Cross-Country

There are 200 km. of prepared trails in the Europa Sports Region circling the lake and going into nearby valleys. These trails are directly connected to the Saalachtal and Pinzgau cross-country ski-runs.

With its 40 km., Zell am See has the largest trail network of the region and one of the most scenic. Starting from the indoor tennis courts via Königshof to Thumersbach, trails lead from town to town across the region. One of the most notable is the track that takes you past Erlberg via Schüttdorf to Högmoos, passing by the towns of Bruck and St. Georgen.

The Fischhornloipe is one of the prettiest trail systems. Taking the West Loop is a 5 km. loop suitable for beginners. The 9 km. Zell Loop along the southern lakeshoree is for intermediates. The Zell Loop along the north shore is 25 km. through fields. It is also perfect for intermediate skiers.

The 5 km. Westloipe cross-country ski-run is very well suited for beginners. It leads from Kaprun to Piesendorf. The 3 km. Höhenloipe cross-country ski-run on Kitzsteinhorn is open all around the year. At a height of 2,800 meters, you can closely experience nature in the middle of the glacier. Among the cross-country specialties of the ‘Europa-Sportregion’ are its two lit-up nighttime cross-country ski-runs (each about 4 km. long) called Nachtloipe in Schüttdorf/Zell am See and in Kaprun respectively.

However, other communities offer multi-faceted trails, as well. In Kaprun, cross-country ski-runs towards the Oberpinzgau are also available to the winter sportsmen. Along the river Salzach, the trail leads up to Mittersill via Piesendorf, Niedernsill, and Uttendorf-Weisssee. Mittersill prepares 33 km. of trails for its cross-country skiers. In Uttendorf, the cross-country ski-run is 25 km. and in Piesendorf it is 27 km.. Taxenbach, Kaprun, Bruck/Fusch, and Niedernsill also come up with noteworthy figures: They can offer their guests trails which are between 14 and 19 km. Together with the connection to the Pinzgau and Saalachtal cross-country ski-runs, it is a paradise of 200 km. worth of trails for cross-country skiers of all kinds.

Snowshoeing

Guided snowshoeing excursions are given on Wednesdays and Thursdays, check with the tourist office or the ski schools for details, but in an area as well-marked as this one a guide is not really a necessity. As long as snowshoers stay on the clearly marked trails, there are some wonderful treks to be had not only through the mountains, but past the cafés, inns, and mountain huts where the weary traveller can take a break or even warm up with a hot drink. On the frozen-over Lake Zell, you can watch the cross-country skiers as well as the ice-skaters from your own route. Next to the more level trails, such as the one around the lake, those who like it a bit steeper can choose a route on Schmittenhöhe. From the snowy peak at 2,000 m, you will have a marvelous view of the entire region.

The Sonnkogelbahn or Areitbahn cable cars take you directly to Schmittenhöhe. You can also ascend comfortably up to Schmittenhöhe, starting from the Sonnkogel mountain station, via the Hochzellerbahn and then along the piste. Strong and conditioned hikers can continue up to the cable car Areitbahn III. As an alternative, you can take one of the three cars of the Areitbahn (I, II, or III) up to a height of 1,900 m. Trek along the snow fence for another 100 meters and you will reach the peak.

The winter walk trails through Kaprun are ideally suited for an afternoon jaunt, whether it be a short march to Piesendorf or a walk along shadowy forest trails to the plateau of the Glocknerblick inn, from where the Glockner presents itself in all its glory. The short trails are suited for families and no problem for less conditioned guests either. Trails to Kaprun Castle lead through the moorlands and along the shore of the Salzach river.