Kitzsteinhorn

The Kitzsteinhorn is a 3,203-meter mountain in the High Tauern range of the Austrian Alps, located near Kaprun and Zell am See in the state of Salzburg. It lies within the Hohe Tauern National Park and forms the eastern edge of the Pinzgau valley.

The mountain hosts a glacier ski area known for year-round skiing and snowboarding. It is part of the Zell am See-Kaprun ski region and is connected by an extensive system of cable cars and lifts that bring visitors from the valley up to the glacier and to higher vantage points.

The region is a popular destination for alpine tourism, offering winter sports as well as summer hiking and panoramic views from the summit. The glacier surface supports a range of activities throughout the year, drawing visitors seeking reliable snow conditions and elevated scenery.

In 2000, the Kaprun disaster occurred on a nearby glacier railway, resulting in a significant loss of life and leading to major safety reforms in alpine transport both in Austria and internationally. The incident underscored the importance of rigorous safety standards for mountain infrastructure in glacier regions.

Today, the Kitzsteinhorn remains a defining feature of the local landscape, characterized by its permanent snowfields and ice cap that support year-round activity and contribute to the region’s identity as a premier alpine destination.