Cross-country skiing
A wonderful day of cross-country skiing
As well as skiing and snowboarding, a number of areas are also perfect for taking beautiful cross-country skiing trips. You may already know that Germany and Austria are the perfect destinations for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Some of the trails are above 1,000 metres so you can also enjoy the beautiful views during the tours. Pack your cross-country skiing gear!
The best cross-country skiing areas
Cross-country skiers can indulge in their passion almost everywhere. Many winter sports areas are known for their excellent cross-country skiing. The trails vary in both difficulty and length, allowing both beginners and advanced skiers to take part.Discover it for yourself during your well-deserved holiday. Spending the whole day outdoors with the sun on your face and in cross-country skis is pure enjoyment. In both Austria and Germany, there are many prepared trails which lead you through the most beautiful parts of the area. A number of trails take you through a wooded area, where the smell of the pine trees will give you that winter feeling.
If the wintry weather in Germany is a bit disappointing, then Winterberg is the perfect place for cross-country skiing. One big advantage is that Winterberg is relatively close to the Netherlands, so you can easily go there for a weekend or a midweek break. The winter sports area in Winterberg has over 120 kilometres of trails in total. The trails vary both in length and in difficulty, which means that beginners can also do excellent cross-country skiing here. In addition to Winterberg, Feldberg is also a popular destination with cross-country skiers in Germany. The Feldberg is connected to the extensive network of cross-country skiing trails in the Black Forest and is 109 kilometres long in total.
If you prefer to spend your winter sports holiday in Austria, Seefeld is the best base for cross-country skiers. This destination is also a magnet for cross-country skiers. The area has a total of 262 kilometres of trails, with a wide choice of levels of difficulty. If you want to work your muscles in the evening, you can go on the 3-kilometre floodlit cross-country ski trail from Seefeld to Mösern from Monday to Saturday. Salzburgerland also offers cross-country skiers the 200-kilometre-long Pinzga trail. The trail leads you through different areas all the way from Krimml to Zell am See.
Cross-country skiing areas with guaranteed snow
For perfect cross-country skiing conditions, you do need some snowfall. You need at least 20 cm of snow for excellent cross-country skiing. So, it's handy to know what the condition of cross-country trails is before you go on holiday. The cross-country skiing areas with the most snow guaranteed are in the Austrian Tyrol and they have beautiful views.
Don't want any nasty surprises? Then choose a ski area with guaranteed snow. In Tyrol, you can be sure of well-prepared cross-country trails, which are easy for beginners and advanced skiers alike.In addition, cross-country skiing equipment and courses are offered in the various areas. Some of the areas have even been awarded the Tyrolean cross-country skiing label, so you can be assured of the quality of the trails.
It will not surprise you that the area around Seefeld is the most popular. The 262 kilometres of trails are truly world class. The region is where the Nordic skiing world championships always take place. The cross-country skiing network, through the mountain scenery of Seefeld, is top quality. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced skier, this area has something for everyone.We absolutely cannot miss the Kitzbüheler Alpen. This area has at least 750 kilometres of trails, which connect different valleys and villages. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the professionals, you can take part in the guest biathlon at the Biathlon Centre in Hochfilzen every week.
The ski resorts in France also have a lot to offer for cross-country skiers. One big advantage is that the holiday homes in many French ski areas are located directly on the slopes or in the ski resort. This means you can jump out of bed straight into your cross-country skis. What do you think of the high altitude Paradiski, for example? There are 100 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails in total with guaranteed snow, so you can enjoy yourself all day long.
After an intensive day of cross-country skiing, there is nothing better than relaxing your aching muscles.In France, Austria and Germany, there are various spas centres in the vicinity of the ski resorts. If you prefer to relax your muscles in your home, you can choose a chalet or group house with a sauna, jacuzzi or infrared cabin. Enjoy your cross-country ski holiday to the full.
Cross-country skiing: a top sport
Cross-country skiing may look very easy, but nothing could be further from the truth. The right technique requires good stamina and very strong leg and arm muscles. Cross-country skiing is suitable for all ages because the trails vary enormously in terms of difficulty from one area to another. In some areas there are even special courses on offer. Cross-country skiing has become more and more popular among winter sports enthusiasts over the years and with good reason. During the tours, you will often pass through the most beautiful parts of the region and some trails are even at an unprecedented height in the ski area. Cross-country skiers can choose between an intensive or a relaxed route through the area. There are two different techniques, one is classic cross-country skiing and the other is skating cross-country skiing. Both techniques can be learned in most areas. In the classic style, the skis remain parallel to each other on prepared narrow trails. You propel yourself forward with the help of poles. The skating style is a bit like the skating technique. You slide sideways on a flat surface, with or without poles.The classic style is mainly for beginners or cross-country skiers who want to explore the surroundings at their own pace.
What could be more fun than going cross-country skiing with your four-legged friend? In many ski areas, there are cross-country trails where even dogs are welcome. An example is the famous Seefeld in Austria. On the specially designated dog trails, you and your dog can both enjoy yourselves. If you would like to go on holiday with your four-legged friend, then you need to choose a holiday home that is suitable for pets.Some Belvilla holiday homes allow you to bring your own pets.Let the holiday begin!