Visiting the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun, Austria

During our recent visit to Austria, we had set aside a day to visit the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. Kitzsteinhorn mountain is located within the Kaprun region in Austria and the Kitzsteinhorn glaciers are a popular ski area with plenty of piste options catering for all grades of skiers. In addition to skiing, the Kitzsteinhorn has nearly 100 climbing routes and 12 kilometers of freeride mountain biking trails. And for those who come to experience the majestic Alpine scenery, Kitzsteinhorn lives up to the expectations, offering breathtaking views of the Alps.

Tickets to the Kitzsteinhorn can be purchased as graded day tickets (different time slots in the day), ski passes (ranging from 2-12 days), flexible tickets (5 in 7 days) or you can use the Zell am See-Kaprun Summercard which gives you free entry to most of the popular attractions in the region including the Kitzsteinhorn. The ski passes/tickets are issued as Key Cards which require a refundable deposit of Eur 2.00. For tourists without ski equipment, there is the option to purchase either an uphill or downhill ticket.

After collecting our key cards, we made our way to the cable cars. The first section of the ride was in a small gondola lift, the Gletscherjet I, that took us up to the first level - Langwied (1.976m). The ride up the gondola lift was beautiful - towering mountains scattered with trees in golden Autumnal colours and complemented by the lovely blue sky.

We spent a short time at the first level (it has a restaurant, a sports shop, and even a souvenir shop) and then took the Gletscherjet II (another Gondola lift) to the next level.

The second level (the Alpincentre - 2.450m) has the 'Freeride Info Base' which is a base camp offering important information before one starts their freeride runs. The Alpincentre also has a restaurant, a ski school, a ski depot and is a rescue service base. We spent considerable time here taking in the stunning views.

From the Alpincentre, we took the Gletscherjet 3+4, a 10 person gondola, that operates up to the high Alpine world. For the skiers, an 8-seater chairlift is available from the Alpincentre. The gondolas and chairlifts are continuously-moving ensuring that both skiers and non-skiers reach the next level quickly. The journey from the Alpincentre to the next level was stunning - beautiful views of the glacial slopes and the majestic mountain range.

(Above) Skiiers in their colourful ski jackets, getting ready for the action

We spent some time here and then took the final ride up - a funicular - that took us to the 'Top of Salzburg'.

At 3029 meters altitude, this is the highest viewpoint in Salzburg and what an awesome view it was. Simply stunning! 'Top of Salzburg' is accessible all year round and no matter which season you visit in, the views are going to be breathtaking.

Related | Ski Trip in the Tirol Region

We then went through the National Park Gallery which is a long tunnel through the mountain and has displays about the Alps, the crystals found in Kitzsteinhorn etc. The tunnel leads you to a viewing platform that offers fabulous views across the Grossglockner. It was absolutely fascinating.

Our ride down was again level by level and when it was time to say goodbye to Kitzsteinhorn, we just did not want to leave. We both were bewitched by the beauty of the snow capped mountains.

Whether you love nature and snow-capped mountains or are a skier (beginner or experienced), the Kitzsteinhorn area should not be missed when you are visiting Austria. The place is organised well, the facilities are good (a good number of bars, cafés, and restaurants) and the natural beauty is simply breathtaking making Kitzsteinhorn a lovely place to spend the day.

For more details on the opening times and prices, please use the information below.

Kitzsteinhorn valley station | Kesselfallstraße 60, 5710 Kaprun, Austria

A big thank you to Zell am See-Kaprun Tourism department for arranging our visit to the Kitzsteinhorn.