With the advantage of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, Kaprun stands out as a top European skiing destination, renowned not only for its reliable snow conditions and expansive ski terrain, but also for its exceptional customer service and relaxing ambiance. As one of the best Austrian ski resorts, Kaprun offers an ideal setting for skiers of all levels.
We've put this practical guide together to make planning your Kaprun ski holiday a breeze. You'll discover everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best spots to grab a bite or relax after skiing. At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some handy contact numbers and links.
Ready to jump in? Let's get started!
Kaprun is located southwest of Salzburg, within the Zell am See-Kaprun ski area.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High quality snow | Limited ski-in ski-out options |
| Modern lift system | Quiet après ski scene |
| Easy access | Lengthy queues for the gondola |
| Great variety of non-ski activities | Limited challenges for expert skiers |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Kaprun has to offer.
(Ref: Zell am See - Kaprun)
The adjacent Maiskogel area is ideal for beginners, especially families with young children. Characterized by wide, gentle slopes, canopied chairlifts, and family-oriented mountain restaurants, it's a serene environment for those starting their skiing journey.
Intermediate skiers have plenty to explore, with the main skiing area spread across the groomed Schmiedingerkees and Maurerkees glaciers above the Alpincenter services area. Here, a mix of mild fall-line reds and longer blue pistes cater to those seeking a moderate challenge. The new Kaprun-Maiskogel-Kitzsteinhorn cable car connection facilitates easy transit, directly linking the center of Kaprun to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier ski area.
For those seeking adrenaline, the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier offers more demanding runs, including the daunting 63 percent gradient Black Mamba.
Kaprun stands out as one of the premier off-piste skiing destinations in the Alps. Thanks to the Kitzsteinhorn's elevation, it guarantees 100% snow reliability in its 3000 m terrain. The region is renowned for its powder lines, cliff jumps, and natural pipes, which are easily navigable due to the informative Freeride XXL signposting system.
Snowboarders are in for a treat with three remarkable snowparks and a halfpipe available in the Kitzsteinhorn area. The terrains of Kaprun and Zell am See also offer expansive grounds for snowboarders to explore and enjoy.
The ski season in Kaprun typically runs from early October to mid May. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Kaprun ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Kaprun boasts its best snow conditions between December and April, with each month offering distinct skiing experiences. December and January both see an average snowfall of around 26 cm (10.2 in) and 30 cm (11.8 in) respectively, over approximately 3.4 days each week, providing consistent snow coverage. February, though slightly less snowy with 26 cm (10.2 in), has slightly more frequent snow days, averaging 3.5 days per week. The snowiest conditions occur in the first week of February, where skiers can enjoy up to 43 cm (16.9 in) of fresh snow across 4.3 days, making it ideal for those seeking the pristine conditions of Bluebird Powder Days, characterised by fresh snow, sunshine, and light winds. April continues to deliver good conditions with 19 cm (7.4 in) of snow spread over 2.9 days, often bringing softer snow under sunnier skies.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 26 cm | 3.3 days |
| January | 30 cm | 3.6 days |
| February | 26 cm | 3.5 days |
| March | 23 cm | 3.7 days |
| April | 19 cm | 2.9 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Download Kaprun resort map here
