Visitor reviews for Niederau - Wildschonau Ski Resort

Niederau - Wildschonau Ratings

Overall: 3.9. Based on 14 votes and 82 reviews. Vote

Snowsure: 3.7

(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Niederau - Wildschonau is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Variety of pistes: 3.7

(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Niederau - Wildschonau has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

Off-piste: 3.0

(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.

Scenery: 4.3

(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

Access: 4.4

(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day – you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Niederau - Wildschonau.

Public Transport: 4.2

(1) There are no buses or taxis to Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

Accommodation: 4.6

(1) No places to stay in/near Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 4.0

(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

Luxury Hotels: 3.8

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Niederau - Wildschonau.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.5

(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

Childcare: 4.1

(1) There are no child care facilities at Niederau - Wildschonau, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowmaking: 3.8

(1) Niederau - Wildschonau relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 4.6

(1) There are no snow groomers at Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Niederau - Wildschonau are groomed daily.

Shelter: 4.4

(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Niederau - Wildschonau is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 4.3

(1) If snow conditions are poor at Niederau - Wildschonau, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

Regional rating: 3.7

(1) Niederau - Wildschonau usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.

Lift Staff: 4.5

(1) The staff at Niederau - Wildschonau are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Niederau - Wildschonau are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

Crowds/Queues: 4.0

(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.

Ski Schools: 4.8

(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

Hire and Repairs: 4.8

(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.

Beginners: 4.6

(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.

Intermediates: 4.2

(1) No intermediate terrain at Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 3.1

(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.

Snow Park: 2.5

(1) Not even a kicker at Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

Cross-country: 3.8

(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Niederau - Wildschonau, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

Luge/Toboggan: 3.0

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Niederau - Wildschonau has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 3.8

(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

Eating: 4.0

(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.

Apres-Ski: 4.1

(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

Other Sports: 3.1

(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.

Entertainment: 3.2

(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

Winter Walks: 3.5

(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.

Ski Pass Value: 3.8

(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

Value (National): 4.0

(1) Overall, Niederau - Wildschonau is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.

Value (Global): 4.0

(1) Overall, Niederau - Wildschonau is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

Show all 35 ratings

January 08, 2019
Garfy from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Just returned from a New Year skiing holiday in Niederau and it was fantastic! (Note: this report is based on the near 100cm of snow that fell during the week! But there are plenty of snow cannons to keep the slopes topped up) Firstly, it's a small resort so don't go expecting the 3 Valleys, but the lifts and pistes are well maintained and the equipment is modern. We encountered few queues, perhaps a maximum of 10 minutes to board the gondola after lunch and the expected lines on the nursery slopes at the bottom. Not bad considering it was New Year! It's a resort best for beginners and those who want to hone their skills. That's not to say that there isn't a challenge for the more advanced but it is limited to just a couple of black runs and a couple of off-piste routes. There is a regular short bus ride to Auffach and beyond for those looking for more extensive skiing Our group used the 'red' ski school and they were very well looked after and progressed from complete beginners to skiing competently in just a couple of days. The instructors are fantastic with kids and very helpful and patient and lots of fun If I were to criticise the skiing at all, it's that the links at the top of the gondola are very flat and much walking/poling/skating ensued. Even the link from the top of the chair to the gondola can't be made in one go! But don't let that put you off, it's a good warm up! Accommodation is abundant and our hotel, the Sonnschein, was excellent. There are a few good bars clustered around the base of the gondola for apres and lunches and the 'legendary' Cave Bar has live bands Overall, it's a great resort, the locals are friendly and the skiing is excellent (again helped by all that fresh stuff!). If you are beginners or inters looking to improve, this resort won't let you down!
January 20, 2018
Barry from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Missing 1 season due to health, we have been to Niederau every year since 2009, previously France and Switzerland. Why do we go? We love the place. Locals are more than friendly, so I don’t know where some of the comments come from. Niederau isn’t St Moritz so don’t expect 5 star luxury for 3 star prices. We have always stayed at one hotel and frankly wouldn’t change as we have always had great service. Yes, the skiing for inters and experts is limited yet there are numerous alternatives available within 30kms. For beginners it’s first class especially those with young families as the beginners slopes are easy and kids are catered for extensively. You can even leave them supervised at the kids closed areas with instructed nannies without worrying about them. All in all, it’s a great little resort if you are a beginner or intermediate. Quite why “expert” skiers would go there is a mystery. Yeah, I’ve listened to the so called experts over breakfast and dinner and often passed them on a number of runs when they are flat on their backs having tried their expert snowploughs and stems on a red only to find a snowplough doesn’t quite work when so frightened all their weight is in the back seat. Joking, well not really. Overall, 4 stars for 3 star prices. Going again? Yes, we certainly are.
February 23, 2015
Kim Townson from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
I don't know which Neiderau these people have been to but I can't agree with anything they have said. We have just got back from a week in Neiderau and the locals could not have been more welcoming. What half-term? We avoided half-term 3 years ago in Borovets and I must say we had no problem here; very little queuing on gondolas, fellow skiers and borders polite and no crashing (as in Borovets). I think the farming/skiing infrastructure is wonderful, this is a place you can really relax and switch off and enjoy a proper break from the rat race in England.
March 24, 2014
Nigel Kirk from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
As long as you avoid the half-term weeks, Niederau has few queues. It is a small resort but the runs are well looked after and the skiing on-piste is first class in the morning. I went twice this year, once with my son and his family. Both times were great showing that this resort caters for couples and families. Free ski bus goes to Auffach every half hour. From Auffach there are gondola connections to Alpbach so plenty of choice only 30 mins away. The Ski-Welt is also nearby but you will need the extended area pass for there. There is a good choice of reasonably priced hotels and pensions but no top class hotels. Try Zell am Zee if you want a luxury hotel. The après-ski is top class. We prefer Flatschers but there are others including Bobos which is non-smoking. All in all, a great place for those that like small and friendly so please stay away and leave the place for us. [note from the editor: names of individuals are not included in reviews.]
March 16, 2014
Mr.smith from Ski Austria Austria
It is a beautiful place but the people ruin it. The slopes are very, very easy and most runs are very short. The hotels have lots of deals with schools so almost everyday is crowded. The slope staff are not friendly, which is typical in Europe but you would think better in Austria. The locals are cutting down all the trees, which is a problem in all of Austria. When it gets warmer the farmers are throwing cow poop everywhere, so your hotel room will smell like a diary farm and do not even think of opening the windows. The ski bus runs only twice between 11:00 and 2:00. This is one of those resorts where the locals do not respect the tourism and realise how much business it gives them. Honestly, I think people should teach them lesson and stay away.
October 23, 2013
Cheryl Trueman from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Niederau is a fantastic place for a family ski holiday; went in 2012 and going back next February 2014. Snow was wonderful and the town is small but friendly, kids loved it as it's easy to get around. Stayed at the Sonnshien (lovely hotel). All in all, everything you would want on a family ski holiday.
January 10, 2012
Steve from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Ski bus goes through Oberau, which is smaller than Niederau (only a few runs), to Auffach which is a larger ski area.
November 22, 2011
David from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
I went to Niederau (Niederau - Wildschonau) last year with a group of friends all of different abilities and it was a great week. Ski School was really good and the beginners loved it. For the more advanced it was a little limited, there are a couple of challenging runs but it is not that big although there is a free bus that runs to Oberau which is about twice the size so between the two there is enough to keep you entertained. The apres-ski is similar, not a mad town but some really nice late night bars and nice restaurants. All in, I would certainly recommended it and I shall be going back for a weekend next year.
March 10, 2010
Shelagh from England from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Just coming to the end of a fantastic week in Neiderau (Niederau - Wildschonau). We are staying at the Vicky Appartments, the Hotel Vicky was taken back from Thompsons by local Miki Unger and his English wife Leslie and converted into 12 luxury apartments, each beautifully decorated with its own infrared Sauna (and free WIFI hence me checking the snow report for tomorrow!). We couldn't be more impressed (even at peak prices it only costs 30 euros a head per night for a group of 6 - great value we thought). The snow has been brilliant, January snow with March weather. The resort is smaller than some but we drive over and if we want some variety we have Kitzbuhl, or the Skiwelt within 20-30 minutes. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming. We will be back again.
January 09, 2010
M Biglin from Ski United Kingdom United Kingdom
Niederau - Wildschonau resort is fantastic for families. We are returning again soon and have stayed in the resort twice before; the hotel Alpenland is ski to door (if snow conditions permit), the staff are very friendly and the food is superb. Likewise, the Simmellwert is also very good. The childrens ski schools are excellent, my sons loved them, I've also been in adulst ski school twice and the instructors are excellent. For a further varity of ski runs why not try one of the nearby resorts? You can get the ski bus which is free with a current lift pass. Niederau - Wildschonau is an excellent value for money resort with a superb Irish pub, really good fun!