Travel Eye on Zell Am See (Austria)

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Overview:

Set by a lake, Zell am See and its bus-linked neighbour Kaprun make up the 'Europa Sport' region, with a total of 130km of runs, 80 of which are at Zell. The setting is one of Zell's biggest selling points, with lovely views of the lake from the medieval town and the slopes above.

Although only around ¾ ml from north to south, Zell is more town than village it is one of the most charming of the Austrian resorts, with something to offer both winter and summer visitors. Founded in the 8th century, its narrow cobbled streets and pedestrianised centre retain an old-world ambience. There are several buildings of interest, including the 16th-century town hall and centrally placed Stadtpfarr church.

The ski area is actually quite small with short runs, mainly catering for intermediates keen on improving technique rather than getting miles under their belts. Advanced skiers have few true challenges, while beginners may find Zell's questionable snow reliability, a bit of a bother.

This area is obviously suited to a wide range of winter-sports enthusiasts, including families. It is also a well known summer destination.

There is a good choice from pensions to 4-star properties offering fine-dining options and a wide range of facilities. Many properties are family owned. A good proportion are equipped with sauna, solarium and other spa facilities and treatments.

The lakeside town has loads of activities for those not on skis or a board, with lively nightlife, decent restaurants and a full range of accommodation. It is good to check where you are staying in relation to the lifts, as there is a short free bus to access the slopes.

For skiing, it is also worth exploring some of the other terrain in the area, like Saalbach, Bad Gastein and Schladming. Overall, Zell is a lovely spot for a winter holiday, with or without skiing.

Locality:

Centrally placed, in the west Salzburg region (33 mls south east of Kitzbuhel, 55 mls south west of Salzburg city and its airport, 240 mls south west of Vienna, 100 mls east of Innsbruck and its airport). Zell is in an idyllic lakeside setting, on the west bank surrounded by wooded slopes and mountains; somewhat marred in places by the railway line which skirts the lake and passes through the town.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

There are three main ski-schools also offer snowboarding and cross-country tuition as well as ski-kindergartens and have a number of English-speaking instructors.

There is a large choice of shops catering for the local population as much as tourists and including small- to medium-sized supermarkets, high-street fashion stores, designer boutiques and souvenir shops.

During the Daytime there is a full range of winter-sports options including skiing and snowboarding, ice-skating on the lake, curling and winter walks. There are a few museums including a local history museum. Indoor sports are available at a local sports centre which has tennis, squash and spa facilities.

In the summer, there is a a wide range of sports activities such as golf, horse riding, gliding, sailing, scuba diving and water-skiing.

The apres-ski options offer everything from traditional zither music to disco bars, clubs and live bands, floodlit sleigh rides and tobogganing.

There is a fairly good range of dining options from pizzerias,to the ever expanding Chinese and McDonald's to a la carte and traditional Austrian. A few offer special dietary, vegetarian and wholefood options. Many cafes and coffee shops are situated around the town centre.