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Langlauf Loipe vor dem Genuss- & Aktivhotel Sonnenburg

CROSS COUNTRY SKI CIRCUITS IN THE KLEINWALSERTAL: ALL THE POSSIBILITIES

Cross country skiers will find a small but delightful selection of ski circuits in the Kleinwalsertal. This little guide to cross country skiing in our lovely valley will tell you all about the routes and other facilities on offer for cross country ski aficionados

Cross country skiing in the Kleinwalsertal

The Kleinwalsertal is renowned for its proximity to the Oberstdorf-Kleinwalsertal ski area. But it also has a lot to attract cross country skiers in winter.

Cross country skiers often connect more strongly with their natural surroundings than do their counterparts on classic downhill skis, and the largely unspoilt natural scenery in the Kleinwalsertal makes it especially attractive to them. In winter some parts of the Kleinwalsertal circuits are only accessible by skis.

If you’ve come walking in the Kleinwalsertal in summer you will probably recognise the cross country ski circuits. They are still there where you would expect to find them, most of them doubling up as walking tracks!

FOR WHOM ARE THE CROSS COUNTRY SKI CIRCUITS IN THE Kleinwalsertal BEST SUITED?

The Kleinwalsertal boasts a total network of some 57 kilometres of cross country ski circuits. Most of them are prepared for classic cross country skiing. There are, however, some sections which are also suitable for the skating technique.

Slightly more than half of the circuits in the Kleinwalsertal are rated as easy. The remainder of the network is classified as of medium difficulty. So the cross country ski circuits in the Kleinwalsertal are suitable for practically all levels of ability.

 

What is the condition of the snow on the cross country ski circuits in the Kleinwalsertal?

The snow condition on the circuits in the Kleinwalsertal is very good. The valley is renowned as a “snow trap” and thus offers almost guaranteed snow during certain periods of the year, i.e. normally from Christmas through to the middle of March.

 

AT WHAT TIME OF YEAR DOES PREPRATION OF THE Kleinwalsertal SKI CIRCUITS BEGIN?

The point at which the Kleinwalsertal ski circuits are prepared is, of course, dependent on the prevailing local weather conditions. The cross country ski season normally begins at some time in mid December, and this is the time when, generally speaking, the ski circuits are opened. Preparation of the Steinbock circuit often begins a few days earlier than the other two circuits

 

All the Kleinwalsertal ski circuits in a nutshell

There are three big circuits in the Kleinwalsertal, which are partly split up into smaller sections. We want to give you a comprehensive view of all three and the relevant sections thereof.  

Each circuit features a characteristic feature as part of the Walser Omgang. This selection should help you find the best way to satisfy your current individual physical and mental needs. The routes can be either revitalising, regenerating or balancing.

 

Schwende CIRCUIT

This is a circuit of medium difficulty which, starting in winter 2021/22, will be prepared to cater for both cross country techniques. The Schwende circuit begins in Riezlern in the   Außerschwende neighbourhood, then leads across the Straussberg to Gasthof Hörnlepass before finally returning to the starting point via Außerwald. Practice loops for both skating and classic cross country skiing are available for beginners.

Here are most important facts about the Schwende circuit in brief:

  • Length: approx. 11.5 km,
  • Of which classic cross country: 11.5 km,
  • Of which skating: 11.5 km,
  • Duration: approx. 2.75 hours,
  • Entry points: Riezlern-Außerschwende, Außerwald,
  • Characteristic as per the Walser Omgang: revitalising.

 

Küren-Wäldele-Egg CIRCUIT

The Küren-Wäldele-Egg circuit is divided into two sections, which can either be tackled separately or together. Generally this rates as the most challenging of the Kleinwalsertal circuits, and can only be skied classically. A reasonable basic physical condition and cross country ski experience are prerequisites for anyone choosing to use this circuit..

Küren-Wäldele circuit

This longer section of the total circuit leads off from Hirschegg-Au around the Oberwäldele. This section of the circuit is classified as of medium difficulty, although certain parts of it could be rated as difficult.  

Here are most important facts about the Küren-Wäldele circuit in brief:

Overview of the circuit

  • Length: approx. 10.5 km,
  • Of which classic cross country: 10.5 km,
  • Of which skating: 0 km,
  • Duration: approx. 2.75 hours,
  • Entry points: Hirschegg-Au, Wäldele, Oberwäldele,
  • Characteristic as per the Walser Omgang: revitalising.

 

Egg circuit

The shorter section of the Küren-Wäldele-Egg circuit is slightly less challenging, but is still classified as of medium difficulty. Starting out from the Sonnegg bus stop, the circuit makes a loop around Egg.

Here are most important facts about the Egg circuit in brief:

  • Length: approx. 6 km,
  • Of which classic cross country: 6 km,
  • Of which skating: 0 km,
  • Duration: approx. 1.5 hours,
  • Entry points: Riezlern-Egg,
  • Characteristic as per the Walser Omgang: revitalising.

 

Steinbock CIRCUIT

The Steinbock circuit offers more easy and medium sections with various entry points. It is therefore suitable for anyone needing more practice in cross country skiing. A practice section is located in Bödmen.

Depending on the section involved, the Steinbock circuit is designed for both classic and skating techniques. Over 2.5 kilometres of this circuit in the Kleinwalsertal is backed up by artificial snow-making facilities.

Steinbock circuit- Ahorn loop

The Ahorn loop takes you from Bödmen over the Gruaba to Mittelberg and back. The route entails purely classic techniques and involves, among other features, skiing through the romantic sno-filled forests of Mittelberg.

Here are most important facts about the Steinbock circuit – Ahorn loop in brief:

  • Length: approx. 5 km,
  • Of which classic cross country: 5 km,
  • Of which skating: 0 km,
  • Duration: approx. 1.5 hours,
  • Entry points: Mittelberg-Tobel, Hotel Alpenrose, Skischule Bödmen,
  • Characteristic as per the Walser Omgang: regenerating.

Steinbock circuit - Bödmen - Baad

This generally easy section of the Steinbock can be skied using either cross country technique. You start in the Bödmer Ebene and follow the circuit via Gemstelboden and Wiesele as far as Baad, before finally bringing you back to the starting point.

Here are most important facts about the Steinbock circuit – Bödmen - Baad in brief:

  • Length: approx. 8 km,
  • Of which classic cross country: 8 km,
  • Of which skating: 8 km,
  • Duration: approx. 2 hours,
  • Entry points: Skischule Bödmen ski school, Weiher car park, Baad, Gemstelhof-Laden,
  • Characteristic as per the Walser Omgang: regenerating.

 

Steinbock circuit - Derra

This short medium circuit is suitable for experienced skiers using both techniques. Thanks to its compact length and the section through the remote, unspoilt Derra valley, this makes an ideal route for a short intensive trip out to appreciate the beauty of winter.  

Here are most important facts about the Steinbock circuit – Derra in brief:

  • Length: approx. 2 km,
  • Of which classic cross country: 2 km,
  • Of which skating: 2 km,
  • Duration: approx. 0.75 hours,
  • Entry points: Baad
  • Characteristic as per the Walser Omgang: regenerating.

Kleinwalsertal cross country ski circuits: charges

Guest card holders can use the Kleinwalsertal ski circuits free of charge, so make sure you always carry your guest card with you when cross country skiing. For users without a guest card a day ticket costs 5 Euro, and can be bought at all the entry points from the relevant ticket machines.

Generally speaking car parking at the entry points is free of charge.

Hire of cross country ski equipment in the valley

It goes without saying that cross country ski equipment can be hired locally for the duration of your holiday. Book your equipment right away online from one of the following suppliers:

  • Sport Kessler, Riezlern,
  • Sport Hillbrand, Mittelberg,
  • Sport Pauli, Hirschegg.

Learn the basics on a cross country ski course

Are you new to cross country skiing or would you like to gibe it a try? Do you already know the ropes, but would like to learn some new techniques? Or has it been some years since you last tried cross country skiing?

Special cross country ski courses are offered by the Bödmen-Baad Mittelberg and Hirschegg ski schools, among others. You can read up on the relevant offers here and book your requirements right away online!

The Genuss- und Aktivhotel Sonnenburg: the ideal starting point for your cross country ski holiday

We would love to provide you with a regenerating, revitalising cross country ski holiday. The entry point for the Schwende circuit, considered by many cross country skiers to be the loveliest of the Kleinwalsertal circuits, is located right outside the hotel. Select your choice of room or suite right away and book your next holiday in the Kleinwalsertal.