Cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice skating or winter hiking - everything around Lake Ritzensee in the Nordic Park

The Ritzensee is picturesquely situated above Saalfelden. On one side, the rugged rock faces of the Steinernes Meer tower high into the sky and on the other, rolling hills stretch out before you. This is the best place to indulge in Nordic winter sports. Cross-country skiing, biathlon, ice skating, winter hiking - everything is possible in the so-called Nordic Park at Lake Ritzensee, including relaxation and culinary refreshments.

Cross-country skiing on the trails of professional athletes and under floodlights

The cross-country ski trail network in Saalfelden Leogang spans a total of 150 kilometres. Some of these kilometres are also in the Nordic Park, around the Ritzensee lake. The shortest trail is the one that simply runs along the shore around the lake - only 1.8 kilometres, but it is floodlit every day until 9 pm. You can even go for a quick run after dinner. On the 4.7-kilometre-long World Championship cross-country ski trail, you can actually sometimes see professional athletes such as the Austrian biathletes Simon Eder and Julian Eberhard training. This trail also first leads around the lake, but then through varying terrain and is considered to be quite sporty and challenging. However, you don't have to complete it at a competitive athlete's pace to get a taste of the professional air. The Kollingwald trail is a little longer at 4.9 kilometres, but is much easier to run after the lake circuit due to the flatter terrain. The numerous other trails in the region are so varied in length and difficulty that everyone, whether beginner or advanced, sporty or leisurely, will quickly find their favourite trail.

Biathlon taster courses for children and adults

Just like the cross-country ski trails, the other Nordic activities are also spread around the lake. If you would like to try your hand at the popular sport of biathlon and learn how to shoot in addition to the skating style, you can take a taster course at the biathlon shooting range in the cross-country stadium on the west side of the lake. Children can also take part in the weekly HSV club training programme. Adults are best advised to join a course run by Andrea Grossegger, a former professional biathlete and 1984 World Championship bronze medallist, who explains what you need to bear in mind when shooting and also gives tips on the correct cross-country skiing technique. You can book a course with Andrea Grossegger in her specialised cross-country ski shop.

Fun & Snow Park - a cross-country learning park for children

The centrepiece of the Nordic Park at Lake Ritzensee is the "Fun & Snow Park" right next to the cross-country stadium. Here, children in particular learn cross-country skiing in a playful way. Travelling long distances and enjoying nature at the same time - that's not for the younger ones yet. But if they have fun and can jump, they'll soon get into it. That's why the Fun & Snow Park also has hills, jumps, bends and descents that provide the right fun and action factor and at the same time seemingly incidentally give the youngsters a feel for the narrow boards.

Gliding across the lake on runners

Lake Ritzensee is of course part of the Nordic Park. As soon as it is frozen over and accessible, it becomes a marvellous natural ice skating rink. Thanks to floodlights, you can even skate and pirouette here until 9 pm. Those who prefer to keep their shoes on can simply test their skills with a round of curling.

On foot through the snowy winter landscape

There are also three winter hiking routes in the Nordic Park. Walking over the creaking snow on the cleared paths is a special winter experience. For hiking enthusiasts, the 11.8 kilometre Haidrunde, which leads past the Ritzensee lake and through the Kollingwald forest, is ideal. The Lettingrunde is only 7.1 kilometres long, but is just as scenic. Those who prefer a shorter loop can simply walk around the Ritzensee lake in just under 30 minutes.

Culinary offerings in the Nordic Park

Where there are many sporting opportunities, culinary delights are of course a must. In the restaurants at Lake Ritzensee, guests are served many different dishes, especially those typical of the region, which are prepared on site with lots of love and products from local farmers and producers.

Ice disco or relaxing in the lounge - the Nordic Park Experience at Lake Ritzensee

Where so much comes together, a major event is a must. The "Nordic Park Experience" will take place on 10 and 24 February 2019 - with music, culinary delights and a cosy lounge to relax in. There will also be kids' winter games, an ice disco and BBQ with ingredients from the region. The Sportalpen cross-country skiing camp for beginners is also offered at the same time as the Nordic Park Experience: Three-day course (22-24 February 2019), overnight stay at the 4-star Hotel Ritzenhof, floodlight training and photo accompaniment cost 468 euros per person.