Seefeld: The cross-country skiing center of the Alps Austria

I am a passionate cross-country skier and biathlete. The enthusiasm for this sport was laid in my cradle, because my father is a passionate supporter of this Nordic ski sport. I was already on my first cross-country skis before I could even walk properly. The interest in biathlon came in later years. So from a very young age I spent my winters on the cross-country tracks together with my father. The shared activity was something that brought us closer together. As I got older and my days became increasingly filled with everyday worries and work, it became the perfect balance where I could switch off and gather new energy. After all the years I've been indulging in this Nordic sport, this winter I finally fulfilled a long-held wish: A cross-country skiing vacation in the Olympiaregion Seefeld in Tyrol.

Nordic competence
Why Seefeld, you ask? Because the region is the cross-country skiing center in the Alps of Austria. It is located on a high plateau at 1200 meters above sea level. As you would expect from a place in the middle of the Alps, it is surrounded by an impressive mountain landscape. To be precise, Seefeld is nestled between the Wetterstein and Karwendel mountains. Thanks to its optimal altitude, snow is practically guaranteed here. For some years now, the region has also been making use of snowfarming. Snowfarming is a method of storing and preserving artificial snow. With the help of a wood chip blanket, the snow is protected from sun and rain during the warm months. Result: In Seefeld there are now already artificial snow trails from November onwards, on which training can be done. However, the advantageous altitude and the early start to the season are only the tip of the iceberg. Seefeld scores points with me - and certainly with many other cross-country skiing enthusiasts - above all with its Nordic Competence Center. This rests on four pillars: cross-country trails, ski jumps, biathlon facility and roller ski track. The cross-country skiing network alone is impressive; Austria's second-largest cross-country skiing network comprises 256 kilometers of trails. Among them there are illuminated trails for night owls, dog trails for all those who like to be accompanied by their 4-legged friend, and trails that are specially prepared for sports enthusiasts wheelchair or sled cross-country skiers. The biathlon facility is state of the art and offers 12 small bore shooting ranges and five shooting ranges for air rifles. With so much on offer, you can probably well imagine how my cross-country skiing heart is beating faster right now as I write these words. For all those who like to "go high", there are two completely new ski jumps, lovingly named after skiing legend Anton Seelos. Nordic combined skiers will get their money's worth here. Last but not least, the Nordic Competence Center also offers a 3.6 km long roller ski track.

Olympia through and through
The next question that may come to your mind: Why is the region called "Olympic Region"? Well, it's simple: Seefeld has already hosted the Winter Olympics for the Nordic disciplines three times. The first time in 1964, the second time in 1976 and most recently in 2012 as part of the Winter Youth Olympic Games. In addition, the Seefeld region hosts the Nordic World Cup every year. After Seefeld hosted the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships for the first time in 1985, the region was again awarded the contract to host the Nordic World Ski Championships in 2019, i.e. in the upcoming winter season. These will take place from Feb. 19, 2019 - March 3, 2019, bringing an estimated 700 athletes from 60 nations to the region. Such top events naturally do their bit to ensure that entire national teams are regular guests in the region. I hope that with a little luck I will meet one or the other well-known cross-country skier during my vacation.

Cross country skiing vacation in Seefeld
But now enough of the gushing. We now know that Seefeld is a competent cross-country skiing center. That there are now hotels all over the Alps that specialize in cross-country skiing is something that perhaps fewer people know. Of course, there are also such special hotels in the Seefeld cross-country skiing region. I have booked one of them. When I arrive, I really notice that I am dealing with a competent host. I am shown all the facilities that might interest me as a cross-country skier. For example, there is a cross-country info corner with free trail maps, up-to-date information on the condition of the trails and folders with tour suggestions. I'm especially excited about the waxing corner with waxing stands and all sorts of accessories I might need to wax my cross-country skis. In addition, there are ski racks outside, a lockable ski room and a facility with laundry service. I am really positively surprised and delighted.

Since I can hardly wait to explore the first cross-country trail, I get into my cross-country outfit on the very first day. For my first tour, I choose the classic "B2" Auland trail. As I am told, this is one of the most beautiful trails in the region. So I am excited. The track leads me through many forest passages with small curves and changes of direction. During the tour I also pass by the Wildsee. The area behind it is really beautiful. Supposedly, animals also cross the path here often - but this experience is denied me on my first tour. Instead, a little later I enjoy a magnificent view of the lake and the Reither Spitze. The descent afterwards needs some technique. The tracks are partly very narrow and curvy. To be able to master them, I stay with one ski in the track, the other I put diagonally next to it with the ski tip pointed inwards in the snow. Then I bend my knees to be able to react more quickly. This so-called one-legged plow minimizes risk and helps keep speed under control.

During my tour I also discover the restaurant Strandperle. It is located right near the cross-country ski trail and seems to me to be the ideal place to warm up a bit. So I unbuckle my cross-country skis and head inside. With a homemade punch, I enjoy the view through the large panoramic windows. Next to me, the fire crackles in the open fireplace. A really successful first day in Seefeld.
Back at the hotel, I deposit my cross-country skis in the lockable ski room. Afterwards it goes first of all into the Wellnessbereich of the hotel. Steam bath, Finnish sauna, bio sauna, crystal relaxation room and massages. I use the offer naturally. After a round of cross-country skiing, a little relaxation is good. Later at dinner, a 5-course gourmet menu awaits me, which I have already selected upon arrival. Simply delicious. You can tell that my hosts are very sporty themselves and therefore know what you want on such an active vacation.

I spend the remaining days of my vacation exploring as many different cross-country ski trails as possible and improving my marksmanship in the biathlon. This vacation is exactly as I imagined it. I am sure that I will come back again. And because, as a passionate cross-country skier, I naturally don't want to miss the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2019, I got myself a couple of tickets for it while I was still on vacation. Better safe than sorry.