in the attractive medieval centre, where apartments and chalets can also be found. The highest rated hotel here is 4-star.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap