More About kaprun

The nearest ski resort to the infamous Kitzsteinhorn glacier, the Kaprun ski area has lots of potential for snowsports activities throughout the year.  With a laid-back feel, this Austrian resort benefits from its close proximity to Zell Am See and is a sound location particularly for families with its own dedicated ski hill.  

Let’s Talk Skiing in Kaprun

The go-to ski hill for Kaprun is the compact Maiskogel area which you can get by taking the chairlift that goes from the north-western corner.  Otherwise you can take the gondola which goes from the south.  It’s known for being family-friendly – which is why it is recognised as a ‘Family Mountain’. 

Here you’ll find a brilliant choice of activities to take the children to – including spotting the animal statues on the wide and gentle slopes, or the dedicated snowpark that’s perfect for children.  There are also canopied chairlifts and the Maisflitzer rollercoaster to try. 

You can get to the main Kaprun pistes of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area via two parallel-running gondola lifts close to the top of the Kapruner Valley.  You’ll need to get a ski-bus there which takes around 10 minutes.  The gondolas link to Langwied; a mid-altitude base area which is where the mostly red runs lead down to.  It’s worth bearing in mind that only one of these is regularly groomed – the others are left as natural ski routes. 

You’ve got a range of chairlifts and ski-tows which will take you up to the mild fall-line red pistes – and if it’s distance you’re after – the longer blue pistes.

There’s a gondola which will take you up to the Kitzsteinhorn summit.  Coming back down, you can either take the short black run which will take you from the summit station to the upper sector pistes, or there is a short funicular lift to take you back. 

Although you might find most of the Kaprun slopes more suited to intermediate skiers, you will find some pretty exciting challenges in the form of the Maurerkees glacier black runs, off-piste gullies and mogul fields.  It’s important to bear in mind that these areas should only be visited when with an expert guide as there are some incredibly dangerous crevaces.  You’ll also find a halfpipe and three good snowparks here.

The Resort of Kaprun 

You’ll find that the village centre is very traditional, with a distinctively mediaeval appearance.  Set right next to the Lake Zell with Zell Am See close by, it’s definitely a picture-postcard type ski resort.  As one of the prettier areas in the Salzburg region, its traffic-free centre is a real plus for families.  You’ve got a lot going on here for non-skiers in Kaprun too; you can try curling, hiking and skating. And if it’s shopping that’s your bag, you’ll find lots to visit here, in addition to some great Kaprun restaurants and bars.

Staying in Kaprun 

When you’re looking at Kaprun ski accommodation, you’ll find quite a variety here to choose from.  There are a lot of apartments to choose from.  For Kaprun hotels, there are lots of 3- and 4-star options.  Most of the accommodation buildings are traditional Alpine chalet style with plenty of charm.

Kaprun Snow Conditions 

You can look forward to some fantastic conditions when it comes to the Kaprun weather.  The resort benefits from amazing snow coverage across the whole season from November to April.  The Kaprun pistes are kept incredibly well maintained which is fantastic for skiers of all levels.  And thanks to the excellent transport system here, you’ll be able to make full use of the variety of runs available. 

Due to the high altitude, skiing and snowboarding can take place for 10 months of the year which is a real plus.  Kaprun is a superb resort to explore and skiers have lots of opportunity to develop their skills on the variety of slopes.

Kaprun Resort Life 

The resort of Kaprun has a great friendly and relaxed feel to it and is definitely well-suited to families and couples.  You’ll find most of the entertainment happens in the sport hotels in their restaurants and bars, as opposed to on the streets of Kaprun’s village.  However, you will find that the Salzburger Platz is the place to go if you’re looking for some ambience. 

Here you’ll find a few shops and café-bars to enjoy.  If it’s more of a lively entertainment that you’re looking for though you’ve got Zell Am See just a short journey away.  Although Kaprun does have some superb après-ski to be found in its centre – especially in the Pavilion disco bar where you’ll find the best parties.

For a bit of fun off of the slopes, you’ve got the Tauern Spa complex here, where you’ll find some great aqua and leisure facilities including an extensive section of indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wellness and beauty spa, plus large sauna and steam rooms.  Looking for some more local culture?  Why not visit the museums?  They have a small local history museum and classic car motor museum – specialising in cars from the ‘50s and ‘70s.   

What’s Good About Kaprun? 

We like Kaprun with its relatively snow-sure glacier slopes – making it a great location all season round.  It has a gentle intermediate terrain and they’ve definitely thought of families here, with its multitude of skiing activities on the ‘Family Mountain’.  We also like the fact that you’ve got some good cross-country trails to experience nearby as well.

There’s lots to do here off of the slopes in Kaprun too, whether that’s trying out some of the other activities in the huge aqua-leisure complex or just enjoying the laid back and picturesque walks around Kaprun’s lakes.

The SnowResort Verdict 

Just like its sister resort, Zell Am See, Kaprun has a real Austrian Alpine feel about it.  So if you’re after the traditional picturesque ski resort, this is one for you.  With a good level of non-ski activities to choose from and a nice variety of slopes, we also like the fact that it sits on the beautiful backdrop of the lake that it sits on.