Cross-country skiing in Austria - ski school in Vorarlberg

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: September 2026 | What is it like to go cross-country skiing in Austria? During this winter trip to Austria, we chose not to go skiing, but to only experience winter in other ways. Among other things, we tested cross-country skiing at a ski school in Schoppernau, in Vorarlberg.

Cross-country skiing in Austria

Cross-country skiing in Austria is a great alternative to downhill skiing, for example if you want to vary your day - or if different family members have different preferences. Maybe in some families it's like it was in mine (Helena's) when I was growing up - dad, me and my brother liked slalom, while mum enjoyed cross-country skiing best.

When cross-country skiing, you get to enjoy the beautiful winter scenery, and at the same time, cross-country skiing is cruel good exercise for the whole body.

There are, of course, lots of different places to go cross-country skiing in Austria. We stayed in the Bregenzerwald region of Vorarlberg and chose to cross-country ski in Schoppernau, where there is a ski school and many trails to choose from.

Getting ready for cross country skiing in Austria

If you don't have your own equipment for cross-country skiing in Austria, you have to start by renting. We got excellent help from Jürgen in Cross-country skiing school test centre in Schoppernau, which serves as a shop, rental, service centre and cross-country skiing school. He asked about shoe size and weight, and then picked out the appropriate equipment for us.

We have both been cross-country skiers before, but we can say that it was a long time ago. We can also note the progress made in recent decades. Wow, what flexible boots and bindings there are nowadays!

A 2-hour course

In collaboration with Visit Vorarlberg, we took part in a 2-hour course in cross-country skiing. Really good when you haven't skied for a long time, or if you just want to improve your technique! We had to start with some warm-up exercises ...

Then we set off! We went "classic style", as opposed to "skating", which is also popular today. It was a bit wobbly and unsure at first, but we got into it pretty quickly, not least with the help of the teacher who showed rhythm and movements.

We also got to try some different exercises. Among other things, you take off one ski and kick yourself forwards, without poles.

This is what we learnt about cross-country skiing

So, what did we learn about cross-country skiing? Considering that we were unfamiliar, there was some good information. Among other things, the following lessons stuck:

• Always bend your knees and lean slightly forwards - never backwards.
• Use diagonal technique (switching between the right and left foot in front of the other) when travelling flat or uphill.
• Hold the poles backwards (a bit like a ski jumper) or pair walk (walk with both poles parallel) downhill.
• Keep clear of the track when stopping, so as not to be in the way of others
• Do not wave the sticks at others - they are pointed.
• If you fall - bend forward and put your knees on the ground to get back up smoothly.

Cross-country skiing in Austria - ending with a schnapps

After finishing the course, we came back to Jürgen in the shop, who wondered how it went. Then we were offered a small Austrian schnapps. That would never have happened in Sweden, right? Nice atmosphere!

Lunch in Schoppernau

After skiing and a little schnapps, we of course needed lunch. It was a classic schnitzel at Hotel Gasthof Adler in Schoppernau. Good, nice and good service!

Cross-country skiing in Austria - things to consider

So, what do we say about cross-country skiing in Austria? Well, it can certainly be completely fantastic! Of course, you have to check the weather and find a good place where there are plenty of ski tracks. But yes, we can highly recommend this experience!

Remember to dress for a day outdoors in a winter climate, but not too thickly. You get warm when you move!

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Maybe you want to do more than just cross-country skiing in Austria, near Vorarlberg? Here are some more tips:

• Culinary winter walk in Austria
• Things to do in Bregenz
• All our tips about Vorarlberg