Holiday homes with whirlpool at Kreischberg in Murau, next to the ski slope

Winter holidays at the foot of the Kreischberg

In winter, the snow-covered peaks and forests of the Murau-Kreischberg holiday region are guaranteed not to leave you cold. Whether you prefer to explore the area on alpine or cross-country skis, or on a snowboard, a holiday in Styria has something perfect in store for each and every winter sports fan. The snowy countryside will also motivate you to take extended walks through idyllic nature, looking, marveling and pausing to reflect along the way. On the “Kreischberg Lake Tour” around the Kreischberg and on the “Pine Path”, cleared pathways allow you to discover the white countryside with your whole family. During the run-up to Christmas, why not combine a leisurely walk with a visit to one of the numerous festive Advent markets in the Murau-Kreischberg region.

Skiing and snowboarding on the Kreischberg

The great location of our resort close to the valley station makes us a great base camp for all your sporting expeditions. On the roughly 40 km of pistes awaiting our guests in the Kreischberg ski area, beginners as well as full-blooded “professionals” find perfect piste conditions. There is very good reason why the Kreischberg has become the “second home” of Olympic and World Cup Champion Anna Gasser! Freestylers, too, can pull out their full bag of tricks at the snowpark. The speed hill, the permanent race hill and a tubing hill add the proverbial icing to the cake. Since December 2021, a modern 10-seater gondola lift has been transporting up to 4,000 people per hour up the mountain.

Sporting activities away from the piste

Hike with snowshoes through the pristine countryside away from the well-trodden paths, where you will be the first to leave tracks in the freshly fallen snow. The tour around the Grebenzenschutzhaus is an easy introduction to snowshoeing for beginners, while the trail via the Troghütte to the summit of the Frauenalpe at 1997 m is definitely more suitable for experienced snowshoers.

A day at the ice rink or sledding is a welcome change of pace, not just for the kids. Depending on the weather conditions, you have several opportunities for ice-skating, for example at the swimming lakes in Murau and Stadl an der Mur, as well as by the Stolzalpe behind the church. One special highlight is Ice Park Greimarena in St. Peter am Kammersberg, not far from Murau, with skate rentals, floodlighting, music and refreshments

Under the bright light of a full moon, in Lachtal you can enjoy a sled run that’s roughly 2 km long. The floodlit natural toboggan run begins at the Hirzmann Alm and is easy to reach on foot as well. Approximately 25 km from Murau – the county seat – is the Styrian village of Neumarkt, where you can actually choose from 4 nicely maintained sled runs. Inside the Tonnerhütte family ski area, to be precise, you will even be able to ride a tow lift with your sled back to the top of the hill.

Cross-country skiing in our snowy region gives you a perfect opportunity to escape the outside world completely, marvel at the surrounding landscapes and relish every single moment. Hobby XCers as well as “pros” find perfect conditions. The Murau-Kreischberg region boasts around 40 km of double-tracked trails along the banks of the River Mur, at the foot of mountains and through picturesque Styrian villages. Snowmaking machines along the Weirerteichloipe guarantee snow conditions that are 100% reliable, also under the lights. On this roughly 2 km long trail, a shooting range also allows you to hone your biathlon skills.

During your holiday at our resort, you should definitely take full advantage of the Murau-Murtal GuestCARD, which is even valid on the very first day of your stay. The card entitles you to numerous discounts, including as much as 30% off at various attractions including spa resorts, museums and swimming areas. Go ahead and buy your Murau-Murtal GuestCARD online in advance, or simply ask one of our employees for assistance. They will also be happy to share a few of their own personal insider tips for exciting excursion destinations during your visit to the Murau-Kreischberg region.

Summer holidays in the Murau-Kreischberg region

Between the Niedere Tauern and Nockberge, the Murau-Kreischberg region enriches Styria with breathtaking mountain scenery, lush meadows, green forests and numerous attractions that you will be able to experience personally during your holiday in Styria. The wealth of choices appears virtually limitless, though the excellent location of the chalets and holiday apartments by ALPS RESORTS definitely gives you the ideal opportunity to discover as many of them as possible.

Hiking holidays in Murtal, Styria

Slow down the pace of your hectic life and sense the soothing benefits of nature experienced along countless hiking paths leading through the Murau-Kreischberg region. Truly a paradise for nature lovers and alpinists. A hike to the top of the Frauenalpe, including a brief refreshment stop at the Murauerhütte or Alpengasthof Krische, is easily completed in roughly 1 ½ hours, even with the kids.

Close to our resort is the Kreischberg, the summit of which can be reached by lift, meaning you can also bring a pram along as needed. Highlights for the kids include the Dinosaur Forest as well as the DiscGolf Park with practice “holes”. If ever you have your fill of the mountain air, various walking paths and theme trails in the valley promise an exciting as well as educational change of pace for big and small alike.

Cycling and Mountain Biking Tours

The bike paths in the Murau-Kreischberg region are uniformly and clearly signposted. You will be able to choose between easy, family-friendly paths and challenging bike tours as much as 250 km in length and with significant elevation changes. Either take your own bike or rent out a regular bicycle or e-bike locally.

During your tours, you will find it rewarding to enjoy a break from time to time, discovering sightseeing attractions in the area or perhaps even taking a refreshing dip in the Auerlingsee, which awaits you along the route from Murau to St. Lambrecht. The Murau Bike Path leads you to Judenburg, site of the world’s highest planetarium and one of the 10 most modern planetariums in the world. For experienced bikers in search of added physical challenges, the Karchaurunde – with a mountain stage that should not be underestimated – rewards you with beautiful views out across Murau.

Bathing enjoyment and rafting adventures

Beyond a doubt, the best way to cool down after a strenuous bike tour is by jumping into the fresh water of any number of outdoor pools and swimming lakes in the Murau-Kreischberg region. The natural swimming lake in Murau, with its broad sunbathing areas, is an absolute oasis of peace and relaxation, also treating guests to a beach volleyball court and even a diving platform. Barely two kilometers from the alpine village of Stadl an der Mur, the local swimming lake promises welcome refreshment. The flat shoreline and shallow depth make this particular lake ideal for a day by the water spent with your whole family.

You can also mellow out marvelously at Aqualux Therme Fohnsdorf. With 900 m² of total water area, you will be able to unwind in the warm thermal pools or during a session in the sauna, simultaneously allowing the mountain scenery of Upper Styria to work its wonders on your soul. And be sure not to forget your Murau-Murtal GuestCard for a 30% discount on all-day admission.

For an exciting personal adventure, how about rafting through the powerful currents of the green River Mur! From June until September, you can navigate the wild rapids with the help of a state-certified rafting guide. Afterwards, recharge your batteries with a full platter of hearty Styrian-style snacks.

Recreational activities in the Murau-Kreischberg region

For a completely different perspective of the diverse, beautiful landscapes, tandem paragliding is definitely the way to go. Soar through the air with an experienced pilot, allowing the air currents to lead you where they will. Yet another opportunity for a custom-tailored holiday: fishing in the River Mur or at the Rottenmanner Teich. The four golf courses in the Murau-Kreischberg region, including Murau Golf Club and the Mariahof golf course, live up to your highest golfing expectations and give you a perfect opportunity to lower your handicap during your holidays.