Cross-country skiing
Things are running like clockwork
Whether it's classic style or skating, Nordic skiing on well-groomed tracks is easy. Getting started with this fascinating sport is as well fairly easy in Ötztal: All cross-country ski runs and public transport lines are available free of charge. The right equipment can be rented from the sports shops and there is a wide range of technique courses.
The Ötztal, which has been awarded the Tyrolean cross-country skiing seal of approval, is one of the “Tyrolean cross-country skiing specialists” and thus meets all standards for an all-round perfect cross-country skiing vacation.
Bus & Parking
The public transport lines in Ötztal take cross-country skiers quickly and effortlessly to the starting point of many cross-country ski trails - for free. No need to search the right place or activate your navigation system: just get on the shuttle bus, then get off and start your cross-country skiing day! If you prefer to go there by car, there are plenty of parking areas available.
The best start into cross-country skiing adventures
On presentation of a valid Guest Card issued by Ötztal Tourismus, a skipass or winter sports equipment you can use all public bus lines within the entire valley. A comfy service that makes your stay even more enjoyable and stress-free. Don't hesitate to ask our bus drivers if you have questions about the route or need help with your skis. Of course, you can use also your own car.
Parking areas
- Ochsengarten: Ochsengartener loop trail (opposite Gasthof Waldesruh, right in the center of Ochsengarten)
- Umhausen-Niederthai: Car park Sennhof (next to the information office Niederthai), Nordic Sports Arena Niederthai
- Längenfeld: Sports field Längenfeld, Car park Oberried, Car park Winklen/Au
- Huben: Fun Park and village entrance north and south
- Gries: Ample parking at the edge of Gries
- Sölden: Postplatz and Freizeit Arena Sölden
- Zwieselstein: Area next to Gasthof Brückenwirt, Zwieselstein sports field
- Obergurgl / Hochgurgl: Pill/Angern (base station of Hochgurgl mountain gondola)
- Obergurgl: Entrance tot the village at Festkoglbahn (free) and in the village center (for a fee)
- Hochgurgl: in the village of Hochgurgl
- Vent: Base station of the chairlift
Changing facilities & Toilet
The cross-country tour is quite challenging as the full-body training also strains experienced athletes. Luckily there is a possibility to change clothes after your "work is done". Several routes feature hotels, inns and ski schools where you will find changing rooms at your disposal.
- Gasthof Burkert
Ochsengarten 34
6433 Oetz
T: +43 5252 6947
- Nordic Sports Arena Niederthai
6441 Niederthai
T: +43 57200 400
- Hotel Sunny
Rechenaustraße 41
6450 Sölden
T: +43 5254 2491 - Hotel Castello Falkner
Oberwindaustraße 19
6450 Sölden
T: +43 5254 2600
- Gasthof Brückenwirt
Gurglerstraße 18
6450 Sölden
T: +43 5254 2769
- Angern im Hotel Jagdhof
Registration required
T: +43 5256 6431
- Schischule Vent
6458 Vent
T: +43 5254 8123
Frequently asked questions
In general, cross-country skiing is possible wherever there is enough snow and where you also find groomed cross-country ski trails. Cross-country skiing fans and those who want to improve their skills will find all they need in Ötztal. Thanks to its high altitude, Tirol's longest side valley offers ideal trail conditions from early winter through late spring – no matter if you prefer skating or classic style tracks. Our up-to-date trail status informs you which Nordic trails are currently open. A complete overview of the entire range of cross-country ski trails in the valley also refers to the current status of the respective trails. Great advantage: all Nordic trails are accessible free of charge!
Suitable outfit and clothing for cross-country skiing basically depends on two factors:
- Intensity: Would you like to enjoy a leisurely round in classic style or do you want to go to your limits in skating style?
- Outdoor temperature: Do you enjoy your loop early in the morning in deep winter or in blazing sunshine on a warm spring day?
In general, cross-country skiing is a very intense endurance sport. Therefore, you should wear breathable clothing despite the low temperatures and stick to the so-called "onion principle": wearing several thin layers on top of each other. Depending on the intensity or outdoor temperature, the right cross-country skiing outfit from head to toe could look like this:
- Headband, neck gaiter or thin cap
- Functional underwear & thin cross-country ski jacket that protects against wind; optional vest or Lycra jersey as an intermediate layer for colder temperatures
- Tights (skin-tight pants) or softshell cross-country ski pants
- Thin gloves; thicker gloves or mittens if temperatures are very low
- Thin socks that reach down to the calf (classic knee-length ski socks are usually too warm)
The expert sports shops within Ötztal not only offer a huge selection of cross-country ski equipment, they are also happy to advise you on choosing the right outfit.
For example in Ötztal, Tirol. The province's longest side valley boasts a varied range of classic and skating trails covering approx. 65 km. Be it floodlit night trails in Niederthai or Längenfeld, high-altitude trails in Sulztal and Gurgl or even a biathlon facility for everyone, Ötztal simply has it all. And what's best: all cross-country ski trails are accessible free of charge. HERE you can find out everything about cross-country skiing in Ötztal.
The first and most important question that beginners have is what style thy choose. And there is absolutely no wrong answer, because it is more a question of faith if you prefer classic style cross country skiing or rather skating style.
In the classic style, the cross-country skis are in a fixed track and moved forward by diagonal arm or foot movements - the permanent use of cross-country ski poles is important. In contrast to the skating style, the classic style requires a bit less sense of balance - the reason why many beginners are more likely to start with the classic style.
The skating style is a little faster than the classic style. The skis do not move in a fixed track, but are guided on a smooth and groomed snow surface. The sequence of skating movements is carried out sidewards - you push yourself sideways with your skis in order to glide forward. The use of cross-country ski poles also plays an important role when using this technique. A certain sense of balance and coordination skills are absolutely necessary because you stand only on one leg at all times.
Getting started with cross-country skiing is child's play if you enlist a certified cross-country ski guide in Ötztal. Not only beginners can benefit from the know-how of a professional, courses for advanced learners continue to refine the correct sequence of movements. By the way: all cross-country ski trails within Ötztal are accessible for free.
Thanks to the high altitude and the varied choice of cross-country ski trails in Ötztal, Tirol's longest side valley boasts ideal cross-country skiing conditions from early winter to late spring. Our up-to-date trail status informs you which Nordic trails are currently open. A complete overview of the entire range of cross-country ski trails in the valley also refers to the current status of the respective trails. Great advantage: all Nordic trails within the valley are accessible free of charge!