Cross-country skiing

Exercise, nature, and new energy: In the Schladming-Dachstein region of Styria, cross-country skiing combines physical activity with breathtaking scenic experiences and restorative relaxation. The heart of the nordic skiing offerings is the sunny Ramsau am Dachstein plateau - one of Europe’s leading cross-country skiing destinations for decades. The offerings are complemented by scenic valley and high-altitude trails throughout the region.

Ramsau am Dachstein: nordic expertise meets winter fun 

Open spaces, sunshine, and the striking Dachstein mountain define the cross-country skiing experience in Ramsau am Dachstein. When snow conditions are good, the extensive trail network offers more than 100 kilometers of classic-style trails and over 70 kilometers of skating trails at various difficulty levels. This means that beginners and recreational skiers will find suitable routes just as easily as ambitious cross-country skiers. 

But the focus is by no means limited to athletic performance. Cross-country skiing works nearly the entire body and combines endurance, strength, and coordination with exercise in the fresh air. Combined with the panoramic views of the Dachstein, the vastness of the high plateau, and numerous opportunities to stop for refreshments and recharge, this creates a winter experience that can provide new energy for everyday life. 

Four cross-country skiing schools and rental partners provide support for both beginners and those looking to improve their technique. Families and young cross-country skiers can also get active in a playful way: Kali’s Cross Park offers a variety of elements designed to improve motor skills, balance, and cross-country technique, appealing not only to children but to anyone who wants to enhance their skills in a fun and varied way.

Cross-country skiing at various altitudes

The high-altitude cross-country trail on the Rittisberg, at about 1,500 meters above sea level, offers a special experience. From the mountain station, the view stretches across the Ramsau plateau, toward the Dachstein, and into the mountain landscape of the Schladminger Tauern. 

The Dachstein glacier takes you even higher. At altitudes ranging from about 2,570 to 2,700 meters above sea level, ambitious recreational cross-country skiers will find high-alpine training conditions alongside an impressive natural backdrop for an extraordinary day of cross-country skiing. International teams and World Cup athletes also regularly use these trails for their training.

At the cross-country skiing stadium in Ramsau am Dachstein, you can experience the fascination of Nordic sports in combination with other activities. The guest biathlon brings together endurance and concentration. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, participants can learn breathing and shooting techniques and test their marksmanship with various biathlon activities. An illuminated night trail also allows for cross-country skiing laps long after darkness has fallen over the plateau. Set against the backdrop of the Dachstein, the stadium thus becomes a visible symbol of the region’s expertise in nordic sports.

International nordic expertise 

The fact that Ramsau am Dachstein is one of the established nordic destinations is also evident from the major winter events held there. The FIS Nordic World Cup attracts top international athletes. The Nordic Winter Opening kicks off the season with a boost for cross-country skiers, and the Dachstein Run in January brings ambitious athletes, recreational skiers, teams, and young skiers together on the trails. These events are not just about athletic competition. They showcase the region’s long-standing expertise in Nordic sports while also providing opportunities to discover the diversity of cross-country skiing for yourself.

Valley cross-country trails: Winter fun throughout the region 

In addition to Ramsau am Dachstein, there are other idyllic valley and high-altitude cross-country trails scattered throughout the Schladming-Dachstein area. Here, the focus is often less on the time and more on the experience of nature. 

The Untertal valley near Schladming is particularly charming. The classic Kristallloipe and two skating trails wind through a wintry landscape along the Untertalbach stream and have been awarded the styrian cross-country ski trail seal of quality. In Wörschachwald, the Spechtensee trail runs through the tranquil landscape surrounding the idyllic Moorsee lake. In the Donnersbach Valley, the trails in the Vorderwald and Hinterwald round out the offerings, while the high-altitude trail on the Planneralm combines cross-country skiing with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. 

Additional classic cross-country trails for leisure skiers and ski hikers can be found in the Sölktäler Nature Park. On the Stoderzinken, a high-altitude trail also awaits at around 1,700 meters above sea level. Depending on snow conditions, additional cross-country skiing options are available on the Mitterberg, in Gröbming, and in Haus im Ennstal.

This is how the Nordic diversity of Schladming-Dachstein reveals itself in many different ways: athletic and challenging, inspiring and enjoyable—and always closely connected to the region’s winter landscape.

More information: schladming-dachstein/cross-country-skiing