Niederau Ski Resort

The fertile mountain meadows in the Wildschönau were settled many centuries ago by farmers who cleared the forests from the valley floor and tamed the swamps beside the mountain streams. Silver was mined in the mountains towards the more remote part of the valley and wood, as in many parts of the Tyrol, was also an important resource.

These days farming is still an important part of the valley’s economy alongside winter and summer tourism. Summer visitors normally come for the traditional nature of the valley and for the mountain walking and some of the winter visitors are also there to take advantage of the unspoilt nature of the scenery – winter walking and snowshow walking are growing in popularity.

But most winter guests will be attracted by the ski areas outside the three villages of Niederau, Oberau and Auffach. Niederau especially has made a name for itself in the niche of school party skiing.

Previously Niederau was considered the main ski resort in the valley – it is the most accessible and was certainly the best-known. However the link between Auffach and Alpbach over the Schatzberg has meant that this ski area has suddenly become a lot more attractive. It always was the most extensive – now it has expanded. Oberau is a great choice for beginners.

Niederau and the other villages are relatively easy to reach from most parts of Europe as Wörgl, the nearest town in the Inn valley, has very good road and rail connections.

As the first settlement in the valley, Niederau is the main centre for hotel accommodation, although there is a smaller selection of hotels and guesthouses available in the other settlements.