Some ski areas are popular for a season. Kaprun, however, is a name that returns every single winter and for good reason. Nestled at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and connected to the vast Zell am See–Kaprun region, this village offers something few alpine destinations can match: a long, snow-sure season, a wide variety of slopes, and an atmosphere that feels both authentic and adventurous.
Whether you’re booking your first ski holiday or you return to the Alps every year, Kaprun stands out as a place where winter truly lasts, from early autumn to well into spring.
In this blog, we take you through what makes the Kaprun ski area so special, why the glacier is a game-changer, and why so many winter lovers choose this destination again and again.
High-alpine freedom on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier
The heart and soul of Kaprun’s ski area is the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, rising up to an altitude of 3,029 meters. As you ascend by gondola, the landscape changes dramatically. Forests and meadows give way to wide-open glacier fields, rugged rocky peaks, and bright, crisp air that feels different from anything in the valley. Up here, the mountains stretch endlessly around you, and on clear days you can see far across the SalzburgerLand region. It’s not just a place to ski — it’s a place to breathe.
What makes the glacier so special is how consistently it delivers excellent snow. While other ski resorts wait nervously for the first snowfall, the Kitzsteinhorn is usually ready from October. Early-season skiers come here to get their first taste of winter, and even in years with less natural snowfall, the altitude ensures that the pistes remain in great condition. Glacier teams work around the clock with state-of-the-art snow systems, constantly preparing and maintaining the slopes so they stay wide, smooth, and safe all day long. Even on sunny afternoons when temperatures rise, the glacier holds up beautifully, making it a true paradise for long ski days.
For experienced skiers and snowboarders, this is a playground. The red and black slopes offer both challenge and flow, the freeride routes tempt those who crave deep-snow adventure, and the snow parks are known for their excellent features and creative design. The glacier has a sporty, dynamic atmosphere that attracts ambitious riders, yet at the same time it remains accessible and enjoyable for anyone who simply wants to experience high-alpine skiing. There’s something inspiring about being up here — it feels raw, pure, and exciting.
Three mountains, endless possibilities
Kaprun is part of the larger Zell am See–Kaprun ski region, which means you don’t just have the glacier to explore. With the Maiskogel and the Schmittenhöhe connected through modern lift systems, you can enjoy an enormous network of slopes that cater to all levels. Each mountain has its own personality, and together they create one of the most diverse ski areas in Austria.
The Maiskogel is family-friendly, warm, and welcoming. Its slopes are ideal for beginners or for anyone who appreciates relaxed, gentle runs through the forest. Ski schools operate here throughout the season, making it the perfect base for children or new skiers who want to build confidence before heading higher up the mountain. The Maiskogel cable car also connects directly to the Kitzsteinhorn, allowing you to travel seamlessly from village level to glacier altitude without ever taking off your skis. This unique connection makes Kaprun extremely convenient, especially for families or mixed-level groups who want simple logistics.
On the other side, the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See offers varied terrain, panoramic lake views, and long, scenic runs that wind down through different valleys. It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this mountain, stopping at traditional huts along the way, and enjoying a different kind of atmosphere than the glacier. While the high-alpine landscape of the Kitzsteinhorn feels grand and spacious, the Schmittenhöhe is playful and charming, with a mixture of forest trails, wide carving areas, and comfortable heating zones.
Together, these three mountains form a ski destination where boredom simply doesn’t exist. You can wake up one morning and head straight to the glacier for a sporty, high-altitude experience. The next day, you might prefer the smooth cruising slopes of Schmittenhöhe or a relaxed afternoon on the Maiskogel, riding through snowy woods. Every day feels new, and that’s one of Kaprun’s biggest strengths.
A resort the whole winter Sports world trusts
One thing that truly sets Kaprun apart from many other alpine resorts is its long season. While most places open their lifts in December and close again by March or April, Kaprun keeps going. Early in the season, ski teams from around Europe gather on the glacier to train. The smooth, reliable slopes and the consistency of the snow make it the ideal location for professional preparation. Even if you’re not a competitive skier, it’s impressive to watch teams gliding down the mountain with precision, adding a sense of energy and excitement to the early-winter atmosphere.
Late-season skiing is another highlight. While spring warmth melts the slopes in lower resorts, Kaprun remains in excellent condition. There’s something magical about skiing under a warm spring sun, surrounded by snow that feels like mid-winter. You can ski in the morning, enjoy a drink in the afternoon, and relax outdoors without feeling cold. It’s this flexibility — the ability to choose your perfect moment — that keeps many visitors returning year after year.
Beautiful views and welcoming ski huts
Another reason people love Kaprun is the feeling of space. The glacier, especially, has a vast, open layout where pistes stretch out widely, giving you plenty of room to make long, comfortable turns. Even on busy days, it rarely feels crowded. The air is crisp, the horizon is wide, and there’s a strong sense of freedom that comes from skiing at such heights.
Along the slopes, you’ll find charming alpine huts where you can warm up with a drink or settle in for a meal. Some offer traditional Austrian dishes like Kaiserschmarrn, Tiroler Gröstl, or warm soups, while others serve quick snacks perfect for keeping you energized throughout the day. One of the simple joys of skiing in Kaprun is taking a break on a sunny terrace, looking out across endless peaks, and feeling completely at ease.
The village of Kaprun
When you return to the valley after a day on the mountain, Kaprun welcomes you with the kind of relaxed alpine charm that makes life easy. The village is big enough to offer everything you need — shops, ski rentals, après-ski bars, cafés, and great restaurants — yet small enough to feel peaceful and friendly. It strikes a perfect balance: lively without being hectic, social without being loud, atmospheric without being overwhelming.
You can walk almost everywhere, which makes the village particularly appealing for families or anyone who appreciates convenience. Whether you’re staying near the Maiskogel lift, in the village center, or at the base of the Kitzsteinhorn access point, everything feels close. There’s also an efficient bus system connecting the entire region, so moving between Kaprun and Zell am See is effortless.
A destination for all seasons
Although this blog focuses on winter, it’s worth mentioning that Kaprun is also a four-season destination. The glacier stays open deep into the warm months, while the mountains transform into a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Lakes, waterfalls, panoramic trails, and even high-alpine nature experiences attract visitors year-round. Choosing Kaprun means choosing a place where the outdoor spirit never stops.
Why Kaprun stands out among Austrian ski resorts
At its core, Kaprun combines three elements that make it truly special: snow security, diversity of terrain, and a welcoming, efficient atmosphere. Many ski lovers dream of finding a resort that offers both high-alpine adventure and comfortable village skiing.
With the glacier guaranteeing a long season, with multiple mountains offering different types of skiing, with modern lifts and outstanding piste maintenance, and with a village that’s both cosy and convenient, Kaprun is the kind of place where every skier can find their perfect rhythm. Whether you are a beginner taking your first gentle turns, a confident intermediate carving wide pistes, or an expert looking for freeride thrills, Kaprun has something perfectly tailored to your level.
And beyond the skiing itself, Kaprun has an atmosphere that just feels good. It’s a destination filled with energy, warmth, and alpine beauty. It promises stability but also excitement. It offers comfort but also adventure. And most importantly, it guarantees what so many skiers are desperately searching for: snow, space, and unforgettable days on the mountain.
If you’re looking for a place where winter truly stays with you, Kaprun is ready to welcome you, long before other resorts open, and long after they’ve closed.
Last-minute 10% off
If all of this makes you excited to experience Kaprun for yourself, this is the perfect moment. We still have two beautiful apartments available for the Christmas week, and a few more openings towards the end of February and throughout March, which happens to be one of the very best periods to ski here.
The glacier guarantees excellent snow, the days are longer, the sun is warmer, and the conditions are often at their absolute best.
To make it even more appealing, we currently offer a 10% last-minute discount for the rest of the season.