Zell am See: Schneevorhersage

Surprised there are so few reviews for Zell am See, so just thought I might add to them. I have been coming to Zell since the eighties and have always enjoyed my stays here. Skiing is ideal for intermediates. If you want big mountain skiing with long steep descents, best go to France or Switzerland. Local ski areas can be a bit mixed conditions in recent years, but if you have a hire car there are many resorts nearby with easy access. We always have a day at Maria Alm and its neighbouring resorts which is an easy drive. Alpendorf is also great for families and mixed ability groups. The recent link with Vierhofen opens up a vast area of skiing at Saalbach/Hinterglem also, but this red run was narrow and icy when I skied it last January. Glade skiing is not permitted in Austria, to allow descents through wooded areas. Otherwise, the limited off-piste skiing would have a bit more to offer. The hotels are good value, typically Austrian and never too far away from the main lift stations and the ski bus service is regular and efficient. Go in late Jan if you can. In school holidays the resort's easy accessibility means it is very busy but I have rarely encountered serious lift congestion at other times.