Useful information about cross-country skiing holidays, cross-country skiing hotels and ski tours

A cross-country skiing holiday combines exercise on groomed trails with relaxation in a wintry region. The focus is on classic or skating techniques, a network of trails suited to your ability, and short distances between your accommodation and the trailhead. Wellness, regional cuisine and peaceful winter experiences can round off your active holiday.

A cross-country skiing holiday is ideal for beginners, leisure skiers, those who train regularly and active winter holidaymakers.

Typical target groups are:

• beginners and those returning to the sport
• couples and solo travellers
• active families
• small training groups
• ambitious cross-country skiers
• guests who want to combine exercise and wellness

Pace, route length and elevation profile can be tailored to suit your individual ability.

Cross-country skiing is well suited to beginners if they start out on a short, flat practice trail. Rental equipment, an introductory course and a route without any challenging descents are particularly helpful. The first few sessions should focus on developing a feel for the technique and improving balance, rather than clocking up as many kilometres as possible.

A cross-country skiing holiday can be tailored to suit families if there are short trails, practice areas and flexible options for taking breaks.

When choosing a region, the following are particularly important:

• easy and clearly laid-out trails
• cross-country skiing lessons for children
• equipment hire
• short distances to the start of the trails
• alternative winter activities
• family-friendly catering and accommodation

Children should be introduced to the sport in a playful way, without any pressure to perform.

Cross-country skiing holidays are ideal for both solo travellers and small groups. Solo travellers can benefit from courses, guided sessions and hosts with local knowledge of the trails. Groups should take different fitness levels into account and agree on meeting points so that everyone can ski at their own pace.

You can find the right cross-country skiing region by considering your technique, ability, altitude and the facilities you’re looking for.

Pay particular attention to:

• trails for classic and skating styles
• easy, medium and challenging trails
• practice trails and cross-country skiing schools
• high-altitude trails or easily accessible valley trails
• equipment hire and service centres
• up-to-date digital trail reports
• distance between the hotel and the trailhead

It’s not the total number of kilometres that matters, but how well it fits in with your holiday plans.

Cross Country Ski Holidays showcases cross-country skiing regions and specialist accommodation providers in Austria, Italy and Slovenia. The selection ranges from Alpine valleys to open plateaus and higher-altitude cross-country skiing areas. However, it is not just the country and region that are decisive, but also the time of year, skiing technique, elevation profile and hotel location.

The best time to visit depends on the altitude, weather conditions, snow cover and how well the slopes have been groomed in the region. There is no generally guaranteed time of year.

Before booking, you should check:

• the official season dates
• the altitude of the cross-country ski trail network
• availability of artificial snowmaking facilities
• availability of high-altitude cross-country trails
• the latest trail report
• short-term weather forecast

Before travelling, please check the operating status again.

High-altitude cross-country trails are situated at higher altitudes, whilst valley cross-country trails may be closer to towns, accommodation and transport links.

High-altitude cross-country trails often offer:

• lower temperatures
• open landscapes or plateaus
• different snow conditions to those in the valley
• in some cases, longer journeys to reach them

Valley cross-country trails often offer:

• short distances from the hotel
• easier access
• a good mix of villages and places to stop for refreshments

Altitude alone does not guarantee that a cross-country ski trail will be open or well-groomed.

There is no blanket guarantee of snow. Altitude, artificial snowmaking and accumulated snow can increase the likelihood of the cross-country trails remaining open for longer, but they are no substitute for an up-to-date status report. The key factors are which sections are open, the quality of the grooming, the temperature, precipitation and the official information provided by the region.

Three to five days are often ideal for a first cross-country skiing holiday. This leaves time for a course, several trails and plenty of rest. Experienced skiers can make the most of longer stays to enjoy a variety of routes or practise their technique. It’s a good idea to have at least one quieter day when doing more intensive sessions.

The best way to plan a cross-country skiing holiday is to follow a clear step-by-step guide:

1. Choose your destination and region
2. Decide on classic, skating or both techniques
3. Determine the appropriate trail difficulty level
4. Compare cross-country skiing hotels based on location and services
5. Book courses and hire equipment
6. Check travel arrangements and local transport options
7. Check trail conditions and the weather shortly before your trip

Permanent hotel features and current snow conditions should be assessed separately.

In the classic technique, the skis glide predominantly in parallel along two grooved tracks. In skating, the push-off is made sideways on a wider, rolled track.

The techniques differ in terms of:

• movement sequence
• skis and bindings
• boot design
• pole length
• trail preparation
• strength and coordination requirements

Your equipment should therefore always be suited to your chosen technique.

The classic technique offers many beginners an easy way to get started, as the track dictates the direction of travel. Skating can also be learnt straight away, but often requires greater balance and lateral stability. The right technique depends on your sense of movement, fitness and personal interest.

A long-distance running course is ideal for beginners, those returning to the sport and experienced runners who want to run more efficiently or with greater control.

Among other things, the course covers:

• balance on skis
• push-off and glide phase
• use of poles
• braking and changing direction
• technique on inclines
• controlled descent
• energy-efficient movement

Even a brief introduction can help reduce common technical errors.

You don’t need to be in competition-level fitness to go on easy cross-country skiing tours. A basic level of stamina, flexible joints and good balance will make it easier to get started. Beginners should start with short, flat routes and gradually increase the distance and elevation gain. How you feel on the day, the weather and the snow conditions can have a significant impact on the level of exertion required.

The basic equipment includes:

• cross-country skis suited to your technique and body weight
• compatible bindings and cross-country boots
• poles of the correct length
• functional winter clothing
• gloves and a hat or headband
• sports glasses or sunglasses
• sun cream
• a drink and a small energy snack

For the first few sessions, properly selected hire equipment is usually sufficient.

When cross-country skiing, the layering principle is particularly useful, as the body generates a lot of heat and can cool down quickly during breaks.

The following have proven effective:

• breathable technical base layers
• a thin, insulating mid-layer
• a windproof jacket
• flexible cross-country skiing trousers
• lightweight gloves
• hat or headband
• a dry spare layer for longer tours

Ski clothing that is too warm can make movement unnecessarily difficult.

Cross-country skis require cleaning and maintenance appropriate to their design. The glide zones of skating skis and classic skis are treated with suitable glide wax. Classic waxed skis also require climbing wax suited to the snow conditions. Skin and scale skis are easier to maintain, but are not entirely maintenance-free.

Hiring equipment is usually the more flexible option for beginners, holidaymakers and visitors who want to try out classic and skating styles. It’s worth having your own skis if they’re perfectly suited to your weight, technique and skiing style.

Things to check in advance:

• booking options
• available equipment
• collection times
• distance from the hotel
• option to exchange equipment if unsuitable
• waxing and repair service

You can find the current trail status in the region's official trail report, from the tourist board or via linked regional information systems. Please note the date and time of the last update. A general weather forecast does not reliably indicate whether a particular trail is open, closed or freshly groomed.

A helpful cross-country ski trail report should provide as much specific information as possible about:

• open and closed sections
• kilometres for classic and skating styles
• grooming times
• access points
• closures and diversions
• floodlighting
• events or training sessions
• particular danger spots
• connections to other trails

Snow depths alone do not fully describe the actual quality of the trail.

A cross-country ski trail that is open may not have been freshly groomed on the same day. Snowfall, wind, rain, sunshine or changes in temperature can alter the surface since it was last groomed. You should therefore check not only whether the trail is open, but also when it was last groomed and any up-to-date information provided by the region.

The level of difficulty is determined by the length of the route, ascents, descents, bends and technical challenges. The colour-coding system may vary from region to region.

Before setting off, you should check:

• distance
• elevation profile
• longest climb
• challenging descents
• possible shortcuts
• current snow and ice conditions

An icy descent can make what is normally an easy route considerably more difficult.

On the cross-country ski trail, you must show consideration for others, maintain a controlled pace and follow the local signage.

Important basic rules are:

• Observe the designated direction of travel
• Keep a safe distance
• Do not block the track or the skating lane
• Only overtake where visibility is clear and in a controlled manner
• Step completely off the trail when stopping
• Adjust your speed before descents
• Respect closures and diversions
• Do not leave any rubbish behind

Rules posted on site always take precedence.

Cross-country ski trails may be free to use, subject to a charge, or accessible via a visitor’s pass. Some regions sell day tickets, multi-day tickets or network tickets. The revenue is often used to fund trail grooming and infrastructure. Check prices, ticket outlets and what’s included before you set off for the first time.

Dogs are often not permitted on regular cross-country ski trails because they can damage the tracks or pose a risk to other skiers. Some regions offer designated dog trails or specific sections. The key factors are the local signage and the rules at the destination in question.

A specialist cross-country skiing hotel understands the ins and outs of an active winter’s day. It not only provides accommodation, but also offers advice on choosing trails, equipment, technique and planning your day.

Key features include:

• up-to-date trail information
• local advice
• lockable ski storage
• drying facilities
• waxing or service area
• support with courses and equipment hire
• short walk to the cross-country ski trail
• relaxation and suitable refreshments

‘Direct’ or ‘close’ access to the cross-country ski trail means that the trail is within walking distance or that a specific transport option is provided. At Cross Country Ski Holidays, the distance and shuttle criteria vary according to hotel category. The service description and location of the individual establishment are therefore always the deciding factors.

The services on offer vary depending on the hotel and its quality category. Possible services include:

• cross-country ski trail maps and up-to-date trail condition information
• weather information
• lockable ski storage
• waxing area and waxing equipment
• drying facilities for sportswear
• laundry service
• equipment hire near the hotel
• guided cross-country skiing sessions
• sauna, steam room or massage
• support with ski touring courses and guides

Please check the hotel’s website for specific facilities before booking.

The waxing room, wellness facilities and dining options complement the day’s sporting activities in various ways.

The waxing room makes it easier to:

• preparing and maintaining your skis
• adjustment to snow temperature and technique
• minor servicing tasks

Wellness supports:

• rest and relaxation
• recovery after longer sessions
• warmth after cold days on the cross-country trails

Appropriate refreshments provide:

• energy before exercise
• hydration throughout the day
• protein and carbohydrates for recovery

In cross-country skiing, you mainly ski on groomed and marked trails. Depending on the option chosen, ski touring involves following authorised piste routes, designated ascents or traversing open alpine terrain. The equipment, technique, navigation and risk assessment involved differ fundamentally. Experience of cross-country skiing is no substitute for ski touring training.

A piste tour follows an authorised route within or on the edge of an organised ski resort. Local ascent times, closures and operating rules apply. In off-piste terrain, there are no comparable safety measures in place. There, the terrain, snow conditions, weather and avalanche risk must be assessed by an expert.

In open terrain, an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel are essential items of emergency kit.

Depending on the tour, the following may also be required:

• helmet
• crampons
• suitable ski touring boots
• skins and repair kit
• first-aid kit
• mobile phone and emergency contacts
• navigation aid or GPS

Simply carrying the equipment is not enough. Searching, probing and digging out victims must be practised in real-life situations.

A guided ski tour is advisable if you lack experience, local knowledge or the ability to assess avalanche risk. A guide can adapt the tour to suit your ability, the weather and current conditions. Nevertheless, before setting off, you must check the official avalanche report, the weather forecast, any local closures and the current route status.