Cross-Country Skiing Holidays

Cross-country skiing (Langlauf in German, Ski de Fond in French) is easily mastered and is the most popular winter sport after downhill skiing – in fact cross-country skiing is a way of life for many people in the Alps and Scandinavia.

The majority of cross-country takes place on prepared and signed trails called ‘Loipe’, and these are graded from blue to black, easy to difficult, the harder trails having more ascent and descent. But overall, most of the cross-country skiing takes places on relatively flat terrain, therefore takes place in valley bottoms, or high mountain plateaux. Many alpine regions that offer cross-country skiing have a cheap bus service linking the hotels to the different trails, and we make use of these where possible, where as in Scandinavia, it is normal to ski from the hotel door.

Cross-country skiing grades

It is essential to choose the right grade of trip for your level of cross-country skiing experience or ability. Please read our grading system carefully, and see the notes for each trip on the dates and prices page.

Grade 1 Recommended for beginners or those who feel the need to improve basic techniques. We teach you the essentials and explore gently undulating terrain. All or most skiing is on prepared tracks (loipe). More experienced skiers are welcome, but the pace will be set for the beginners. Towards the end of the holiday you might ski 10 - 15km or more a day, at a gentle pace.

Grade 2 Intermediates (suitable for confident beginners): A mix of flat and hillier terrain. Grade 2 weeks are for people who have enjoyed a Grade1 holiday, grasped the snowplough and now want to improve their technique. We ski quicker and over more challenging ground than on a grade 1 trip. Acceptable for newcomers to crosscountry skiing, but you should be reasonably fit and have experience of other sports that develop balance - iceskating, roller-skating or downhill skiing.

Grade 2+ Intermediates (unsuitable for beginners): On these holidays there is not enough flat terrain for us to accept beginners. Suitable for clients who have done a couple of weeks with us, have developed their snowplough and can cope fairly confidently with undulating tracks.

Grade 3 Advanced: Choose this level if you can tackle ‘ups and downs’ competently, manage a controlled snowplough descent, and if you want to ski at a lively pace. You should also be able to get up swiftly and easily by yourself after a fall. The mix of track and offtrack skiing varies.

Grade 4 Strenuous: Be prepared for long, steep ascents and descents, and for off-track skiing over variable snow. You need good fitness, stamina and a sound and controlled technique.

Multi Grade: At certain centres we have two leaders running two grades at the same time, allowing skiers to move between grades during the week. Multigrade weeks are a great option if you are slightly unsure of your level, or like to ski at different intensities on different days, or if you are a couple who ski at different levels. These trips are highlighted with the ‘Multigrade’ logo

NB: The cross-country grades are listed against the departure dates on the holiday dates and prices pages so you can check which is the best week to travel with the correct grade for your ability.

Rollerskiing - ideal preparation for cross-country skiing

If you'd like to experience the sensation of cross-country skiing before you go, why not try a session or two on rollerskis. We recommend http://www.rollerski.co.uk who run sessions in London and the South East.