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ItalianoUpdated 16.12.2021
A lush network of 74 km of perfectly groomed trails attracts Nordic athletes to Ötztal for the start of the season. This winter, there are also a number of new features: The extended five-kilometre circular trail in Ochsengarten guarantees extended sporting sessions until spring. The longest night cross-country ski run in Tyrol in Längenfeld has also grown, starting at the sports centre with a new biathlon loop and shooting range.
The cross-country skiing team of Ötztal Tourismus did a great job for the successful start of the season. Almost 500 hours were spent on the necessary activities such as basic preparation, setting up boards, erecting access points, protective fences and much more. As of now, 74 km of cross-country trails (37 km skating, 37 km classic) are available free of charge in Ochsengarten, Niederthai, Gries, Sölden, Zwieselstein and Gurgl. For the trails on the valley floor in Längenfeld, the preparation and snow-making work is in full swing. These should also be ready as soon as possible. "I would like to thank all the landowners who have made their areas available to us," says Leopold Holzknecht, responsible for the "Nordic Sports" area at Ötztal Tourismus. He is pleased with the steady increase in the number of local cross-country skiers and the lively take-up of the offer. "Endurance sports like cross-country skiing are in vogue. That's why we are expanding the infrastructure for amateur and hobby athletes in a targeted and sustainable way," explains Holzknecht
Multiple use in Ochsengarten
As of this season, the circular trail in Ochsengarten has a total length of five kilometres and is recommended for beginners as well as slightly advanced skiers. A great advantage for all winter sports enthusiasts: By tunneling under the Kühtaier Landesstraße, skis can remain strapped on and there is no need to cross the road. In addition, the construction yard team of Ötztal Tourismus built a bridge that can also withstand the six-ton cross-country skiing equipment. Hikers also benefit all year round from the extension of the safe trail to the Höllwiese, as do canyoning guests.
Start directly in the village
The previously unused areas near the Längenfeld swimming pool and the infrastructure of the sports centre are put to good use in the winter months. Newly established there: A 400-metre loop with a biathlon shooting range and a training area for beginners in the Nordic discipline. The sports centre is now also the starting point for cross-country skiing in Längenfeld and offers sufficient parking spaces, public toilets and changing facilities. Tyrol's longest night trail now stretches over a distance of four kilometres and is lit daily until 9 pm. So anyone with a penchant for after-work training is in good hands in the Ötztal. In addition to the night route in Längenfeld, Niederthai also has an illuminated 2.5-kilometre loop. This popular route presents itself this year with a new, more challenging route on the Lehenloipe and is open daily until 9 pm.
Seal of quality as a reference
The longest Tyrolean side valley offers a dense network of cross-country ski trails totalling 143 kilometres. Of these, 77 kilometres are for fans of the classic discipline and 66 kilometres are in the skating style. Awards such as the Tyrolean Cross-Country Skiing Seal of Quality for the Middle Ötztal (Niederthai, Längenfeld and Gries) attest to the quality. Eight cross-country trackers and an experienced team contribute significantly to meeting the high standards. Use of the facilities is free of charge.
Current information on the open cross-country trails at:www.oetztal.com/loipenstatus