Schmittenhöhe – Why This Ski Resort Is So Special
Schmittenhöhe stands at 1,965 metres directly above Zell am See and offers something few ski resorts in the Alps can match: a 360° panorama of 83 three-thousand-metre peaks, the glittering Lake Zell at your feet and runs for every ability level. Whether you're standing on skis for the first time or searching for new challenges as an experienced skier – Schmittenhöhe has something for everyone.
Together with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area, Schmittenhöhe forms the Ski ALPIN CARD region Zell am See-Kaprun with over 130 kilometres of slopes.
Facts & Figures
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 757 m – 2,000 m |
| Piste kilometres | 77 km |
| Runs | 26 marked pistes |
| Difficulty levels | 19 km blue, 40 km red, 18 km black |
| Lift facilities | 26 modern installations |
| Snowmaking | 100% snowmaking coverage |
| Season | Early December to mid-April |
Getting There
Schmittenhöhe is located right on the edge of Zell am See in the Salzburg region. Getting there is easy:
- By car: A10 Tauern motorway, exit Bruck an der Glocknerstraße, then 15 minutes to Zell am See
- By train: Zell am See station is just 800 metres from the Schmitten valley station
- Nearest airports: Salzburg (approx. 80 km), Munich (approx. 200 km), Innsbruck (approx. 160 km)
Parking: Paid parking is available directly at the Schmittenhöhe valley station (CityXpress). Arrive early – spaces fill up by 9:30 on peak days.
Three Valley Stations – Three Ways In
Schmittenhöhe has three valley stations, which is particularly convenient for guests in different accommodations:
CityXpress (Centre): The main access point right in Zell am See centre. State-of-the-art 10-person gondola with short waiting times. Ideal if you're staying in the town centre.
AreitXpress (Areit): On the southern edge of town, particularly popular with families. Our SPORT 2000 shop at Areitbahn is right here – pick up your equipment and step straight into the gondola.
TrassXpress: Entry from Schmidhöhe, slightly quieter and popular with locals.
Runs and Slopes – For Every Level
Beginners and Families (Blue Runs – 19 km)
Schmittenhöhe is an excellent family ski resort. In the Areit sector you'll find wide, gentle slopes with a dedicated children's lift and practice area. The Glocknerwiese is a highlight: wide, perfectly groomed and with stunning views of Lake Zell.
Tip: The Schmidolin Children's Park at AreitXpress is perfect for first turns. Supervised children's skiing from age 3.
Intermediate (Red Runs – 40 km)
The majority of the ski area consists of varied red runs. Particularly recommended:
- Standard descent: From the summit station to the valley – the classic Schmittenhöhe circuit
- Hochmaisbahn descent: Medium steepness, magnificent views
- Kettingkopf piste: Varied terrain with different features
Advanced (Black Runs – 18 km)
Experienced skiers will find their challenge at Sonnkogel and in the Glocknerpiste area. The Trass descent is particularly popular with ambitious skiers – steep, demanding and with mogul sections.
The Famous Schmittenhöhe Panorama
The 360° panorama from Schmittenhöhe is unique in world skiing. On clear days you can see:
- Großglockner (3,798 m) – Austria's highest mountain
- Kitzsteinhorn glacier – the neighbouring glacier ski area
- Hohe Tauern National Park – impressive mountain landscape
- Lake Zell – directly below you, glittering in the winter sun
- Steinernes Meer – the striking limestone formation
In total, 83 peaks over 3,000 metres are visible. The Elisabeth Chapel at the summit and the Panorama Restaurant at 1,965 m offer the best viewpoints.
Ski Rental at Schmittenhöhe – SPORT 2000 Zell am See
Why drag heavy equipment on holiday? Our SPORT 2000 shop is located right at the valley station and offers:
- Premium equipment from top brands (Atomic, Head, Blizzard, Elan...)
- Professional fitting by experienced technicians
- Online booking with 20% discount – equipment ready on arrival
- Free overnight storage – no carrying back to the hotel
- Three locations: City Centre, Areitbahn and Schmittenhöhe
How it works: Book online → Come to the shop → Get fitted → Hit the slopes. No waiting, no stress.
Dining on Schmittenhöhe
Schmittenhöhe offers over a dozen huts and restaurants:
- Pinzgauer Hütte: Traditional Salzburg cuisine, rustic ambience
- Panorama Restaurant Berghotel: Fine dining with 360° views
- Breiteckalm: Cosy alpine hut with sun terrace
- Areitlounge: Modern and family-friendly at the mid-station
- Summit Restaurant: Right at the highest point with coffee and cake
Tip for families: The Areitlounge has a dedicated children's area and affordable kids' menus.
Ski ALPIN CARD – Combined Ticket with Kitzsteinhorn
With the Ski ALPIN CARD you get access to three ski areas:
- Schmittenhöhe (77 km of slopes)
- Kitzsteinhorn (41 km of slopes, glacier up to 3,029 m)
- Maiskogel (14 km of slopes, MK Maiskogelbahn)
That's over 130 kilometres of slopes in total – enough for a varied ski week without repetition. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier also offers guaranteed snow from October to May.
Insider Tips for Schmittenhöhe
- Best snow conditions: January and February, especially after fresh snowfall
- Shortest queues: Tuesday to Thursday, early start before 9 am
- Secret run: The Kettingalm variant away from the main pistes
- Sunset skiing: Available on selected dates in March
- Photographer's spot: Elisabeth Chapel at the summit for the perfect panorama photo
- Alternative in fog: Kitzsteinhorn – the sun almost always shines above the clouds
Après-Ski and Evening Activities
Zell am See offers relaxed après-ski without the bustle of large party resorts:
- Bauer's Schi-Alm: Right at the valley station, live music
- Crazy Daisy: Bar and club in the centre
- Zeller Stube: Traditional pub cuisine in the evening
- Curling on Lake Zell: A highlight on cold evenings
Conclusion: Who Is Schmittenhöhe Best For?
Schmittenhöhe is ideal for anyone seeking a versatile ski resort with breathtaking panoramas. Particularly suited for:
- Families with the excellent children's facilities in the Areit area
- Pleasure skiers who value panoramas and good mountain huts
- Advanced skiers who appreciate varied runs and the Kitzsteinhorn connection
- Couples who want to combine skiing with the charming town centre of Zell am See
Book your ski equipment online at SPORT 2000 Zell am See and save 20% – your equipment will be waiting at the valley station when you arrive.