Ready, set, glide – cross-country skiing in the Rauris Valley
While some carve their turns on the ski slopes, others prefer to discover winter on two slim skis. And honestly, cross-country skiing has something wonderfully calming about it. You set your own pace, enjoy the scenery, and do something good for your fitness at the same time.
Cross-country skiing in Raurisertal is a true delight. The elongated valley in Austria’s Hohe Tauern National Park offers 30 kilometers of groomed and maintained trails. The trails generally run at altitudes between 950 and 1,200 meters and touch many scenic highlights of the romantic Raurisertal. Particularly popular is the detour into the rear Hüttwinkltal. Here you can enjoy your rounds on the sunny trail in the most beautiful alpine pasture area.
All trails score points for being largely fog-free, with no crowds, no rush, and no need to watch the clock. Just you, the snow-covered landscape, and the gentle glide through the snow.
Pure nature on two slim skis
Nestled in the impressive mountain scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park, you’ll find varied cross-country skiing opportunities, snow-covered forests, and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
The Rauris Valley offers cross-country skiers an idyllic and varied trail network of roughly 30 to 34 kilometers of perfectly groomed trails, stretching across a snow-reliable altitude of between 950 and 1,280 meters above sea level. What makes this region in the Salzburg area so special is that the use of all trails is completely free for guests. In addition, a free valley shuttle bus allows winter sports enthusiasts to travel comfortably from Rauris to the various starting points in the valley without a car. All trails are groomed to suit both classic style and skating technique.
A cross-country skiing experience set against a stunning winter backdrop
The trails themselves are divided into four main sections, each offering the perfect setting for every skill level. Right in the main village, Trail No. 1 (Rauris) starts at Gasthof Maislau and runs for around 4 kilometers; it’s rated easy (blue) and ideal for beginners or a relaxed, enjoyable round. Those looking for a bigger challenge can choose Trail No. 2 (Bucheben), which winds for 14 kilometers through picturesque winter scenery starting at Nigglgut. Also particularly scenic is the roughly 12-kilometer Trail No. 3 (Lohningwiese), which can be accessed flexibly either at the Krumltal car park or directly at Alpengasthof Bodenhaus. Further back in the Hüttwinkltal lies Trail No. 4 (Bodenhaus Sun Trail). This beautiful 4-kilometer alpine meadow loop is a real highlight on sunny days, though cross-country skiers should always pay attention to current avalanche warning notices here.
On-site organization is well taken care of: if you arrive without your own equipment, you can easily rent skis, boots, and poles from the local sports shops in the Rauris Valley. For beginners or those getting back into the sport who want to refine their technique, the local Hohe Tauern Ski School also offers tailored private lessons and cross-country courses. To reach the trails further up the valley, simply take the free valley shuttle bus to Bodenhaus or the regular Postbus line 640 towards Bucheben.
The right equipment? Our partners have it!
Intersport Pirchner:
Marktstraße 64
5661 Rauris, Austria
Phone: +43 6544 7302
Email: intersport.pirchner@aon.at
Web: www.intersport-pirchner.at
Sport Egger:
Marktstraße 78
5661 Rauris, Austria
Phone: +43 6544 7907
Email: sportegger@hotmail.com
Web: www.sport-rauris.at
Skischule Adventure Rauris:
Liftweg 2
5661 Rauris, Austria
Phone: +43 6544 7900
Email: ski@ski.co.at
Web: https://:www.ski.co.at
Why cross-country skiing is so good for you
Cross-country skiing is rightly considered one of the healthiest sports in the world, as it challenges your entire body in an extremely gentle yet highly effective way.
A key health benefit is the perfect full-body workout you get on the trail. Unlike many other sports, cross-country skiing engages around 95 percent of all your muscles at the same time. As you push off powerfully with your poles, you intensively train your arm, shoulder, and back muscles. This is a brilliant counterbalance to our often sedentary daily lives, as it strengthens the deep muscles and can effectively prevent tension in the neck and lower back. At the same time, your legs and glutes work at full capacity with every step to propel you forward. Since you constantly have to maintain your balance on the slim skis, you also improve your coordination, core stability, and proprioception along the way.
What’s more, cross-country skiing is a phenomenon for your cardiovascular system and a real calorie burner. Through the steady, rhythmic use of your arms and legs, your heart muscle is trained optimally, your lung capacity increases, and your stamina improves significantly. Depending on intensity and style – with dynamic skating generally being a bit more demanding than the classic style – you burn between 500 and 800 kilocalories per hour. This gives your fat metabolism a major boost and strengthens your immune system in the long run.
An invaluable benefit for your body is how easy it is on your joints. Since gliding through the snow involves none of the hard impact forces you get from, say, jogging on asphalt, cross-country skiing is gentle on your knees, hips, and spine. This makes the sport a perfect alternative for people who are slightly overweight or have joint issues.
Besides the physical benefits, don’t underestimate the mental aspect. Gently gliding through the snow-covered landscape, the fresh, clear mountain air, and the steady rhythm of movement act like a meditative break for your mind. Stress hormones like cortisol are demonstrably reduced, while your body releases feel-good hormones. You soak up valuable daylight and leave the trail at the end of the day not only physically worked out, but also mentally relaxed and recharged.
Classic or skating – which cross-country type are you?
The choice between classic cross-country skiing and skating shapes your entire movement on the trail, as the two styles differ fundamentally in technique, effort required, and equipment.
In the classic style, you move within a pre-set, parallel, grooved track. The movement resembles dynamic walking or running, which is why this style is especially intuitive to learn. The skis have a special grip zone in the middle – usually fitted with skins, fish-scale patterns, or grip wax – which interlocks with the snow during the push-off and prevents slipping backward. The equipment consists of relatively long skis, shorter poles that reach about shoulder height, and flexible boots that allow plenty of freedom of movement for your foot as you roll through each stride. The pace here is usually moderate and rhythmic.
Skating, on the other hand, is quite similar to ice skating or inline skating. You push off in a V-shape from the inside edge of the ski on a wide, flat, groomed track. Since skating skis have no grip zone and are instead waxed all over for maximum glide, this style is noticeably faster and more dynamic. To maintain balance and generate the necessary push, you’ll need shorter skis, significantly longer poles that reach up to your chin, and very stable, stiff boots that firmly support the ankle. Which cross-country type you are depends on your athletic goals and prior experience.
The classic type looks for a gentle introduction and enjoyment in nature. If you’re a beginner, appreciate joint-friendly endurance training, or simply want to glide stress-free through the winter landscape, the classic style is perfect for you. The learning curve is gentle, since the track provides stability to the ski and you can set your own pace completely freely. Classic style also tends to feel more relaxed in soft, fresh snow.
The skating type, on the other hand, seeks athletic challenge and the thrill of speed. If you already have a good base level of fitness or previous experience with inline skating or ice skating, you’ll love skating. It requires more strength and a good sense of balance at first, but in return offers an intense, powerful full-body workout. This style really shows its strengths on hard, compactly groomed trails.
Tips for your perfect cross-country skiing day
A perfect cross-country skiing day combines the right route choice, an athletic rhythm, and cozy breaks. The Rauris Valley is especially well suited to combining all three.
- The ideal morning start: Make the most of the soft morning light and start right at Trail No. 1 (Rauris) by Gasthof Maislau. The entry is easy, your body can gently warm up, and you’ll avoid the cold of the lower valley until the sun climbs higher.
- Reliable snow and sunshine at midday: As it warms up around midday, pack up your gear and take the free valley shuttle bus further up into the Hüttwinkltal. The Bodenhaus Sun Trail (No. 4) truly lives up to its name. At around 1,200 meters of altitude, you’ll enjoy a magnificent mountain panorama in full sunshine on the alpine meadow.
- The perfect stop for a bite: Plan your lunch break or afternoon coffee at the traditional Alpengasthof Bodenhaus. The inn sits right at the perfect junction of Trails 3 and 4. A warm Kaiserschmarrn or a hearty soup in the dining room is guaranteed to restore your energy.
- An athletic challenge for the afternoon: If you still have some strength left in your legs after lunch, choose sections of Trail No. 3 (Lohningwiese) for your way back. It offers varied terrain and passes by the Krumltal, known as the “Valley of the Vultures,” where with a bit of luck you might spot bearded vultures or golden eagles in the winter sky.
- Handy comfort tip: Make full use of the free valley shuttle bus. Since the trails are spread out across the valley, the bus saves your energy, so you won’t have to get behind the wheel all sweaty after a tiring stretch of cross-country skiing.
After the trail? Head to the Alpina!
Picture this: you return after a wonderful day on the trail, your cheeks pleasantly rosy from the fresh winter air, and your legs have earned a rest. Whether you’re calmly tracing your path through the snow with classic cross-country skiing or going full throttle with skating – the Rauris Valley has something for both leisurely enthusiasts and ambitious athletes alike. The crisp mountain air, the breathtaking panorama of the Hohe Tauern, and the feeling of covering kilometer after kilometer under your own power make every cross-country skiing day a special experience.
And after an active day on the trail? There’s nothing better than putting your feet up, recharging your batteries, and winding down the day in comfort. At Hotel Alpina Rauris, you’ll find the perfect place to do just that.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your cross-country skis, discover the wintry side of the Rauris Valley, and experience just how much fun moving through the snow can be! It’s definitely worth a try.
👉 Book your winter holiday at Hotel Alpina Rauris now!
We look forward to seeing you!
Your Alpina Team