Kaprun is a captivating resort with a delightful atmosphere and amazing skiing. Sitting at an altitude of 786m, this high-altitude resort is part of the Zell am See – Kaprun ski area, offering 138km of skiable terrain and is often regarded as having some of the most typically consistent snow in the Austrian Alps. Kaprun also boasts the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, allowing for year-round skiing, which reaches up to 3,029m and offers breathtaking views across the Pinzgau Valley.
With an efficient lift system linked to the nearby resort of Zell am See, there is a vast terrain to explore. Best suited for intermediate and advanced skiers, Kaprun offers exhilarating runs and off-piste skiing, but also has considerable beginner-friendly areas for those just starting out.
Kaprun Ski Area
The ski area in Kaprun is composed of three main areas: the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, the Maiskogel family mountain, and the Schmittenhöhe which is accessible from Zell am See. The ski area in Kaprun boasts 61 runs, of which 32% are blue, 51% red, and 17% black.
Beginner Skiing in Kaprun
Despite its reputation as a resort for intermediate and advanced skiers, Kaprun is great for beginners. The excellent snow conditions are ideal for learners, and there are several nursery slopes in the village and at the top of the Maiskogel gondola. Once you’re comfortable on the nursery slopes, there are designated beginner areas to explore, such as Lechnerberg and Maisilift. The easier runs in Kaprun tend to be at lower altitudes with the pistes becoming more challenging as you ascend, so we advise taking the lifts back down if you are still building confidence.
Intermediate Skiing in Kaprun
Kaprun is an excellent resort for intermediate skiers looking to challenge themselves and enhance their skiing skills. With a good number of blue and red runs, adventurous intermediate skiers will be spoilt for choice. The Maiskogel area is a great spot for lower-intermediate skiers, with plenty of wide, rolling blues to cruise along. More advanced intermediate skiers should head to the Kitzsteinhorn area and ski down the black Murr run. One of our favourite runs in this area for intermediate skiers is the Trassabfahrt. Despite its challenging appearance, this thrilling red run is a great one to tick off your bucket list! There are plenty of challenging blues and reds in Kaprun, so keep this in mind when planning out your route and don’t let it knock your confidence!
Advanced Skiing in Kaprun
Kaprun has a well-earned reputation as a prime resort for advanced skiers. With almost 17% of runs in the resort being black, there is a wide array of challenging terrain to explore. Perhaps the best-known run in Kaprun is the Black Mamba. This piste has an incline of 63% and a 1,000m vertical descent, and is known for its icy afternoons, so we recommend tackling this run in the morning while the snow is still soft! For an even more challenging run, head to the Nordabfahrt. The long, ungroomed mogul descent will be sure to get your adrenaline pumping!
Off-piste Skiing in Kaprun
Kaprun is a playground for advanced skiers and is home to some of the best lift-served off-piste skiing in Austria. From steep chutes to snowy bowls, there is much off-piste terrain to discover. One of the most popular off-piste areas for experienced skiers is the Glacier Bowl, which starts on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and descends into the Langwiedboden, ending at the Alpincenter. If you are venturing off-piste, we recommend heading out early if you want fresh tracks. When skiing off-piste, it is important to book a local guide or instructor who is equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to keep you safe. Explore local guides in Kaprun on Maison Sport.
Conclusion
Kaprun is a gem in the Austrian Alps offering diverse ski runs for all skill levels, excellent snow conditions, and amazing views. The resort’s efficient lift system and extensive terrain make it a perfect destination for your skiing holiday. Whether you’re a beginner just starting out, an intermediate skier looking to push your skills, or an advanced skier seeking thrilling runs and off-piste challenges, Kaprun won’t disappoint.
