Achensee, Austria
Achensee is the Tirol’s largest lake, and lies in the middle of the Karwendel and Rofan mountains in the centre of Tirol. Cross country skiing in the Achensee region is one of the most popular centres in the Tirol and boasts more than 200 kilometres of groomed cross country ski trails in Achenkirch, Buchau, Maurach, Pertisau, Steinberg am Rofan and Wiesing. The terrain is gently undulating along the shoreline and more challenging in the Karwendel valleys.
Getting to Achensee
By Air
Its location close to Innsbruck airport (45km, 45min away) means that it is very easy to get to. Also from Salzburg airport (150km, 1h 30min away) and Munich airport (175km, 2h away).
Flights to Innsbruck are by British Airways, Easyjet, TUI, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and KLM.
Transfer by Road
Achenkirch is a 45 minute drive by road from Innsbruck and a taxi will cost around £100 - £130, but cheaper if you rent a car.
Transfer by Taxi
Rofan Reisen is based in Maurach
Tel. +43(5243)5209, info@rofanreisen.com
Four Seasons Travel
– easy booking up to 72 hours before departure, Tel. +43(512)584157
Start of the Season
The opening of the cross country ski season is around the 3rd Sunday in December, near to the Alpen Caravan Park in Achenkirch.
- There are technical courses and workshops for beginners and advanced skiers
- You can learn how to wax your skis with professional supervision.
Ski bus information/timetable
Timetables, route planning and ticket information can be found on the
website for buses in the region.
Guests from Achenkirch , Buchau/Maurach , Pertisau and Steinberg am Rofan have free access to public buses in the Achensee region (except to Wiesing and Jenbach) by presenting an Achensee Card. Guests staying in Wiesing can use free public buses throughout the region of Achensee. The card is obtained from your hotel on arrival and will give you access to the cross country skiing tracks.
The journey to and from the train station in Jenbach to Achensee and back is also free of charge when you show the driver your accommodation reservation confirmation.
Cross Country Ski Tracks and Routes in Achensee
Here is an interactive map of the groomed cross country ski trails with detailed route information, GPS data as well as a daily updated weather forecast and snow report. Modern snow-making systems cover about 40 kilometres of tracks, ensuring great conditions throughout the entire winter season.
Ski tracks are prepared in Achenkirch , Buchau, Maurach , Pertisau , Steinberg am Rofan and Wiesing. See the links to these individual ski areas for more details of ski tracks and to plan your weeks cross country skiing routes.
For Beginners
Achensee has 2 to 3 blue trails more suited to beginners in Achenkirch.
Also the practice trail at the entrance to the Karwendel valleys in Pertisau , a short bus ride from Archensee, is perfect to practice.
Cross Country Ski Rental/Retailers
Equipment rental is available at the various sports shops.
Cross Country Ski Races
The Achensee 3 Valleys cross country ski race takes place at the end of February each year. The course is 14K or 28K free technique and 10K or 33K for classic. It leaves from Pertisau into the three Karwendel valleys – Falzthurntal, Gerntal and Dristenau. The Achensee 3-Valleys-Race is part of Austrian loppet series . There is more about about cross country ski races on this link.
Where to Stay
This link will help you choose where to stay, or look at one of the many accommodation booking sites on the internet.
The best options would be either Achenkirch or Pertisau. Achenkirch main town is fairly busy and caters well for the downhillers who are also there. But head for the bottom end of town by the Lake and it is a much quieter location with easy access to the cross country tracks, and bus route.
Hotel Fisherwirt is a a good choice and location for a stay. This is their Facebook page.
Tour Companies who feature the Achensee Region
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