winter
situation
A winter fairytale: Cross-country holiday in Gerlos
With 200km of very well-tended cross-country trails, Zillertal Arena is a true cross-country paradise in Tyrol and Salzburg’s Pinzgau region. As you glide across the snow-covered landscape around Gerlos on your cross-country skis, taking in the mountain panorama and enjoying the clear air, you regenerate and re-energise. Not only is cross-country skiing healthy, it is the loveliest way to combine wellness and fitness.
Routes & Trail network
The extensive trail network has an offer to suit every ability level and style. From the gentle route in unspoilt side-valleys to the altitude trail for training on in Hochkrimml.
Schönachtal trail: (Distance from the hotel: 280m)
Opposite Hotel Oberwirt, cross the bridge over Gerlosbach and take a left. It is there that the trail to Schönachtal begins, ascending slightly for around 2 km up to, what is commonly known as, "Die Hintern". From here, there is a cleared winter hiking path up into the inner area of Schönachtal. Links across the wooden bridge take the trail back to Gerlos. Just before the main road, take a left and you will then get back to the starting point. Highlight: 1,5 km of the trail is floodlit from 17:00 to 22:00!
Innertal - Funsingau trail: (Distance from the hotel: 300m)
At Hotel Oberwirt car park there is direct access to the trail, proceed past the sports ground and head to Innertal. At the same level as the Isskogelbahn, there is an underpass beneath Gerlosstraße (please note: 180 cm in height!). The trail continues along Gerlosbach (700m no skating track), passing the power station heading into Funsingau. On the way back, you can take a left at Innertalerhof, crossing the wooden bridge, to then change over to the Schönachtal trail.
Lackenalm trail (Schönachtal)
The last option for parking is at, what is commonly known as, "Die Hintern". From there a cleared track (approx. 700 m) proceeds into Schönachtal. The valley then opens out and the trail proceeds past Stinkmoosalm. Mid way through, and proceeding around Stinkmoosalm, is the undulating Stinkmoos trail. However if you cross to the right, via the embankment dam, on the banks to the right of the Schönachbach, there is a dreamy 2 km trail to the Lackenalm snack station.
Lackenalm - Issalm altitude trail
The trail proceeds from Lackenalm on an agricultural road (max. 4m width), climbing slightly for 2km, up to the idyllically located Issalm, where it then ends in an impressive valley head at Isswänden. Since this trail is shared by hikers and cross-country skiers and the return section is the same, particular attention and caution is required! If there is the risk of avalanche the trail has to be closed, any closure must be paid heed to.
FAQs
How do I learn how to cross-country ski properly?
Preferably book a cross-country course at Michi’s ski school (diagonally opposite the hotel) and learn how to cross-country ski while you are on holiday.
How healthy is cross-country skiing?
Cross-country skiing is one of the healthiest winter sports. After all, it demands both strength and endurance in a way that is easy on your joints, while training your balance and coordination abilities. All the muscles in your body get a work-out.
How extensive is the cross-country offer in Gerlos?
Zillertal Arena and Gerlos provide 200km of very well-tended cross-country trails of varying difficulty levels. 1.5 km of these are floodlit and can be used in the evening.
How snow-assured is Gerlos?
Due to its altitude location at 1250m, Gerlos and the Zillertal Arena are very snow-assured. The pistes extend up to 2500m altitude – which means the ski area is practically 100% snow-assured.