The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is getting even easier to reach with the inauguration of the 3K Kaprun-Kitzsteinhorn-K-onnection in the 2019-20 ski season. Thanks to a new tri-cable gondola and a second monocable gondola, it will no longer be necessary to rely on the ski bus to reach the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier ski area. The first phase of the project was completed for December 2018 and saw the opening of the new MK Maiskogelbahn and multifunctional Kaprun Center. The 3K Kaprun-Kitzsteinhorn-K-onnection is expected to be complete in time for the start of next winter.
The first tri-cable gondola in Salzburg, the 3K Kaprun-Kitzsteinhorn-K-onnection will complete the last link between Kaprun's village centre and the Kitzsteinhorn/Maiskogel – Kaprun mountain station at the Top of Salzburg viewing platform (3029m). In order to get to the top of Kitzsteinhorn, therefore, skiers and snowboarders can now take six lifts, starting in Kaprun, passing through the Maiskogel and ultimately reaching the Top of Salzburg. Currently it's only possible to reach the Kitzsteinhorn ski area by bus from Kaprun, but the new gondolas will convert the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier into a ski-in, ski-out ski area. The 3K Kaprun-Kitzsteinhorn-K-onnection will measure 12km and cover 6 lifts in total. The string of gondolas has the longest vertical rise of any continuous gondola axis in the Eastern Alps, at 2261 vertical metres.
Starting this summer, it will be possible to reach the Maiskogel from the very centre of Kaprun. The MK Maiskogelbahn is a 10-person gondola with an hourly capacity of 2800 people per hour that will whisk skiers and snowboarders up the Maiskogel in just 12 minutes. The new midstation (1137m) will extend the ski season, as it will make it possible to reach the valley directly from the slopes. It will also make it easier for families to reach the beginner slopes. The valley station of the MK Maiskogelbahn will have ski storage, a ski rental centre and the lift pass offices. This will be the first step on the K-onnection up to Kitzsteinhorn.
Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier form part of the Zell am See - Kaprun linked ski area, which has almost 140km of slopes. The Kitzsteinhorn Glacier provides guaranteed snow from early until late in the season, making it a welcome addition to the ski area. A little lower down, the Maiskogel ski area is popular with familes and is easily reachable from Kaprun's village centre. Over at Zell am See (connected by free ski bus), skiers can enjoy pretty tree-lined runs with magnificent views of Lake Zell. Zell am See - Kaprun is easy to reach from Salzburg Airport and both resorts offer a welcoming atmosphere and lots to do with a selection of bars, restaurants and shops.
Header image © Kitzsteinhorn.at
Born and raised in the ski paradise of Vancouver, Canada, I learned to ski before I can remember, balancing precariously on my parents’ skis as they sailed down the hill. I started snowboarding in my teens and am now delighted to be exploring everything Europe’s ski scene has to offer!
