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Alpine skiing and Nordic skiing couldn’t be more different. One is about speed and adrenaline – the other about steady gliding, rhythm, and a meditative state. In Sölden, cross-country skiing is not about the finish line – it's about the next step. And this focus on the present moment holds incredible addictive potential for Nordic fans.
Cross-country skiing in the Ötztal is a world of its own. Those coming from classic alpine skiing in Sölden and stepping onto cross-country skis – only 42 millimeters wide – for the first time will be surprised: by the challenges, the muscle groups involved, the technical finesse – and most of all, the fascination. Once you find your rhythm, energy flows while untouched winter landscapes pass by – far away from lifts and slopes. Cross-country skiing combines physical exertion with mental peace – a true experience for body and mind.
In total, 143 kilometers of perfectly groomed cross-country trails await you in the Ötztal – for both skating and classic styles – in all levels of difficulty. The flat Längenfeld valley basin offers 45 km of wide, easy trails, ideal for building endurance or gentle gliding. Want even more variety? Try the introductory biathlon in Niederthai – a sunny high plateau where you can shoot laser rifles at targets.
The small “local trail,” as we call it, starts and ends right at THE SECRET Sölden hotel: two loops, ideal for beginners or as a cool-down after skiing. The Windau loop measures 900 meters and is nearly flat. Combined with the Hofer Böden loop, you’ll get 1.9 km with just 12 meters of elevation change – perfect for a gentle morning or evening training session in Sölden’s winter wonderland.
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The 4.3 km Untersölden trail is classified as medium-difficult with some small ascents and descents. It leads to/from the Hotel Sölderhof via snowy meadows to the Untersölden district of Kaiser and back again. The mountains of Sölden tower up to the left and right of the valley.
A glance at the cross-country map for Niederthai reveals: this is a cross-country paradise! Easy, medium-difficult and difficult routes lead over the sunny plateau and around the snowy forests. Combine various sections with one another and enjoy an extensive and varied day of cross-country skiing.
It might look easy on TV but in reality proves much more difficult than you could imagine! Have you ever tried shooting at a target with a laser gun while your heart is still pounding from skating? You give it a try twice a week at the biathlon target shooting range in Niederthai. Have fun!
You do not need any tickets for your cross-country skiing fun in Sölden or throughout the Ötztal valley. Access to the cross-country trails is free! You can obtain your cross-country hire equipment from our partner at the Gaislachkogelbahn valley station, at Sporthütte Fiegl.
Cross-country skiing by night brings an extra dose of fascination to the fascination of Nordic skiing. The world is more peaceful and there is something magical about gliding through the wintry landscape by night. Monday to Friday in Niederthai, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Umhausen.
