Cross-country skiing and winter walking in the Wildschönau

The trails: about 50 kilometres

The cross-country trails are spread across the valley: roughly 16 kilometres near Oberau, 14 kilometres near Niederau and 10 kilometres near Auffach at the head of the valley. The landscape is open and rolling, with views of the surrounding mountains. The network includes the valley trail, the higher Schönanger Höhenloipe and the sunny Bernau plateau near Auffach. Using the trails is free and usually possible well into March, depending on snow. The high valley is described as snow-reliable, so the season is often long, but nothing is guaranteed: check current conditions beforehand.

Classic or skating, and which route

Most trails are meant for the classic style, with parallel tracks. Some sections are wide enough for skating, including the Roggenboden and Endfelden trails. For beginners, Endfelden at about 3 kilometres makes a suitable first loop, and the Oberau–Niederau route (about 3.8 kilometres, medium difficulty, a little under an hour) is a good next step. The Roggenboden trail is roughly 6 kilometres and follows the edge of the forest. Ask the tourist office or your accommodation for the current trail map, as starting points and parking differ per route.

Equipment, lessons and trail etiquette

Cross-country skis, boots and poles can usually be hired in the valley, and lessons for beginners are generally offered too. Availability and opening hours change from winter to winter, so ask the tourist office or your accommodation beforehand. Dress in layers: cross-country skiing warms you up, but a thin windproof jacket is welcome on open stretches. As a rule, dogs do not belong on groomed trails; they damage the track and can endanger skiers. Follow the signs on site and walk your dog on the winter walking paths instead. Never walk or stand in the track.

Winter walks by village

The valley has about 40 kilometres of cleared winter walking paths through the four church villages of Niederau, Oberau, Auffach and Thierbach. Between Niederau and Oberau a flat, quiet route follows the stream and traditional farms, with a short variant of about 3 kilometres and a longer one of about 6 kilometres; the flat section also works with a snow buggy. Another easy loop goes around the game enclosure, about 6.5 kilometres and roughly two and a quarter hours. At the head of the valley, near the Schönangeralm, a short, peaceful walk starts from the car park.

From the Markbachjoch down to Niederau

If you want a bit more, take the Markbachjoch gondola up and walk almost entirely downhill. The route is about 10.5 kilometres, takes around four hours and is described as medium difficulty, with roughly 676 metres of descent. You pass gentle slopes, stretches of forest and farms near Penningdörfl and Rotenau, with a chapel on the way and places to eat along the route. It suits children from about eight with some stamina. Check beforehand whether the lift and the route are open, and keep an eye on the time.

Snowshoeing and torch walks

Snowshoes let you leave the beaten path. Around Niederau, Oberau, Auffach and Thierbach there are several routes, and from the Schönangeralm both simple loops and tougher tours. Guided snowshoe walks are offered in the valley, according to local tourist information about three times a week and free of charge, and sometimes evening walks with headlamps. Torch and lantern walks are also held in the region. Ask about age limits, times and snowshoe hire; these vary by walk and winter.

Safety and avalanches

On the groomed trails and winter walking paths in the valley the risk is low, but away from marked routes different rules apply. Snowshoe tours on steeper slopes call for attention to the avalanche situation; for demanding tours an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe are recommended, and the route may depend on snow conditions. With children, choose the simple, marked paths or join a guide. Check the weather and the avalanche bulletin, tell others where you are going and be back well before dark.

Frequently asked questions