The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau ski area: what you need to know

How the area fits together

The area revolves around two mountains: the Schatzberg (about 1,900 metres) on the Wildschönau side and the Wiedersberger Horn (about 2,100 metres) in the Alpbachtal. In the Wildschönau the main sub-areas are the Schatzberg near Auffach and the Markbachjoch near Niederau, with the Lanerköpfl offering red and black runs alongside. Since winter 2012/13 a gondola from Inneralpbach up to the Schatzberg has linked the two valleys. From Niederau you start with the gondola to the Markbachjoch; if you want to go further you can continue towards Auffach and the Alpbachtal.

Niederau, Markbachjoch and Lanerköpfl

From Niederau the Markbachjochbahn takes you to about 1,500 metres. Up top there are blue and red runs, mountain restaurants and the link to the rest of the area. The Lanerköpfl offers somewhat tougher red and black descents for those who want more of a challenge after a few days. The advantage of Niederau is the short distance between accommodation and gondola: you are on the slopes quickly in the morning and back easily in the afternoon. Beginners are welcome, but the dedicated children's areas lie partly in other villages.

Auffach, Alpbach and Reith

Auffach is the gateway to the Schatzberg, with the Schatzbergbahn and the children's area Zwergenland at the mid-station. On the Alpbachtal side lies Alpbach with the Wiedersberger Horn and a large snow park; at Reith im Alpbachtal you will find the Reitherkogelbahn and the children's area Juppi-Do. The villages differ in character: Alpbach is known for its timber Tyrolean architecture, while Reith is smaller and quieter. Thanks to the links you can combine several areas in one day, but allow for the journey back and check the times of the last lifts.

Beginners and families

The area carries a seal of approval for family-friendliness. According to the area's information roughly a quarter of the pistes are blue and nearly half are red. For children there are the Zwergenland in Auffach and Juppi-Do in Reith, with features such as conveyor-belt lifts and practice courses. Around ten ski schools with roughly 150 instructors operate here; group lessons for the very youngest often start from about three to four years old. At the Wiedersberger Horn there is also childcare for toddlers. Ages and times differ by provider, so ask in advance.

Ski huts and toboggan runs

According to the area's information there are some 25 huts and mountain restaurants along the pistes, from simple terrace huts to larger restaurants with children's meals. Plan lunch around or just before noon, when it is quieter. Anyone wanting a day without skis can go tobogganing: the natural runs at the Markbachjoch (over 6 kilometres), the Schatzberg (over 5 kilometres) and the Reither Kogel (over 7 kilometres) carry the Tyrolean quality seal for toboggan runs. Opening times and run conditions vary, so check on site.

Snow parks and variety

There are three places for freestylers. The Snowpark Alpbachtal is large, with a half-pipe of about 150 metres, kickers and lines that also suit beginners. The Snowpark Schatzberg near Auffach is more compact, with jumps, boxes and rails, plus a fun slope of over 300 metres. At the Wiedersberger Horn there is also a training area with a fun slope and Kids Run. On the Schatzberg you will also find the Wave Run, an undulating piste of about 300 metres. Check beforehand which features are open.

Ski bus and ski pass

A ski bus runs regularly, according to the region more than twenty times a day, between Niederau, Oberau, Roggenboden, Auffach and Thierbach. It stops at the valley stations of the Markbachjochbahn in Niederau, the Schatzbergbahn in Auffach and the lift in Oberau. For the lifts you need a Ski Juwel ski pass, available in several forms from day passes to multi-day; prices and conditions differ per season, so check with the lift company or ask your accommodation. A guest card is often available in the Wildschönau that includes discounts or free bus travel; ask about it.

Crowds and school holidays

Compared with many large Alpine areas the area is known as relatively quiet, but over Christmas, around carnival and in other school holidays it gets busier, especially at the valley stations and popular huts. Arrive early then, book ski lessons, rental and huts in advance, and schedule breaks outside the midday peak. Outside the holidays, such as in January or March, it is usually more pleasant. Snow reliability is generally best in high season; check current snow and lift information before you leave.

Frequently asked questions