Cross-country skiing in Styria
From biathlon to the world's longest glacier trail
Snow-covered landscapes, crystal-clear mountain air, and stunning scenic views: Cross-country skiing invites you to get in touch with nature, your body and yourself. Enjoy the silence and take a deep breath, leave all stress and everyday worries behind, and experience more vitality ... In Styria, the best cross-country skiing regions and cross-country skiing hotels receive the Cross-Country Ski Trail Seal of Quality. So you're guaranteed to experience an unforgettable cross-country skiing holiday in Austria!
By the way: Today, we know how healthy winter sports actually are. Cross-country skiing ...
- makes you use 600 muscles at the same time and thus exercises all major muscle groups.
- strengthens the upper body, torso and legs in particular.
- is one of the healthiest ways to stimulate blood flow and strengthen the heart.
- is easy on the joints.
- improves coordination.
- allows you to burn between 500 and 700 calories in one hour while exercising in fresh winter air.
Ramsau am Dachstein, Bad Mitterndorf and the >Jogllandloipe are absolutely the top cross-country skiing regions. Especially with the Nordic Centre Ramsau am Dachstein Styria shows high competence.
Cross-country skiing is hip and trendy, and it makes you healthy, smart and sexy.
The longest glacier cross-country ski trail in the world
15 kilometres of unobstructed views of the Dachstein mountain range – that's what the Dachstein Panorama Trail boasts. It's also the longest glacier trail in the world and, year after year, the stars of the Nordic World Ski Championships train there. Thanks to the pleasant route, however, amateur cross-country skiers also enjoy the breathtaking trail located at 2,700 metres above sea level.
Cross-country skiing at night
Would you like to go cross-country skiing on floodlit trails? In the following regions, cross-country skiers can turn night into day:
- Nachtloipe in Ramsau am Dachstein (4 km)
- Jogllandloipe in St. Jakob im Walde / East Styria (4 km)
- Weirerteichloipe in the Murau region (4 km)
- Krumpenloipe near Trofaiach (2.5 km)
Learn how to cross-country ski
If you can walk, you can cross-country ski. However, the prerequisite for a smooth experience is the right technique – and that's exactly what is being taught during special cross-country skiing lessons. Knowing how to protect muscles and joints allows you to fully enjoy your time on the trails and to unwind as you glide across the snow.
Learning to cross-country ski made easy: A number of Styrian cross-country ski schools offer four-hour taster lessons or, in cooperation with cross-country ski hotels, "learn how to cross-country ski in 6 hours" courses.
Biathlon
Biathlon is all about accuracy and focus. It's about the contrast between movement and calmness, which is particularly pronounced in this sport. The biathlon courses offered in select cross-country skiing regions in Styria are perfect for getting a taste of the challenging combination of cross-country skiing and shooting. Individual course offers can be booked in Ramsau am Dachstein, St. Jakob im Walde, Trofaiach and at the Weirerteich cross-country centre in the Murau region.
Cross-country skiing for women
Cross-country skiing is like a fountain of youth and has thus become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among women who are mindful of their wellbeing, who want to recharge their batteries and who enjoy being outdoors in winter. During the Lady-Days on the Joglland cross-country ski trail, for example, women learn cross-country skiing from a professional cross-country skiing instructor in an all-female setting.
As a reward for their sporty efforts, relaxing massages, spas or wellness treatments are waiting for them in Styria.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about cross country skiing in Austria
Many questions arise when planning a cross-country skiing holiday or a day on the trails. Here you will find the most important answers about cross-country skiing in Steiermark.
Why go cross-country skiing in Steiermark?
Cross-country skiing in Steiermark stands for a unique combination of diverse landscapes and certified trail quality. A total of 17 Styrian cross-country regions have been awarded the cross-country trail quality seal by the Austrian Ski Federation, guaranteeing perfectly groomed trails for both classic and skating styles.
From alpine regions such as Schladming-Dachstein to the gentler landscapes of Oststeiermark, cross-country skiers can expect a comprehensive, high-quality offering for a cross-country skiing holiday in Steiermark. An international flagship is the Dachstein Glacier Trail: at around 15 kilometres in length and situated at up to 2,700 metres above sea level, it is considered the longest glacier trail in the world and offers reliable snow conditions as early as autumn.
This makes Steiermark one of the most diverse destinations for a cross-country skiing holiday in Austria.
The cross-country trail quality seal ensures that cross-country skiers in Steiermark experience a consistently high standard of quality – regardless of region or altitude. To receive the quality seal, the following criteria must be met, among others:
- At least one classic track and one skating track
- A minimum total trail length of 5 km and a minimum width of 4 to 6 metres
- Clear signage with kilometre markers, direction of travel and grading (including classification into easy / intermediate / difficult)
- Protection of descents and hazardous sections through warning signs and padded safety areas
- Continuous or immediate grooming of the trails in the event of changing weather conditions. Grooming machines must be equipped with a tiller to ensure high-quality preparation
- Snow reliability for at least 60 days per season or the availability of artificial snowmaking
In addition, one or more starting points or access points must provide the following facilities:
- A panoramic information board showing the entire trail network (open and closed trails), difficulty levels, trail or altitude profiles and temperature display
- Information about ski hire along the trail or in the village
- Parking facilities for convenient access to the trail network
Who is cross-country skiing suitable for?
Cross-country skiing in Steiermark is suitable for all ability levels and interests. Beginners benefit from well-developed practice trails and professional cross-country ski schools that provide an easy introduction to technique and equipment. Leisure skiers will find peaceful, nature-based trails away from the crowds, while more ambitious athletes can train in challenging cross-country regions.
Biathlon enthusiasts can also enjoy dedicated facilities in several areas. Families, as well as those seeking wellness and relaxation, appreciate the combination of exercise, winter landscapes and specialised cross-country hotels in Steiermark.
No prior experience is required for cross-country skiing. It is considered one of the most beginner-friendly winter sports and is ideal for newcomers of all ages.
Many cross-country regions in Steiermark offer flat practice trails, clearly laid-out routes and professional ski schools that make getting started easy. After just a short introduction, the basic techniques of the classic style can be learned quickly. One of the key advantages is that pace and intensity can be adjusted individually.
Equipment, rental & lessons
Equipment hire and professional advice are available directly on site in most cross-country regions.
- Cross-country skis with bindings: the length depends on height and weight. Skating skis are roughly the same height as the skier, while classic skis are around 20 cm longer.
- Cross-country boots: skating boots have a higher cuff and provide more stability, while classic boots have a lower cuff and a softer sole.
- Cross-country poles: skating poles reach up to the chin or nose, while classic poles should be no higher than shoulder height.
Clothing should be breathable and water-resistant, while allowing sufficient freedom of movement. Ideally, wear several layers that can be removed or added depending on how warm you feel.
At most quality-certified cross-country trails in Steiermark, equipment hire stations are available for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. These rental services cater to beginners as well as more advanced skiers.
Many cross-country ski schools offer taster sessions, group lessons and private tuition. This is particularly ideal for beginners, as it allows them to learn proper technique, equipment handling and movement patterns right from the start. Up-to-date information is available directly from the respective cross-country regions.
Planning & the best time to visit
Depending on the region, the main season runs from December to March. High-altitude trails – for example in Ramsau am Dachstein – usually start earlier (late October) and remain open longer (until April).
More ambitious athletes head even earlier to the glacier trail on the Dachstein. This is where recreational skiers meet the stars of the Nordic World Cup, as numerous national teams hold their autumn training camps in Ramsau am Dachstein.
This makes Steiermark one of the most snow-reliable cross-country skiing regions in Austria.
There are numerous tailored offers available for a cross-country skiing holiday in Steiermark – ideal for beginners, leisure seekers and ambitious athletes alike. Many regions and hotels provide special cross-country packages combining accommodation with trail passes, lessons or technique training.
In particular, the cross-country hotels in Steiermark specialise in the needs of cross-country skiers and often complement their offers with wellness or culinary services.
Yes, cross-country skiing events and Nordic competitions regularly take place in Steiermark – both for ambitious athletes and recreational skiers. A highlight is the annual FIS Nordic Combined World Cup held in December in Ramsau am Dachstein.
The Steiralauf in Bad Mitterndorf, the Joglland People’s Cross-Country Race on the Joglland trail and the Dachsteinlauf are also very popular events for amateur skiers. These events combine sporting challenge with an alpine winter experience and are a special attraction for visitors.
