Description:

On the cross-country ski run directly into the heart of the Tannheimer Tal. Enjoy a wonderful mountain scenery on the way to the Vilsalpsee. As the area around Lake Vilsalpsee has been designated as a nature reserve for more than 50 years and is also a Natura 2000 area, this cross-country ski run hides particularly attractive features.

Tyrolean cross-country trail seal of approval

For two decades now, the Tyrolean provincial government has been awarding the Tyrolean cross-country ski trail seal of approval under certain conditions to those who apply for it.

The Tannheimer Tal is a "cross-country skiing paradise". Not only the ADAC Ski Guide 2008 finds this and nominated the region as one of the top 10 skiing areas in the category Nordic/Cross-country skiing. There was also a special award from the Federal State of Tyrol: the "Cross-country Seal of Quality of the Federal State of Tyrol". This is valid for three years and criteria such as number of tracks, preparation, orientation or marking are regularly checked.

The Tannheimer Tal has optimal cross-country skiing conditions with a 140-kilometre-long cross-country trail network and a maximum difference in altitude of 50 metres. The trails are suitable for classic style as well as for skating and offer cross-country skiers of all skill levels the appropriate challenges.

Directions:

We start at the building of the Tannheim Tourist Office and follow the southwards running cross-country ski run through the eastern edge of the village. After crossing some roads we enter the outermost meadows of the valley before we reach the district of Schmieden. After the houses we follow the trail first through meadows, then through a wooded section and come close to the Vilsalp road. Over a long ascent we come to the upper valley step and cross the forest around the Gappenfeldbach. On the docked cross-country trail we reach the northern edge of the Vilsalpsee meadows. Now we are in the middle of the nature reserve and can cross the meadows above the lake on a wide loop. We always have the wonderful panorama of the mountain range together with the basin of the frozen Vilsalpsee in front of us.

We can stop at the inn at the Vilsalpsee before we start the return journey to Tannheim on the now sloping trail. This runs mainly along the western edge of the valley, crosses the Vilsalp road and turns west towards Kienzen. With a sweeping descent we reach the meadows in front of the building of the Tannheim tourist office and can finish the round here. Alternatively, you can choose a ridable vehicle, either the Alpenexpress or the horse-drawn carriages.

Tip:
A stop at the Restaurant Vilsalpsee or the Fischerstube is definitely worthwhile.

Safety guidelines:

Observe the FIS rules of conduct for cross-country skiers!

A secure control of the sports equipment even in bad snow conditions and good physical condition are basic requirements for cross-country skiing.Choosing the right speed - adapted to the skier's ability and degree of fatigue - greatly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

Stay on the route: All the tours described here are on groomed trails. So do not deviate from the route.

The cross-country skiing trail map of the Tannheimer Tal makes it easier for you to plan your tours, shows the distances and makes it easier to estimate the running time.

Equipment:
An up-to-date and well-kept/maintained equipment (skis, bindings, boots, poles and clothing) not only provides a considerable degree of safety but also makes cross-country skiing much easier. Sun protection (high protection factor and possibly sunglasses) as well as sufficient liquid should not be forgotten.

Additional information:

Tourist office Tannheimer Tal

Nature reserve Vilsalpsee