Schmittenhöhe near Zell am See: Year-round destination with panoramic views, fun on the slopes & alpine diversity
The Schmittenhöhe (1,965 m) is not only the local mountain of Zell am See, but also one of the most diverse year-round destinations in the Salzburg region. In winter, you can expect perfectly groomed slopes, modern lifts and a top-class fun slope – plus an incomparable panorama of Kitzsteinhorn glacier and over 30 three-thousand-meter peaks. In summer, panoramic trails, art installations, a disc golf course, and action-packed experiences like e-motocross invite you to get active.
Short info:
- Where is it located? Schmittenstrasse 119, 5700 Zell am See
- How do you achieve it? By car via the B311; parking is available at the valley stations of the Schmittenhöhebahn (reversible aerial tramway), the areitXpress (modern 10-seater gondola), and the cityXpress (4-seater gondola). In winter, you can easily reach the ski area by cable car. Here you will find the prices. In summer also free with the Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card.
- Is there public transport? Yes, Zell am See train station, bus connections to all valley stations
- What can you do in summer? Hiking, paragliding, mountain art, disc golf, e-motocross
- What can you do in winter? Skiing, snowboarding, winter hiking, visiting exhibitions, snowshoeing
- How long should you plan for? 3–6 hours in summer, all-day stay in winter
- Is the Schmittenhöhe child-friendly? Yes, with Schmidolin Club, Funslope XXL, practice lifts, children's ski courses
- How high is it? 1,965 m
- What lifts are there? 28 facilities, including modern gondola lifts such as areitXpress, Schmittenhöhebahn, TrassXpress
- Special feature: Part of the Ski ALPIN CARD (408 kilometers of slopes in Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Kaprun)
Winter on the Schmittenhöhe: Sun, snow fun & panorama
The Schmittenhöhe is considered the sunniest ski area in the Alps: 80% of the slopes are in sunny locations. The view of the Lake Zell, the Kitzsteinhorn and over 30 three-thousand-meter peaks is unique – plus perfectly groomed slopes down to the valley.
Slope overview:
- 77 kilometers of slopes in total
- 30 km of blue slopes
- 28 km of red slopes
- 19 km of black slopes (including a Trass descent with 1,200 meters of altitude and up to 70°C gradient – one of the steepest in Austria)
Here you will find a piste map
Highlights in the ski area:
- Funslope XXL: Huge fun course with banked curves, tunnels and waves – perfect for families
- Schmidolin's Dragon Park: Training area for children with mascot Schmidolin
- Skimovie track & Jukeboxx: Action-packed offers for all those who want to have their skills filmed or accompanied by music
- Summit exhibition “Tradition & Innovation since 1927” in the mountain station
- Photo points & viewpoints on the Schmittenhöhe – perfect for souvenir photos
Off-piste activities:
- Winter hiking: Marked trails with views of the Hohe Tauern National Park
- Snowshoe hiking & guided tours
- Cultural excursions: e.g. exhibition “Areit 1400” on regional history
- Panoramic terraces & sun loungers at several huts
Elisabeth Chapel at the summit
Directly at the summit of the Schmittenhöhe stands the Elisabeth Chapel – a small, octagonal chapel with impressive views. Built in 1904 in memory of Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), it is now one of the highest chapels in the Salzburg region. It is particularly popular as a place of tranquility, but also for weddings and mountain masses. The path there is short and easily accessible – ideal as a stopover during a summit hike.
Summer on the Schmittenhöhe: Hiking, Art & Adventure
In summer, the Schmittenhöhe offers wonderful hikes for every fitness level. Particularly popular are the high-altitude promenades with views of the lake and glacier, art installations along the trails, and the 18-hole disc golf course at lofty heights.
Popular hikes:
- Schmittenhöhe circular hiking trail (approx. 2.5 km): Family-friendly, great views
- High-altitude promenade to Sonnkogel (approx. 1 hour): Easy to manage, scenic
- Pinzgau Walk (17 km): Challenging but rewarding – ideal for experienced hikers
Other summer activities:
- Disc golf course: At 1,850 m with stunning mountain views – free to play, disc rental at the mountain station
- Art on the Mountain: Large-format sculptures by international artists along the hiking trails
- E-Motocross Park (near Areitbahn): For children ages 6 and up – quiet, safe and environmentally friendly
- Paragliding: Take-off points directly at the summit, tandem flights can be booked
- Off-road park: For children in summer with mini cars and courses
Stop in & enjoy:
- Panorama Restaurant Franzl at the mountain station with panoramic terrace
- Schmiedhof Alm, AreitAlm, Berghotel Schmittenhöhe – many with sun terraces and regional cuisine
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