With its towering peaks, pristine valleys, and over 5,000 kilometers of trails, the Swiss Alps is a winter wonderland for skiers of all levels.
The trails in Switzerland are as diverse and extensive, ranging from short cross-country routes that go around one kilometer to extended loops encircling sports fields or even long downhill slopes ready for the fastest skiers.
Cross country skiing is a hugely popular winter sport in Switzerland thanks to the country’s many beautiful courses and resorts.
So, if you are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, you are in the right place!
Check out our list of some of the best cross country ski trails and resorts in Switzerland! The list includes the places such as:
But before we start talking about them, in order to be thorough, we will answer some basic questions about this sport.
If you are already familiar with this discipline and know what it is, you can skip the next part and go straight to our list.
So, let us begin.
What is cross-country skiing?
Cross country skiing or Nordic skiing is a winter sport where participants glide over snow-covered terrain using skis and poles. It is often practiced as a means of transportation or recreation.
With over 5500 kilometers of cross country ski trails, Switzerland is a skiing paradise. The country is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts, which offer a wide range of activities and amenities for all levels of skiers.
FAQ about Cross country skiing
- Can you go cross country skiing with a baby?
Ski trailers or pulks make it simple to take your young children cross country skiing, even if you have a baby.
The sled you use will probably rely on what you can afford and acquire. Before opting to go skiing with kids though, it’s crucial to assess your skill level, prior skiing experience, physical condition, and weather.
- The leg motion in cross country skiing involves which type of fundamental movement pattern?
Nordic skiing is the activity of moving oneself forward over snow-covered terrain by making repeated arm and leg motions with the help of ski poles and skis. The leg motion in cross-country skiing is similar to that of running.
- Can Nordic skiing get you injured?
No matter if you are a beginner or an experienced skier, accidents can happen. The most common injuries are dislocated shoulders, rotator cuff tears, knee injuries, thumb injuries, and torn hamstrings.
Top 7 Swiss Places for Cross Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is the perfect activity for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Swiss Alps while working out. In addition, many resorts in Switzerland offer ski lessons, equipment rentals, and skiing packages.
So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you have everything you need to enjoy skiing on the trails of these towns:
- St. Moritz
- Arosa
- Verbier
- Zugerberg
- Davos
- Andermatt
- Klosters
St. Moritz – Cross Country Skiing Wonderland
St. Moritz is one of the most popular cross country skiing places in Switzerland, and it’s easy to see why. The skiing trails wind through picturesque landscapes, offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountains.
It is one of the most premium locations in Switzerland. This popular getaway spot for the wealthy and famous is also the location of a thriving skiing scene.
The skiing here is some of the best in the world, and when you look at the surroundings, it is simply breathtaking.
What makes Saint Moritz so special?
Perhaps it’s the fact that it’s one of the only places in Switzerland where you can ski all year round.
Or maybe that St. Moritz is home to an awe-inspiring Alpine panorama and the world-famous Engadin Ski Marathon route.
Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that St. Moritz is a truly unique place.
St. Moritz was once voted “the dullest place on earth” by a British travel magazine. However, this just proves that you can’t believe everything you read!
In reality, St. Moritz is a lively, amazing and beautiful place that should definitely be on your bucket list.
If you’re looking for a great cross-country skiing destination, Saint Moritz is hard to beat.
Arosa – An Adventurous Tourist’s Dream
Cross country skiing in Arosa is a gorgeous experience. The trails wind through the forests and offer spectacular views of mountain tops, with each turn revealing new aspects that you would never see otherwise!
Several events take place throughout the winter months including races as well festivals making it perfect for anyone who wants some fun activities on their holiday.
Besides skiing, you can do many interesting activities in Arosa such as ice skating, enjoy one of the best spas in Switzerland or have a lot of fun at Arosa Humor Festival.
Verbier – From a farming village to one of the most visited ski resorts in the Alps
Verbier is a terrific place for cross country skiing, thanks to its wide open spaces and scenic views.
The trails are well-groomed and there is a good variety of terrain, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers.
The weather can be a bit unpredictable, so it’s important to dress warmly and pack glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the sun.
Verbier is also a great place for après-ski, with plenty of bars and restaurants to relax in after a day on the slopes.
This place has a lot of amazing trails, slopes and landscapes. It is also one of the most visited places in Switzerland, even in summer.
Verbier is a home to the largest lift-served cross-country ski area in Europe. There are over 200 kilometers of groomed trails, and the altitude provides great snow conditions.
The resort has a variety of other winter activities, such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Finally, if you are looking for a truly unique skiing experience, Verbier is the place to go.
Zugerberg – Cross country skiing, ice skating, and everything in between
The Zugerberg is a mountain overlooking Zug town and Lake Zug in the canton of Zug. It lies roughly halfway between Lake Zug and Lake Ägeri making this place one of the most desirable for living.
With miles of well-groomed skiing trails winding through pristine wilderness, Zugerberg is one of the most spectacular places for Nordic skiing.
This region is renowned for its exceptional snow quality, and the beautiful scenery is a bonus. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, Zugerberg has something to offer everyone.
With its wide variety of terrain and excellent facilities, this mountain is the ideal place to enjoy a day on the slopes of the Swiss Alps.
Davos – The Premium Jewel of The Swiss Alps
Davos is a world-renowned destination for cross country skiing, located in the Swiss Alps.
The area boasts over 200 kilometers of trails, ranging from easy to expert, making it a great place for skiers of all levels.
Davos also offers self-guided tours, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. For those looking for a more challenging experience, you can try with several backcountry tours.
Whatever your level of experience, this amazing place is sure to offer a skiing adventure that you’ll never forget
Every year, Davos plays host to several events, including the World Economic Forum and the Davos Ski Race.
With other events included, Davos has its unique charm that is renowned worldwide, with 100 kilometers of classic cross-country trails and 75 kilometers of skating trails.
The equipment required for Nordic skiing is different from that used for regular (alpine) skiing, so be sure to rent or buy the correct gear before hitting the trails.
With its varied terrain and beautiful scenery, this alpine resort town is definitely one of the best places for ski lovers.
So, put on your skis and explore all that Davos has to offer.
Andermatt – Historic village and a famous ski resort
Andermatt is another amazing place for skiing with the breathtaking nature. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland, and it is located in the canton of Uri.
It’s situated at an altitude of 1,447 m (4,744 ft), at the foot of the Gotthard Pass, in the Ursern Valley.
It has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century. In recent years, Andermatt has become a well known destination for cross-country skiing and winter sports.
Currently, Nordic skiing is the newest trend. There is no better place to exercise than outside in the sunshine and open air. Routes for this sport connect Realp to Andermatt through Hospental (All 3 places are part of the canton of Uri)
The cross country skiing season begins at the beginning of December with good snow conditions. Daily grooming is done on the 28 km of tracks between Andermatt and Realp.
It is also a popular destination for ski touring and wilderness trekking.
There are 14 lifts and 22 km of marked trails in this mountain village. A total of 60 km of trails are available.
The entire area is served by a gondola lift, a cable car, a chairlift, and a ski lift. You can also find many luxury hotels and restaurants around.
Klosters – A beautiful challe-style village with global appeal
Klosters is a municipality in the Prättigau/Davos Region of the canton of Graubünden, Switzerland.
It is a popular destination for Nordic skiing and has been the site of several FIS Cross-Country World Cup events.
The region is home to several ski trails of varying difficulty, making it an ideal destination for skiers of all levels.
In addition, the picturesque landscapes and stunning views make Klosters a truly remarkable place to visit. If you are looking for an amazing destination for a family trip in Switzerland, this place should be at the top of your list.
Wrapping up
Cross country skiing in Switzerland is an activity that offers a multitude of benefits and features. It is not only a great way to get exercise, but it is also a great way to explore the stunning Swiss scenery.
In addition, Nordic skiing is a relatively low-impact activity, making it ideal for people of all ages and abilities. And with so many world-class skiing destinations to choose from, there is sure to be a perfect spot for everyone.
Each of the locations we talked about offers something unique, whether it be stunning views, challenging terrain, or a lively après-ski scene.
Even if you are not an experienced skier, it will not be difficult for you to engage in this sport and enjoy all the benefits it brings.
So whether you are looking for a challenging workout or a relaxing way to take in the sights, cross country skiing in Switzerland is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
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