Cross-Country Skiing Holidays

Cross-country skiing is a relatively easy activity to learn, enabling you to explore and enjoy more of the beauty of the alpine valleys and winter landscapes.

You’ll travel on thinner, longer, more lightweight skis along prepared tracks or through country. Lightweight boots are attached to the ski only at the toe, so with a 'free heel' you can make longer strides and propel yourself along more easily. It has been described as 'jogging on skis' !

What can I expect?

Ideal for the first-time skier, or for the skier who has already had some experience but prefers a leisurely holiday, and wishes to continue at a gentle pace. A local instructor will conduct the first morning’s tuition in the basics of the cross-country skiing, this is included in the price of your holiday. This will give new comers and returning skiers a decent grounding.

All skiing is along machine-prepared tracks or loipen and done under the watchful eye of your leader who, after your first morning’s professional tuition, will help you to learn and develop the gliding technique of the sport. Whilst the first few days will be mainly on flattish terrain to familiarise you with the skis and the basics of moving about, as the holiday progresses and your skill and confidence improve, the leader will show you techniques for climbing, cornering and controlling speed on descents. Please note, however, that we are not a ski school but additional lessons in cross-country skiing can be booked locally, should you prefer more formalised instruction.

Where can I go Cross-Country Skiing?

Cross-Country Skiing in Engadine, Switzerland

High and remote, fringed with perfect alpine peaks rising to well over 3000m, the Engadine has an enviable snow record. Easy cross country skiing loipen weave their way across the valley floor.

Cross-Country Skiing in Dobbiaco, Italy

Considered by some to be the premier cross-country skiing resort in Europe, Dobbiaco has a huge range of prepared ski tracks to suit the beginner or the expert and an excellent record of snow and sun in the winter months.

Cross-Country Skiing in Achenkirch, Austria

Just 30 miles north east of Innsbruck is the beautiful Achen valley. There are cross-country routes to suit all standards but the lower slopes and gentle undulating ground are ideal for level 1 skiers to learn and improve their techniques.

What do I need?

We provide all the equipment required – the skis, poles and boots, plus of course the leader! No special clothing is required, just the normal attire for outdoor walking in cooler climates. All you need to bring is a sense of balance; a reasonable level of fitness and some ‘get up and go’!