Start of the 2025/26 winter season on the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See

published on 20.11.2025 · Winter

The winter season is kicks off on 5 December 2025, and you know what that means: It’s almost time to carve your way down 77 kilometres of pristine slopes and escape the everyday! To get you warmed up before the cable cars and lifts on the Schmittenhöhe reopen, we’ve put together all the key information you need for the upcoming winter season.

Start of the season: the most important information at a glance

Check our open facilities for the latest lift and slope opening times – perfect for planning your ski day in advance.
This winter’s event lineup is packed with standout events once again. Our tip: Bookmark the Schmittenhöhe event calendar so you never miss any!
For a magical winter experience on the water, join a winter cruise or the festive Nikolaus cruise across Lake Zell.

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What’s new this winter: highlights for the 2025/26 season

Did you know? The 2025/26 winter season on the Schmittenhöhe comes with a range of exciting new highlights – all designed to make your visit even more enjoyable. From the slopes to the valley and the lake, be sure to check out what’s new for your next stay!

Smartphone Ticket: your ski pass on your phone

Say goodbye to queuing at the ticket counter! As a pioneer in mountain cableway innovation, Schmittenhöhe – together with the ALPIN CARD ticket network – now offers a fully digital ski pass right on your smartphone.

Get to the slopes faster:

Buy your ski pass online and download it straight to the app.
Access the lifts via Bluetooth – even with your phone tucked in your jacket.
No more lost tickets or waiting in line
Convenient, eco-friendly, and low on battery use

Get your Smartphone Ticket

New family offers on the Schmittenhöhe

In 2025, Schmidolin’s Zauberteppich at the areitXpress valley station was completely redesigned, making it the perfect spot for little winter sports enthusiasts to get started. Kids and parents will love:

the extra-wide, flat practice slope for safe learning
a covered conveyor belt for easy, comfortable ascents
ski schools, hire shops, and food options just steps away

And when it’s time for a break, the brand-new Areit 1400 children’s restaurant is the ideal place to recharge. Young skiers can look forward to:

a colourful dining area reserved for ski school groups
a buffet with fresh, child-friendly options
delicious meals from the AreitAlm kitchen made with high-quality, regional ingredients

Expansion of the Tannwald run: more room to carve

New for the 2025/26 season: The first sections of the Tannwald run have been widened! By the end of 2027, this popular ski run will gradually evolve into an even more comfortable and spacious downhill experience. Look forward to:

more room for wide carving turns
fewer bottlenecks on busy days
a smoother, more relaxed descent to the valley

Winter events on the Schmittenhöhe

There’s plenty to experience off the slopes, too! Between the mountain and the lake, a wide variety of events are waiting for you once again throughout the 2025/26 winter season.

Browse the events now!

Schmitten Sound – Mountain. Music. Emotion.

A brand-new event format is hitting Zell’s landmark mountain: Schmitten Sound brings together top live acts, international DJs, and regional talent for an unforgettable music experience in the Alps. Whether you’re relaxing at a mountain restaurant, partying at an après-ski venue in the valley, or dancing at a stage next to the slopes: Schmitten Sound delivers diverse beats in a stunning alpine setting.

Musical highlights include Die Draufgänger, Die Mountain Crew, Die Jungen Zillertaler, Wüdaramusi, and Good.Vibes.Club. International DJs like VIMA, Chris Armada, RUDY MC, SHANY, and Bronk bring club vibes to the snow.

Learn more about Schmitten Sound

Ski’n’Brunch

From 8 January to 12 March 2026, every Thursday is your chance to experience the Schmittenhöhe at its finest. With Ski’n’Brunch, you’ll join a small, exclusive group to hit the freshly groomed slopes in the early morning, followed by a delicious brunch with stunning scenic views.

Get your Ski’n’Brunch ticket

Culinary Ski Days

From 5 to 8 March 2026, the Schmittenhöhe transforms into a paradise for foodies and gourmets. During the Culinary Ski Days, you can look forward to live cooking and barbecue sessions, regional delicacies, and exclusive wine tastings from select vintners, all set against a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Guest Mobility Ticket: your car-free winter holiday

Since May 2025, overnight guests in Zell am See-Kaprun have been enjoying even greater flexibility. With the Guest Mobility Ticket, you can travel for free on all public transport across the Salzburger Land region – from the day you arrive to the day you depart. You’ll receive the ticket digitally on your smartphone or as a printable PDF upon check-in at your accommodation.

Your benefits at a glance:

free use of city trains, regional trains, Postbus, and Pinzgauer Lokalbahn
stress-free travel to the valley stations – no parking fees or searching for a spot
environmentally friendly travel with convenient, well-connected options

Schmitten tip

For all winter sports enthusiasts, we highly recommend the Ski ALPIN CARD. With just one ski pass, you get access to an incredible 408 kilometres of slopes across the top ski resorts of Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See, Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, and Kitzsteinhorn Kaprun.

We can’t wait to kick off the winter season with you!