How to Cross Country Ski in Switzerland

Switzerland's winter landscape contains over 3,400 miles of groomed trails for all skill levels of cross country skiers to tackle across the German, Italian and French-speaking regions of the country. Trails range from a couple kilometers in length to marathon-long excursions across crisp valleys of unspoiled white snow. Views of ridged snow-capped Alps or rolling Jura Mountains accompany them. Because cross country skiing is such a popular sport in Switzerland, there are excellent resources available to help you find trails, rent equipment and even learn to ski.

Things You'll Need

  • Cold weather clothing
  • Swiss ski trail pass
  • Ski trail map
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Instructions

  1. Steps to a Switzerland Ski Trip

    • 1
      Cross country skiers can find unspoiled mountain views.

      Plan to visit Switzerland during the winter months of December through February. Ski-quality snow can arrive as early as November or as late as early May, but visiting during mid-winter months will heighten your chance of finding quality cross country ski conditions.

    • 2

      Navigate your Web browser to the Snow Reports section of the Switzerland Tourism website to learn about locations and conditions for all of Switzerland's groomed cross country ski trails. Choose "Cross Country Skiing" from the Snow Reports page, then select a region of Switzerland or choose reports from the top 30 ski areas. The website will produce a list of trail conditions for classic and skate trails by ski area. Click the name of a ski area to go to a page with more detailed information about snow conditions and links to the destination's location.

    • 3

      Purchase a trail pass because most maintained ski tracks in Switzerland require one. The Swiss cross country ski pass is valid for one winter season and allows access to all 3,400 miles of Swiss trails. Purchase it online at the Loipen Schweiz website, or purchase it in Switzerland, where it is offered at most ski clubs, tourist offices, ski shops, winter resorts or ski schools. Trail-specific passes are also available for purchase on a weekly or daily basis and are less expensive then the annual pass. They are available at a trail's respective resort or ski club. Swiss trails are free for skiers under 16 years old.

    • 4

      Rent cross country skies from a Swiss sports shop, ski resort or ski school if you don't own them. These locations offer both classic cross country skis and skate cross country skies for rent. The list of ski schools at the Loipen Schweiz website includes shops that rent skis. Use a website translator like Google Translate to read this German website, if necessary.

    • 5
      Taking a group cross country ski lesson can enhance your skiing experience.

      Take a cross country ski lesson. The Swiss Association of Cross-Country Schools has 55 schools throughout the country that offer lessons for classic or skate skiing. Find the list of these schools on the Loipen Schweiz website. Many ski clubs and ski resorts listed on the Switzerland Tourism website offer lessons, too. E-mail or call one of these locations to ask for lessons from English-speaking instructors.

    Resorts for Cross Country Skiing in Switzerland

    • 6

      Ski in Goms, Switzerland, where the tourist center guarantees winter snow for over 60 miles of ski trails. The trails range in rankings from easy to difficult as they shoot through the Goms valley, linking 12 villages with restaurants, hotels, parking, restrooms and changing rooms that cater to skiers. Many trailheads are within easy access to the Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn (MG Bahn) train stations, and thus many skiers ride the rails to the trails. A seasonal pass for Goms' trails includes rides on the MG Bahn. Six ski schools offer lessons. On the Loipe Goms website, download a map with English translations of ski trails, nearby room and board and train stations.

    • 7

      Travel to Engadin St. Moritz where 125 miles of cross country trails over varied terrain await eager skiers. Test your skills on the Engadin Ski Marathon trail: 26 miles of groomed powder and route of the annual race of the same name. Some trails lead over frozen lakes, a thrill for skiers who prefer a flat route and wide expanse. Day, week and seasonal passes are available for Engadin St. Moritz's trails, and 16 cross country ski schools and 37 rental stations provide skiers with skills and equipment.

    • 8
      Interlacken, Switzerland, is a popular town for winter sports.

      Visit Interlaken, Switzerland, to cross country ski in one of the country's frequented ski areas. The four areas of Beatenberg, Bönigen, Brienz-Axalp and Habkern offer terrain for skate and classic skiing on 23 miles of trails. Interlaken has all the advantages of a posh ski town, with numerous hotels, fancy restaurants and apres ski options.