77 km
750 m - 2000 m
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Test report Zell am See/Schmittenhoehe
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Zell am See/Schmittenhoehe
Total result: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Test Zell am See/Schmittenhoehe
The review Zell am See/Schmittenhoehe was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort Zell am See/Schmittenhoehe
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The Schmittenhoehe counts as one of the 10 largest ski resorts in the Salzburg region and is the largest ski resort in the Zell am See-Kaprun holiday region.
Runs/slopes
Additional runs
10 km Marked ski routes
Altitude difference
1250 m (Valley 750 m - Mountain 2000 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
26
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 4 ← 3
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 4 ← 3
The Schmittenhoehe distinguishes itself with its variety of runs. There are easy, intermediate and difficult runs (approx. equal distribution). There are also 7 challenging ski routes.
Runs/slopes
Total 77 km
Easy
25 km
(32 %)Intermediate
27 km
(36 %)Difficult
25 km
(32 %)
Additional runs
Marked ski routes
10 km
Run location
under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
- Public race course with time measurement
- Skiline
- SkiMovie
Modern gondola lifts lead up to the ski resort from the valley, including the Schmittenhoehe lift with its gondolas designed by Porsche. In the ski resort itself, modern chair lifts, some with bubbles and seat heaters, await the guests. You can access the entire ski resort with modern lifts. The t-bar and practice lifts are there for beginners.
Number of ski lifts
26
Total capacity
43500 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
26.2 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
2
5
10
5
4
Additional
5
The Schmittenhoehe has 100% snow-making capability and the valley runs are usually open from the first until the last day of operation.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
381 Snow canons
100 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is open most of the time.
Season 2009/2010
134 Days open
123 Days when valley run open
123 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is excellent.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
The nearest expressway is about 57 km away. Sufficient, free parking lots are found at the Areit lift in Schuettdorf and in Schmittental at the valley station. In Zell am See, you can only park in a parking garage (with fee) that is not directly at the lift.
Access via A10 Tauernautobahn, Ausfahrt Knoten Pongau
- Areitbahn 1 (Zell am See), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 48 km · approx. 43 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
- trassXpress (Zell am See), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 52 km · approx. 49 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, well-developed, without significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
Access via A12 Inntal-Autobahn, Ausfahrt Wörgl Ost
- Areitbahn 1 (Zell am See), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 83 km · approx. 80 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge - trassXpress (Zell am See), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 87 km · approx. 87 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
Access via Autobahn A8 München-Salzburg, Ausfahrt Traunstein/Siegsdorf
- trassXpress (Zell am See), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 77 km · approx. 74 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, well-developed
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, free of charge - Areitbahn 1 (Zell am See), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 79 km · approx. 74 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, well-developed
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
Winter Closure
The Grossglockner Hochalpen Road is closed in the winter.
The Grossglockner Hochalpen Road is closed in the winter.
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map is exemplary. All slopes, lifts and restaurants are indicated. The bus stops and highlights of the ski resort are also indicated. The only criticism- the names of some of the lifts are missing and a few altitudes could be added.
The trail map is exemplary. All slopes, lifts and restaurants are indicated. The bus stops and highlights of the ski resort are also indicated. The only criticism- the names of some of the lifts are missing and a few altitudes could be added.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
The sign-posting is exemplary. There are signs and trail maps everywhere. At significant points in the ski resort, current information about open and closed runs and lifts is shown.
The sign-posting is exemplary. There are signs and trail maps everywhere. At significant points in the ski resort, current information about open and closed runs and lifts is shown.
The Schmittenhoehe in Zell am See is expanding their efforts in environmental and climate protection: The company will implement solar energy, is planning an energy commission and will achieve an environmental certification.
Awards:
In order to make Schmitten even more environmentally friendly, the ski resort will be the first in the Salzburg region to apply for an environmental certification according to the recognized environmental management system, EMAS. They have been appointed as a project partner of the "klima:aktiv mobil Tour" (climate: active mobile tour) and are converting the grooming machines to natural gas power.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- Train connection
Zell am See train station - Comprehensive ski bus network
- Scheduled busses
The personnel is generally friendly. At some of the lifts, they could be a bit more helpful to guests boarding the lifts.
There are cozy huts distributed throughout the Schmittenhoehe. There is a good balance between service and self-service restaurants.
22 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Areitalm
On the Schuett run - Areit I mountain station
The first vinoteque on the mountain is at the Areit Alm. You can eat very well here either on the sun terrace or in the Areit Alm.
Mountain hut tip
-
Schober Alm
On the Schuett run
The guests feel at home here with excellent homestyle cuisine, perfect service in a unique atmosphere and a panorama view.
-
Blaickners Sonnalm
At the mountain station of the Sonnenalm lift
An original hut with Pinzgau delicacies and a huge collection of old currencies (coins and bills). Beautiful sun terrace with lounge chairs and a heated (with wood) whirlpool. -
Breiteckalm
At the Breiteck lift
Rustic, cozy ski hut on the Schmittenhoehe with umbrella bar and large sun terrace.
-
Ebenbergalm
On the northern ski route towards Zell am See
Cozy hut with Austrian specialties. Ideal place to stop on the valley run to Zell am See.
Photos
Après Ski on the Schmittenhoehe stretches from the Schnaps Hans Alm at 2000m, over a few umbrella bars and down to the valley. There are many places to celebrate and cozy huts where you can end your ski day. For those that still have energy in the evening, they can party until the early morning in Zell am See.
-
Schnaps Hans Alm
At the Schmittenhoehe mountain station
An "Ultimate for the Senses" is waiting for you in the Schnaps Hans Alm! In a rustic, two-story hut built out of the wood from an old stall, the team serves guests special treats while dressed in traditional Lederhose and Dirndl (traditional costume). As of the early afternoon, you can party with the DJ on the sun terrace.
-
Cabrio Bar
At the Areit I valley station
The new "In Spot" is called Cabrio and is a pavilion with a ceiling that can be opened. The kitchen chef can spoil up to 120 people and 60 more can satisfy their hunger outside. The pavilion is located directly in front of the Salomon Station and replaces the "Pfifferl" buffet and the umbrella bar, which have been relocated to in front of the Panorama Bergrestaurant.
Photos
There are places where you can spend the night in the ski resort. In Schuettendorf, the Familotel Amiamo is located directly on the slopes. There are some hotels in Zell am See located on the run to the cityXpress and in Schmittental, there are also some hotels on the slopes.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are some accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Zell am See
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 8521
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Evaluation criteria for special interests
Schmidolin, the funny holiday dragon from Schmitten, will really get the young guests going. He encourages young and old with fun and playfulness. The children in the Schmidolin Club are between the ages of 4 and 12. There is a large children's area in Schuettdorf with magic carpets and funny characters. There are additional children's areas from the ski schools distributed throughout the ski resort. The child-safe Ketting lift rounds off the offering for children up on the mountain. Families and children will feel very comfortable in the Familotel Amiamo.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Merry-go-round
- Wave ride for children
- Adventure course
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Playground / park
- Mascot (Schmidolin)
Photos
Beginners will feel very comfortable near the Areit II and III lifts. The slopes are perfectly suited for beginners here. Beginners can also ski well near the Glockner lift. The runs at the Kapellen lift, Ketting lift and Hahnkopf are also great beginner slopes. It is possible to ski down to Zell am See and to the Schmittental on easy slopes. There are also beginner's lifts in the valley in Schmittental and in Schuettdorf.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Easy valley run
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Separate lift ticket for beginners / point ticket
Ski schools on-site
Photos
Best loved by advanced skiers are the long and difficult runs from Schmittenhoehe. There are also 7 ski routes and places to explore the deep snow.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- some freeride / deep snow areas
- some mogul slopes
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 77 km
Difficult
25 km
(32 %)Additional runs
Marked ski routes
10 km
Most difficult run
-
Trass run · Length 4 km · Altitude difference 900 m
One of the most difficult slopes in the Salzburg region
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
The highlight on the Schmitten is the Rome Park. There is also a halfpipe at the Glockner lift.
Information for Snowboarders
- few cat tracks
- no runs with ascent
- some freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Rome Park
The funpark for freaky freestylers and boarders on the Hahnkopf with rails, fun boxes, kickers, spins and a quarterpipe.
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- Quarterpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Wallride
- Corner / Hip
- Waverides
- Pro Line
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area with music
Photos
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 38 km
The cross-country tracks follow along the edge of Zell am See. Up to 38 km of tracks are prepared when there is sufficient snow. There is a connection to the Pinzga and Saalachtal tracks. Additionally, there is a 3.2 km long night track and a high altitude track on the Plettsauberg.
Trail tip(s)
-
Plettsauberg high altitude track
The high altitude track of Zell am See leads from the middle station around the reservoir.
Length: 3.0 km ▪ Altitude: 1300 m - 1350 m
Difficulty level: difficult
Track: double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic
fee: no
Conclusion
Panorama view from the Schmittenhoehe, long and difficult slopes, quick ascent to the ski resort
Transfer from Areit I to Areit 2 lift, parking fee in Zell am See
Test Report issued on 2011-03-15
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Highlights
Highlights
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