
Schmittenhöhe Zell am See
Year-round mountain resort offering breathtaking alpine views, skiing, hiking, and dining with a cable car access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clear skies, fewer crowds

Schmittenhöhe Zell am See
Best Time
Clear skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Year-round mountain resort offering breathtaking alpine views, skiing, hiking, and dining with a cable car access.
"The view is amazzzzzzzing and astonishing. It’s a nice view for Zell am see."

☀️ Check the Weather First
Views are best on clear days! Don't ascend if it's foggy. :cloud:
💳 Use the Summer Card
Many hotels offer a card for free cable car rides. Ask yours! :moneywithwings:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Lake Views
Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Lake Zell, the surrounding Alps, and charming villages below. Absolutely gorgeous!

Summit Eateries
Summit
Enjoy a meal or a drink with an unparalleled backdrop. Perfect for refueling after a hike or ski.

Winter Ski Slopes
Various slopes
A fantastic ski area with numerous slopes and lifts, offering excellent conditions for all levels.

Summer Hiking Trails
Various trails
Explore scenic hiking routes, including the Panorama Trail, with options suitable for most fitness levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Card for Cost Savings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Check the Weather First
Views are best on clear days! Don't ascend if it's foggy. :cloud:
💳 Use the Summer Card
Many hotels offer a card for free cable car rides. Ask yours! :moneywithwings:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking and exploring the summit area. :athletic_shoe:
⛷️ Early Bird Skiing
Hit the slopes early to catch fresh powder and avoid queues. :snowboarder:
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Check the Weather First
Views are best on clear days! Don't ascend if it's foggy. :cloud:
💳 Use the Summer Card
Many hotels offer a card for free cable car rides. Ask yours! :moneywithwings:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for hiking and exploring the summit area. :athletic_shoe:
⛷️ Early Bird Skiing
Hit the slopes early to catch fresh powder and avoid queues. :snowboarder:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The panoramic vistas are incredible. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Schmittenhöhe is widely praised for its absolutely stunning panoramic views of Lake Zell and the Alps, making it a top attraction. Visitors love the excellent skiing conditions in winter and the beautiful hiking trails in summer. While the cable car ticket can be costly, many find the experience and views well worth the price, especially when utilizing the Zell am See-Kaprun Card.
"It is one of the must visit mountains around Zell am See. We did paragliding here and it was awesome. You can look at the pictures to see a view. We visited in Summer time so it was nice view, but it can be great place to Skii as well. You need to take the ropeway to go up the hill, of course, you can walk, but can be tough."
Satheesh Kumar Ilu
"Top beloved sightseeing place in Zell am See. Splendid! How wonderful is it to hiking on the top of mountain! We had great luck with nice weather and took the Panorama route to the top, it was nice and enjoyable tour that guarantee majority of visitors could have a great hike. Panoramic view down to the lake and village is absolutely gorgeous. Entry fee is a bit costly but it is worth after all."
Angela M.H
"Amazing ski area with many slopes and lifts. The views are amazing. There is cool small wooden capple at the top"
Fedor Kováč
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is by taking the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car directly from Zell am See. You can also hike up, but it's a strenuous climb.
Yes, there is parking available near the Schmittenhöhebahn valley station in Zell am See. It can get busy during peak season. :car:
Yes, local buses in Zell am See connect to the cable car station. Check local transport schedules for routes and times. :bus:
Absolutely! Schmittenhöhe is a major ski resort and is fully accessible during the winter ski season.
Opening hours vary by season. It's best to check the official Schmittenhöhe website for the most up-to-date information. :clock1:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost varies depending on the season and whether you have a Zell am See-Kaprun Card. A standard round-trip ticket for the cable car can be pricey, but the card often makes it free.
If you plan to use the cable car and visit other attractions, the Summer Card is highly recommended as it often includes free access to Schmittenhöhe.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is often possible and can sometimes save you time at the ticket counter. :computer:
Check the official website for potential family or group discounts. The Summer Card is also a great way to save for families. :bustsinsilhouette:
A standard ticket typically includes a round-trip journey on the cable car. Some packages might include access to specific activities. :ticket:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Summer offers hiking, panoramic views, paragliding, and enjoying the mountain restaurants.
The Panorama Trail is highly recommended for its stunning views. There are also family-friendly trails with playgrounds.
Yes, it's a popular ski resort with a variety of slopes for all skill levels, known for its excellent conditions and views.
Yes, there are several restaurants and huts at the summit and along the slopes offering food and drinks with amazing views.
Schmittenhöhe is a popular spot for paragliding, offering an exhilarating experience with incredible aerial views.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most iconic panoramic shots of the lake and mountains. Look for designated viewpoints.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues.
Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area. :noentrysign:
Capture stunning shots of the snow-covered landscape, skiers in action, and the majestic mountain peaks.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on distant peaks or wildlife. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
In winter, while skiing is the main focus, the sheer beauty of the snow-covered landscape can be magical for kids. Consider lessons at the ski school if your children are new to skiing. The Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card is also a great way to manage costs for family outings.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider hiking up part of the mountain if you're fit and have ample time, though this is very strenuous. For winter visits, look for early bird lift ticket deals or consider off-peak times if possible. Visiting during shoulder seasons (late spring, early autumn) can also offer lower accommodation prices. :euro:
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't forget to capture the vibrant colors of the landscape in different seasons – the lush greens of summer, the fiery hues of autumn, and the pristine white of winter. Look for unique perspectives from the cable car, hiking trails, and the summit itself. The small wooden chapel at the top also makes for a charming photographic subject.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Schmittenhöhe in Summer
For the adventurous, paragliding from the summit offers an unforgettable perspective of the alpine landscape. The Zell am See-Kaprun Summer Card is invaluable here, often granting free access to the cable car, allowing you to easily reach the summit and explore without the strenuous climb. Remember to pack comfortable shoes and check the weather, as clear skies are essential for enjoying the full splendor of the views.
Several mountain restaurants and huts dot the landscape, providing perfect spots to rest, refuel, and soak in the scenery. Whether you're enjoying a traditional Austrian meal or a refreshing drink, the backdrop is always spectacular.
Schmittenhöhe as a Winter Wonderland
Beyond the skiing, the winter landscape itself is a major attraction. The snow-capped peaks and the frozen lake create a magical atmosphere. Many visitors appreciate the amazing views even while skiing, making it a visually stunning experience. The resort often sees good skiing conditions, with fresh powder being a highlight for many. It's advisable to arrive early to experience the best snow and fewer crowds.
Even if you're not skiing, the cable car ride offers spectacular views of the winter wonderland. The summit area provides opportunities for enjoying the scenery and perhaps a warm drink at one of the mountain huts.
The Value of the Zell am See-Kaprun Card
Beyond Schmittenhöhe, the card often grants access to numerous other attractions in the region, such as the Sigmund Thun Klamm gorge, public transport, and even boat trips on Lake Zell. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective way to explore the area thoroughly.
It's crucial to inquire with your accommodation provider about whether they offer the card and what benefits are included. This simple step can significantly enhance your travel experience and budget. :moneywithwings:






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit