The Wildtrack Nordic Guide to Choosing the Right Cross-Country Skiing Holiday
Choosing the right cross-country skiing holiday is about more than deciding where you would like to ski. Every Wildtrack Nordic holiday is assessed using two separate ratings: activity level and skiing experience. Together, these ratings help you choose the experience that best matches both your fitness and your current skiing ability.
Cross-country skiing is a unique sport that combines endurance, balance, coordination and technique. Whilst good fitness will help you enjoy your holiday, it does not replace skiing experience. Equally, an experienced skier may have excellent skiing ability without necessarily wanting the most physically demanding itinerary.
At Wildtrack Nordic, our aim is not to challenge you beyond your limits, but to match you with the holiday where you’ll learn, progress and enjoy every day on snow. Choosing the right combination of Physical Demand and Skiing Ability is one of the best ways to ensure you have a memorable, rewarding and enjoyable experience.
It is also worth noting that our experience is that beginners find Skate skiing is more physically demanding than classic skiing especially in the early stages of learning, for that reason our skate beginners holidays start at the moderate activity level.
Our ratings are designed to work together, giving you a clear understanding of what is expected before you travel and helping you select the holiday that best suits your current fitness, experience and personal goals.
Activity Level
LEISURELY
Low pace, low pressure, but still physically active.
Our Leisurely holidays are ideal for beginners and those seeking a relaxed introduction to cross-country skiing. Days are taken at an unhurried pace, with regular coaching, frequent breaks and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Whilst these holidays place fewer physical demands on guests than our other experiences, cross-country skiing remains an active sport and you should expect to spend several hours on snow each day.
MODERATE
A good level of sustained activity with varied terrain.
Moderate holidays are suited to guests with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable being active for extended periods. Expect longer days on snow, greater daily distances and more varied terrain, balanced with expert coaching and time to appreciate the destination. Guests should arrive prepared for several consecutive days of enjoyable physical activity.
CHALLENGING
Requires good fitness and confidence.
Challenging holidays are designed for confident cross-country skiers with previous skiing experience. Expect longer periods on snow, more demanding terrain and a greater level of sustained physical effort throughout the week. Guests should arrive fit enough to recover comfortably between consecutive days of skiing.
DEMANDING
Our highest level of endurance and sustained physical effort.
Demanding holidays represent the greatest physical challenge within the Wildtrack Nordic programme. Designed for experienced cross-country skiers with excellent endurance, these holidays involve long days on snow, demanding terrain and ambitious
Skiing Experience
BEGINNER
No previous experience required.
Beginner holidays are designed for guests who are completely new to cross-country skiing or have very limited experience. You will learn the fundamental techniques from the ground up, including balance, movement, climbing, descending, stopping and turning, within a relaxed and supportive coaching environment.
IMPROVER
Build confidence and develop your technique.
Improver holidays are designed for cross-country skiers who have already learned the fundamentals and are comfortable skiing independently on gentle terrain. Coaching focuses on improving technique, building confidence, increasing efficiency and developing your ability across a wider variety of trails and snow conditions.
You should already be able to control your speed, climb and descend gentle hills, and ski comfortably for several hours with regular breaks.
INTERMEDIATE
Refine your skills across varied terrain.
Intermediate holidays are intended for technically confident cross-country skiers who are comfortable skiing longer distances across varied terrain. Coaching focuses on refining existing skills, improving efficiency and developing greater consistency.
You should already be comfortable adapting your technique to suit changing terrain, whilst maintaining a steady rhythm over longer distances.
ADVANCED
Strong technique. Confident performance.
Advanced holidays are designed for experienced cross-country skiers with a high level of skiing ability. These holidays assume a strong foundation across all aspects of classic or skate skiing and focus on refining performance through detailed coaching and technical development.
You should already ski confidently across a wide range of terrain and snow conditions whilst maintaining efficient technique and be comfortable receiving detailed coaching
STILL UNSURE?
Choosing the right holiday is an important part of ensuring you have the best possible experience. If you are unsure which combination of activity level and skiing experience is right for you, we’d be delighted to help.
Simply get in touch and tell us about your current fitness, previous skiing experience and what you would like to achieve during your holiday. We’ll recommend the Wildtrack Nordic experience that best matches your goals and help you book with confidence.