Do children ski free in Zell am See-Kaprun?

Children born in 2021 or later ride free on the Ski ALPIN CARD when accompanied by an adult, but need a free pass with a photo. At Easter, the Ski ALPIN CARD Easter bonus lets children ski free with a parent.

What age can children start ski school in Zell am See-Kaprun?

The ski schools on the Schmittenhöhe and Kitzsteinhorn run courses designed for children, but minimum ages differ from school to school, so check with the school before booking.

Where should beginners ski in Kaprun?

The Lechnerberg, in the centre of Kaprun, has two button lifts, two easy blue runs and a children's area run by the Kaprun ski schools. The Maiskogel also has a practice slope with a button lift.

Zell am See-Kaprun with kids

Q: Is Zell am See-Kaprun good for families?

Yes. The Schmittenhöhe markets itself as a family mountain, with Schmidolin's Kinder-Skiland, a Kidsslope and Funslope XXL, and Kaprun has the Lechnerberg beginners' slopes in the village and the Maiskogel family area. Children born in 2021 or later ski free with an adult.

Zell am See-Kaprun works well for families because it doesn’t ask small children to cope with high, cold glacier slopes. The Schmittenhöhe is a sunny family mountain right above town, Kaprun has a beginners’ hill in the village, and the Kitzsteinhorn is there for older children and parents when the snow lower down runs thin.

Is Zell am See-Kaprun good for families?

Yes, especially with younger children. What helps:

Free skiing for the youngest: children born in 2021 or later ride free with an adult.
Proper learning areas: Schmidolin’s Kinder-Skiland on the Schmittenhöhe, the Lechnerberg in Kaprun and the Maiskogel practice slope.
A real town: a lake, a station and plenty to do on the days the children have had enough.

The downside is that the mountains aren’t linked, so you’ll use the ski bus to switch between them.

Ski schools and kids’ lessons in Zell am See-Kaprun

The ski schools on the Schmittenhöhe and the Kitzsteinhorn run courses specially for children, teaching through games. The tourist office lists several, including the Ski- and Snowboard School Zell am See, Ski Dome Oberschneider (at the Gletscherjet 1 exit in Kaprun), Skischool Sport Alpin, Hartweger’s and Preghenella in Kaprun. UP – Adaptive Ski School Unlimited Possibilities teaches skiers with disabilities.

In Kaprun, the youngest children start at the Lechnerberg with the Kaprun ski schools before moving up to the Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn. Minimum ages and group sizes vary, so check with the school before you book, and book early for school holidays.

Childcare and nurseries in Zell am See-Kaprun

The simplest option is a hotel with its own childcare. Alpenblick, a four-star superior children’s hotel in Zell am See, runs the ALPI Club for children aged 3 to 8 and offers free childcare five times a week, for up to six hours. For other childcare, ask your accommodation or the ski school what’s available for your dates.

Best beginner areas for children in Zell am See-Kaprun

Skiers on a piste on the Schmittenhöhe above Zell am See, with Lake Zell and the mountains behind — Pistes on the Schmittenhöhe look straight down on Lake Zell© dronepicr, CC BY 2.0

Schmidolin’s Kinder-Skiland, Schmittenhöhe: the magic carpet “Schmidolin’s Dragon Tunnel”, a mini slalom and places to rest.
Kidsslope and Dragon Park, Schmittenhöhe: tunnels, waves and obstacles, with Schmidolin the dragon telling stories along the way.
Funslope XXL, Schmittenhöhe: more than a kilometre of waves, tunnels and banked turns from the Hochmaisbahn mountain station, for children who’ve outgrown the Kidsslope.
Lechnerberg, Kaprun: two button lifts and two easy blue runs in the village centre.
Maiskogel, Kaprun: a practice slope with the Maisilift button lift, and the Maisi Park for first freestyle tries.

Zell am See-Kaprun lift passes for families

Born in 2021 or later: free with an adult, with a free pass that needs a photo.
Children’s rate: born 2011 to 2020. Youth rate: born 2008 to 2010. Bring ID.
Easter bonus: children ski free when accompanied by a parent.
Junior XPLORE CARD: children and teenagers can ski all three areas for 15 euros on Saturdays.
Valley-lift tickets: the Schmittenhöhe sells cheaper tickets valid only on the valley lifts for children who are just starting.

Things to do with kids in Zell am See-Kaprun off the slopes

The Maisi Flitzer alpine coaster at the Maiskogel, open all year.
Tobogganing, from short, easy runs to longer ones in the region.
The Tauern Spa Zell am See-Kaprun and the leisure centre with an indoor pool in Zell am See.
The TOP OF SALZBURG viewing platforms at 3,029 m on the Kitzsteinhorn, with the Cinema 3000.
Night skiing on the floodlit piste in Zell am See on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5 January to 25 February 2027 (except 9 February).

Best family hotels in Zell am See-Kaprun

Alpenblick (children’s hotel, ALPI Club, free childcare) and the lakeside Grand Hotel Zell am See (family spa with an indoor pool, children’s menus) are the standouts, and Der Schmittenhof puts you at the foot of the Schmittenhöhe. See where to stay in Zell am See-Kaprun for more.

Tips for skiing in Zell am See-Kaprun with kids

Base yourself near your mountain. Families learning on the Schmittenhöhe should stay in Zell am See or Schüttdorf. For the Lechnerberg and Maiskogel, stay in Kaprun.
Dress for the glacier. The Kitzsteinhorn reaches 3,029 m and is much colder and windier than town. Pack extra layers, goggles and high-factor sun cream.
Use the bus. Ski buses are free with a valid pass, and the Guest Mobility Ticket covers public transport across the state of Salzburg.
Read the full Zell am See-Kaprun ski guide for snow, season dates and getting there.