Cross-Country Skiing Kaiserwinkl

A cross-country skiing paradise in northern Tyrol

The Kaiserwinkl region is one of the top cross-country ski centres in all of Tyrol. The diverse trail network here encompasses more than 250 kilometres and carries the Tyrolean seal of excellence. As a result, Nordic skiers can look forward to an outstanding standard of grooming, orientation and signposting. In addition, Kaiserwinkl is a member of the cross-country specialist resorts association and therefore represents an ideal destination for cross-country skiers of all skill levels.

Varied trail network

Against the picturesque backdrop of the Tyrolean Alps, skiers can explore some 20 different trails here. Whether skate skiing or classical, everyone is sure to find the right trail for them in the region surrounding the towns of Kössen, Walchsee, Schwendt and Rettenschöss. The longest and most demanding trail is the 23 km Kaiserwinklloipe. There is also a 3 kilometre route served by snowmaking to complement the numerous trails which rely on natural snow. Night owls can also head for the 1.5 km floodlit trail at the sports centre in Kössen after darkness falls. This route is floodlit on Tuesday and Thursday from 6 pm to 9 pm.

Wide-ranging Nordic offering

In the Nordic Center Kössen and Oberberg cross-country ski centre, there are information boards with details on trail rules, length, degree of difficulty and the condition of the trails. Skiers can also use the WCs, changing and showering facilities next door. If you’re looking to learn cross-country skiing or get some tips and tricks about improving your technique, there are no less than five cross-country schools to choose from here. You can also hire all the equipment you need in the local sports stores. The service range is rounded out by various cross-country events held locally throughout the season.

Cross-border trails

If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s even possible to cross the border into Germany and ski to the neighbouring region of Chiemgau from Kaiserwinkl. There are several hundred kilometres of runs to explore across the border in Reit im Winkl, Ruhpolding and Inzell. These three towns are interconnected by the roughly 35 km Chiemgau-Marathon-Loipe.

Kaiserwinklloipe

The trail highlights in Kaiserwinkl include the 23.1 km Kaiserwinklloipe. This demanding trail connects the towns of Kössen, Walschsee and Schwendt, providing plenty in the way of sporting challenge, with no less than 582 vertical metres to be circumnavigated here. The trail tops out at 710 metres above sea level. Luckily, skiers are rewarded for their efforts with outstanding views over the picturesque surrounding landscape.

Overview of the trails in Kaiserwinkl

• Kaiserwinklloipe (23.1 km, hard)
• Loipe Walchsee (2.1 km, easy, artificial snow)
• Loipe Kössen (2.1 km, easy, artificial snow)
• Bichlachrunde (1 km, easy)
• Hochauloipe (6.5 km, intermediate)
• Griesenauloipe (15.1 km, easy)
• Lucknerhofloipe (6 km, intermediate)
• Miesbergloipe (12.9 km, hard)
• Schwaigsloipe (8.9 km, intermediate)
• Winklloipe (5 km, easy)
• Seeloipe (8 km, easy)
• Dorfloipe Walchsee (3 km, easy)
• Ödschleifenloipe (4.5 km, easy)
• Hochauloipe (9.5 km, intermediate)
• Ewigkeitsloipe (11.8 km, intermediate)
• Niederwiesloipe (1.5 km, easy)
• Hüttfeldloipe (2.5 km, easy)
• Bruckwirt – Hörmandlloipe (5.5 km, easy)
• Kranebittauloipe (2 km, easy)
• Dorfloipe Schwendt (2 km, easy)

By car: Kaiserwinkl in northern Tyrol is accessible via the B176 (from the north and south) or the B172 (from the west or east). If you’re travelling from Innsbruck, take the Inntalautobahn to Oberaudorf and then merge onto the B172. Travellers from Munich should take the A8/A93 before exiting at the Oberaudorf junction and heading to Kaiserwinkl on the B172.

By train: The closest train station is in St. Johann in Tirol. From there, you have to hop on a bus for the last leg to Kaiserwinkl.