Summer Activities in the Zell Am See Region
Tucked away in the Austrian Alps near the German border is the Austrian state of Salzburg, which is one of the country’s smallest states in terms of population. But what it lacks in inhabitants, it more than makes up for in location and natural beauty. In the heart of this mountainous region of Salzburg lies the Bezirk Zell am See region, home to the town of Zell am See. School sports tours to this region are ideal during the summer months, and can provide a trip that is exhilarating, adrenalin pumping, and great fun! While staying in the area, there are many activities to keep students busy including mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing.
Mountain Biking – For those students who love an intense and energetic activity, mountain biking is an ideal activity to take part in on school sports tours. This fast-paced sport consists of riding specialised bicycles off road, over rough terrain, and often in elevated areas – the mountains surrounding Zell am See are ideal. There are multi-day length cycling paths that combine a bit of mountain biking with easier paths if you want some variety; and if students want to try the thrill of downhill mountain biking, gondolas that will take them and their bikes to the top of the mountains to make their way down a choice of trails with differing levels of difficulty. Some of the toughest paths can have riders jumping, swerving and skidding down the mountain, and, though not dangerous, they are not for the faint hearted either!
Hiking – If mountain biking sounds a little too energetic for some students, then school sports tours can include hiking around the Zell am See as an option. For this type of adventures all students need is a good pair of boots or shoes; water; snacks; and a good guide or map to indicate the routes. Hiking up the mountains in the area will present a range of physical challenges to suit each group, but the end result is a panorama of stunning views over the Bezirk Zell am See, with its mountain lakes and pastures. Along the way, there are rustic alpine huts to explore and even some restaurants to rest and have a cup of tea or a bite to eat before carrying on.
Climbing – Climbing is differentiated from hiking by the ‘up and over’ mind set that climbers often come to embody. Climbing in the Zell am See region can require the use of hands and feet to navigate a steep incline or cliff face. School sports tours can include climbing with experienced instructors to ensure students safety. Locations to climb in the area include the Schmittenhöhe and Maiskogel, and the “Gipfelwelt 3000″ on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier, where climbers can take the guided route to the 3,203-metre peak for a view across some of the highest mountains in the Austrian Alps.
Aiden Armstrong works for Pavilion Tours, a specialist travel service for schools, colleges and youth groups with a specific focus on school sports tours as well as adventure, performing arts and geography. Pavilion Tours offer both local and international tours covering a variety of programmes.
