Cross-Country Skiing Ramsau am Dachstein

Ramsau am Dachstein is undoubtedly one of Austria’s top destinations for cross-country skiing. With 200 km of groomed trails spanning all difficulties and altitudes as well as an excellent infrastructure, the Styrian region is a great destination for novices and experts alike. Some 13 circular routes cut through the eye-catching winter landscape here. And if you are ready for a break during one of these tours, there are more than 80 lodges and restaurants to choose from in the area. Skiers can even follow in the tracks of world champions in Ramsau, which hosted the Nordic Skiing World Championships in 1999. The excellent cross-country options in the region have even picked up awards down the years like the “Steirische Loipengütesiegel” and a nomination as one of the Alps’ top cross-country skiing destinations in the ADAC SkiGuide.

At the heart of the region: The World Cup Cross-Country Stadium

The central hub for all cross-country skiing fans is the stadium and test centre in Ramsau itself. There, visitors can enlist the help of the three resident cross-country ski schools fit & fun, Sport Pitzer and Ramsau mit Rat und Tat. Young skiers can even look forward to their own designated zone within the World Cup stadium. Archways, seesaws and small jumps help youngsters get to grips with the sport in a playful way and have fun while learning the ropes. The Nordic X-Park is the place to go for fun and action. The features in this neighbouring area are very similar to those that skiers and snowboarders will know from on-mountain terrain parks. Even beginners can use this area as the ideal accompaniment to their practice.

Cross-country ski events in the Dachstein area

Aside from the huge annual opening event, there are various sports events in Ramsau which all cross-country fans should note down in their diaries. Highlights include the Tour de Ramsau, the only tour for amateur cross-country skiers, and the Dachstein Volkslanglauf. On top of that, scores of visitors are attracted to the region every year when the Nordic Combined event of the FIS World Cup rolls into town.

The fascinating world of biathlon

Ramsau am Dachstein boasts two biathlon centres which offer everyone the opportunity to try out Nordic combined sports. The offering ranges from laser and air rifles to small calibre rifles. The local ski schools reveal all the tips and tricks for getting breathing and shooting techniques dialled in correctly.

The Dachstein Panoramic Trail

Winding through the incomparable mountain scenery, the Dachstein Panoramic Trail attracts numerous Nordic winter sports fans every year. The roughly 15 km route which extends up to 2,700 metres above sea level offers incredible views over the landscape of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to the new route, even amateur cross-country skiers can now glide through this high Alpine glacial world, enjoying the astonishing views without getting too out of breath.

Cross-country skiing after dark

Another highlight in Ramsau for cross-country fans is the night route in the cross-country skiing stadium in Ramsau itself. The 2.5 km track is floodlit every day from 5 PM to 9 PM.

By car: If you are travelling to Ramsau via the Tauernautobahn A10, take exit 60 (Eben im Pongau) and follow the Filzmoosstraße to Filzmoos and then on to Ramsau am Dachsten. Via the Pyhrn-Autobahn A9, turn off by Liezen and merge onto the B320. Pass through Trautenfels and Gröbming before heading for Ennsling. Turn onto the L725 just before the edge of town and follow the road to Weißenbach and then on to Ramsau am Dachstein.

By train: Skiers travelling by rail can take the train as far as Schladming. From there you have to hop into a taxi for the last leg to Ramsau.