Cross-country skiing

Diverse landscape

Cross-country skiing is currently trending in Switzerland. Venture onto your planks and discover the uniqueness of nature. Whether in the hustle and bustle of 13,000 skiers at the legendary Engadin Skimarathon or alone on the romantic Jura hills – with over 5,000 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, everyone will find their personal dream trail.

(Content partly provided by Switzerland Tourism)

Our cross-country ski hostels

Many of our youth hostels are located in winter sports resorts with an attractive network of cross-country ski trails. In some cases, the cross-country ski trail is even right in front of and the cross-country ski centre within the youth hostel itself – or they are easily accessible on foot within a short distance. Cross-country skiing equipment can be securely stored in the ski room and there are spacious rooms available for training meetings for the more ambitious teams and clubs. In many places there are local partnerships with cross-country ski centres and rental companies, where you can benefit from the know-how of the instructors and top equipment.

  • Youth Hostel Davos

    The hostel is just a few minutes’ walk from the Parsennbahn (access to extensive skiing and hiking areas) and right in front of the slopes and the high-altitude hiking trail. 100 km cross-country skiing network.

    To the hostel

  • Youth Hostel Grindelwald

    The small but excellent network of cross-country ski trails in the Bernese Oberland can be reached in a few minutes by bus from the youth hostel.

    To the Hostel

  • Youth Hostel Gstaad-Saanen

    Stay at the state-of-the-art youth hostel with magnificent mountain views and easily reach numerous ski areas by ski bus. 57 km cross-country skiing network.

    To the Hostel

  • Youth Hostel Pontresina

    A cross-country ski school with shop (including rental) is located right at the youth hostel. 220 km cross-country skiing network.

    To the Hostel

  • Youth Hostel Scuol

    The youth hostel is located right next to the Motta Naluns mountain railways and Scuol-Tarasp railway station. 95 km of cross-country ski runs in the Lower Engadine.

    To the Hostel

  • Youth Hostel St. Moritz

    Top-class holidays in St. Moritz are also possible without frills. The two-time Olympic venue has a huge network of pistes and cross-country ski trails. 230 km cross-country ski trail network.

    To the Hostel

  • Youth Hostel Sta. Maria

    There are numerous cross-country ski trails to choose from around Santa Maria, and in Minschuns, four ski lifts connect you to a family-friendly skiing area.

    To the Hostel

  • Youth Hostel Valbella-Lenzerheide

    The family-friendly hostel is located right at the ski lift and has a ski and bike cellar. The view of the Heidsee, the mountains and the ski slope in front of the building is magnificent. 56 km cross-country skiing network.

    To the Hostel

Current open cross-country ski trails

Switzerland Tourism’s cross-country skiing trail report provides information on important topics such as the condition of the trails, the open or closed trails or the snow conditions on site.

More information

Top 5 cross-country skiing areas in Switzerland

Whether beginner or professional, classic or skating, first cross-country attempts, leisurely circuits or interval training – everyone gets their money’s worth in these 5 cross-country skiing areas.

Davos

The cross-country skiing region of Davos Klosters has everything to offer, from easy routes to difficult World Cup cross-country trails. The trails are perfectly groomed and open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Heart Trail and special dog trails are located right at the Davos Cross-Country Centre, where public cloakrooms, a bistro, toilets and a waxing room are also available. In the morning and evening there is a direct shuttle service from the youth hostel to the Davos Cross-Country Centre.

Of to Davos!

Valbella-Lenzerheide

From Lantsch/Lenz to Parpan, cross-country skiers have a total of 56 varied kilometres of trails at their disposal in winter. The Valbella cross-country skiing centre, for example, which is located directly at Heidsee, is a good starting point. Parking spaces, a place to eat, WC/shower, changing rooms, lockers and a waxing room are available.

Of to the Lenzerheide!

Engadine

The Swiss cross-country mecca par excellence! Up to 260 beautiful kilometres between Maloja and Zernez offer everything a cross-country skier’s heart desires. Our youth hostels in St. Moritz and Pontresina are the perfect starting point.

Off to the Engadine

Grindelwald

If Grindelwald only brings downhill skiing to mind, you’re way off the mark. This setting promises pure cross-country skiing pleasure. The small but excellent network of cross-country trails leads through snowy forests and open spaces and is particularly suitable for beginners.

Of to Grindelwald!

Gstaad-Saanenland

Have you always wanted to go cross-country skiing in the summer months? On the Glacier de Tsanfleuron, you can take the approximately 6 km long route on your planks from June to December (depending on snow conditions). In addition, four valleys and the Sparemoos offer wonderful cross-country trails for classic and skating fans.

Off to Gstaad!

Other select cross-country ski trails

You’ll find trails for every taste here – presented by Switzerland Tourism.

More information

Cross-country skiing in a winter fairy tale - wellnessHostel3000

 

The fact that all sounds disappear in the blanket of snow, that's the most beautiful thing about winter. "We love the way Senta puts her enthusiasm for nature, winter and Laax into words. A very personal declaration of love for her adopted home.

 

Skiing and snowboarding

A gentle glide down the piste, a thrilling race, all the flair of the Funpark – there are winter activities for every taste. Here are some sites and tips for you to think about.

Skiing and snowboarding