Kaprun village is situated in the heart of the Salzburg Region of Austria, approximately 80km (or 75 minutes drive) from Salzburg which has a very convenient and well serviced international airport. What makes Kaprun so special is its impressive setting, nestled at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in the midst of the majestic Hohe Tauern mountain range.

There are, without doubt, areas in the French Alps that offer a bigger skiing area and where, if you're a serious "piste-bagger", you wouldn't have to ski the same run twice in your entire holiday. However, if you're looking for an area that offers good, varied skiing to interest all abilities, where you can quickly familiarise yourself with the area and which offers a bit more in the way of scenery, trees and charm than some of the French resorts, then it's hard to beat Kaprun/Zell.

Kaprun and Zell are at the heart of the widely respected and quality-approved "Europa Sport Region" with 57 lifts and 130km of piste across four areas, and a massive vertical range from 785 metres (resort) to 3,029 metres at the top of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. In times of unpredictable climate and snowfall the glacier gives the best guarantee you can get for your playtime and work-out on the white stuff

Accomplished skiers will relish the contrast of wide-open pistes and superb powder of the glacier. There are seven exciting black runs throughout the region, some with vicious moguls. There are especially challenging and exhilarating pistes on Zell am See's Schmittenhohe Mountain.

Unlike the bigger Zell, Kaprun is a traditional Austrian village, with a decent selection of restaurants. The 'Optimum' Sports Centre is the pride of the village, with its fantastic facilities. There's plenty of off piste action from lively bars and discos to the more traditional rustic Stubes. The ?Optimum' leisure centre will upgrade your lift pass to a ?swim and ski' pass giving you unlimited entrance to not only the indoor/outdoor pool but also the steam room. There is also ice skating, bowling, night skiing and tobogganing.

Pre-season ski holidays with instruction in Kaprun