Originally a lakeside summer resort  it has since developed and today caters to its popularity in a welcoming and efficient manner with something for everyone:  free buses to the slopes, a good choice of restaurants, a wide selection of accommodation (albeit some hotels are quite far from the lifts), a family-friendly feel and yet lively nightlife opportunities. 

The ski area is small with short runs, mainly catering for intermediates keen on improving technique rather than getting miles under their belts. Advanced skiers have few true challenges as off piste is banned but it’s still worth exploring some of the other terrain in the area, like Saalbach, Bad Gastein and Schladming or Kaprun and its Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The ultimate downfall is snow reliability, especially on the lower slopes and despite snowmaking facilities beginners can find opportunities limited. As a result lifts can become crowded as visitors migrate, en masse, to the higher levels.

Overall, Zell is a lovely spot for a winter holiday, either with or without skiing.