Kitzsteinhorn: Kaprun's Glacier & Top of Salzburg at 3,029 m
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The Kitzsteinhorn is Kaprun's mountain of superlatives: Salzburg's glacier peak at 3,203 metres, with the Top of Salzburg station at 3,029 metres as the highest excursion point in the province. In summer you ride up without skis to the viewing platform, the Nationalpark Gallery and the ICE ARENA; from October the glacier ski season begins. And the gondola line starts right in the village centre, a few minutes by car from Chalet Kaprun.
Kaprun's glacier mountain
With the Schmiedingerkees, the Kitzsteinhorn carries Salzburg's only glacier ski area, and in 1965 it was Austria's first. Summer skiing ended in 2011; instead the mountain now runs as a year-round excursion peak, with lifts operating outside the ski season all the way up to 3,029 metres.
Up there you stand at the highest point in the province of Salzburg that can be reached without mountaineering gear, in the middle of the Hohe Tauern panorama. On clear days the view stretches to the Grossglockner.
Gipfelwelt 3000: Top of Salzburg at 3,029 metres
The Gipfelwelt 3000 at the summit station is free with a valid lift ticket and open daily from 9 am to 4 pm (summer 2026):
- Top of Salzburg platform: floating above the glacier, with the three-thousanders all around
- Nationalpark Gallery: a 360-metre tunnel through the mountain with stations on the Hohe Tauern National Park
- Cinema 3000: a cinema at 3,000 metres running a mountain film on loop
- A second panorama platform facing the Grossglockner
- ICE ARENA (July & August only): snow slides and glacier fun below the summit
Kitzsteinhorn: prices & operating times 2026
The lifts run year round; in summer 2026, Gletscherjet 1 and the Panoramabahn start at 8:30 am, last ride up 3:30 pm (as of August 2026).
| TOP OF SALZBURG (3,029 m), return | €61 adults / €45.50 youth / €30.50 children |
|---|---|
| With guest card | €58 |
| To the Alpincenter (2,450 m) | €48 / €36 / €24 |
| Family bonus | From the third child onwards, all further children ride free |
| Dog | €8.50 per day |
| KeyCard deposit | €2 (refundable) |
Prices valid 7 April to 26 November 2026; children born 2011 to 2020, youth 2008 to 2010.
Good to know
With the Zell am See Summer Card the ride to Top of Salzburg is fully included, only the 3K K-onnection has a bonus price of €25. Chalet Kaprun guests find the card waiting at check-in. In high season (15 July to 15 September) the summit ride applies from your second day.
With the K-onnection from Kaprun's centre
Since 2019, Kaprun hangs directly on its glacier: the K-onnection links the village centre (768 m) via the Maiskogel with the summit station at 3,029 metres. Around 12 kilometres of lift line, up to six gondolas, about 50 minutes of travel, the longest continuous gondola line in the Eastern Alps.
For a closer look, book the Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour: a ranger-guided trip through four climate zones, from valley to eternal ice, about two and a half hours in the specially fitted Explorer cabins.
Worth planning around: the 3K K-onnection between Maiskogel and Langwied runs until 13 September 2026 in summer. After that, reach the glacier via the Gletscherjet valley station in the Kaprun valley, by car or bus 660 (free with the Guest Mobility Ticket).
Glacier skiing: autumn & winter on the Kitzsteinhorn
While the cows still graze in the valley, waxing season starts up top: skiing on the Kitzsteinhorn begins around 10 October 2026 (snow permitting) with autumn skiing and runs until early May. That makes the glacier Austria's reliable early starter, long before the region's other ski areas open.
In winter the Kitzsteinhorn is part of the Ski ALPIN CARD with 408 kilometres of slopes across three regions. Via the 3K K-onnection, Maiskogel and glacier connect directly, so you board the gondola in the village centre and stand on the slopes an hour later.
Prepared for 3,000 metres
- Pack warm: at 3,000 metres it's around 15 degrees cooler than in the valley, and the wind adds bite. Jacket, hat and solid shoes belong in the bag even in August.
- Respect the sun: snow and glacier reflect strongly, sunglasses and sunscreen are mandatory.
- With children: take the altitude gently and plan breaks. The playgrounds at the Alpincenter and the Langwied water playground make good stops.
- Best views: mornings are clearest, a look at the webcams before you set off pays.
- Bring the Summer Card: without it the summit ride costs €61, with it nothing.
Your base camp at the glacier: Chalet Kaprun
Chalet Kaprun sits 3.5 kilometres from the glacier lifts, with the K-onnection valley station in the village even closer. As an official Summer Card partner, the summit ride is already covered for chalet guests in summer. After a day at 3,000 metres, the evening belongs to the Finnish sauna, and couples find what 6 bedrooms on 180 m² do best: quiet. Room for up to 10, dogs welcome.
Frequently asked questions
What does the ride up cost?
The return trip to Top of Salzburg costs €61 for adults, €45.50 for youth and €30.50 for children (2026 season). With the Summer Card it's included.
Is the Kitzsteinhorn in the Summer Card?
Yes, all lifts to Top of Salzburg including Gipfelwelt 3000 and the ICE ARENA. Only the 3K K-onnection carries a bonus price of €25.
Can you ski in summer?
No, summer skiing ended in 2011. The season starts early instead, around 10 October, and runs to early May.
How cold is it at the top?
Expect around 15 degrees less than in the valley, and the wind makes it feel colder. Temperatures around freezing are possible even in midsummer.
How do I get up without a car?
In summer until 13 September directly via the K-onnection from Kaprun's centre. After that, bus 660 takes you to the Gletscherjet valley station, free with the Guest Mobility Ticket.
Is it worth it with children?
Yes: Gipfelwelt 3000, Cinema 3000 and in July and August the ICE ARENA with its snow slides. From the third child onwards, the rest ride free.
When does the ski season start?
Expected 10 October 2026, depending on snow (as of August 2026). Autumn skiing runs to late November, then straight through to early May.
Stay 3.5 km from the glacier: your base camp for the Kitzsteinhorn.
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