Ski Chalets in Niederau, Austria

Description

Niederau skiing is probably best suited to beginners and intermediates, there are a couple of black runs and a bit of off-piste but not much to challenge the more advanced skier. The resort has a highly regarded ski school, nice nursery slopes and gentle blues making it a perfect destination for family holidays. For snowboarders there is a boarder arena in Niederau as well as a fun park in nearby Auffach that has rails, a half-pipe as well as other challengers for testing your skills on. Aside from skiing other activities include winter walking, tobogganing, ice skating, sleigh rides and more. This picturesque and charming resort has a very friendly atmosphere. Accommodation is located close to the slopes and there is a good selection of bars, pubs and discos for après ski but it is tamer than other Austrian resorts.

Getting There

When to Go

Where to Stay

Getting around

Apres

Après ski and evening activities are generally informal but varied with something for everyone. Despite the relatively tame après reputation of the Wildschonau valley, arguably the best live music, bars and nightclubs are concentrated in Niederau.
Bobo’s Heustadl Bar on the slopes blasts loud music from mid afternoon and is well-established as the most popular first stop for both locals and tourists.
There is a lively feel to the Drift Inn bar at the Club Hotel Vicky and the Cave Bar situated in the basement of Hotel Staffler is always popular. Later on, O’Malleys Irish Pub and Dorfstub’n are the nightclubs in town. Convenient access between the villages of the valley is facilitated by the Nightliner bus which runs between the Klausenhof in Niederau and the Schatzberg lift in Auffach from 8pm-3am from Thursday to Saturday.

Eating out

There are over 20 cosy mountain huts dotted across the Wildschonau ski area. The best include the Markbachjoch Alm at the top of the gondola in Niederau which has a large sun terrace, and the Schatzberg Alm in Auffach which is an efficient self-service restaurant that is also hot on the après-ski activity.
The best restaurants in Niederau are found within the hotels and serve up hearty, traditional Tyrolean meals. The Hotel Austria’s Austria-Stuberl utilises local produce and specialities include the range of cheese and meat fondues. The 4* Hotel Wastlhof is arguably the most acclaimed restaurant in the village.
For pizza, there are the Pizzeria Treff, Ferrari and Milano and between Niederau and Oberau lies Pizzeria Italia 90. A ten minute taxi ride from the village, the small town of Worgl also offers a wide choice of restaurants including Austrian, Italian, Spanish, Indian and Chinese cuisines.

Activities

There are plenty of non-skiing activities in Niederau and the Wildschonau area that will suit everyone from cross-country skiing to tobogganing as well as paragliding, snowshoeing, winter walking and exploring the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
There’s no better way to enjoy the spirit of the Austrian Alps than on a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride. Wrap up warm and enjoy an afternoon off the slopes while taking in the beautiful nature in the snowy landscape of Wildschonau. Many companies organise these trips, such as the family-run Foischinghof hotel. A two hour excursion costs 11€.
Another way to explore the area is on the leisure train that runs from the villages to Thierbach, the highest village in Wildschonau / Kitzbuheler Alps and site of the smallest school in Austria with eight pupils, a beautiful church, farmlands and spectacular views. The ride takes only 15 minutes and is a magical and unique activity for a family ski holiday.