Zell am See

Some people would call Zell am See the ultimate dual season resort, with the combination of a sizeable ski area and a position beside the picturesque Lake Zell. Sharing a ski area with Kaprun, where the glacier skiing ensures there is a year round appeal, Zell am See is one of Austria's best regarded ski resorts for both summer and winter trips.

Boasting an attractive Austrian centre, with striking turn of the century hotels bordering the lake, and an incredible backdrop of towering mountains and still, Alpine waters, Zell am See is unlike any other resort in Austria. The town has plenty of vibrant bars and restaurants, including the famous 'Schnaps-Hans Alm Bar', and there are a number of chic boutique shops. 

Zell am See is incredibly convenient for weekend trips, with Salzburg Airport only 70 minutes drive away. Munich Airport is two and a half hours away, and there are trains that run directly from both Salzburg and Munich to Zell am See station. 

The Europa-Sportregion, shared between Zell am See and nearby Kaprun, has over 130km of skiing, with everything from high altitude powder fields to tree lined lower slopes. The area is primarily blue and red runs, with enough challenging skiing to keep intermediates from getting bored. The wooded slopes have spectacular views over Lake Zell, and most skiers will be more than happy with the variety on piste. 

Zell am See's local mountain huts boast views over the mountains and the lake, and with a selection of quaint table service restaurants with sunny terraces, this is a fine choice for skiers who are as interested in a long lunch as hitting the pistes. The glacier skiing at Kaprun ensures that Zell am See enjoys a long season, while the 200km of cross country trails are popular amongst Nordic skiers. 

One of the area's most popular attractions is the 1,030m 'fun slope' on the Schmittenhohe Mountain, which has numerous tunnels and tight turns. The ski area has fast, modern lifts, and with Saalbach-Hinterglemm only a short distance away Zell am See is a great base for the Austrian Alps. 

Sitting on a pretty Alpine lake, surrounded by high mountains and breath-taking scenery, Zell am See is one of the best summer destinations in the Alps. From swimming in the clear waters of Lake Zell to heading up into the hills to hit the hiking paths, this area thrives in the summer season. 

During the summer months, Lake Zell is home to a number of watersports, including paddle board tours, sailing and windsurfing. The lake is incredibly clear, and in order to preserve the drinking water quality you can only hire electric boats. There is some good fishing in Lake Zell, for those looking for a more peaceful activity, while the rivers and streams running into the lake are perfect for canyoning and rafting.

The glacier at Kaprun is open throughout the summer season, and offers good skiing and sledding for those that can't wait until the winter, while the guided walking tours are always popular amongst visitors. The two 18 hole golf courses are busy during the summer, with both Zell am See and Kaprun offering picturesque clubs.

One of the most genuinely dual season resorts in the Alps, property in Zell am See is incredibly popular. There are a number of new build chalets and apartments, ranging from traditional Alpine chalet style properties to sleek modern design with floor to ceiling windows.

There are several new developments in excellent locations including overlooking the lake, only a five minute walk from the banks. A small number of chalets sit in a central postion, and offer great second home potential and investment opportunity.