VERSCIACO SKATING COURSE

It is possible, but as it's about a two hour trip, it's usually much easier to try and meet the group at the airport and join the group transfer. For details on how to do this, or for public transport options, please contact Exodus.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

There's really no restiction, whatever feels comfortable for you. Whether that's a wheelie case or a rucksack, you won't be carrying it too far so don't worry!

Amanda Ceraolo - Product Manager

No, you must already be a competent cross-country skier to join our Learn to Skate Course - we are unable to accept beginners. There are 2 grades available:

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 crosscountry 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 (unsuitable for beginners) 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.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

Please visit the Exodus Travel Guide to Italy where you can find out what plugs they use, as well as more detailed Country information in the menu on the left of the page.

Our Winter Grading system: Many of our holidays are aimed at beginners and are designed for people of just average fitness. All necessary instruction and equipment is included. Snowshoeing, dogsledding and snowmobiling are easy to pick up and require no previous experience. Cross-country skiing will involve more intensive instruction, and our groups are carefully graded to ensure participants have similar levels of experience.

It is important to choose a holiday appropriate to your fitness and experience levels. Of course some are tougher than others and the activity profile section gives more detail about what to expect. All of our cross-country skiing holidays use the grading systems below.

Cross-country ski grades
1 Beginners
2 Intermediates (suitable for confident beginners)
2+ Intermediates (not suitable for beginners)
3 Advanced
4 Strenuous

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. 

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 (loipe) or off-track, allowing the group to explore the winter landscape.

Tom Wilkinson - Product Manager

For XC skiing, generally warm and comfy should be the rules!

The important thing is to wear layers: when you wear several layers you stay warmer because the air can circulate between them (so always better than one t-shirt and one big jumper for instance); the other advantage of layers is that you can adjust what you wear to the temperature. So it might be cold in the shade, but when in the sun and moving around, you may want to wear just a long-sleeved t-shirt (you need to have your arms covered to as it is easy to get ‘snow burn’ if you fall on uncovered arms).

Traditional downhill ski clothing is usually too warm for this type of skiing, particularly in the Alps where temperatures can be warmer. We recommend a long-sleeved thermal base layer and a windstopper fleece, or an ordinary fleece and a light weight waterproof. We also recommend that you wear thermals or tops made from wicking fabric: they keep you warm and dry a lot quicker than synthetic materials. If you’re sweating and it is really cold outside, you need clothes that’ll dry quickly; otherwise, once your body cools down, you’ll be really cold from having a wet t-shirt.

Trousers need to be windproof, but jeans and lightweight cotton ones are not suitable. For colder days and a buff or scarf is useful and it is good to have a hat that covers your ears, and both thin and thicker gloves (downhill skiing gloves are usually too bulky). Walking socks are generally best for warmth and comfort in cross-country ski boots. Finally, don’t forget your sunglasses and sun cream!

Rachel George - European Operations

For more information on the different types of winter trips that we do, please have a look at our Winter Activies programme online.

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!