Cross country skiing grades

What to expect as a beginner, new to cross country skiing

Our teaching approach takes you through a progression of exercises and practice to build your technique, step by step. We start right at the beginning to familiarise you with the equipment, getting out on the tracks, completing your first cross country ski tour and beyond. We aim to create a playful and relaxed atmosphere. During our guided ski tours our new skiers continue to develop their skills.

Uphill and downhill techniques for cross country skiing

We offer an uphill and downhill ski lesson as part of our programme. This helps guests to develop confidence and good technique. An effective snowplough and the ability to control your speed and line on a gradient are important skills. They enable you to take on a greater variety of tours safely. You will then be able to explore further afield and see more of the beautiful area around Venabu.

What about guests with alpine ski experience?

We include guests with Alpine ski experience as beginners. Having alpine ski experience, and even alpine touring experience, can help guests make a good start on cross country skis. However cross country skiing has specific techniques. Some time spent on these fundamentals will set you up to get the most from your cross country skiing. It may even help your alpine skiing! Strong foundations in your skiing support enjoyment and development. Frequently, alpine skiers go on to improve rapidly. Sometimes guests who don’t take this time can become frustrated. We advise all skiers new to cross country skiing to make the most of the coaching we offer.

We understand that people learn at different rates. There is the flexibility to move between appropriate levels of ski tour during the week.

We have many guests who are returning to cross country skiing after a break. There are also guests who would like to refresh the foundations of technique. Sometimes guests who return to us have cross country ski experience, but their fitness isn’t so strong. We understand that whatever our best intentions to prepare for an active holiday, life sometimes happens!

Our intermediate skiers have an effective snowplough and are able to control their speed and line safely on descents. Their classic technique is efficient. They have reasonable fitness, which allows them to enjoy tours of between 12-18kms in a long morning's skiing. Again, our guests can swap between suitable groups during the week. Guests can then enjoy the tour that suits them each day.

Off track skiing on our tours

We often combine on and off track skiing on our tours. Our intermediate skiers have the skills to enjoy easier off track skiing. They can handle the changes in snow and get up independently after a tumble. If we plan to take a group off track we will let everyone know beforehand.

Our advanced skiers on our Off Track Nordic Ski Holiday and Tours have good classic cross country ski technique. They can ski efficiently, on and off track, in a variety of snow conditions. They have a strong snowplough and are also able to control their speed and line on descents off track. These guests also have the fitness to enjoy day-long ski tours of upto 25–30 kms.

We will be skiing in some beautiful, wild and remote areas so guests should have experience of skiing in the mountains, including in bad weather. On our off track nordic tours your guide may be navigating and breaking trail at the head of the group, so it's important that guests have a degree of independence and are experienced with self care, in terms of adjusting clothing, staying hydated and having easy snacks on hand. This includes being able to get up independently after a fall in deep snow.