![]() ![]() About KaprunA traditional, charming Austrian ski resort, Kaprun sits by its big bother Zell am See to form the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area. Both are a part of the Europa Sport region, with 130 km of piste all together. Though Kaprun is smaller and quieter than Zell am See, its popularity is growing steadily as people return to enjoy the 365 day a year skiing on its Kitzsteinhorn glacier, sunny north and south facing slopes and mountain village atmosphere. The views from the glacier are spectacular, taking in a lake, Zell am See and the highest mountain in Austria. Kaprun is directly linked with Zell am See by bus (about 10 minutes), so it is easy enough to mix up your skiing by heading there. Maiskogel and Schuttdorf are the other two ski areas at Kaprun, and a free bus service connects them all every 20 minutes. With some major upgrades, the lift system is now fast and modern meaning you can fit a lot of skiing in. The slopes will mainly suit beginners and intermediates - there are some good black pistes, but experts looking for extensive challenging terrain may want to venture to nearby Saalbach and Schadming. There's a great mix of piste from low sunny bowls, tree-lined runs, to high altitude skiing above the tree line. With 200 km of cross country trails, this is a paradise for those who like to explore the countryside on skis. Kaprun is directly linked with Zell am See by bus (about 10 minutes), so it is easy enough to mix up your skiing by heading there. The nightlife is quieter than Zell am See, but still fun and varied. There is a great family feel, and it is known for its friendly attitude and hospitality. There's a great old castle to check out, and great facilities for kids. For beginners
Beginners will enjoy the two nursery slopes at Kaprun, which are located right beside the village centre, on the Lechnerberg. The ski school have a great reputation, and will soon have you moving on to the easy blue runs on Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn. Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn. For intermediates
The skiing in and around Kaprun is a joy for intermediates, varied and interesting reds and blues canvassing tree packed forests, wide-open sunny bowls and high altitude glacier skiing. There are a lot of exhilarating runs, including the heart pounding 6.3 km Schüttenabfahrt run. Challenging reds will help you step it up a notch. For the advanced
There are seven black runs in the area, with some challenging pistes at Zell am See and some steep moguly patches. Apart from that, experts will need to look to the off-piste, of which there is ample. The great powder in the glacier bowl is a dream, and the Maiskogel has some great off piste on powder days. Ski school
The ski schools at Kaprun have a great reputation (perhaps because the get to practice all year round!) In general the instructors are friendly and usually speak good English. Skischool Oberschneider www.ski-kaprun.com Après Ski
Quietish but still fun and varied best describes Kaprun's nightlife. There are many good bars from the lively to the quaint and rustic. Popular drinking holes include Pavillon, Kitch & Bitter, Paletti and Baum Bar. There are 25 restaurants catering for all tastes and budgets, from fondues to pizzas. Try Orgler, Dorfstadl, Schlemmerstube or Tauernhof. Off the Mountain
Off the mountain there are some fun activities, but Kaprun doesn't have the most extensive list. You can head to the 'Optimum' Sports Centre with indoor pool and fitness studio, play Indoor tennis and squash or hit the ice rink. There's also sledging, horse-drawn sleigh rides, bowling, walking trails, visits to the glacier and excursions to Salzburg. By air
The closest international airport is Salzburg Airport (80 km) which has regular flights from London Stansted. Innsbruck is only two hours away so can be used as an alternative airport to Salzburg. Ryanair offer great value flights from the UK London Stansted to Salzburg. Munich Airport (180 km) is also an option.
Airport transfers
A good way to get from Salzburg airport to Kaprun is to hire a car. Try www.auto-europe.co.uk/car.cfm for good value. The car hire offices are opposite the entrance to the terminal building. The driving time is about 75 to 90 min from Salzburg and 3 hours from Munich. By car from Salzburg airport, head south on autobahns A1 and A10, then turn right on to the B311 for Zell am See, Kaprun is another 15 minutes further on. By car from Munich, drive to Salzburg by autobahn, and head toward Bischofshofen. Rental cars are available in both Salzburg and Munich. By train
The closes railway station is Zell am See. You can get a train there from Salzburg, Vienna and Munich. You can also get to Zell am See via Europrail from Waterloo, if you would like to travel the whole way on the train. By car
From Salzburg you can reach Kaprun either via Lofer - Zell am See - Kaprun or via the Salzachtal (Tauernautobahn motorway A10, B311). From there you can reach Kaprun via the A10 Tauern motorway and the B311. |










