Niederau – 828 m
The village, and where the figures above apply. In December and March it can rain here while it snows higher up.
Weather in Niederau: climate, temperatures and snow month by month
Monthly climate, winter snowfall, and the gap between the valley and the mountain stations
Niederau lies at 828 metres in the Wildschönau valley: high enough for real winters, low enough to stay pleasant in summer. The weather in the village only tells half the story. On the Markbachjoch (about 1,500 m) and the Schatzberg (about 1,900 m) it is considerably colder, and in spring and autumn the snow line often sits exactly between the village and the top station.
This page gives the multi-year monthly averages, the ski area's snow statistics and the lift dates for the 2026/27 season. For today's and tomorrow's forecast, use the official sources listed at the bottom.
Climate month by month
The table below gives average daily values for the Wildschönau. These are multi-year averages, not a forecast: any given January can turn out 6 °C milder or colder.
| Month | Max °C | Min °C | Sun (h/day) | Precip. (l/m²) | Days with precip. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | +0 | -10 | 3 | 164 | 17 |
| February | +2 | -8 | 4 | 125 | 14 |
| March | +5 | -5 | 5 | 135 | 16 |
| April | +9 | -2 | 6 | 141 | 15 |
| May | +13 | +2 | 5 | 267 | 23 |
| June | +18 | +7 | 7 | 257 | 21 |
| July | +20 | +9 | 7 | 211 | 21 |
| August | +20 | +9 | 7 | 234 | 18 |
| September | +15 | +5 | 6 | 190 | 16 |
| October | +11 | +1 | 5 | 175 | 15 |
| November | +6 | -4 | 4 | 109 | 12 |
| December | +2 | -8 | 3 | 135 | 14 |
Source: the Wildschönau climate table from wetter.com, based on measurements at nearby climate stations over 2015–2020. The station altitude is not stated there, so treat the figures as indicative of the valley rather than as a measurement in Niederau itself.
One thing stands out: the summer is wet. May and June are the wettest months of the year at 267 and 257 litres per square metre, and May sees precipitation on 23 days on average. That is typical for a north-facing Alpine valley, where humid air is forced up against the mountains and comes back down as an afternoon shower. November is the driest month, at 109 litres per square metre.
Valley or mountain: altitude decides everything
Lanerköpfl – top station 1,560 m
The local hill right above the village. Expect roughly 4 to 7 °C colder than in the village.
Markbachjoch – about 1,500 m
Niederau's own ski area. Expect 4 to 7 °C colder than the village, and more wind.
Schatzberg – about 1,900 m
The highest part of the Wildschönau, reached from Auffach. Snow lasts longest here: 6 to 11 °C colder than the valley.
The rule of thumb is 0.6 °C per 100 metres in humid air and up to 1 °C per 100 metres in dry air. During an inversion it works the other way round: the valley is colder and greyer while the mountain sits in the sun. That happens regularly in the Wildschönau in January and February.
Snow: how much, and when
| Month | Fresh snow per week | Snow days per week |
|---|---|---|
| December | 15 cm | 2,6 |
| January | 21 cm | 3,0 |
| February | 15 cm | 2,8 |
| March | 13 cm | 2,6 |
| April | 9 cm | 1,6 |
Source: Snow-Forecast's multi-year snow statistics for Niederau. That page itself cites different measurement periods (11 and 18 years), so use the figures as an order of magnitude.
- The snowiest week of the year is statistically the second week of January, averaging about 25 cm of fresh snow.
- February usually has the deepest base, as December and January snowfall has accumulated.
- The valley is lower than the ski area: a green Niederau below white slopes is normal in December and March.
- Part of the ski area has snowmaking, so the lift dates are not tied to natural snowfall.
Season 2026/27: when do the lifts run?
Schatzbergbahn, Auffach
4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027. Daily from 8.30 a.m., last ascent 4.00 p.m., last descent 4.30 p.m.
Markbachjochbahn and Lanerköpflbahn, Niederau
18 December 2026 to 29 March 2027. Daily from 8.30 a.m., last ascent 4.30 p.m.
Oberau training lifts and Riedmann lifts, Roggenboden
18 December 2026 to mid-March 2027. Roggenboden opens at 8.00 a.m., last ascent 4.00 p.m.
Alpbachtal–Wildschönau connection
Mid-December 2026 to 4 April 2027. This is the link between the two halves of Ski Juwel.
Source: Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau operating times, 2026/27 season. The operator reserves the right to change these; check shortly before you travel.
What to pack
December to March
Layers, because the valley and the top station can differ by ten degrees. Gloves, a hat and a neck warmer for the chairlift; sunscreen and goggles even under cloud, since UV at 1,500 metres is far stronger than at home. Shoes with grip for the village, where the streets are often snow-covered.
April and May
Winter up top, spring down below. A waterproof shell plus a thin fleece beats one thick jacket. Hiking boots with a firm sole: higher paths can still hold old snow and mud.
June to September
Warm days up to 20 °C in the valley and cool nights. Always bring a rain jacket: more than half of summer days see some precipitation, usually an afternoon shower. Above the tree line it can turn cold quickly.
October and November
The quietest and relatively driest period, with clear days and frost at night. Many mountain lifts stand still and some huts are closed. Warm layers, and head back early: it gets dark fast.
Live weather, snow depth and avalanche risk
This page gives averages, not live data. For the current situation, use the official sources:
- Webcams in Niederau and nearby – see what is lying right now
- Tyrol forecast, GeoSphere Austria – the official Austrian weather service
- Snow depths and lift status, Bergfex – updated daily
- Tyrol avalanche report – essential for ski touring and snowshoeing off-piste
- Wildschönau Tourismus – opening times and events
In case of avalanche danger or severe weather, the information from the lift operator, mountain rescue and the avalanche report always takes precedence over this site. European emergency number: 112. Austrian mountain rescue: 140.
Frequently asked questions
How much snow falls in Niederau?
On the slopes above Niederau, Snow-Forecast's multi-year statistics show an average of about 15 cm of fresh snow per week in December, 21 cm in January, 15 cm in February, 13 cm in March and 9 cm in April. The village itself sits at 828 m and gets noticeably less snow than the Markbachjoch or the Schatzberg.
When is the snow deepest?
Statistically the second week of January is the snowiest week of the year, averaging around 25 cm of fresh snow. February usually carries the deepest base, because the December and January snowfall has built up by then.
How cold is it on the Markbachjoch and the Schatzberg?
Expect a drop of roughly 0.6 to 1 °C per 100 metres of altitude. At 0 °C in the village it is therefore some 4 to 7 °C colder on the Markbachjoch (about 1,500 m) and 6 to 11 °C colder on the Schatzberg (about 1,900 m). Wind chill makes it feel colder still.
When does the ski area open in the 2026/27 season?
According to Ski Juwel's operating times, the Schatzbergbahn in Auffach runs from 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027. The Markbachjochbahn and Lanerköpflbahn in Niederau run from 18 December 2026 to 29 March 2027. Dates can change, so check with Ski Juwel before you travel.
Does it rain a lot in summer in the Wildschönau?
Yes, summer is the wettest part of the year. May and June are the wettest months at roughly 267 and 257 litres per square metre, spread over some 21 to 23 days with precipitation. It usually comes as afternoon showers and thunderstorms rather than days of steady rain.
Can you still ski in Niederau in spring?
In March and the first days of April, yes, but mainly on the higher slopes. The valley loses its snow well before the Schatzberg does. The Niederau lifts close on 29 March 2027, while Auffach stays open until 4 April 2027.
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