Wildschönau – Overview
Wildschönau is renowned as one of the top ten ski resorts in Tirol for families and adventurers and has been attracting tour operators worldwide since 1947. Located on the eastern side of Austria's Ski Juwel domain, it is the perfect destination for all levels of skiers due to its vast expanse of groomed pistes and countless beautiful off-piste routes spanning four resort villages.
Within the vibrant centres, you will find most of the action happening around the charming Tyrolean villages of Auffach and Niederau, nestled on either side of Oberau, the largest and most central village. These ski areas offer a delightful mix of trails, with a focus on parallel ski lifts catering to all skill levels, as well as fun parks and kids' zones.
Mühltal, the fourth village, adds to the adventure with its short but sweet drag lifts leading up to the picturesque Thierbach, the highest hamlet in the Kitzbühel Alps. No matter which village you stay in, you will have a majestic experience as you wind through the endless forested slopes of the Kitzbühel Alps.
Conveniently, each town is about 3km (2 miles) apart, creating an adventurous hub with Oberau at its heart. A free shuttle service runs between each village, creating a well-connected resort area. Hopping between the Tyrolean villages will make a wonderful blend of rustic and traditional culture while enjoying some of the most beautiful skiing in Austria.
The west side of Austria’s Ski Juwel is accessible from Auffach, which is linked to Inneralpbach, so if you want to explore the adjoining resort, you can arrange transport between the two.
Ski passes can be purchased individually for each of the village ski areas. However, if you plan on visiting more resorts, then a Kitzbühel Alps Superskicard is a great idea, as it gives you access to over 2,800km (1739 miles) of pistes in the Kitzbühel Alps.
Ski Resort Highlights
Wildschönau - Ski Map & Pistes
Skiing in Wildschönau creates a delightful patchwork of experiences. The biggest areas are located above Niederau and Auffach, complemented by several charming beginner zones near the villages. Hop on the free ski bus that connects these fantastic spots, making it easy to explore the whole region.
Niederau offers the most varied terrain and attracts the most advanced skiers, with primarily black and red runs. The Markbachjoch gondola provides all the adventure thrill seekers with a 700m vertical drop, and challenging mogul run, making a great trail for all adrenaline junkies.
Auffach features primarily intermediate runs. It boasts the highest lifts up to Schatzberg and the most significant vertical drops. With 8 lifts and a two-part gondola, you can genuinely appreciate views of the high valley. This is the most popular ski area in the Wildschönau Resort for guests looking for a tranquil and less challenging experience.
Oberau is better suited to children and beginners as it offers smaller trails with a handful of drag and chair lifts. Being closer to the villages offers a less extreme experience for smaller children just learning to ski.
Skimap of the Ski Juwel ski area for Wildschönau and Alpbachtal. Click on the links below to see the interactive skimaps for Wildschönau Alpbachtal.
- Link to interactive skimap Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
- Link to live skimap Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau
Lifts and Queues
Niederau is excellent for intermediate to experienced skiers and is connected by 10 lifts, most of which are chair and drag lifts, with one gondola. At the top of the gondola, you will find a magic carpet for beginners, an excellent area for children and those just starting.
Meanwhile, Auffach's two-stage gondola opens up the mostly red runs in the resort area with the most reliable snow conditions across the resort. It features above-treeline terrain, which not only gives you the best views of the valley but is also perfect for finding fresh powder that's rare elsewhere.
Across Oberau and Mühltal, you will find 4 parallel drag lifts that take you up the road to sunny meadows under the forest canopy, creating the ideal environment for beginners. There's also a more extended drag lift that provides an exciting intermediate descent.
Special features
There are several attractions throughout the valley aside from being on piste. Cross-country skiers will find 50km (31 miles) of trails along the valley floor and a fun park at Schattzberg.
For those seeking more adventure, ski mountaineering and ski touring with a guide offer a fantastic opportunity to explore off the beaten path.
Accessibility for Disabled Visitors
Not all ski resorts are designed to accommodate disabled visitors. However, Wildschönau has ensured that nothing stands in the way of a carefree getaway with their barrier-free considerations.
Apparthotel Talhof and Harmony Hotel Sonnschein are two resort hotels with wheelchair access and can accommodate everyone.
The Schatzberg cable car is wheelchair-friendly, with a maximum wheelchair width of 80 cm. It has ramps for access and barrier-free toilets at both the top and bottom stations.
Wildschönau - Off-Piste & Ski Touring
If you are a beginner or an experienced backcountry skier, Wildschönau Ski Resort will have something to suit your level. From easy to more advanced trails, you will find a selection of routes across the villages, some winding through the endless green forests, others above the tree line with views of the mountains around the valley.
Off-piste skiing
If you like to weave between the trees on fresh powder, Wildschönau Ski Resort is perfect for you because most runs are beautifully lined with trees. It is ideal for beginners and professionals alike to take a detour from the piste on a mini adventure. Both Niederau and Auffach are great areas for off-piste skiing.
Ski touring
Beyond the pistes, winter sports enthusiasts can blaze new trails across the resort, promising unforgettable natural experiences and breathtaking views! Reaching summits up to 2,300 meters (7545 feet), adventurers are rewarded with stunning panoramas of the Kitzbühel Alps. The Markbachjoch mountain is an excellent area for ski touring and snowshoeing due to the variety of inclines and terrains.
It is advised to take a guide in unknown areas for extra safety and precaution, especially during times of avalanche risk.
Wildschönau - Guided Tours
Ski Tours - For the Adrenaline Seeker
There is a great variety of alternative mountain tours. If you are looking for something beyond the piste, don’t worry—Wildschönau Ski Resort offers ski touring, ski mountaineering, and freeriding tours. Relevant ski touring safety equipment and guides can be rented to ensure a safe but enjoyable experience. It is advised to book in advance, as instructors can get booked up fast in peak season.
Snow Shoeing Tours – For all the Family
Snow Shoeing is a fantastic activity for those who love to hike and want to experience the mountains in a slower-paced way. While it is recommended to take a guide, you can rent snow shoes for free with the Wildschönau Card and go on a self-led excursion following several hiking trails in the Kitzbühel Alps. There are over half a dozen trails, for all levels, from beginner to advanced, with mountain huts along the way to enjoy a warm drink and rest.
Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiers will find 50km (31 miles) of trails throughout the valley to enjoy. Guides can take you along the tree-lined trails or for a more adventurous cross-country experience. There are tours around the Bernau plateau in Auffach, where you can enjoy endless valley views and soak up some sun.
Culture & History Tours
If you feel like taking a break from the slopes, why not check out one of the beautiful cultural and historical tours that expose the history of the Tyrolean villages. You'll have opportunities to try culinary delights from the region famed for its farm-to-table approach and learn about traditional woodwork and crafts in the area.
If you are more of a museum visitor, look for tours to The Wood Museum, where you can enjoy woodworking as a craft and candle making using beeswax at the Z’Bach Farming Museum.
Wildschönau – Safety measures
Ensuring your safety while skiing or snowboarding at Wildschönau Ski Resort is important for yourself and others around you. To ensure you have an enjoyable holiday, Wildschönau Ski Resort has implemented safety measures to help you have a good time.
Wildschönau Ski Resort prioritises slope maintenance, grooming the slopes daily and using markers to help visitors stay on the piste. Clear signage on the piste and in the villages helps visitors keep up to date with weather conditions, trail and lift closures, and more.
Not only do the ski lifts and gondolas undergo regular maintenance and inspections, but they are also managed by trained, vigilant staff. As part of the resort's effort to become more eco-conscious, many lifts are being upgraded with more efficient and newer systems, increasing their safety levels.
The resort always checks for avalanche risks by monitoring snow conditions and, when applicable, using controlled explosions to reduce the risk of an avalanche. The ski patrol team is always vigilant and is there to help in case of emergency.
Environmental Measures by Wildschönau Resort
The Ski Juwel Alpbachtal Wildschönau region has adapted the area to be more eco-conscious by implementing various measures, such as converting to sustainable energy to run the resort from its own hydroelectric power station. All ski lifts are powered by 100% green electricity produced in Austria, and the Wildschönau resort area, in particular, has considered how it can provide guests with a high-quality experience while simultaneously considering the environment and the local population's well-being. Free ski buses shuttle guests between ski areas, reducing the number of cars on the road, and waste stations provide recycling centres.
Becoming a More Sustainable Resort
The resort is working towards converting its vehicles to electric, including the free shuttle service, and it hopes to expand its own electricity production using water and photovoltaic systems soon.
Wildschönau - Family Skiing
Wildschönau is the perfect resort for families and is known as one of the best places in Austria to take children skiing. With a variety of activities, from ski lessons to kids' clubs, it is the perfect place for children from the age of 3 upwards. Due to the size of the resort and the fact that it is spread across rustic villages, it is less common to find party groups, making it a more tranquil experience for families.
Oberau is the best place to watch your kids make their first turns, as the ski area runs parallel to the town. Using the schiesshüttl lifts, your little ones will be able to practise to their hearts' content while you can watch comfortably from the sidelines.
All the villages offer children's ski schools, which include additional activities such as ski races at the end of the week. In Niederau, you will find a mini club for kids that facilitates snow play time, lessons, lunch, and more, all within its own terrain park. This is an excellent option for parents wanting to have time to themselves on the piste.
Wildschönau - Restaurants, Bars & The Region
Restaurants
Wildschönau has a wide variety of restaurants across the four villages, with something for everyone. Most restaurants can be found in hotels, but a great selection of mountain huts offers more local cuisine. From fine dining or comfort food to eating on the slope, you can embark on a culinary adventure of your choice. The region is famed for its homemade butter, regional cheese, fruity schnapps, and fresh produce from the Tyrolean High Valley. Don’t forget to try local specialities, such as bacon or cheese dumplings, sauerkraut or even the popular dessert moosbeernocken. Here are some of the best places to eat in the valley, offering a variety of dishes such as fondu, schnitzel, fry ups and more.
- Pizzeria Ferrari
- Pizzeria Italia 90
- Landhotel Tirolerhof
- Hotel Schneeburger
- Café Mariandl
- Bistro Wildschönau
- Hotel Austria
- Marius Restaurant
- Riedlhof
- Gipfö Hit
Additional Activities
After a day on the slopes, you are in for a treat, as Wildschönau has many ways to continue exploring, relax, and unwind. When you check into your accommodation, don’t forget to pick up a Wildschönau Card, which gives you access to several free services and discounts on tours and attractions.
With a cute shopping area, Niederau is a great place to relax and stroll around the rustic village. Make sure to visit the Farmerie, where you can enjoy a moment of peace with freshly made coffee and purchase locally grown and hand-made produce. This can be followed by a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride, a magical experience for families and couples.
If you want to learn about the local culture and history, visit the Bergbauernmuseum to learn more about traditions and the rural way of life in the mountains of Austria. Or perhaps you can try out tobogganing, an activity practised in the region for decades.
You can even enjoy night skiing, a unique opportunity to ski under the stars on a romantically lit slope. For families, nighttime tobogganing can be an excellent way to end a week's ski holiday.
Alternatively, if you want to unwind and relax your muscles, you can visit one of the hotel swimming pools in Oberau, such as Hotel Angerhof, Tirolerhof or Talhof.
Après Ski
For après-ski fun, Niederau is the place to be! It's known as the liveliest of the three villages, with the vibrant Dorfstub'n Pub serving endless entertainment. You will find a great selection of umbrella bars, pubs and bars offering music, dancing and more across the resort. In Auffach, don't miss the cosy ski bar right in front of the Koglmoos restaurant at the mid-station, perfect for a quick drink. At the top of the Schatzberg cable car, the Moosa Stadl offers another fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy the après-ski scene. Here are some of the popping places in town you have to visit.
- Dorfstub'n Pub
- Koglmoos Restuarant
- Grutt’n Stadl
- Moosa Stadl
- Liftstüberl
Wildschönau - Accommodation Options
Whether you prefer to stay somewhere that feels more like home or want a luxury getaway in a high-end hotel, Wildschönau will have something to suit your taste. Exploreo offers a great selection of sustainable accommodation options, with detailed listings and tours. Booking sustainably means you can offset your emissions and still have a unique experience.
The rustic villages in the area are typically made of wooden chalets, but it is possible to find some hotels, lodges, apartments and Airbnb accommodation options. For an authentic mountain experience, staying in one of the chalets is recommended, as this is where you will feel most connected to the community and resort area.
Some mountain inns offer rooms so you can ski in and ski out, which is preferable for the avid skier and an excellent choice for families. If you want to optimise your ski time, staying as close to the lifts as possible is best. Being within walking distance of restaurants, bars, and local shops is also more enjoyable for a more immersive experience.
Though accommodation in the surrounding areas is possible, it is not recommended as it reduces slope time, and it can be difficult to drive when there is heavy snowfall.
For more information on sustainable accommodation options, take a look at Exploreo.
Wildschönau – Activity tours and booked things
The resort offers a variety of tours and activities for all the family. These include exciting opportunities such as tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horse sleigh riding and more.
To book your sustainable activities and tours, click here.
Wildschönau - Ski Rental Services
Across the villages that make up the Wildschönau resort area, you will find a selection of rental shops providing skis, snowboards, and other mountain equipment. It is best to rent from your closest shop for ease of changing equipment. Below you can find some suggestions.
Ski Rentals in Niederau
Ski Rentals in Oberau
Ski Rentals in Auffach
Wildschönau Ski Schools & Guided Tours
Due to the resort's size, there are just four ski schools in the area. They all offer a variety of courses, lessons, and tours. Here is a little bit more information about each to help you decide which is best for you.
Ski School Wildschönau: Recommended by the tourism board of Wildschönau resort, this is probably the best ski school in the area. Offering lessons from age three upwards and with multilingual instructors, they care for the little ones to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable time on the slopes.
Ski School Active: This is another excellent ski school that offers a variety of group and private lessons for skiing and snowboarding. A unique aspect of this school is its own ski school park with jumps, a hill track, a seesaw, and a box.
Happy Ski School: The only ski school located in Oberau, Happy Ski School is the best option if you are staying local. They offer a variety of classes, from group snowboarding sessions to children's classes.
Ski & Board School: Ski & Board School is the best ski school in Auffach, so it is a great option if you are staying in this village. It offers a variety of courses for children and adults.
All the ski schools in Wildschönau Resort offer high-quality service. Their professionally trained instructors provide an excellent experience for children and adults, beginners and more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
As with any ski resort, it is highly recommended that you book lessons in advance and rent appropriate equipment, as these can quickly sell out, especially in peak season.
Wildschönau Resort Ski Tickets & Pricing
There are three main categories of tickets for the region: pre-season tickets, peak-season tickets, and late-season tickets. The average ticket price rate will change depending on the time of year you want to visit, so it is essential to check this before booking. It is often more cost-effective to purchase tickets for a longer period. Booking a week pass will work out better value than purchasing seven separate day tickets. The resort also offers family discounts, group discounts and a variety of tickets for every type of adventurer. Tuesday is ladies' day, and Wednesday is men's day, offering discounts on hourly passes. On Thursdays, there are discounts for those over 65.
Day Passes: The average price for a day pass in peak season is €66 for adults, €55 for youths, and €33 for children. Pre-season and late-season tickets for a day are €59.50 for adults, €48 for a youth ticket, and €30 for children.
Week Passes: Pre-season and late-season week passes cost around €337 for adults, €270 for youths, and €168.50 for children. During peak season, you should expect to pay around €374 for adults, €299.50 for youths, and €187 for children.
Season & Annual Passes: If you are looking for more long-term ski options or perhaps plan to visit the resort more than once a season, the season pass might be a great option for you. The prices vary depending on when you purchase and can range between €583 and €789 for adults, €437 to €580 for youths, and €258 to €339 for children.
Where to Buy Tickets
If you are unsure how many days you want to ski, you can purchase your ski lift tickets from the main gondola stations and most hotels in the resort. If you book ski lessons, check with the provider to see if the ski lift ticket is included or if they can arrange this for you. There are many ways to buy a ticket, some more cost-effective than others. Here are some ways to buy your ski tickets in advance online:
Wildschönau – In Closing
Overall, Wildschönau Ski Resort is a fantastic place for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Whether you are seeking a family holiday or you are an adventurous type seeking a rustic cultural experience, you will find something to suit your needs in Wildschönau.
Overall Rating
On a scale of 1 to 10, Wildschönau Ski Resort would be at 8. The resort has a variety of villages to ski from and a great selection of trails for all levels.
However, Wildschönau Ski Resort is more suited to those looking for a more rustic and tranquil skiing holiday and may not be the first choice for those looking for somewhere with more facilities and a thriving nightlife scene.
If you are looking for an intimate and local experience, this is the resort for you. So why not book your sustainable holiday today via Exploreo.
Please note that the latest information in this guide, such as restaurants, bars, ski hire and passes, ski schools and guided tours, is subject to change. We recommend you check their official websites or contact them directly for the latest information.
Have a great time in Wildschönau!