Cross-country ski safety
Lake Achensee is one of Tirol’s most renowned cross-country skiing centres boasting over 230 kilometres of trails groomed for classic and skating skiing. With trails leading alongside the lake and into the Karwendel valleys, the region offers unlimited Nordic skiing for every level. In addition, the region is one of Tirol’s quality-approved cross-country skiing regions, a cachet that guarantees high standards. Before you hit our beautiful trails, take the time to review the safety guidelines below. We want you to have fun, enjoy the trails, and above all, avoid injuries.
The classification of trails bearing the Tirolean seal of quality is as follows: Blue trails are suitable for beginners and children. Red trails feature some ascents and descents and are dedicated to intermediate skiers. Black trails are reserved for experienced and competitive skiers.
The international FIS rules will help you stay safe while you’re out enjoying the trails.
- Respect other skiers: Do not endanger other skiers and avoid encounters with animals.
- Signs, direction, and technique: Obey all posted signs and warnings. Ski in indicated direction and technique. Do not skate over classic tracks.
- Choice of track: In a course with multiple sets of tracks, always ski to the right. If you ski in a group, all skiers must ski single file in the right lane.
- Overtaking: Overtaking is allowed from the right and from the left. While you are not required to yield the track to faster skiers, it is good manners to allow them to pass.
- Oncoming traffic: Step to the right. Skiers climbing uphill must yield to skiers coming downhill.
- Use of poles: Keep your poles close to your body when encountering other skiers.
- Control your speed: Stay in control of your speed in any terrain, visibility, and traffic. Always keep a safe distance from other skiers. In emergencies, let yourself fall to avoid collision.
- Do not obstruct trails: Move off the track quickly if you fall or during rest stops.
- Assistance after accidents: All skiers in the vicinity of the incident must help the injured person. However, you should not put yourself in harm’s way when helping others.
- Identification: All skiers involved in an accident, including witnesses, must give their personal details.
- Opening times & trail fees: The cross-country ski trails in Maurach, Eben am Achensee and Pertisau are open all day, and closed for the night from 17.00 to 08.00. Trail fees are charged for the practice trail and the tracks leading into the Karwendel valleys.
- In our awareness campaign “Taktvoll” (being mindful) we share important information on how to stay safe while enjoying outdoor winter activities.
In case of an emergency
- Emergency numbers: 144 (ambulance), 140 (emergency number for alpine accidents in Austria), 112 (European emergency number)
- Emergency app „SOS EU Alp“: This app shares your GPS coordinates with local emergency response teams, reducing the time between alert and rescue considerably. The app is a valuable addition to the official alpine emergency number 140.
