Cross-country Skiing: Kvitavatn

Reality Check

Activity Details Cross-country skiing or Nordic Skiing is becoming one of the most popular winter sports. Using longer, thinner and lighter skis than downhill with bindings that let you lift your heel, we explore the winter landscapes away from the confines of the alpine pistes.

Cross-country skiing can be undertaken on prepared tracks (løipe) or, as with this trip, off-track, allowing the group to explore the winter landscape. At Kvitavatn we offer two grades of skiing most weeks except where stated, ranging from beginner grades to more advanced skiers. This varies depending on the week, please see dates and prices page for further details. For at least 4 of the 6 days skiing you will be on full day tours, returning only at the end of the day's skiing.

Your Safety All active winter holidays involve some element of risk; from something as simple as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While we do all we can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday. Please refer to the 'risk of injury' section at the back of the Winter Activities brochure, or the online FAQs for this trip for further information. Unlike downhill skiing, where falls can happen at speed, most cross-country falls happen at slow speeds or from an almost static position, causing no injury. Although it is very rare, some falls do lead to injury. Overall cross-country skiing is a safe sport to take part in, when properly instructed.

Grade 1 Beginners. Recommended for beginners or those who feel the need to improve basic techniques. We teach you the essentials and explore gently undulating terrain on and off track. More experienced skiers are welcome, but please be aware that 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 and confident beginners. Aimed at those who have enjoyed a Grade 1 holiday, grasped the snowplough and now want to improve technique. We ski a little more quickly and over more challenging terrain. Acceptable for newcomers to cross-country skiing but you should be very fit and have experience of other sports that develop balance like ice skating, roller-skating or downhill skiing. There will be a mixture of on and off-track 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. Mix of track and off-track skiing.

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 sound and controlled technique. Climbing skins may be needed on some days.