Kaprun (Austria)

Three ski areas to explore

Reachable by gondola from just outside the village centre, the ski area at the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier offers high-altitude skiing with reliable snow cover from autumn through spring. The ski area has 40km of pistes in total and is appropriate for both beginner and advanced skiers. Freestylers will be happy to know there's an extensive snow park with kickers and rails, and freeriders can explore five off-piste lines on the glacier. Further down the mountain and practically in the village itself is the Maiskogel ski area. Its slopes only go up to 1675m above sea level and the runs are mostly blue, but this tame, accessible ski area is the perfect place to learn if you're just taking your first foray into skiing or snowboarding. The long-awaited lift connection between the Maiskogel and the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is finally coming to fruition, making it much easier to ski both ski areas in one day. If you're looking to cover some different terrain, the ski pass also allows skiing on the slopes of the Schmittenhöhe at Zell am See. In total, the Zell am See - Kaprun ski area has around 135km of slopes.

Child-friendly ski area

Like Zell am See, Kaprun is a wonderful destination for family ski holidays. This is especially true in the winter, however, as the glacier ski area can become overrun by intimidatingly fast skiers in the spring and autumn. In the winter months, the practice lift in the village provides the perfect place for children to take their first turns in a safe and relaxing setting. The easy-to-reach Maiskogel ski area also has blue and red runs, great for the whole family to ski together.

Partying in Kaprun

The après-ski here is varied and you can find just about anything from the more traditional "stubes" to the more modern "dancing on tables" type of nightclub! Umbrella bars dot the pistes, enticing skiers and snowboarders to abandon the slopes a little early and drink the afternoon away with their ski boots still on. Down in the village the party continues, with a host of bars and a lively nightlife scene. Must-visit après establishments include the Baumbar and the Pavillon.

Winter activities in Kaprun

Once you come down from the slopes you can try out the Optimum Sports Centre with indoor pool and fitness studio, indoor tennis and squash court - if you're not exhausted from your day on the slopes! There's a small ice skating rink, sledging possibilities, horse sleigh rides and a bowling alley. Cross-country skiers will also be in their element, with 58km of trails to explore. For a different angle to the sport, don't miss a trip on the Glacier trail on the Kitzsteinhorn. Here you can go cross-country skiing at 2850m above sea level! Winter hikers, in their turn, will be rewarded for their hard work and can enjoy a delicious meal at the Tauernblick mountain restaurant at an altitude of 1091m above sea level. Other hiking trails include the trail that follows the Kapruner Ache, a river that flows through an impressive mountain range.