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Ski Niederau Accommodation
Book Niederau ski accommodation direct with owners chalet or apartment.
Niederau attractive, though spread out, resort with a small, quite varied ski area, that has a strong British following. Good for families and beginners. Niederau is a popular example of what Austria does so well: the unspoilt, hassle-free, family ski village. It's more convenient than Waidring and Fieberbrunn, cheaper and prettier than Obergurgl, and less commercialised than Westendorf. It has a lovely setting in a pretty valley and is made up of pleasant chalet-style buildings .
A cluster of restaurants and shops opposite the Markbachjoch gondola is the main thing to a focal point. The resort is geared towards families looking for a friendly, unsophisticated but civilised atmosphere.
The Wildschonau lift pass covers the higher ski area of Auffach, a bus-ride away in the next valley, and the nursery slopes in and around the pretty village of Oberau. The small local ski area is spread over a broad, wooded mountainside which does not rise above 1600m. Mountain access is via a chair or 8-person gondola - these are ]ust a few minutes' walk apart, in central Niederau. The Markbachjoch gondola gives immediate access to a novices' plateau at 1500m and the area's steepest runs, back to the village. Easier runs to Niederau open up from the plateau. The other chair doesn't go so high, but is surmounted by a steep drag to the high-point of Lanerkopfl (1600m). A choice of red runs descend to the village. A reliable half-hourly bus goes to Auffach. Its sunny ski area is narrower, but taller (up to 1900m, with a vertical of 1000m). The main lift is a two-stage gondola. Leisurely skiers have some interesting runs to enjoy; the long main Auffach piste is the highlight. Niederau is suitable for beginners and moderate intermediates, excellent nursery slopes lie at the foot and top of the mountain. The 35km of cross-country trails along the valley are good when snow is abundant, and there is a new 6km trail on top of Markbachjoch. The ski school has a good reputation.
