Anyone for cross-country skiing this Christmas?

What better way to learn a new skill this Christmas (or improve on an existing one) than to join a group of other people doing the same thing? Well away from the crowded downhill slopes, you’ll don your cross-country skis and set off amongst snow-dusted pines and open snowscapes on specially prepared trails. With expert instruction and a range of trips to suit all abilities, anyone can take part in this increasingly popular activity. It’s an excellent way to improve your fitness and shake off those winter blues! Prices from £789, including flights.

In May 2007, Exodus joined forces with Waymark, the UK’s premier operator of cross-country skiing holidays with over 30 years experience. We believe that our combined expertise brings you the most comprehensive range available anywhere. Our selection of trips covers all ability levels from complete beginners to real Nordic enthusiasts. 'The Waymark Experience' stamp points to our range of classic cross-country ski holidays that come from the Waymark stable, but are now operated by Exodus. Loyal clients will notice many tried and tested locations which are staffed by many of their favourite leaders. Waymark are four times winners of the Guardian Observer Travel Awards for best ski company.

This Christmas we still have limited spaces on some our cross-country skiing trips including:

Cross-country skiing: Kvitavatn

Kvitavatn Fjellstoge lies at nearly 1000m where the forest thins on the rolling plateau above the town of Rjukan. It occupies a sunny, south-facing slope above the frozen lake called Kvitavatn and has a superb view of Gausta (1883m), the highest mountain in southern Norway. To the north, beyond Rjukan, stretches the vast plateau of the Hardangervidda. At Kvitavatn we offer two grades of skiing each week, ranging from beginner grades to more advanced skiers, dependent on the week. At Christmas we have availability on Intermediate and Advanced grade departures. 

Cross-country skiing: Dobbiaco  & Cross-country skiing: Dobbiaco (Independent) 

Over the years, Dobbiaco has become our most popular centre - and justifiably so. A lively and picturesque town at about 1200m, it is set amid the unique scenery of the Dolomites, the famously beautiful range of jagged peaks in northeast Italy, where sheer limestone walls are topped by improbable pinnacles of yellow, pink or bright red rock.  This region of Alta Pusteria is close to the Austrian border and has an interesting combination of both Italian and Austrian influences. The local languages are both Italian and German, the traditional cuisine features elements of both cultures and the region’s towns and villages have both Italian and German names (Dobbiaco becomes Toblach in German). By day we follow ski tracks deep into the heart of the Dolomites, and in the evening we enjoy the comfort of our hotel, owned and run for many years by the welcoming Tschurtschenthaler family. At Christmas we have availability on departures for Beginners and Intermediates/Confident Beginners. (Choose your own grade for the Independent trip.)