Essential Information
Trip Profile
6 days cross-country skiing; Skating Level 1 (complete beginners to skating) Skating Level 2 (some experience of skating required) For both levels, clients should have some experience of classic cross-country ski (downhill, uphill and snowplough).
Price Includes
Return flights from Gatwick to Innsbruck with Thomsonfly, airport transfers (for group flights only)
7 nights half board at Hotel Helm
6 days of ski instruction/guiding
Cross-country ski leader throughout
Optional Activities:
Downhill skiing at Versciaco
Self-guided Nordic Walking
Accommodation
Albergo Monte Elmo *** hotel
We stay in the very comfortable Albergo Monte Elmo 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. There is excellent access to the trails as skating tracks begin at the rear of the hotel.
Food
All breakfasts and 7 dinners included.
Reality Check
Activity Details Skating has become more popular 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 prepared tracks (loipe) and exhilarating days are spent skiing quickly over flat ground, up hills and down them. At Versciaco we offer skiing for intermediate skiers, with different grades of skating instruction available during different weeks. Make sure you check the grade that applies to the week you are planning to travel. Please check the grade of skiing that applies to your selected week via the 'Departure Date' icon on the Dates and Prices page.
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.
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.
Level 2 Intermediates. Covering more challenging terrain, this level is for those who have already mastered the basics of the skating style and wish to improve their skating technique. Terrain covered will be slightly more challenging and you should expect to cover 15-20km per day. You will be taught techniques to help you increase your speed, perfect for those wishing to take on the challenge of a ski race.
Alpine Skiing Information There are many ski areas accessible from our base, each offering a wide selection of alpine skiing possibilities. Versciaco and San Candido (only 4kms away), offer 53km of downhill slopes for all skiing levels and Cortina D'Ampezzo (40-minute bus journey) has more than double the amount of pistes (140km). Alpine skis can be hired in Versciaco for approximately GBP20 per day and a day pass would cost around GBP30.
For more information about the alpine skiing in this area visit www.dolomitisuperski.com
Although we give information on the alpine skiing in our winter resorts, our leaders are not alpine instructors and may only be able to give limited advice about the facilities / conditions.
Normal group size and age
Normally min. 6, max. 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.
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.
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.
Level 2 Intermediates Covering more challenging terrain, this level is for those who have already mastered the basics of the skating style and wish to improve their skating technique. Terrain covered will be slightly more challenging and you should expect to cover 15-20km per day. You will be taught techniques to help you increase your speed, perfect for those wishing to take on the challenge of a ski race.
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