Cross-Country Skiing in Lungau, Austria: Trails, Fees and Where to Start
Lungau has more than 150 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails for classic and skate skiing, almost all above 1,000 m. Most trails are free to use; a trail ticket called "Loipenfuchs" is needed in only seven villages. The highlights are the high-altitude trail at Prebersee, the floodlit loop at Lignitz near Mariapfarr and the Gnadenalm near Obertauern, where both trails and parking are free.
We know Lungau's trails from our own experience, not just from the brochure. That is why this guide also tells you where parking gets tight on busy days and which trail still runs when snow is scarce. Every tip starts from our apartment in Tamsweg, right in the middle of Lungau.
How many km of cross-country trails does Lungau have?
According to the Lungau tourist board, the region has more than 150 kilometres of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. You will find figures of 200 or 240 kilometres online; those usually include trails in neighbouring regions or count classic and skate tracks twice. We stick to the official number.
Altitude matters more than total length. All of Lungau lies above 1,000 m, and the high trails at Prebersee, Gnadenalm and Schönfeld sit well above that. This makes Lungau one of the most snow-reliable cross-country regions in the Salzburg area.
Do you pay trail fees in Lungau? The Loipenfuchs explained
In most Lungau villages cross-country skiing is free. A trail fee, the "Loipenfuchs" ticket, applies in only seven villages: Göriach, Lessach, St. Andrä, Mauterndorf, Mariapfarr (Lignitz), Tamsweg (Preber high trail) and Weißpriach.
| Loipenfuchs ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 day | 6 euros |
| 3 days | 15 euros |
| 7 days | 25 euros |
| Season | 50 euros |
| Children up to 15 | free |
Prices according to the Lungau tourist board. Current prices and sales points on lungau.at.
Completely free options include the Gnadenalm trails near Obertauern, parking included, and the high trails in Schönfeld.
Best cross-country trails in Lungau
| Trail | Length | Technique | Highlight | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lignitz, Mariapfarr | 6.5 km | classic and skate | 3 km snowmaking, floodlit loop, easy parking | Loipenfuchs |
| Prebersee high trail | approx. 8 km classic, 6 km skate | classic and skate | up to 1,549 m, panorama, parking tight on busy days | Loipenfuchs |
| Taurachloipe, St. Andrä | 6 km | classic and skate | 2.5 km snowmaking, partly floodlit, in the village | Loipenfuchs |
| Panoramaloipe, Mauterndorf | 6 km | classic and skate | 3 km snowmaking | Loipenfuchs |
| Gnadenalm, Untertauern | 19 to 20 km | classic and skate | 1,250 to 1,350 m, rental and school on site | free |
| Schönfeld, Thomatal | Rosanin 8 km, Bundschuh 10 km | classic and skate | up to 2,050 m, highest trails in the region | free |
Lignitz, Mariapfarr: the all-rounder
A lovely loop with good parking. Three kilometres of the high trail have snowmaking. In poor snow conditions often only the floodlit loop of about 600 metres is open; in a good winter Lignitz is a full-length cross-country trail. Laser biathlon runs here on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
Prebersee high trail: the panorama
The best views in Lungau, for classic and skate. The altitude of around 1,500 m keeps conditions good, often even when the valley has little snow. The one catch: at weekends and during holidays the car parks at Gasthof Ludlalm fill up early. Come in the morning or on a weekday.
Taurachloipe, St. Andrä: reliable when snow is short
Right in the village, partly floodlit and with 2.5 kilometres of snowmaking. Parking is easy. The right choice at the start of the season or after a thaw.
Obertauern and Gnadenalm: altitude and space
In Obertauern (30 minutes from our apartment) you ski right in the resort with excellent snow, for example on the Hundsfeld trail. Towards Altenmarkt lies the Gnadenalm, a dedicated cross-country centre with 19 to 20 kilometres of trails, rental, a ski school and laser biathlon. Trails and parking are free there, and the season usually runs from late November to April.
Further afield, Schönfeld near Thomatal has the region's highest trails at up to 2,050 m, and the Mur valley near St. Margarethen offers a long, sunny valley trail.
Floodlit trails: cross-country skiing in the evening
Floodlit trails are available at Lignitz near Mariapfarr and on the Taurachloipe in St. Andrä. The floodlit loop at Lignitz runs from 4 pm to 9 pm. Ideal for downhill skiers who want a few laps after the lifts close, or for anyone who has other plans during the day.
Cross-country ski rental and lessons near Tamsweg
In Tamsweg, INTERSPORT Frühstückl at Kirchengasse 7 rents classic and skate equipment, five minutes from our apartment. Rental right at the trail is available at the Gnadenalm and in Krakau near Prebersee.
According to the tourist board, cross-country ski schools operate in Mariapfarr, St. Michael and Obertauern, as well as at the Gnadenalm. The Firn Sepp ski school in St. Margarethen also offers private lessons.
Classic or skate skiing?
Almost every trail in Lungau is groomed for both techniques. Classic is easier for beginners because the track guides you and balance matters less. Skating is faster and more intense but takes some technique. If you want to try both, book a taster lesson at the Gnadenalm or in Obertauern.
Trail report and best time for cross-country skiing
The official main season in Lungau runs from early December to the end of February, usually much longer on the high trails. The official trail report of the tourist board shows which trails are groomed today. When snow is short, the snowmaking sections at Lignitz, St. Andrä and Mauterndorf are the safe choice.
Trail etiquette and cross-country skiing with dogs
Lungau's cross-country trails have a general ban on walkers, horses and dogs. With a dog, stick to the winter walking trails, of which Lungau has more than 40. The key rules: follow the direction of the trail, overtake on the left and step out of the track when you stop. All rules on lungau.at.
For family members who don't ski at all, see our guide to Lungau in winter without skiing. For downhill skiers: skiing in Lungau with the LUNGO Ski Pass.
Frequently asked questions
Is cross-country skiing in Lungau free?
In most villages, yes. A Loipenfuchs trail ticket is needed only in Göriach, Lessach, St. Andrä, Mauterndorf, Mariapfarr (Lignitz), Tamsweg (Preber high trail) and Weißpriach. The Gnadenalm near Obertauern is free, parking included.
How much is the Loipenfuchs trail ticket?
A day ticket costs 6 euros, 3 days 15 euros, 7 days 25 euros and a season ticket 50 euros. Children up to 15 ski free.
How many kilometres of trails does Lungau have?
More than 150 kilometres of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, according to the Lungau tourist board.
Where can I cross-country ski at night in Lungau?
At Lignitz near Mariapfarr, where the floodlit loop runs from 4 pm to 9 pm, and partly on the Taurachloipe in St. Andrä.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
No. Dogs are banned on Lungau's cross-country trails. For walks with a dog there are more than 40 winter walking trails.
Where can I rent cross-country skis in Tamsweg?
At INTERSPORT Frühstückl, Kirchengasse 7, Tamsweg, for classic and skate. Rental right at the trail is available at the Gnadenalm and in Krakau near Prebersee.
Where is the snow most reliable?
On the high trails at Prebersee, Gnadenalm and Schönfeld (up to 2,050 m) and on the snowmaking sections at Lignitz, St. Andrä and Mauterndorf.
Your cross-country base in Tamsweg
Our 60 m² apartment for 2 to 3 guests sits in the middle of Lungau, with a lockable ski room, a covered parking space and a washer-dryer for wet gear. From here, Prebersee, Lignitz, St. Andrä and Obertauern are a short drive away. More about the apartment
Check availabilityAll information without guarantee. Please check trail conditions, prices and opening times with the tourist board or operator.