Children in Zell am See-Kaprun
Family Winter Holidays by Lake Zell:
Why GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE Is the Perfect Choice for a Winter Holiday with Children
Skiing, Snow, Spa & Family Time by Lake Zell
When snow blankets the mountains and surrounds Lake Zell, a very special season begins for families. A winter holiday with children in Zell am See combines days of skiing on the Schmittenhöhe with tobogganing adventures, winter walks and unforgettable moments in the snow. Right at the heart of it all is GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE – directly on the shores of Lake Zell and just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre.
As a family-friendly 4-star superior hotel in Zell am See, we offer guests of all ages not only an ideal base for a winter holiday in Zell am See-Kaprun, but also plenty of thoughtful amenities to make travelling with children comfortable and relaxing.
Family Time at GRAND HOTEL
After a fun-filled day in the snow, there is still plenty for our younger guests to enjoy. Our Kids’ Club for children aged 3 to 10 is open five days a week during the winter high season, from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Children can play, get creative and spend time together, while parents enjoy a little time to themselves.
Our youngest guests are also well looked after at mealtimes. Children’s menus and colouring materials in the restaurant help make dining together enjoyable for the whole family.
After a day on the slopes, families can head to our Family Classic Spa, featuring an indoor pool and a separate shallow pool for toddlers – perfect for some relaxing family time in the water.
And wellness is not just for adults. Younger guests aged 12 and over can book a 25-minute spa treatment. This gentle massage features a choice of deliciously scented coconut-vanilla or chocolate body butter – with a little surprise waiting at the end.
Family Rooms & Thoughtful Extras for Children
A relaxing family holiday in Zell am See starts with enough space and all the little things families need. GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE offers a choice of family rooms designed for a comfortable stay with children.
Depending on the children’s ages, travel dates and package booked, families can also benefit from attractive child discounts. With selected winter offers, two children up to the age of 11.99 years receive a 100% discount when sharing a room with two full-paying adults.
To make travelling with babies and young children easier, we can provide a wide range of useful extras on request:
Fluffy children’s bathrobes for use during your stay
Baby bathtubs, bath thermometers and bathroom step stools
Bottle warmers, potties, changing mats and nappy bins
Bed guards, baby cots and night lights
Baby monitoring via the hotel telephone system and socket covers
Babysitting on request and for an additional charge
This makes a winter holiday with a baby or toddler in Zell am See both comfortable and uncomplicated.
From the Hotel Straight to the Ski Slopes
What would a family ski holiday in Zell am See be without a day on the slopes? On busy arrival days, families can get information from the local ski school directly at GRAND HOTEL. Ski lessons can, of course, also be arranged before you arrive – and our team will be happy to assist.
Getting to the slopes is easy too. Several times a day, our complimentary hotel ski shuttle takes guests to the cityXpress in Zell am See and back to the hotel. We also provide shuttle services to the Schmittenhöhe valley station.
So your family ski day can start without the hassle – and after your final run, you can return comfortably to GRAND HOTEL.
Family Skiing on the Schmittenhöhe
Zell am See’s local mountain, the Schmittenhöhe, offers plenty of experiences designed especially for young skiers. The Kids Slope features waves, obstacles, tunnels and slalom sections, while Schmidolin, the friendly dragon and Schmittenhöhe mascot, accompanies children on a variety of winter adventures.
Older children and teenagers can take on additional challenges at the Funslope XXL. For even more action, the Kitzsteinhorn offers snow parks for different ability levels.
Families should also look out for special ski offers such as the JUNIOR XPLORE CARD* and the Easter Bonus. With the Easter Bonus, young skiers born in 2011 or later receive a complimentary ski pass from 20 March to 4 April 2027 when a parent purchases a ski pass at the same time. The offer applies to multi-day ski passes of four days or more.
*With the Junior XPLORE CARD, children and teenagers can explore three premium ski regions – Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See and Kitzsteinhorn Kaprun – for just €15 every Saturday during the winter season. Together, the three regions offer up to 408 kilometres of slopes and 121 cable cars and lifts, including glacier skiing.
Valid every Saturday from 28 November 2026 to 3 April 2027 in the Skicircus and on the Schmittenhöhe.
Valid every Saturday from 28 November 2026 to 1 May 2027 at Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel.
Tobogganing Fun for the Whole Family
Not every winter day has to be a ski day. Families will find several toboggan runs around Zell am See offering plenty of fun away from the ski slopes.
A great place to start is the approximately one-kilometre-long Köhlergraben natural toboggan run through the Schmittental valley. For those who are not ready to call it a day when the sun goes down, the illuminated Kohlschnait toboggan run in nearby Bruck offers around three kilometres of evening fun.
Tobogganing evenings are also part of our hotel’s weekly activity programme. We take our guests there and bring them back to the hotel afterwards, making it an easy and enjoyable family experience.
For an even bigger adventure, head to Bramberg am Wildkogel, where a spectacular illuminated toboggan run stretches for around 14 kilometres.
And tobogganing fun does not even depend on snow: the Maisi Flitzer Alpine Coasterat Maiskogel is open year-round, taking you downhill over waves and through bends and exciting turns.
Winter Hiking & Snowshoeing
Families who prefer to explore the snow-covered landscape at a more leisurely pace will find numerous opportunities for winter hiking and snowshoeing in Zell am See-Kaprun. Cleared winter walking trails lead through the landscape around Lake Zell and into the mountains, while snowshoes allow you to discover the quieter side of the winter countryside.
Great options for families include the Höhenpromenade panoramic trail on the Schmittenhöhe, the circular trail at Plettsaukopf or a walk along the Lake Zell promenade – which starts right outside the hotel.
Guided winter hikes and snowshoe tours are also available. The current programme from the Zell am See-Kaprun Tourist Board is available at GRAND HOTEL, and our team will be happy to arrange your registration. Participation is subject to an additional charge.
Winter Attractions for Families
Beyond the ski slopes, Zell am See-Kaprun in winter offers plenty of attractions and experiences for the whole family.
One particular highlight is TOP OF SALZBURG at the Kitzsteinhorn, located at more than 3,000 metres above sea level. In addition to spectacular high-Alpine views, visitors can explore attractions including the National Park Gallery and other fascinating experiences.
On the Schmittenhöhe, the Kaiserblick panoramic platform is a wonderful spot for a family photo with the mountains as a backdrop. Museums throughout the region also offer an interesting alternative for days when families would like to take a break from the snow.
Horse-Drawn Sleighs, Lanterns & Torches
Some of the most memorable winter activities for families in Zell am See have nothing to do with skiing.
At GRAND HOTEL, we can arrange horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides, depending on snow conditions. Simply register at reception for an additional charge and experience the snow-covered Pinzgau region from a completely different perspective.
Our night watchman walk takes families through wintry Zell am See by lantern light. Our guide Fredi knows Zell am See like few others and shares fascinating stories about the town and its past along the way.
Another highlight for the whole family is our torchlight walk through snow-covered Zell am See. Registration is easy and can be arranged directly at reception.
A Winter Holiday with Children – and Time for Everyone
Skiing in the morning, playing together in the snow, a swim in the afternoon and perhaps a torchlight walk through Zell am See in the evening: every day of a family winter holiday in Zell am See can be different.
GRAND HOTEL ZELL AM SEE combines its unique location directly on Lake Zell with easy access to the ski slopes, childcare, family rooms, the Family Classic Spa and a wide range of thoughtful services for parents and children.
So when you spend your family winter holiday in Zell am See-Kaprun, there is more time for what really matters: being together.
