@AthersT, do you know when the lake last froze over? Tourist dept seem very coy and non-committal. Website shows no sign of widespread freezing post 2012?
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@simonmj66, you're probably asking when it last froze over thick enough for walking/ice skating. Nearly every year it freezes over at least for a day. However, it is much rarer that it freezes for long enough and thick enough to walk across or go Ice Skating. I don't know when it was thick enough for this.
Use this - http://www.foto-webcam.eu/webcam/zellamsee/ to look back at the last few years worth of webcam shots. You can view a shot from every 10 mins for the last 3 years or so.
@simonmj66, I last walked across it in February 2012. It also froze over in Feb 2013 but was never 'opened' as in deemed safe (at your own risk etc) although locals did cross as I have seen several times over the years presuming they are employing a better knowledge of where the ice is thickest?
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
robboj wrote:
@simonmj66, I last walked across it in February 2012. It also froze over in Feb 2013 but was never 'opened' as in deemed safe (at your own risk etc) although locals did cross as I have seen several times over the years presuming they are employing a better knowledge of where the ice is thickest?
Well, to be fair, you only get to see the ones that haven't fallen through , once they're under the ice they aren't very visible.
After all it is free
After all it is free
@t44tomo, Thats why they stopped racing the Porsches on it, legend has it there's a 911 down there to this day!
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
Excitement. There are photo's on Instagram of people walking on the lake - yesterday. It's not my photo so not posting here (not that I know how!) but It's on Instagram so clearly it must have happened
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Heading to Kaprun tomorrow. Doesn't look like we're going to get any pow days but I'm still pretty stoked
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
frankEvb wrote:
Excitement. There are photo's on Instagram of people walking on the lake - yesterday. It's not my photo so not posting here (not that I know how!) but It's on Instagram so clearly it must have happened
Yes, but unless they were locals I wouldn't even think about. TBH even then the novelty of walking on frozen water isn't enough to balance out the possibility of falling through it.
Maybe it was some of Zells ubiquitous middle eastern visitors. IIRC their notion for stupidity in the unfamiliar surroundings of an Alpine winter knows no bounds!
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
The glacier is in great condition, was there yesterday. A lot of the ski routes are tracked out now but looked like there was still some pow to be had if you take the ski route by the old glacier shuttle to the top.
Zell is still in good nick to be fair too, very cold conditions this week and last week, good snow making conditions. Got down to -28 here in Niedernsill a couple of weeks ago, averaging -8 the last few days. A lot of sunshine the last couple of days, does get a little icy on popular routes below 1500m in the afternoons.
If you look over at the weather thread there looks to be something significant happening at the end of the month in terms of snow. I've a vague recollection of someone telling me the last time the lake froze over this early in the year was 11 years ago...
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
shredder wrote:
If you look over at the weather thread there looks to be something significant happening at the end of the month in terms of snow. I've a vague recollection of someone telling me the last time the lake froze over this early in the year was 11 years ago...
Yes thats right December 2005 was very cold and it continued cold right through till March 2006. That was the last time it was frozen pretty much all winter. Froze early again in December 2007 but then mostly melted by mid January after a vicious and prolonged Föhn and never fully re-froze. I last walked across in Feb 2012 when it froze for about 6 weeks from the end of January.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
@robboj, No, you'll not get me on there either. Not even for the opportunity to, once and for all, prove that porche 911 theory... I do love me a 'wild skate' though...
Ah I suppose it could well have been a ubiquitous type - they do tend to hang out in The Grand after all, so wouldn't be too much of a stretch... Have been somewhat taken aback by some of their summer time anticks too but - here I stop. Especially given I seem to have a year-round propensity for impetuous myself and so I have absolutely no leg to stand on on that front
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Although I have often driven past the Maiskogel area at Kaprun (actually under it ), yesterday was the first time I have actually skied there. The area is relatively small with two longish chairlifts and one short button lift. This photo shows the Almbahn lift on the right and the Panoramabahn Schaufelberg that comes up from the valley to the left...
The restricted uplift means that there isn't a great deal of variety but I found the pistes there very attractive, great to ski. Here's another view, this time looking up the Schaufelberg piste in the lower part of the area...
I think the area would be great for anyone who can do a reasonable snowplough/stem turn. The lower slopes are not especially steep and the pistes are mostly wide. The upper part of the Maiskogel offers some more challenging slopes. There is a slope specified as black but it is wide enough that it isn't particularly difficult, at least in good snow conditions as at present. And there are alternative pistes down from the top which aren't so steep and suitable for intermediate skiers. These runs and some tracks to huts provide a bit of variety in what you can ski.
Yesterday the weather was superb, though pretty chilly at times, especially in the shade which covered much of the slopes in the afternoon at this time of year. This photo shows the mountains beyond the Maiskogel and there are also great views up to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier area...
At the top of the Schaufelberg lift there is an attractive fun area, with plenty of wild life (models) on view and runs with waves and banking...
And here is the button lift, the Maislift, that runs alongside that section...
Yesterday the area was very quiet, especially in the morning, which surprised me slightly after I had passed an absolutely packed car park at Zell am See's Areitbahn. The Maiskogel has several huts dotted around the area. Here's a final photo looking over to Zell am See and taken with the afternoon shadows from outside the Glocknerblick hut near the top of the area. Here you can see that some have taken a more exciting off-piste route down from the hut - I didn't try that but stuck to the easy track...
To sum up, I would say that the Maiskogel is a good place for intermediate skiers to improve technique, with the possibilty then of moving on to Schmittenhöhe at Zell am See or the Kitzsteinhorn area later in a week.
P.S. Forgot to mention that there is also an interesting "Alpine Coaster" (= sledge on rails), though I didn't see anyone using it during the day yesterday.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
@espri, I have skied a few days on the Maiskogel, as my OH is a very nervous learner. I actually quite enjoy it. Great for learning and improving techniques on the top half of the mountain, though alot of the time it is incredibly cold in the shade. We like to meet in the Maisi-Alm after she finishes her lessons in the morning.
I hear there will be a connection built from the top of the Maiskogel to the Kitzsteinhorn since they took the old Maiskogelbahn out of commission from the road up to the Kitz. It would no doubt increase the number of skiers on the Maiskogel.
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Quick question for local bods: I arrive by train at 8.30pm at ZaS on a Saturday evening, fully loaded with kit and skis. Will it be easy to grab a taxi to Saalbach from the train station? If so, does anyone know how much the fare will be?
I hear there will be a connection built from the top of the Maiskogel to the Kitzsteinhorn since they took the old Maiskogelbahn out of commission from the road up to the Kitz. It would no doubt increase the number of skiers on the Maiskogel.
Yes, I fear that too, though I haven't heard of any time schedule for that development yet. I enjoyed my first visit. On a map on the wall of the restaurant at the bottom of the Panoramabahn, next to the car park, there seem to be plans for more lifts/pistes in the Maiskogel area itself. I don't know whether these ideas are still current.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@espri, The Maiskogel is also amazingly snowsure/cold enough for cannons at the start of the season even with it being pretty low 900-1750metres. Due it being in almost permanent shade from November to February, so I imagine that they are trying to take advantage of this.
The Panoramabahn itself needs updating as it is pretty slow and creates alot of queues at peak times.
Saw loads of people walking across the lake yesterday. It was officially announced on their FB page that it's now open for walking and skating
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
I'm taking my Misses up to the Maiskogel tomorrow (Wednesday) she is a very nervous skier and I'm getting a bit windy myself.
We took the day off today,
walked along the lake side but it was very misty and cold till we got back.
We saw them local council workers putting Christmas trees across to Thumsback.
Treated ourselves to a Ruby Murray
and then just took the bus up to the gletcher and lifts up to the Gletcher Mulle.
Came back and just woke up.
Beer o'clock.
After all it is free
After all it is free
@Dr John,
I'll see if I can get you the number of a local Taxi company,
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@Dr John, Not sure on cost but there should be Taxi's lined up outside the station so getting one shouldn't be an issue.
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
DrLawn wrote:
I'm taking my Misses up to the Maiskogel tomorrow (Wednesday) she is a very nervous skier and I'm getting a bit windy myself
It will be great. Especially the lower section, the Schaufelberg, but also the blue piste down from the top if you want something more challenging.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Dr John
As @AthersT, says they will be lined up at the station.
The Hotel boss here says it should cost between €35 & €45 but be sure to ask the taxi driver "how much?" before you set off.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Thanks @espri we're heading over there now for a late start.
Fabulous weather.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
@DrLawn, @AthersT, thanks chaps. Presumed there would be a rank, just confirming for piece of mind (after a 8 1/2 hour journey from Geneva).
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
Thanks @espri She actually enjoyed skiing there today phew!
So I'm going to try and catch the train around to Leogang tomorrow and perhaps get over to Saalbach that way.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
DrLawn wrote:
So I'm going to try and catch the train around to Leogang tomorrow and perhaps get over to Saalbach that way.
Glad you enjoyed the Maiskogel.
The station in Leogang is a bit away from the lifts, just under a km, I estimate. It might be easier to take a bus from Zell to the Schönleiten gondola at Saalbach and ski over to Leogang from there.
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
Hi guys, heading out to Zell nice and early tomorrow morning. As a snowboarder who mainly sticks to the pistes, should I be looking forward to the conditions? I have been watching the forecasts for the next week seems there is no new snow coming but nice clear days.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Hi @neilm86
Bright sunny conditions have been here all week.
I've only found a couple of patches that are bare so the coverage is good.
But its getting a bit icy & polished in a few spots on the steep homeward bound pistes.
(As I found to my grief this afternoon ....
first fall of the week on the last run of the week )
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@DrLawn,Likewise off early tomorrow and was wondering the same. Suspected that might be the case down the Nord (black 10) especially if theres no fresh maybe they will break it up on top and rebash?
@Dr John, Taxi from Zell to Saalbach will be €45 - €50.
As you will have missed the last Postbus to Saalbach ( dep 19.30 ) there may be more than just you going to Saalbach, so you may find others to share the taxi with you.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Big Thank you to Zell,
We are home now and just finished Sunday Lunch after a trip down the pub to drink flat crap beer and brag about the skip trip.
I've never been to Zell before and I hope I get a chance to come again.
We were so lucky with blue skies all week and a great snow base.
Ok, it turned a bit icy on the last couple of days on the steep inbound slopes.
But I may have just shrugged it off if I was feeling more in "The Zone".
We were luck enough to stay in the "Two TimeZ" Hotel .. This is really the Annex to the Heitzmann.
Its brand new this season and its just so good, the best ski Hotel room I have ever been in.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
In Zell this week, consider how little fresh snow there has been lately I have to say the pistes are in pretty decent condition, and the weather is excellent. If I can't have fresh snow, then at least we have sunshine.
After all it is free
After all it is free
I made a little video of my snowboarding holiday in Zell a couple of weeks back. We had to do a little hiking to make fresh tracks but had an awesome time pow hunting.
The area of Zell Am See is pretty high up so the conditions are usually pretty good even when there's not been any snow for a while. I was a little concerned before we went out cause my buddies just want to ride pow all day but we did find some even though it hadn't snowed in over a week.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
@Cendius, very nice!
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Ski the Net with snowHeads
Anyone in the region to give me a quick update? Coming out for a sneaky few days end of next week. Never been to Zeal am See so looking forward to some new surroundings!!
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
