Cross-Country and Nordic Skiing

Looking for cross-country ski tracks near a hotel or resort in Austria? Here is a selection of classic trails for skiers and skaters full of twists and turns.

Cross-country and Nordic skiing have experienced a massive revival in recent years, getting more and more popular every season. And it's easy to see why: The oldest winters sport of all simply appeals to everyone. No matter if you want to enjoy the magic winter landscapes at a more leisurely pace or physically challenge yourself by aiming for new personal racing records, you will always have a great time - and train a whopping 85% of your body's muscles on top!

Visitors to Austria are spoilt with choice, as cross-country and Nordic ski trails are spread over the whole country. Newbie or pro, you will surely find your dream destination below.

Salzburger Sportwelt

SalzburgerLand

The Salzburger Sportwelt with its seven resorts, including St. Johann-Alpendorf, Kleinarl and Filzmoos, offer 260 km (161 mi) of cross-country skiing fun. The trails are of different difficulty levels, with 22 easy, 23 intermediate and 6 difficult routes.

The 70 km-long (43 mi) Tauernloipe is the focal point of the network, interconnecting Flachau, Wagrain, Radstadt, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Eben and Untertauern. One of the highlights is the stage from Radstadt to Untertauern with its beautiful, gently undulating countryside.

Skating fans aren't neglected in the Salzburger Sportwelt either, with around 160 km (99 mi) of trails specifically designed with their needs in mind.

Seefeld, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis & Galtür

Tirol

The Olympiaregion Seefeld with its five villages has attracted cross-country skiers from all over Europe for many years. The 245 km (152 mi) of immaculately groomed trails are suitable for both beginners and pros, making sure everyone has a great time.

If you are one of those skiers that just can't get enough, the cross-country skiing runs at the Komperdell midway station in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (2,000 m / 1,282 ft above sea level) offer perfect conditions well into April. Special cross-country ski passes ensure inexpensive access to the runs. The Take-Off Center has showers and changing facilities for day guests.

Over 2,000 m above sea level, Galtür features some 100 km (62 mi) snow-sure slopes for cross-country skiing from early December to spring. Newbies will find great practice trails, while those more advanced can enjoy challenging tours in a dreamy setting. And the best part: the trails are free of charge!

A Province Full of Great Trails

Carinthia

Austria's southernmost province Carinthia offers excellent cross-country skiing areas with more than 730 km (453 mi) of loipes in well-known and popular winter hotspots such as the Nockberge Mountains, Bad Kleinkirchheim, the Nassfeld-Pressegger See and Katschberg-Rennweg region, as well as Lake Millstätter See, and around Villach.

The trails throughout the province are cleverly designed to cover both valley and mountain locations, featuring plenty of options for both beginners and more advanced skiers and skaters.

If you are a complete newbie - or want to master your skills with a pro - you might consider booking a day (or more) at one of the designated cross-country schools, to be found in all the major resorts.

Hinterstoder, Gosau & Kasberg

Upper Austria

You are into winter sports but classic pistes are not your cup of tea? The silent winter forest suits you more than rather noisy crowds? Then it's time to dig out the cross-country skis you probably have waiting to be used - and head to Upper Austria for some Nordic skiing.

This province is especially suitable if you are short on time - most trails are between 30 minutes and a few hours long - or want to practice your techniques, as many of them cater for beginners and intermediate skiers and skaters. Whatever trail you choose, beautiful winter landscapes will be your constant companion.

And if you are not quite sure yet where to even begin or don't have your own equipment yet, popular resorts such as Gosau, Hinterstoder and Kasberg also have Nordic skiing courses and ski rentals.

Montafon & Lech Zürs am Arlberg

Vorarlberg

The highest cross-country skiing runs in Vorarlberg, the courses around Lake Silvrettasee in Silvretta-Bielerhöhe, offer 21 km (14 mi) of skipleasure fun.

Glide through the glittering winter world of the Silvretta mountain at 2,032 m above sea level and enjoy the freshly tracked trails and unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains, both suitable for classic skiing and skating.

Lech Zürs am Arlberg has 27 km (16.7 mi) of trails - challenge your mates to a friendly little race or just glide along comfortably. Cross-country skiers can choose from a variety of terrains here, from easy to challenging, with all the tracks groomed throughout the winter.

What's more: It's all totally for free!

Semmering & Vienna

Lower Austria & Vienna

Parts of Lower Austria with their very gentle landscapes are perfect terrains for cross-country skiers. But even in the most mountainous regions there are fantastic trails.

Outstanding in the truest sense is the Wechsel-Semmering-Panorama trail (60 km / 37.2 mi) with its breathtaking views and groomed slopes from the beginning of December to mid-March

Both in the heart of the city and its idyllic suburbs, Vienna has plenty of opportunities for winter sports, including ice skating, tobogganing and cross-country skiing. If you want to combine your city trip with some skiing, Austria's capital might just be what you are looking for.

Various regions in Styria & Lake Neusiedl

Styria & Burgenland

21 dedicated cross-country skiing hotels offer everything for your active holiday in Styria, including sports therapists. Enjoy snow-covered landscapes, fresh mountain air and fantastic views. Get a sense of your body and find your own rhythm. Leave the stress behind and enjoy the winter in all its beauty.

Recognised with the cross-country skiing seal of quality, Styria and its hotels will certainly not disappoint.

Lake Neusiedl in Burgenland has those picture-perfect winter days – brilliant blue sky, temperatures around minus 5 degrees, bright sunshine - and after just a few days with frosty temperatures below zero the lake changes into the largest ice rink in mid-Europe.

If it snows enough, the trails are perfect for cross-country skiing, too.

This Might Also Be Of Interest

media_content.tooltip.skipped

Cross-Country Skiing for the First Time

Anybody donning cross-country skis for the first time needs to learn how to transition from walking to running. If you adopt the right technique, you don't necessarily have to lurch across the track at breakneck speed. However, this can't be ruled out completely …
Read more
media_content.tooltip.skipped

Winter Hiking: A Voyage of Self-Discovery

On a hike through Austria's winter landscape, you can hear the fresh snow crunching below your feet and enjoy the fresh air. The inns and huts along the trails are ideal for a leisurely break.
Read more