Unable to get your skiing fix this winter? Fear not, as there are some excellent resorts which allow you to shred the slopes even in the middle of summer. My personal recommendation is Kaprun in Austria, as this resort features the breathtaking Kitzeinhorn glacier which is covered in snow ten months of the year and is located a staggering 3,203 metres above sea level.
Any winter sports enthusiast will love Kaprun as it boasts superb natural snow, epic views, varied terrain, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants for when the sun goes down.
Want to know more? Check out this article for information on Kaprun’s impressive ski-lifts.
Skiing & Snowboarding
There are 41km of slopes and 8.9km of ski routes available, so you have plenty of options here. The resort is particularly good for intermediate riders, with around 61% of the pistes suited to this skill level. There are some great beginner and intermediate runs at the foot of the glacier, but if you are seeking something more extreme then head higher up the glacier where you are sure to find your fix. The most thrilling run is Black Mamba, a legendary black piste which is 1,000 m long and covers 290m in altitude at a 63% gradient. This will certainly test your nerve!
The Kitzeinhorn glacier is also home to three snow parks, which cater to all skill levels. Here you will find the biggest superpipe in all of Austria, which everyone should try during their stay. The epic pipe is 160m long with 6.6 m high walls, ensuring for an adrenaline-pumping experience which attracts freestyle riders from around the world.
Free Riding
In addition to the range of marked runs, you will also find more than enough free riding terrain at Kaprun. With such great snow reliability and variety of terrain close to the lifts, the glacier is regarded by many as one of the best free riding areas in the Alps.
There are 5 free ride routes in the immediate vicinity of the lifts which vary in length and difficulty, but will all give you a unique viewpoint of the mountain. Looking for a fun yet challenging run? Jump Run is popular with the locals and it is easy to see why – this 1,300m route features natural pipes and kickers, as well as plenty of fun terrain to shred through.
In addition to the spectacular untouched powder, which glimmers in the summer sun against the bright blue sky, free riding is popular because of the special workshops run here. Safety is paramount on Kitzeinhorn, so they provide excellent advice and information on everything that you need to know about Alpine dangers. This knowledge enables you to get the most out of your free riding experience and stay safe at all times.
Ice Arena
There is also plenty of action to keep you entertained away from the slopes. The amazing Ice Arena is a cool social area with three large inter-connected igloos – inside you will find ice furniture, reindeer fur, Ice Bars selling a range of drinks, music and TV screens. This creates a chilled out ambience and it is the perfect space for unwinding with a few drinks after a big day of shredding powder.
During the summer months there is also an unmissable snow beach, plus a host of fun and lively events that are sure to keep you entertained.
Hiking
Skiing at lofty altitudes is not the only adventure to be had at Kitzeinhorn. Lower down the mountain there are incredible hiking options, which treat you to jaw-dropping panoramic vistas of the glacier and surrounding lakes, meadows and mountains.
If leisurely strolls aren’t your speed, consider getting in touch with an experienced local guide. These guides can take you on a more demanding and thrilling hike. You could even try “Llama Trekking”, which will certainly be a fun and unique way to explore the area.
How to Get to Kaprun
Located in the Salzburg region of Austria, there are a few different ways to reach the resort. It may not be the closest airport to Kaprun (around two and a half hours by road), but many visitors fly into Munich airport (MUC) as you are likely to have more flight options. Perhaps more convenient is Salzburg (SZG), which is only 64km from the resort and will take around an hour and 20 minutes by car. Alternatively, Innsbruck (INN) airport is just over 100km from Kaprun and should take a little over 2 hours.
Whichever airport you touch down at, you will not want to waste any skiing time at all. For a fast and easy way to reach the resort, book a Shuttle Direct transfer so that you can sit back and relax. They can also transport your luggage for no additional charge.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Kaprun – Right in the heart of the action, this accommodation is ideal for those who will be raring to ski or snowboard at every opportunity. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with a flat-screen TV in each, as well as free Wi-Fi in all areas. One key selling point is the hearty complimentary breakfast served each morning, which is perfect for filling up before a long day shredding the slopes. There is also a lively bar so that you can exchange your stories from the day once the sun goes down.
Appartement Auernig – A good option if you are travelling with friends, these spacious apartments are centrally located and a stone’s throw from the restaurants and bars, but a fully-equipped kitchenette and mountain-view balconies mean that you can also socialise comfortably in the apartments. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
JUFA Hotel Kaprun – With easy access to ski slopes, this hotel is well-situated and also has plenty of great facilities. It features a café, sauna, video games, ping pong and football, and badminton can be played in summer. The rooms are spacious and there are bright communal areas, which are great for relaxing in after a long day of skiing. The hotel also serves up delicious breakfast each morning to soak up the alcohol/get you ready for another fun day of exploring. Half-board is available on request and includes a dinner buffet.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct is Europe’s number one choice for transfers between airports, train stations, hotels and other areas of interest. They have extensive experience in winter sports transfers, including resorts throughout The Alps.
Their friendly local drivers guarantee that your onwards journey is comfortable, reliable and convenient and their easy to use booking system takes the stress out of arranging travel.
Book today and let their team take care of the rest.
