Bad Kleinkirchheim / Carinthia
In town: St. Kathrein Thermal Spa & Römerbad • 15 minutes from the most beautiful bathing lakes in Carinthia • incl. Sunshine Card • September & October including Carinthia Card with free cable car & more
In town: St. Kathrein Thermal Spa & Römerbad • 15 minutes from the most beautiful bathing lakes in Carinthia • incl. Sunshine Card • September & October including Carinthia Card with free cable car & more
Neuschwanstein
At the Alpspitzbahn in Nesselwang with summer tobogganing & Alpspitzkick • only 20 minutes to the royal castles • slopes, ski school, children's ski area & daily night skiing directly at the hotel
At the Alpspitzbahn in Nesselwang with summer tobogganing & Alpspitzkick • only 20 minutes to the royal castles • slopes, ski school, children's ski area & daily night skiing directly at the hotel
Stubai Valley / NEW: now open
Open since November 15, 2024 • Skiing at over 3,000 m • Austria's largest glacier • 4 ski areas • Alpine pastures and mountain lakes • Stubai High Trail • Schlick 2000 Bike Park
Open since November 15, 2024 • Skiing at over 3,000 m • Austria's largest glacier • 4 ski areas • Alpine pastures and mountain lakes • Stubai High Trail • Schlick 2000 Bike Park
Kitzbühel
At the Bikepark & Bergbahn St. Johann • only 20 minutes to Kitzbühel • Hiking and climbing at the Wilder Kaiser • SuperSki Card ski pass with 2,750 km of slopes
At the Bikepark & Bergbahn St. Johann • only 20 minutes to Kitzbühel • Hiking and climbing at the Wilder Kaiser • SuperSki Card ski pass with 2,750 km of slopes
Zillertal
1,300 km of bike tours • Top bike destination in the Alps • Hiking & climbing • 179 lifts / 508 km of slopes • Only 600 m to the Hochzillertal ski area • 10 min to the Zillertal Arena
1,300 km of bike tours • Top bike destination in the Alps • Hiking & climbing • 179 lifts / 508 km of slopes • Only 600 m to the Hochzillertal ski area • 10 min to the Zillertal Arena
Garmisch
Great location in the Kuhflucht nature and recreation park with views of the Zugspitze and Alpspitze • 5km to Garmisch-Partenkirchen • Eibsee • Partnachklamm • Near the hotel: heated outdoor pool, sports center
Great location in the Kuhflucht nature and recreation park with views of the Zugspitze and Alpspitze • 5km to Garmisch-Partenkirchen • Eibsee • Partnachklamm • Near the hotel: heated outdoor pool, sports center
Oberstdorf
Germany's southernmost holiday resort • perfect starting point for mountain hikes and bike tours • 200 km of hiking trails at all altitudes • Germany's largest and highest ski area
Germany's southernmost holiday resort • perfect starting point for mountain hikes and bike tours • 200 km of hiking trails at all altitudes • Germany's largest and highest ski area
Montafon
Piz Buin, Silvretta-Montafon with 300km of ski slopes • Silvretta High Alpine Road • directly at the Mountain Beach, 270km of bike trails
Piz Buin, Silvretta-Montafon with 300km of ski slopes • Silvretta High Alpine Road • directly at the Mountain Beach, 270km of bike trails
Hinterstoder
Ideal location at the valley station of the Hinterstoder cable car • Just a few steps from the village center • Active Card: 40 free and 20 bonus services daily
Ideal location at the valley station of the Hinterstoder cable car • Just a few steps from the village center • Active Card: 40 free and 20 bonus services daily
Berchtesgaden
A few minutes from the famous Königssee • Berchtesgaden National Park • Watzmann • Kehlsteinhaus • Berchtesgaden Salt Mine • Outdoor pool only 200 m away • NEW: Jenner cable car
A few minutes from the famous Königssee • Berchtesgaden National Park • Watzmann • Kehlsteinhaus • Berchtesgaden Salt Mine • Outdoor pool only 200 m away • NEW: Jenner cable car
Ötztal
AREA 47 • 1,600 km of hiking trails • 870 km of mountain bike routes • WIDIVERSUM • Ötzi Village • Umhausen Birds of Prey Park • Stuibenfall
AREA 47 • 1,600 km of hiking trails • 870 km of mountain bike routes • WIDIVERSUM • Ötzi Village • Umhausen Birds of Prey Park • Stuibenfall
So what exactly is backcountry skiing? Ski touring or cross-country skiing?
The Scandinavians’ favorite sport makes it to the Alps!
Backcountry skiing is the most traditional form of skiing and is very popular in Scandinavia. This sport is slowly making its way to the Alps as well. We'll explain exactly what backcountry skiing is and what type of skis you need here!
Back to the roots...
In fact, backcountry skiing was the traditional way of skiing. Until around 1960, people only skied in leather boots. It wasn't until the construction of ski resorts and the development of plastic ski boots that skiing evolved. This tradition has persisted for quite a long time, especially in the Scandinavian hinterland—and rightly so! The sport is spreading ever faster; backcountry skiing has been a trend in France and North America for some time now.
We understand where the confusion comes from! 🤯🤯🤯
Backcountry skiing in English-speaking countries = ski touring
Backcountry skiing in German-speaking countries = Nordic ski touring
Here we explain the differences
ski tour
On a ski tour, you'll explore untouched peaks thanks to special touring skis. But there are also various options here, such as piste tours, freeride tours, or even alpine tours. It all depends on whether the ascent, the first line, or speed are your priority!
In any case, it's uphill!
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a sport that's on the rise. A distinction must be made between the classic and skating styles. Both styles, however, take place on cross-country trails. A trail is a specially prepared circular course for cross-country skiing.
Backcountry skiing
Backcountry skiing is actually any form of skiing in unprepared terrain. We're adopting the German definition here, namely ski touring with cross-country skis. Here, you explore untouched nature in parallel cross-country skiing style. Sometimes you'll have short climbs, short descents, and then straight stretches again.
Facts ⛄️
The transition between ascent and descent is completely seamless. You don't have to put your skins on or off your skis, or adjust your bindings or skis.
Yes, we wondered how that would work, too.
But the skis have a permanent climbing aid in the form of scales, which prevents you from slipping when going uphill. In addition, your heel always remains free, meaning it isn't attached even when going downhill.
Want to try cross-country skiing for the first time? You're spoiled for choice!
Oberau cross-country ski trails
Particularly beautifully situated cross-country ski trails in the Berchtesgaden Alps for all levels of difficulty.
Cross-country ski trails at Taubensee near Ramsau
Beautifully situated cross-country ski trails for all styles at Taubensee.
Beginners' trail on Lake Turrach
This trail is perfect for beginners and anyone who wants to try cross-country skiing for the first time. For advanced skiers, the trail is perfect for a quick warm-up run.
Demanding cross-country ski trail in the Tannheimer Valley
The cross-country circuit is known for the Tannheimer Valley – Bad Hindelang Ski Trail. A cross-country marathon through the entire Tannheimer Valley and into the neighboring Allgäu region. It's truly a MUST for every cross-country skier!
Demanding: Trail to Spielmannsau near Oberstdorf
This moderately difficult to challenging trail near the Explorer Hotel Oberstdorf starts at the cross-country ski stadium in Oberstdorf and leads into the idyllic Trettach Valley. Burning thighs are guaranteed ;)
Dietlgut skating trail in Hinterstoder
Cross-country skiing enthusiasts shouldn't miss this skating trail through the Pyhrn-Priel region. It's an entertaining tour through the Austrian Dietlgut region with a stunning route and gentle climbs.
Great Trantrauas Round
The large Trantrauas loop is suitable for classic style. It is one of the longer trails around the hotel and quite challenging.
Hinterkaiser-Höflinger trail in St. Johann
Fancy a little challenge during your winter holiday in Kitzbühel? The Hinterkaiser-Höflinger trail in St. Johann runs at the foot of the impressive Kaiser Mountains. On approximately 16 kilometers of trails, you can work up a sweat and enjoy the
Hinterstoder valley trail near the Explorer Hotel Hinterstoder
This trail is a dream for all cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Due to the few inclines, the route is also ideal for beginners. On 25 kilometers of trails, you'll cross snowy forest landscapes, rivers, and meadows in your winter holiday.
Hochfügen high-altitude trail at the Explorer Hotel Zillertal
There's nothing like a long cross-country ski tour at altitude! Do you agree? Then head out to the Hochfügen high-altitude trail! But be careful not to lose sight of the trail! With the magnificent view, it's easy to get distracted.
Hutterer Böden high-altitude trail near the Explorer Hotel Hinterstoder
The picturesque mountain world around Hinterstoder in the Pyhrn-Priel region has a lot to offer in terms of cross-country skiing. The Hutterer Böden high-altitude trail is a scenic highlight during your sporty winter holiday in Hinterstoder in Upper Austria.
Kaltenbach-Hochzillertal high-altitude trail
A cross-country ski tour with a great view sounds promising, doesn't it? :) We have the Kaltenbach-Hochzillertal high-altitude trail for you! Because, as the name suggests, you can really work up a sweat here at a panoramic high altitude.
Scharitzkehl high-altitude trail on the Obersalzberg
The cross-country skiing conditions on the Scharitzkehl trail near Berchtesgaden are very good throughout the winter.
Horchlachtal trail at the Explorer Hotel Ötztal
Boredom is guaranteed to be out of the question on today's cross-country ski tour: gentle descents and steep climbs alternate. And the landscape is also varied, as the tour offers you fantastic views of the Ötztal mountains.
Cross-country skiing in the Rohrmoostal near Oberstdorf in the Allgäu
On this challenging circuit in the Rohrmoostal Valley, you'll experience pure winter idyll. The trails are groomed well into spring.
Cross-country skiing: Kappeler Runde in Nesselwang
This cross-country ski run is super easy and perfect for anyone who wants to try this sport for the first time in winter. If you don't have cross-country skis with you, you can rent them right next to your Explorer Hotel at the Alpspitzbahn cable car.
Cross-country skiing at Königssee
Whether you're into classic or skating, you'll find trails for both styles around Lake Königssee. And the best part: the first trail entrance is right across from the hotel.
Cross-country ski run to Reichenbach
This scenic cross-country ski trail starts on the outskirts of Nesselwang, doesn't take much time, and is suitable for both advanced and beginners.
Grüntensee cross-country ski run
Lake Grüntensee is worth a visit not only in summer. In winter, it's home to a great trail for your next cross-country skiing session. What awaits you? Stunning scenery, a little soreness the next day, and a tasty snack in between:
Ried cross-country ski trail in Fügen-Kaltenbach
The Zillertal certainly has plenty to offer in terms of cross-country skiing. On the Ried trail near the Explorer Hotel Zillertal, even less experienced skiers will quickly get a taste for classic cross-country and skating skiing.
Cross-country ski trails in Öberschönau
Schönau's extensive cross-country ski trail network offers four trails totaling approximately 13 kilometers. Whether you're skiing classic or skating, you'll find beautiful trails for easy to intermediate speeds.
Mountain Beach Round
You can start this classic route, which circles the area of the Mountain Beach natural outdoor pool, right at the Explorer Hotel.
Night trail near the Explorer Hotel Oberstdorf
After dark, you can enjoy your cross-country skiing laps under floodlights in the cross-country ski stadium in Oberstdorf or take part in one of the cross-country skiing or biathlon courses.
Polsterlucke skating trail near the Explorer Hotel Hinterstoder
It's no wonder that cross-country and skating enthusiasts' hearts beat faster in the Pyhrn-Priel region of Upper Austria: perfectly groomed trails have long been a given here. And dreamy winter landscapes are on top of that! Ideal conditions
Rettenbach trail at the Explorer Hotel Kitzbühel
The Rettenbach trail is the ideal cross-country ski tour to warm up during your winter holiday in St. Johann in Tirol. Even beginners will appreciate the route, as it runs primarily over flat terrain.
Roman trail in Bad Kleinkirchheim
This intermediate cross-country ski trail offers you ideal conditions to work out! Also known as the Roman Trail, this cross-country ski trail takes you 3.3 kilometers through the beautiful winter landscape in Bad Kleinkirchheim.
Silvretta high-altitude trail
On the large Silvretta high-altitude trail, you'll be skiing at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The trail is suitable for both classic and skating style skiing and, thanks to its location, is absolutely snow-sure.
Sun trail at the Explorer Hotel Kitzbühel in St. Johann
Sure, the slopes around St. Johann are bearable. But cross-country skiing is also a top priority in the Kitzbühel Alps! On the sunny cross-country trail, you can let off steam while admiring the beautiful, snowy winter landscape.
Tauferberg trail at the Explorer Hotel Ötztal
With a snow-sure altitude of 1550 meters, Niederthai offers ideal conditions for powering up your cross-country ski runs. The Tauferbergloipe trail takes you on 2.2 kilometers of trails through the beautiful Ötztal winter landscape.
Tauferpuit Round in Umhausen
2.5 kilometers of trails lead you through the beautiful Ötztal Alpine landscape. With gentle climbs and descents, the Tauferpuit trail is ideal for beginners and short-distance skiers.
Zirbenwald trail - Turracher Höhe
This challenging trail takes you through a beautiful pine forest landscape and is perfect for classic cross-country skiing.
Cross-country skiing in Farchant - Loisach trail
On this scenic cross-country ski trail through the Zugspitze region, you will discover the full diversity of winter in the Werdenfelser Land!
Farchant East cross-country ski trail
The Farchant Ost trail starts directly at the Explorer Hotel Garmisch and is ideal for beginners who want to enjoy the view of the Zugspitze.
Night trail Grainau
If you still feel like going cross-country skiing in the evening, we recommend the illuminated night trail in Grainau.
Cross-country skiing between Kaltenbrunn and Klais
The snow-sure trail in Kaltenbrunn near Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers you, as an experienced cross-country skier, challenging routes with climbs and great descents.