Versciaco Skate And Classic Week - Italy Winter Activity Holiday

Essential Information

Trip Profile

5 days cross-country skiing. This week is for those with previous experience in classic skiing wanting to improve their skills and have a try at learning the skating technique. With the benefit of not having to commit to one style, you will be given training in both classic and skate, helping you to find which style suits you. Classic tuition will be given at grade 2+ and skating technique will be taught at level 1.

Price Includes

Return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck with Thomsonfly, airport transfers (for group flights only)
7 nights half board at Hotel Helm
5 days of ski instruction/guiding
Cross-country ski leader throughout

Not included:
Ski hire available locally for approx. EUR68 per week
Allow approx. EUR15 for local transport costs
Optional Activities:
Downhill skiing at Versciaco
Self-guided Nordic Walking

Accommodation

Hotel Helm *** hotel

We stay in the very comfortable Hotel Helm in Versciaco di Sopra. Recently renovated, but styled in the traditional way, this attractive building has a delightful sun terrace with superb mountain views, comfortable lounges and a cosy bar.

After the day's exertions we can relax in the steam bath, sauna and hot tub. We also have free entrance to the public swimming pool complex in San Candido.

Food

All breakfasts and 7 dinners included.

Reality Check

Activity Details Cross-country skiing is an increasingly popular winter activity and skating has attracted more and more skiers in recent years, with classic cross-country skiers who want to try something more challenging. With shorter, thinner and lighter skis than the classic style skis, we explore the winter landscapes at a faster pace. Most is undertaken on the same prepared pistes (loipes) as classic skiing, but on the flat part and out the parallel tracks.

Our week will be split between learning to skate and perfecting our classic technique, so at the end of the week we can choose which style is our favourite. This programme is aimed at skiers with experience in classic (tuition will be at grade 2+) but completely new to skating (skating tuition at level 1). It is ideal if you wish to give skating a try but without committing to a full week.

Your Safety All active winter holidays involve some element of risk, from something as normal 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.

Normal group size and age

Normally 7 to 18. Minimum age 18.

Icons explained

The vast majority of Exodus adventures are adult group holidays. Groups are always small in size. We strongly believe that this adherence to small groups means a better experience for all; more time with your guide, less waiting around and a reduced impact on the communities and environments visited.
Each group is generally made up of like-minded travellers - with singles, couples and friends all joining in together. All these trips are suitable for single travellers, but if you prefer to travel with clients booking individually, please see our Solo Departures page.

Exodus is always looking to improve our current itineraries and to offer something different. With many new trips this year, there is something unique and different to try every year.

Cross-country skiing: will involve intensive instruction, and our groups are carefully graded to ensure participants have similar levels of experience.
Cross-country ski grades: 1 Beginners | 2 Intermediates (suitable for confident beginners) | 2+ Intermediates (not suitable for beginners) | 3 Advanced | 4 Strenuous | and for Cross-country Skating levels: 1 Beginners | 2 Intermediates - For full explanations of Cross-Country Grading and Levels please see below or check here to view the full Winter Grades page.

Winter Activities: It's about seeking out alternative ways to have fun in unspoilt locations, you won't find standard skiing or snowboarding breaks here.

Grade 2+Intermediates (unsuitable for beginners). On these holidays we will be skiing on some steeper terrain. Suitable for clients who have done a couple of weeks with us, have developed their snowplough and can cope fairly confidently with undulating tracks. Also suitable for those wishing to progress onto a skating week.

Level 1 Beginners Recommended for those who have tried classic cross-country skiing, mastered the basics (including the snowplough) and now wish to try the skating style. Generally a faster skiing motion than classic cross-country skiing, you will need to be of reasonable fitness and have confidence on the snow. Whilst not skiing in tracks you will be on prepared, gradually undulating slopes and cover approximately 10-15km a day. This is not suitable for those who have not tried classic cross-country skiing.