The Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun is one of the most famous ski areas in Austria and attracts numerous winter sports enthusiasts every year. At an altitude of over 3,000 metres, visitors can expect an impressive winter landscape that delights winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. SnowTrex shows five good reasons why skiing in the glacier ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn is absolutely worthwhile.
1. Glacier ski area at 3,000 metres
As the only glacier ski area in Salzburger Land, the Kitzsteinhorn guarantees snow from October to early summer. At an altitude of around 3,000 metres, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy wide glacier slopes, which also delight freeride fans with untouched deep snow descents. The Alpine Centre at an altitude of 2,450 m can be reached super quickly from Kaprun with two glacier gondolas. Afterwards, take the glacier shuttle to the mountain station at 3,000 metres. The charming thing is that the shuttle is an above-ground funicular railway, whose nostalgic appearance gives some people a bit of a romantic feeling.
2. Wide choice of pistes
With a total of 41 kilometres of pistes, the Kitzsteinhorn offers the right descent for every winter sports enthusiast. From easy blue pistes to the challenging “Black Mamba” with a gradient of up to 63 per cent, there is something for all ability levels. The numerous blue pleasure runs on the sunny plateau of the Kitzsteinhorn are particularly popular with families and also offer access to state-of-the-art lifts that ensure a smooth day on the slopes.
3. Paradise for freestylers and action lovers
Freestylers and action lovers get their money’s worth in every respect on the Kitzsteinhorn. Various boxes, tubes and kickers await you in the “Glacier Park” at an altitude of 2,900 metres. There is also a superpipe with an insane length of 160 metres and 6.3-metre-high walls, as well as the 450-metre-long “Central Park”. Those who still need some practice can let off steam in the “Easy Park”. Here there are special obstacles for beginners that make it easier to start freestyling. In the new fun line, the “Eagle Line”, you can play with centrifugal force. Steep bends and other special obstacles are a wonderful way to take off into weightlessness.
4. Great selection of refreshment stops and après-ski fun
The ski area on the Kitzsteinhorn and the towns of Kaprun and Zell am See offer everything your (après-ski) heart desires. The Ice Camp is a great place to stop by for a lunch break: The fascinating igloo landscape on the Sonnenkarbahn II is ideal for a drink – non-alcoholic for lunch, of course. If you’ve finished your day’s skiing and fancy some après-ski, you shouldn’t miss the Baumbar in Kaprun. The ski bus runs from the valley station at the Kitzsteinhorn ski area directly to the front door.
5. Salzburg’s highest vantage point
Salzburg’s highest vantage point is located in the Kitzsteinhorn ski area. On the “Top of Salzburg” panorama platform, you stand at an altitude of 3,029 metres and have a fabulous view of the white glacier walls, the surrounding mountains, the Kaprun valley and Lake Zell. An automatic photo point makes it possible to capture the great moment even without a smartphone. A great place – for romantic love confessions, for example. Away from the piste, the Kitzsteinhorn also invites you to enjoy other winter activities. Whether winter hiking along groomed trails or cross-country skiing for relaxed excursions through the snow-covered landscape – everyone will find the perfect complement to a varied day on the piste here.
FAQ’s on skiing on Kitzsteinhorn
Why is the Kitzsteinhorn a favourite ski resort for winter sports enthusiasts?
The Kitzsteinhorn impresses with guaranteed snow, modern lifts and a wide selection of pistes for all ability levels. Added to this are the impressive panoramas that make the glacier ski area unique.
How long is the ski season on the Kitzsteinhorn?
As a glacier ski area, the Kitzsteinhorn offers guaranteed snow and the ski season usually starts as early as October. The season often lasts until early summer so that winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy a particularly long period of time.
Are there après-ski options on the Kitzsteinhorn?
Yes, numerous bars and restaurants in Kaprun and Zell am See invite you to après-ski on the Kitzsteinhorn. The Ice Camp on the mountain is a particular highlight, where guests can relax in a unique igloo landscape before rounding off the evening in the cosy bars and restaurants in the valley.
Can you also freeride on the Kitzsteinhorn?
Freeride fans get their money’s worth on the Kitzsteinhorn. The area offers marked freeride routes as well as info points with information on safety and terrain.
What activities does the Kitzsteinhorn offer away from the pistes?
Away from the pistes, visitors can go winter hiking, cross-country skiing or tobogganing while enjoying the snow-covered landscape. A special highlight is the “Top of Salzburg” viewpoint at 3,029 metres, which offers an impressive panorama of the surrounding mountains.
