Skiing in Central Europe: Kaprun, Zell am See and Zakopane Today

This updated guide compares two Central European ski experiences: the high-altitude glacier and resort infrastructure around Kaprun/Zell am See in Austria, and the cultural, timbered-town skiing of Zakopane and nearby Polish resorts like Szklarska Poręba and Szczyrk. It highlights glacier skiing variability and advises checking current lift and snow information before travel.

Classic Alpine and Tatra ski holidays

Central Europe still offers a wide variety of ski experiences, from high-altitude glacier runs in Austria to timbered mountain towns in Poland. Resorts mix modern lift systems and winter-sports infrastructure with traditional architecture, local food, and year-round mountain culture.

Kaprun and Zell am See (Austria)

Kaprun sits below the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, close to Zell am See. The area combines glacier skiing and a classic alpine town atmosphere. Hotels and guesthouses typically reflect local timber-and-stone styles, and restaurants serve alpine specialties alongside international options.

The Kitzsteinhorn remains a high-altitude skiing area with glacier terrain and summer training slopes. Glacier openings and daily lift operations vary year to year with weather and glacier conditions, so availability outside the normal winter season can change.

Beyond skiing, the region offers hiking, mountain biking, and family-friendly activities in the warmer months in the Zell am See-Kaprun area.

Zakopane and the Polish Tatras

Zakopane is Poland's best-known mountain resort, set at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. The town blends wooden architectural styles, lively markets, and a strong folk-music tradition. You'll find ski runs, snowboarding parks, and extensive cross-country trails nearby.

Kasprowy Wierch is one of the most popular ski peaks accessed from Zakopane and is served by cable-car lifts. The resort network around Zakopane also includes numerous smaller slopes and off-piste touring routes for experienced skiers. Several other Polish resorts - notably Szklarska Poręba in the Karkonosze and Szczyrk in the Beskids - offer additional options for downhill and Nordic skiing.

Zakopane's town center features craft shops selling regional woolens, wood carvings, and other traditional items. Mountain huts and restaurants serve hearty local dishes and often host live folk music in the evenings.

Choosing a resort

If you want a mix of glacier and high-altitude training terrain, the Zell am See-Kaprun region remains a top choice. For a culturally rich mountain town with access to a variety of slopes and trails, Zakopane is an enduring option.

Check current lift schedules, snow reports, and travel advisories before you go. Lift operations, glacier accessibility, and après-ski services can change with weather patterns and local management decisions. ¹

1. Confirm current status and typical seasonal opening periods for glacier skiing and year-round operations at Kitzsteinhorn (Kaprun).
2. Verify historical age and current configuration of the cable car(s) serving Kasprowy Wierch and any notable recent upgrades.
3. Check up-to-date lift schedules and snow-report sources for Zell am See-Kaprun and Zakopane regions; update links to official resort pages.