Schmittenhöhe Mountain
Austrian mountain and popular ski viewpoint above Zell
A mountain peak above Zell am See in Austria, served by lifts and trails; popular with skiers in winter and hikers in summer for broad views over the Pinzgau and Hohe Tauern.
Schmittenhöhe at a Glance#
Address: Schmittenhöhe (access from Zell am See cable car station), 5700 Zell am See, Austria
Website: https://www.schmitten.at/
About Schmittenhöhe#
Schmittenhöhe is the local mountain overlooking the town of Zell am See in the state of Salzburg, Austria, with a summit at 1,965 metres. It is a well-established recreation area for both winter sports and summer hiking.
The mountain’s main attractions are the panoramic summit views over the Pinzgau valley and the Hohe Tauern range, its extensive ski slopes and lift network, and a dense network of marked hiking trails. Sightlines from the summit include high Alpine peaks such as Großglockner on clear days.
The mountain has long been developed as a leisure destination with lift access from Zell am See, ski infrastructure and summer walking routes. Facilities at intermediate stations support year-round visitor use.
Schmittenhöhe rises directly above the town of Zell am See and is accessed from the valley by road and by the mountain’s cable car and lift system.
- Elevation: Summit elevation is 1,965 metres, making it a prominent local peak above Zell am See.
- Cable car access: A cable car links the town of Zell am See with the mountain, providing easy access to the summit and alpine trails year-round.
What to See#
- Summit viewpoint: The summit area provides panoramic viewpoints over Zell am See and the surrounding Hohe Tauern range, reached by marked trails and a cable car from the valley.
- Ski and hiking facilities: Lower slopes and intermediate stations contain infrastructure for alpine skiing in winter and marked hiking routes in summer, linking to the regional trail network.
How to Get to Schmittenhöhe#
From Zell am See town centre, take the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car (station in the centre) which runs frequently in the summer and ski seasons; there is parking at the valley station for those driving.
Tips for Visiting Schmittenhöhe#
- Take the Schmittenhöhebahn cable car from Zell am See to avoid a long ascent and to reach summit trails quickly.
- For snow-free alpine hiking, aim for July-September when huts and alpine paths are clear.
- Most visitors miss the old war-time observation posts and the views toward the High Tauern-ask locals about these nooks.
Best Time to Visit Schmittenhöhe#
Schmittenhöhe is a year-round mountain: hikers favour summer and skiers the winter; late spring and early autumn are quieter and still rewarding.
Weather & Climate near Schmittenhöhe#
Schmittenhöhe's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -8°C to 15°C. Abundant rainfall (1414 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -7° - -1° | -10° | 78 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.0 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -8° - -1° | -10° | 75 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.9 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -6° - 1° | -7° | 98 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -3° - 4° | -4° | 108 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 9° | 2° | 127 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.6 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.9h |
| June | Poor | 4° - 12° | 6° | 164 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 183 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 3.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 15° | 11° | 160 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 6° | 120 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 1° - 8° | 1° | 100 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.7 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 2° | -5° | 106 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.8 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -7° - 0° | -8° | 95 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
