Unlike most Austrian mountain resorts, Zell am See is a fascinating town at the lakeside with a romantic historic center. Instead of the usual rustic atmosphere of the smaller alpine villages, Zell is a place of lively landscapes and entertaining opportunities in winter, as well as in the summer. Its relatively low altitude assures the benefit of a mild climate at the lake shores, though compensated by a shorter snow season. The skiing area is perfect for beginners, but still, vast opportunities are granted to all better lever skiers by the perfect location of Zell - it gives easy access to a myriad of higher standing resorts with advanced runs and challenging verticals for skiing freaks.

Transport logistics in the area assure easy access to neighbor resorts, such as Saalbach and Hinterglemm to the Northwest. The two villages nestling in the Glemm Valley, offer best skiing conditions at 1000 m above sea level. The 10 peaks surrounding the valley represent astonishing scenery but also offer excellent skiable slopes as well as plenty of off-piste terrain to be explored by skiers and boarders.

To the south there is another lovely spot to enjoy - the village of Kaprun. Enveloped in the charming Tyrolean style and beauty it also gives access to great skiing and fascinating views from the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.

High altitude skiers will most probably prefer an excursion to the nearby Obertauern resort. At 1750 m above sea level the charming village gives access to great slopes for all level skiers and, moreover, some of the best snow throughout a long-lasting snow season. Amazingly, Obertauern is not a purpose-built resort. The village used to be a crucial post station on the route between Salzburg and Villach, because of his location on the Tauern mountain pass. Crystal skies, snowy romance and great skiing, Obertauern is a perfect destination and easily accessed from Zell.

The town of Kitzbuhel is one of the best resort sites in the area. Except lakeside, it has everything else to be Zell's first competitor. Lively atmosphere, perfect skiing conditions, a lot of entertainment and historical sites to be explored. Adding the right dose of Tyrolean hospitality and unspoiled charm you will hardly resist to go and see for yourself. Laid in a wide valley, Kitzbuhel is surrounded by three major skiing areas - the Jochberg-Pass Turn area, the KitzbĂĽheler Horn and the Hahnenkamm. Access is assured by a modern lift system, so you can freely enjoy, no matter of your skiing ability.

Staying in Zell am See you should also take advantage of the opportunity to visit the "Arlberg". The name of Arlberg was given to 5 lovely resort villages in the Austrian Alps. The biggest of them, and also one of the most famous resorts in the world, St Anton, is really worth your attention. Great skiing with challenges for skiing freaks and boarders and a lot of entertainment, the place is especially popular with young people and aggressive skiers. Its pedestrian center and the large range of amenities make a pleasant stop for families too.

If looking for really challenging terrain, the area has a lot more to offer. The best is the Valluga resort. Aggressive skiing combined with most energetic nightlife - enjoy both here.

Mountain serenity is not though forgotten here - full splendor of virgin Tyrolean charm can be found in the smaller St. Cristoph and Stuben. But one you should not miss is the ensemble of Lech and Zurs. Though connected, the lovely villages are quite different, having only their unique and astonishing beauty to unite them. ZĂĽrs is situated astride the Flexen-Pass and Lech sits at the end of the road in a valley below. Both perfectly combine luxury hotels and entertainments with the typical Tyrolean atmosphere of cosiness and charm.