From glaciers in Zell am See-Kaprun to snow-guaranteed Obertauern – here are the best ski areas in SalzburgerLand is written by The editorial staff, RejsRejsRejs in cooperation with SalzburgerLand Tourism.
The best ski areas in Salzburgerland for your ski holiday in Austria
Do you dream of endless slopes, powder snow and cozy alpine towns? Then you should go on a skiing holiday in one of the many beautiful ski areas in SalzburgerLandHere are some of the Austria most iconic ski areas – from family-friendly mountain towns with children's areas and ski schools to adrenaline-pumping off-piste paradises and ski areas with a natural snow guarantee.
SalzburgerLand offers everything from modern lift systems and world-class groomed slopes to hiking in a winter wonderland and gourmet experiences on mountaintops.
In other words: SalzburgerLand is a true winter paradise, where families with children, beginners, experts and bon vivants can embark on a winter adventure tailored to their needs.
So lace up your ski boots and head to some of the best ski areas in SalzburgerLand from Zell am See-Kaprun to Obertauern.
Zell am See-Kaprun – glacier, mountain lake and snow fun for all ages
High above the sparkling Lake Zell, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier rises with its majestic peak, offering excellent skiing conditions from autumn right through to early spring. Up here in the Gipfelwelt at an altitude of more than 3.000 meters, a magnificent view of the Hohe Tauern National Park awaits - an experience that can take the breath away even for the most seasoned skier.
In Zell am See-Kaprun you will find world-class, child-friendly snow parks, the state-of-the-art 3K K-onnection, marked routes for ski touring and plenty of off-piste opportunities - so there is plenty of opportunity to get up to speed on your skis.
The panoramic and family-friendly Schmittenhöhe mountain in Zell am See offers a diverse selection of slopes, a cozy alpine hut atmosphere and ski-in/ski-out access directly from the town. The impressive panoramic view of the lake and mountains, the fun slope, the steep Trass run and the popular Ski'n'Brunch events in January and February make the area a highlight for both life enthusiasts and sports enthusiasts.
With Ski ALPINE CARD you can enjoy more than 400 kilometers of slopes in three first-class ski areas - the card combines Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See and Kitzsteinhorn in Kaprun into one combined lift pass.
What makes Zell am See–Kaprun so unique is its diversity: Here you get everything from cross-country skiing trails, winter hikes and guided ski tours in untouched nature, ensuring you unforgettable experiences in the snow.
But that's not all. A very special winter magic unfolds on the shores of Lake Zell – from winter yoga and atmospheric Advent markets to quiet moments where the snow-covered landscape is reflected in the water. When the day draws to a close, cozy mountain huts and restaurants invite you to a well-deserved rest and a good meal – this is where the authentic Austrian ski atmosphere really comes to life.
St. Johann in Salzburg – skiing for the whole family
St. Johann in Salzburg invites you on a winter adventure in the Alpine village, where the mountain air is clear and where the beautiful church tower rings in the day with an echo that spreads across the snow-capped mountainsides that surround you.
St. Johann in Salzburg is exactly such a magical place. The mountain town of Alpendorf offers a charming combination of authentic Austrian hospitality and modern ski facilities. St. Johann in Salzburg is particularly known as a ski paradise for families with children, and it is the perfect ski area in SalzburgerLand for both beginners and families, as 93% of the approximately 210 kilometers of slopes are either blue or red.
If you are looking for a ski area in SalzburgerLand for the whole family, St. Johann in Salzburg is the obvious choice. Here you will find everything from wide and soft slopes to fun fun slopes and dedicated family slopes where the youngest can take their first turns in a safe environment. In short, there are all the facilities and opportunities for you as a family with children to have the best skiing holiday.
But St. Johann is more than skiing. Especially in December, the city transforms into a living Christmas card. Christmas lights sparkle in the cozy and charming town, the stalls at the Christmas market smell of Glühwein and roasted chestnuts, and local traditions like Krampus give the experience a fairytale – and a little spooky – twist.
It all creates an atmosphere that is both adventurous and authentic, and which makes St. Johann in Salzburg a destination where both coziness, family life and fun in the snow are in focus.
Skicircus Saalbach-Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn with activities for both families and ski experts
With 270 kilometers of perfectly prepared slopes and 70 modern lifts, the legendary Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is one of the most versatile ski areas in the Alps. The name 'Skicircus' almost says it all: there are experiences for every taste, whether you're a beginner, an experienced skier or a true adventurer.
For freeride enthusiasts, the area is a true paradise. The many off-piste opportunities make it possible to explore the wild and beautiful sides of the mountains, and with Fieberbrunn as part of the Skicircus, the area is considered one of Austria's best places for freeride.
For the really trained skiers, 'The Challenge' awaits, one of the Alps' famous ski challenges. With 65 kilometers of continuous slopes, 32 lifts and no less than 12.400 meters of altitude difference, it is a ski route that requires both technique and endurance. For the trained, the trip takes about seven hours - without breaks. So the question is: Do you dare to take on the challenge?
But Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is not just about chasing adrenaline. The family is also at the center here. Ski schools with child-friendly areas and dedicated ski kindergartens ensure that even the little ones can experience the joy of the snow in a safe way. Snow parks and fun slopes also give slightly older children and young people the opportunity to play all day on skis or snowboards.
In February 2025, Saalbach hosted the Alpine Skiing World Championships, which is clear proof of the area's high skiing standard.
And if you fancy a day off the skis, 140 kilometres of winter hiking trails await you, where you can experience the quiet side of the Alps on foot. In addition, Saalbach offers cosy ski huts, gastronomic mountain restaurants and a charming atmosphere.
Obertauern – snow guarantee on your ski holiday in Austria
If you are looking for a ski area in SalzburgerLand where the snow never fails, then Obertauern is the place to look. The ski area is known as Austria's 'snow bowl' - and for good reason. It is located in the middle of a mountain range where the valley naturally receives large amounts of snow, which provides a real snow guarantee throughout the season. Here, powder snow is not a coincidence, but a given.
With more than 100 kilometers of well-groomed slopes winding directly around the city center, it's easy to switch from skiing to city life and back again. The terrain ranges widely; from soft, child-friendly slopes and safe ski schools to challenging runs and snow parks for the brave.
This makes Obertauern an obvious choice for families and groups, where the day on the slopes should include something for both beginners and experts.
But the fun doesn't stop when you park your skis for the day. In fact, there's plenty of snow fun to be had when night falls. You can sink into warm blankets on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the winter landscape with a steaming cup of Glühwein, go night skiing or whizz down the toboggan run in the moonlight.
For party-goers, there is of course also classic Austrian après-ski, where the mountain atmosphere lives on long into the night.
Have a great ski holiday in these beautiful ski areas in SalzburgerLand and have a nice trip to Austria.
Here are the best ski areas in SalzburgerLand – from Zell am See-Kaprun to Obertauern
- The ski area at Zell am See-Kaprun
- The ski area at St. Johann in Salzburg
- Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn
- The ski area at Obertauern
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