Guides and practical tips
Cross-country skiing around Niederau: trails, technique and tips
From Endfelden to the Brixental: trails, styles, equipment and tips for families.
Anyone who wants to go cross-country skiing from Niederau finds it easiest to start at Oberau, a few kilometres down the valley, where most of the groomed trails are. They range from short, easy loops such as Endfelden (about 3 km) to longer, medium tours such as Roggenboden (about 6 km). That lets beginners build up gently, and with children you can choose a short loop. If you want more variety, you can spend a day in the Brixental, the Alpbachtal or the Kufsteinerland.
This in-depth guide goes further than the overview in our guide to cross-country skiing and winter walking. You will read which trails belong to which village, the difference between classic and skating, how to start as a beginner, what equipment you need and which nearby areas are worth a trip.
All details are indicative. Lengths and times differ by source, and whether a trail is groomed depends on snow and weather. Check the current trail status beforehand with the tourist office or your accommodation.
Tips
- Start with a short, easy trail such as Endfelden and consider booking a lesson.
- Choose classic for your first days; try skating later.
- Dress in layers and bring water and a snack.
- Keep dogs on the winter walking paths and never walk in the track.
- Check the current trail status before planning a trip to another valley.
Always check times, prices and opening dates with the provider beforehand; they can change.
The trails of the Wildschönau by village
Oberau is regarded as the hub for cross-country skiers, since many trails meet there. From Oberau you can reach Endfelden (about 3 km, easy), Roggenboden (about 6 km, medium, along the forest edge) and the link Oberau–Niederau (about 3.8 km, medium, mostly across open meadows). The Schönanger Höhenloipe is about 6 km, classic only and of medium difficulty. Near Auffach you find the Bernau trails and the route at the Schönangeralm; Niederau–Penningdörfl is also part of the network. No separate trail is confirmed for Thierbach. Lengths and times vary by source, so treat them as a guide and ask for the current map.
Classic or skating: which suits you?
With the classic style you glide forward in set parallel tracks, which is easiest for most beginners. Skating resembles ice skating: you push off on a wide, smooth surface, which takes more balance and fitness. In the Wildschönau, Roggenboden and Endfelden are also suitable for skating; the Schönanger Höhenloipe is classic only. The two styles need different equipment, as classic and skating skis are not the same. Choose classic for your first days and try skating only once gliding feels natural, preferably with a lesson.
Starting out: your first days
Start on a short, flat loop such as Endfelden (about 3 km, easy), where a separate practice trail of about 2 km is also listed. Practise gliding, poling and braking with the snowplough first. If you fall, you fall softly and sideways; get up by turning your skis alongside you. Keep the first day short, perhaps an hour and a half to two hours, because different muscles are used than in downhill skiing. A lesson from a local instructor saves a lot of frustration. Then move on to Oberau–Niederau or Roggenboden, but allow for some rising stretches.
Equipment, hire and clothing
You need cross-country skis, boots that fit the binding system and poles. These can usually be hired in the valley, as can lessons; availability and times vary from winter to winter, so ask beforehand. Make sure hire skis match your chosen style and the boots fit well. Dress in layers with a breathable base layer, thin gloves, a hat or headband and a light windproof jacket; cross-country skiing warms you up quickly. Sunglasses and sun cream are no luxury on open stretches in the snow. Bring water or tea and a small snack.
Other cross-country areas nearby
If you want some variety, there are options nearby. In the Brixental, the Brixentaler Langlaufloipe links Westendorf, Brixen im Thale and Kirchberg over about 17.9 km, described as easy and groomed for classic and skating. Near Reith bei Kitzbühel lies the Schwarzsee trail, listed at about 19.7 km. In the Alpbachtal, Reith im Alpbachtal has an easy village trail of about 3.4 km for both styles, and in the Kufsteinerland short, easy trails are described near Thiersee, such as the See-Loipe of about 3.6 km. Allow roughly 30 to 60 minutes by car and check the current status beforehand.
Cross-country skiing with children
Cross-country skiing is a calm way to introduce children to snow sports, since you need neither lift nor slope. Choose a short, flat trail and turn it into a game with bends, short stretches and breaks with hot chocolate. Children often get the hang of gliding faster than adults, but also get cold and tired sooner. Pack dry gloves and spare socks. Ask the hire shop or lesson provider about children's skis and age limits for lessons; these vary. Do not let young children stand in the track, and make sure other skiers can pass.
Combining with winter walking and snowshoeing
The valley also has groomed winter walking paths, so a family can easily combine: one half on the trail, the other alongside on foot. Keep walkers and skiers apart and do not walk in the track. Dogs belong on the winter walking paths, not on the trails. Snowshoes are a next option; for tours off marked routes and on steeper slopes, the Tirol avalanche bulletin (lawine.tirol.gv.at) is essential reading. This guide does not replace it and is not a route description to follow blindly. For a full overview of the walking paths, see the guide on cross-country skiing and winter walking.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place for beginners to cross-country ski near Niederau?
Endfelden near Oberau is easy at about 3 km and suitable for beginners; a practice trail is also listed. Ask about current conditions beforehand.
Is there a trail in Thierbach?
We could not confirm a separate trail for Thierbach; most trails are near Oberau, Niederau and Auffach. Thierbach is mainly known for walking and snowshoe routes.
Can I hire cross-country skis in the valley?
Usually yes, as can lessons, but availability and times vary from winter to winter. Ask the tourist office or your accommodation beforehand.
Are there other cross-country areas nearby?
Yes, including the Brixental (Westendorf–Brixen–Kirchberg), Reith im Alpbachtal and Thiersee. They are roughly 30 to 60 minutes by car; check the status beforehand.
Stay in Niederau Partner
Hotel Wastlhof, partner of Niederau.nl, is a family-run hotel with an indoor and an outdoor pool, wellness and its own riding stables, right in the village. For more places to stay and information you can also contact the Wildschönau tourist office. Personal recommendation, no payment involved.
To Hotel Wastlhof · Wildschönau tourist office · More about staying in Niederau