Erlsbach: Accommodation for Cross-Country Skiing and Mountain Trails

If you are looking for accommodation in Erlsbach for a winter stay, the planned activity should determine your starting point. The St. Jakob–Erlsbach cross-country ski trail leads to the turning point in Erlsbach. There are also hiking trails via Seebachalm to Jagdhausalm, Barmer Hütte and Arventalalm, as well as a descent through the Patschertal valley that is possible for experienced ski tourers when conditions are suitable. The trails differ considerably in terms of route character and starting point.

Cross-country skiing and winter routes

The St. Jakob–Erlsbach cross-country ski trail runs through secluded, idyllic woodland high above the Schwarzach River. Its turning point is in Erlsbach; the route then returns along the same trail. The cross-country route is therefore designed as an out-and-back route. This distinguishes it from the hiking destinations, each with its own route, and from the ski touring descent through the Patschertal valley. When conditions are suitable, experienced ski tourers can descend through the Patschertal valley and then ski along the closed road to Erlsbach.

Hiking destinations with different starting points

There are two described routes to Jagdhausalm. One hike leads via Seebachalm, which is referred to as Austria’s oldest alpine village. In addition, a hiking trail leads from Erlsbach to Jagdhausalm in approximately four hours. This time indication is only a rough guide and does not describe a fixed duration for every person or situation. The hike to Barmer Hütte begins at the car park of Patscherhütte. The trail first leads into the Patschertal valley and then climbs steeply to the hut. This starting point differs from the routes to Jagdhausalm. The hike to Arventalalm, on the other hand, starts in Erlsbach and follows the toll road to Alpengasthof Patsch. Parking is available there. For planning your hikes, the starting points are therefore not in the same location: Jagdhausalm can be reached from Erlsbach or via Seebachalm, the route to Barmer Hütte starts at the car park of Patscherhütte, and the trail to Arventalalm follows the toll road to Alpengasthof Patsch. These differences concern the respective trailhead, not the names of the hiking destinations.

Natural environment and getting there

The Oberhauser stone pine forest in the rear Defereggental valley covers more than 170 hectares and is the largest contiguous stone pine stand in the Eastern Alps. A stone pine stand refers to a contiguous population of these coniferous trees. More than 30 bird species can be observed in the forest. The forest thus forms a separate natural environment alongside the cross-country ski trail, hiking trails and ski touring descent. For travel connections, the post bus service connects Huben and Erlsbach and includes the village of St. Veit. St. Veit is therefore one of the places located on this public connection between Huben and Erlsbach. If you would like to compare Erlsbach with other places, you can also include [Außervillgraten](Außervillgraten), [Ainet](Ainet), [Niedermauern](Niedermauern), [Huben Im Ötztal](Huben Im Ötztal), [Heinfels](Heinfels), [Abfaltersbach](Abfaltersbach), [Oberrotte](Oberrotte) and [Tristach](Tristach) in your comparison.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lienz District.