Seefeld: Apres in the Austrian Alps
Snow-covered peaks stand majestically over the ski trails far below
I’ve spent decades traveling to the world’s most celebrated cross country ski destinations, but there is something truly special about returning to Seefeld, Austria, the place I consider as my home ski area. Seefeld was the destination for the first Lumi trips, which included spectating at the 2018 Seefeld World Cup, and the Seefeld & Engadin Trip. This idyllic alpine village isn't just a place to ski; it’s a place where history, culture, and pristine corduroy meet.
Skate or classic skiing in Seefeld_- the choice is yours
Seefeld consistently opens its trail network in mid-November with two separate artificial snow loops in Seefeld and Leutasch. This year, an early Thanksgiving storm helped open many of the natural snow trails before December. Last week, another big snowstorm arrived to open the majority of Seefeld’s 200+ km of cross country ski trails. I spent last weekend on the trails and captured a few impressions.
I’m excited for Lumi’s Seefeld & Seiser Alm Sight-Skiing Trip to start on Sunday. Guests will have three full days to discover the best of Seefeld’s trails and activities.
Lumi guests enjoy a round of Eisstockschiessen, Austria’s version of curling, near the Seekirchl Church
A Long History of Cross Country Skiing
Seefeld is a legendary venue that has hosted the 1964 and 1976 Olympic Games, as well as the 1985 and 2019 Nordic World Championships. One of my favorite pieces of trivia is that the decision to officially designate classic and skating as separate disciplines was made by FIS officials in Seefeld, in the iconic Seekirchl Church, which sits at the trailhead of a massive 200+ km network of groomed classic and skate tracks.
The "Sight-Skiing" Experience
When we design Lumi trips, we often talk about "Sight-Skiing." In Seefeld, this means finding a rhythm that balances time on the trails with the best of Austrian culture. Spend a morning gliding through the neighboring Leutasch Valley under the warm winter sun, then stop at a cozy trailside hut for a slice of freshly baked Austrian Apple Strudel.
Beyond the skiing, the village itself is pedestrian-friendly with a vibrant "apres" atmosphere. Seefeld is the only cross country ski area I’ve ever skied with an apres ski culture that rivals some of the most famous alpine ski areas like St Anton or St Moritz. Stop for an Aperol Spritz at sunset, while relaxing to the sounds of a live DJ spinning tracks while Nordic skiers wrap up their day on the trails.
One of our guests' favorite activities is lift-serve Rodeling: sledding down the mountain on a traditional wooden Austrian sled. For those who want the view without the adrenaline, you can take the chairlift up and enjoy the views above the valley for a mountaintop lunch before taking the chairlift back down.
A Favorite for Elite Athletes and Lumi Guests Alike
Seefeld is so captivating that even World Cup stars like Julia Kern—whom Lumi is proud to support as a headgear sponsor for the 2025/26 season—chooses it for her Christmas training and recovery. Julia, who is fluent in German, often refers to her time here as a "training camp," though she admits it feels more like a vacation because of the rest and recovery the village provides.
Whether Julia is snapping professional-quality photos from the trail or relaxing at one of Seefeld’s many trailside huts, the sunny energy of Seefeld is infectious.
Join Us on the Trail
If you are looking for a vacation that emphasizes trailside accommodations, world-class grooming and a combination of Austrian and Italian alpine cuisine, Lumi’s Seefeld & Seiser Alm Sight-Skiing trip is designed just for you. There’s no racing on this one – just a week of exploring two of the most iconic ski destinations in the world.
We’re already looking ahead to the 2027 season and taking bookings on next winter’s trips. Reach out by March 31, 2026 to receive a detailed trip itinerary and reserve your spot!
See you on the trails,
Garrott Kuzzy
Founder & Olympian
garrott@lumiexperiences.com