Endless, glistening winter landscapes, crystal-clear mountain air and silently gliding steps: cross-country skiing makes sports and nature lovers go into raptures.

Despite this, cross-country skiing is still less popular as a hobby than downhill skiing. However, professional competitions have long enjoyed great popularity. Cross-country skiing is not only exciting to watch, but also a versatile and healthy winter sport that is accessible to (almost) everyone. In the Alpin Arena Senales, we are perfectly equipped for your cross-country skiing holiday in South Tyrol: in one of most beautiful places for cross-country skiing in the Alps, you will find two different trails and different cross-country hotels to suit all your tastes.

Is cross-country skiing hard for beginners?

In principle, there is nothing to stop you learning cross-country skiing techniques at any age. Many beginners appreciate cross-country skiing precisely because of the lower speed and risk of injury. Nevertheless, we recommend that you first learn the technique from a qualified instructor or very experienced cross-country skier. In this way, you will prevent incorrect movement patterns from becoming ingrained and learn to master every situation on the cross-country ski trail correctly and safely. You will see that after a few hours on cross-country skis you will already start to feel much more confident!

How healthy is cross-country skiing?

This much in advance: very healthy! Val Senales cross-country skiing is the ideal full-body workout because it uses almost all the muscles in the body, especially the leg, arm and core muscles. As an endurance sport, cross-country skiing trains the cardiovascular system, helps you lose weight effectively thanks to its high calorie consumption and thus counteracts many common diseases. It also noticeably improves balance and coordination. In contrast to many other sports, such as jogging, cross-country skiing is much easier on the joints thanks to its gliding motion.

When cross-country skiing in the Alps, and especially on our glacier, you can also enjoy many other health-promoting effects: clean, fresh glacier air, unclouded sunshine and the benefits of training at altitude, because in Val Senales, cross-country skiing happens on the highest trail in South Tyrol, our Hochjoch high-altitude trail directly on the glacier.

What are the two main types of cross-country skiing?

There are two different techniques for cross-country skiing: the classic and skating style.
The classic style is both somewhat easier and less strenuous. You ski on a groomed track and push off with your poles. Suitable skis have a grip zone in the centre.
In skating style, you ski on a prepared slope, but without the tracks. You move forwards using a technique similar to ice skating and, of course, with the help of your poles. That's why your skis don't need a grip zone in this case. The skating style is a little more strenuous and also requires more coordination.
As a beginner, however, you are free to decide which style you want to learn first.

What equipment do I need to start cross-country skiing?

Sports equipment for cross-country skiing primarily consists of suitable skis, boots and poles. Make sure that your equipment is adapted for your height, weight and experience level and that it is in good condition. If you don't yet have your own skis, you can hire them conveniently in Maso Corto for glacier cross-country skiing in Val Senales. When choosing the right clothing, it is best to seek professional advice. The appropriate clothing for glacier cross-country skiing keeps you warm but is also breathable. If you wear several thin layers on top of each other, you can easily take them off as soon as you get too warm. However, make sure you always keep your feet, hands and head warm to avoid catching a cold and protect your skin and eyes from the intense sunlight.

What does a cross-country skiing holiday in South Tyrol involve?

Whether you're a beginner or a pro - when you come cross-country skiing in Italy, you can expect not only perfectly groomed trails, but also dreamy winter landscapes as far as the eye can see, as well as the unparalleled hospitality of our hoteliers and innkeepers.
As one of the most stunning places for cross-country skiing in the Alps, Val Senales has two trails. The medium-difficulty Hochjoch skiing run with a length of 5 kilometres at about 3,000 m is also popular with professionals and for high altitude training in autumn. The easier Lazaun skiing run is around three kilometres long, particularly suitable for beginners and lies at about 2,400 m. Both trails are accessible via mountain lifts from Maso Corto and allow you to glide through the beautiful landscape in Val Senales almost all year round. If you fancy a break, the mountain huts will provide you with regional delicacies. And after sunset, a relaxing evening awaits you in our cross-country hotels. This is how you can combine enjoyable relaxation, breathtaking nature experiences and healthy winter sports in one holiday.

Plan your stay in Val Senales now and discover some of the most beautiful cross-country skiing trails in Italy!