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Heres how to plan the perfect ski trip to Zell am See.
“It’s a great bang for your buck.”
Aerial view of the Zell am See town over the Zell lake and Alps, Austria.Credit:Arkadij-sh/Getty Images
But this is more than just anaffordable ski destinationwith great snow.
“There’s quite a bit of hospitality in Zell,” Gassner added.
“It’s not a resort built just for skiing.
Evgeniya Vlasova/Travel + Leisure
It’s a real town.
It’s an honest town.”
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping descents or serene lakeside strolls, this place has it all.
The exterior of Grand Hotel Zell am See ready for the holidays.Stacey Leasca/Travel + Leisure
Here’s how to plan a trip to Zell am See this winter.
The historic four-star hotel is located directly on the shores of Lake Zell and is the epicenter of town.
Hotel Salzburgerhof
Find another luxurious option atHotel Salzburgerhof.
A cup of mulled wine from Breiteckalm in Zell am See, Austria.Stacey Leasca/Travel + Leisure
The five-star hotel is beloved for its exceptional service and expansive spa.
Its on-site restaurant is also highly acclaimed with dishes like artichoke ravioli and local beef steaks.
Hotel Tirolerhof
Hotel Tirolerhofis the spot to be if you’re seeking a more traditional Alpine stay.
Zell lake during wintertime in Zell Am See.Stacey Leasca/Travel + Leisure
Each of the hotel’s rooms includes mountain-inspired decor, and many come with balconies overlooking the peaks.
Where to Eat
Bella Bean
True coffee aficionados will adoreBella Bean.
Steinerwirt
It doesn’t get more classic thanSteinerwirt.
Skiing down a snowy mountain and red ski gondola in Zell Am See.Stacey Leasca/Travel + Leisure
Don’t skip over its extensive wine list either, which includes vintages from Austria’s top vineyards.
Deins & Meins
Get a taste of modern Austrian fare atDeins & Meins.
The stylish restaurant, also located in the town center, blends Austrian and Mediterranean flavors.
The menu here changes seasonally, ensuring everything is as fresh as it can get.
The bar claims to be the leading post-ski spot since its opening day back in 1982.
And honestly, that holds up.
Just be warned, this place gets packed but that’s half the fun.
Off Piste Bar
Off Piste Baris another fantastic place to go for a post-ski drink.
But just note: The majority of the space is fully nude.
And after a few minutes in the heat, I promise you won’t even notice.
This well-lit track winds through the area’s forest, which in the winter is a snow-filled fantasy.
Sled rentals are available atseveral spots around town.
“Because we have so many lifts, it makes it accessible to more people.”
it’s possible for you to also book online prior to arrival for a smooth transition to the slopes.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Zell am See-Kaprun is spread across two main areas: Schmittenhohe and the Kitzsteinhorn.
The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier also has typically excellent snow conditions thanks to its elevation of 9,938 feet.
For younger children ages 4-11, there’s theKids Courseski school.
