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Winter scene from Seiser Alm in the Dolomites, Italy.

Refined Glide – Skating Masterclass, Italy

Trip Grade
Advanced
Trip Type
Skate Skiing
Location
Seiser Alm , Italy
Duration
8 Days
Group Size
4-6

Refined Glide – Skating Masterclass

Seiser Alm scene in the Dolomites with cross country Skiing.

Refined Glide is an early-season skate skiing development holiday designed for skiers looking to refine movement, improve efficiency and deepen their technical understanding. Combining world-class coaching, focused technical sessions and high-quality mileage, the week helps transform good technique into smooth, confident and instinctive skiing.

Your home for the week is Hotel Ritsch, a refined retreat positioned beside the trails of Seiser Alm. Contemporary alpine design, exceptional cuisine and panoramic Dolomite views create a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, providing the perfect environment for both focused skiing and restorative recovery.

Set high above the valleys of South Tyrol, Seiser Alm offers one of Europe's most spectacular cross-country skiing environments. Wide-open alpine landscapes, impeccably prepared tracks and reliable early-season snow conditions create an exceptional setting for skate skiing progression beneath the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites.

Precision and Flow

Woman skate skiing and man classic skiing in the South Tyrol.

Who This Trip Is For:

  • Skate skiers with previous experience looking to refine technique and efficiency 

  • Guests seeking early-season snow-sure skiing and technical progression 

  • Individuals and couples looking for a refined and performance-focused skating week 

Activity level: Moderate → Challenging

Skiing experience: Improver → Intermediate 

Throughout the week, coaching focuses on: 

  • Refining balance, timing, and dynamic weight transfer 

  • Developing smoother V1 and V2 technique efficiency 

  • Improving glide, energy conservation and cleaner transitions 

Itinerary

A Typical Day

The amazing Seier Alm in the Dolomites.

Itineraries are subject to change based on weather and snow conditions 

Morning Session (09:00 – 11:00) 

Focused technical sessions designed to refine skating efficiency, rhythm, glide, and terrain management. 

Afternoon Session (14:00 – 16:00) 

High-alpine skiing journeys across the Seiser Alm plateau — applying technical improvements naturally into flowing mountain skiing. 

Evening 

Spa based relaxation and recovery. Refined mountain dining, and relaxed evenings within the elegant atmosphere of Hotel Ritsch. 

Refined Glide – Skating Masterclass Itinerary

Arrive at Innsbruck Airport where you will be met by your Wildtrack Nordic guide. Our complimentary group transfer departs the airport at 14:00, travelling approximately 1 hour through the Alps to Hotel Ritsch, beautifully positioned beside the trails of Seiser Alm. 

Alternative transfer arrangements may be possible for an additional fee; please enquire before booking for further information. 

After settling into the hotel, take time to relax and enjoy the spectacular mountain surroundings, wellness facilities and panoramic Dolomite views before meeting your fellow guests. 

This evening, join your coaches and fellow skiers for a welcome briefing and dinner. Together we will introduce the week ahead, discuss individual goals and outline the coaching philosophy that underpins the Masterclass. Drawing upon Olympic-level experience and years of coaching expertise, the focus throughout the week is not on skiing harder, but on skiing better. 

Each day follows the Wildtrack Nordic coaching model, combining focused technical development with practical application across the spectacular trails of Seiser Alm. 

Morning sessions explore the key elements of efficient skate skiing, including balance, timing, dynamic weight transfer, edge control, rhythm and glide. Through observation, feedback and guided practice, guests develop a deeper understanding of the movements that create smooth, efficient skiing. 

Drawing upon Olympic-level coaching insight and small-group feedback, sessions help skiers move more efficiently, conserve energy and develop greater confidence across varied terrain. 

Afternoons are spent applying technical refinements through guided journeys across the high-alpine plateau. As the week progresses, movement becomes increasingly intuitive, allowing skiers to travel further, ski more efficiently and experience the effortless flow that defines great skate skiing. 

The culmination of the week. 

A rewarding journey explores the finest skating terrain on Seiser Alm, travelling between Compatsch and Saltria beneath the dramatic peaks of Langkofel and Plattkofel. 

Combining flowing terrain, sustained gliding and spectacular Dolomite scenery, the route provides the perfect opportunity to apply the efficiency, rhythm and confidence developed throughout the week. It is a fitting conclusion to a Masterclass dedicated to precision, flow and effortless movement on skis. 

Following a final breakfast, we leave Hotel Ritsch at 09:00, arriving at Innsbruck Airport at approximately 10:00. 

Alternative transfer arrangements may be possible for an additional fee; please enquire in advance for further information. 

Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Dolomites before beginning your journey home. 

As your journey home begins, you'll leave with smoother technique, greater efficiency and a deeper understanding of what makes great skate skiing feel effortless. More importantly, you'll leave with the confidence and tools to continue refining your skating long after the week has ended. 

Hotel Ritsch - Seiser Alm

A refined alpine hotel blending South Tyrolean hospitality, contemporary comfort, and doorstep access to the world-class trails of Seiser Alm beneath the Dolomites.

Hotel Ritsch is a welcoming, family-run alpine hotel located directly on the Seiser Alm plateau, Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow and one of the most iconic cross-country skiing destinations in the world. Sitting at around 1,800 m above sea level, the hotel enjoys exceptional snow reliability, open landscapes, and uninterrupted views of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. Its position allows guests to clip into their skis straight from the hotel and glide directly onto the extensive Seiser Alm trail network.

The Seiser Alm is renowned for its wide, immaculately prepared trails, gentle gradients, and spectacular scenery, making it ideal for skill development, high-quality mileage, and relaxed exploration alike. Beyond skiing, the area offers winter walking, tobogganing, and access to traditional mountain huts serving local Ladin and South Tyrolean specialities. Combined with Wildtrack Nordic’s expert coaching, small groups, and attention to detail, a stay at Hotel Ritsch delivers a perfectly balanced alpine experience rooted in nature, culture, and performance.

Dining

Dining at Hotel Ritsch celebrates the very best of South Tyrolean cuisine, blending traditional Alpine flavours with the elegance and freshness of Italian cooking. The kitchen showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding region, creating dishes that combine hearty mountain classics with lighter Mediterranean influences, alongside thoughtfully prepared vegetarian options.

Each morning begins with a generous buffet breakfast, providing the perfect start to a rewarding day on the trails. In the evening, guests can look forward to a relaxed and welcoming dining experience, where beautifully prepared dishes are served in a warm alpine atmosphere. It is the ideal opportunity to refuel after skiing, share stories from the day's adventures, and savour the authentic flavours and hospitality for which South Tyrol is renowned.

Wellness

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Hotel Ritsch offers a welcoming wellness area designed to promote relaxation and recovery after a rewarding day on the trails. Guests can unwind in the traditional Finnish sauna (90°C), experience the gentle warmth of the hay steam sauna (60°C), or simply relax in the peaceful wellness spaces whilst taking in the calm atmosphere of the mountains.

After a day spent skiing across the spectacular landscapes of Seiser Alm, the wellness area provides the perfect opportunity to soothe tired muscles, recharge, and embrace the slower pace of alpine life. Combined with the hotel's warm hospitality and exceptional setting beneath the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, it is a wonderful place to relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

Rooms

The rooms at Hotel Ritsch are furnished in a warm alpine-modern style, combining natural materials with contemporary comfort. Many rooms enjoy views across the Seiser Alm plateau or towards the dramatic Dolomite peaks.

Standard bookings for couples include a comfortable double room with en-suite bathroom featuring shower and toilet, complimentary toiletries, and free tea and coffee.

Solo travellers are accommodated in comfortable single rooms with private en-suite facilities, providing a welcoming and peaceful retreat after each day of skiing beneath the spectacular Dolomite peaks. Holiday prices are automatically adjusted to reflect your selected room option during the booking process.

Hotel Ritsch, Wood-panelled alpine hotel lounge with rustic seating and antler wall décor. Seiser Alm , Italy.

What makes this trip different:

couple relaxing together on cross country ski tracks in Switzerland.

There is a moment in skating where effort gives way to flow — where movement becomes smoother, lighter, and more connected to the terrain beneath you. Refined Glide is designed to help skiers reach that point. By the end of the week, you won’t be working harder, you’ll be skiing better, moving with precision, and experiencing true flow across one of the most spectacular landscapes in Europe.  

  • Early-season, snow-sure high-altitude skate skiing 

  • Expert cross-country ski coaches with elite technical expertise 

  • Small coaching groups (maximum 6 guests) for meaningful progression 

  • Premium ski-in/ski-out alpine accommodation with spa and wellness facilities 

  • Extensive high-altitude trail network across the unforgettable Seiser Alm plateau 

Useful Trip Information

The meeting point for your holiday is Innsbruck Airport, Austria, a major international airport with direct connections from destinations across Europe and beyond. We are pleased to offer a bespoke transfer service, with your guide for the week meeting you in the arrivals hall upon arrival. 

 On arrival day, your transfer from the airport will depart at 14:00. 

 On departure day, we will return you to Innsbruck Airport by 10:00, requiring departure from the hotel at 09:00. 

From December through to April, Seiser Alm experiences classic Alpine winter conditions, with its high-altitude setting helping to create a reliable and extended snow season. Sitting at around 1,850m, the plateau benefits from colder temperatures and excellent snow preservation, supporting consistently good cross-country skiing conditions throughout the winter. 

January is typically the coldest month, with temperatures commonly ranging from -10°C to -2°C (14°F to 28°F) and regular snowfall creating a true winter atmosphere across the plateau and surrounding Dolomite landscape. February and March generally bring some of the most reliable skiing conditions of the season, combining cold overnight temperatures with increasing sunshine and long periods of settled weather. 

By April, longer days and the first signs of spring begin to arrive, with temperatures typically ranging between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Thanks to the altitude of Seiser Alm, snow conditions can often remain excellent late into the season, particularly on prepared cross-country trails. 

Dining at Hotel Ritsch celebrates the flavours and traditions of South Tyrol, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere after rewarding days exploring the trails of Seiser Alm. Regional ingredients and Alpine influences sit at the heart of the dining experience, with menus reflecting both local traditions and the surrounding mountain setting. 

Guests are exceptionally well catered for throughout their stay on a full-board basis. Each morning begins with a generous buffet breakfast offering a wide selection of hot and cold options to prepare for a day on the snow. Lunch is served back at the hotel, providing a relaxed opportunity to refuel during the day, while evenings conclude with a carefully prepared three-course dinner showcasing regional dishes and seasonal flavours 

Activity Level: Moderate to Challenging

Requires good fitness and confidence.

Masterclasses are designed for confident and physically prepared cross-country skiers. 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.

Skiing experience: Improver to Intermediate

Refine your skills across varied terrain, maintaining efficiency for longer distance

Intermediate holidays are intended for technically confident cross-country skiers who are comfortable skiing longer distances across varied terrain. The 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.

Luggage 

We kindly ask that you travel with a maximum of 1 piece of hold luggage and 2 pieces of hand luggage, as storage space in the transfer vehicle is limited. When packing for a winter holiday in the mountains, it is important to bring suitable clothing and equipment to ensure you remain comfortable in changing weather and snow conditions. 

Ski Equipment 

We will provide skis, boots and poles selected according to your height, weight, shoe size and technical ability, ensuring equipment is matched appropriately for comfort, performance and enjoyment throughout your holiday. 

Personal Equipment to Bring 

Please ensure you bring the following items for comfort during your holiday: 

• Rucksack – A 15–20 litre day pack with waist and chest straps, suitable for carrying water, snacks and additional warm or waterproof clothing while out on the trails. 
• 1 litre water container – Please note that hydration system tubes can often freeze in winter conditions, so a standard water bottle or insulated container is recommended. 

Additional items 

Sunscreen, sunglasses, small thermos for hot drinks, head torch and footwear suitable for icy conditions 

General Clothing 

We recommend bringing suitable winter clothing to ensure you remain comfortable in changing mountain and skiing conditions: 

• Jackets: Waterproof jacket, fleece or windproof gilet/waistcoat, and a down or insulated jacket (or an additional warm outer layer). 
• Trousers: Nordic ski trousers that are lightweight, windproof, warm and ideally form fitting. Waterproof trousers are optional for additional protection. 
• Tops: Long-sleeved thermal base layer and a lightweight long-sleeved fleece or mid-layer. 
• Accessories: Two pairs of gloves (one lightweight and one insulated), over-mittens for colder days if desired, a warm hat, headband or buff/scarf, and medium-thickness socks. 

Your insurance responsibilities

These are described in detail within the Insurance Information. As an overview you must have adequate insurance that covers you for:

  • Medical expenses and repatriation in the event of medical need 

  • Mountain Rescue, apart from Norway where it is free 

  • Cancellation or curtailment of arrangements as a result of circumstances outside of your control (including accident or illness and inability to travel for other reasons) 

  • Personal accident risks, covering injury, illness or death

  • Personal liability 

  • Personal effects and money 

You must provide us with the name of your travel insurer, policy number and insurer’s emergency contact number 6 weeks before your holiday by updating the information in your account, which can be accessed via the members area of the website.

You should purchase insurance at the time of booking to protect payments made towards a trip that does not take place for any reason.

Our insurance responsibilities

Should Wildtrack Nordic become insolvent or cease to trade, your initial deposit and any other monies paid towards your trip are fully protected. Details of the policy and underwriter are included in the Insurance Information document.

Wildtrack Nordic does not have any responsibility to insure:

  • Your flights and any other travel apart from the free shuttle from and to the airport as part of your trip

  • Your belongings

  • Your equipment, if you are using your own

The requirements for your official documentation can be found at Clause 16 of our Booking Terms and Conditions, but in summary: 

  • Passports: you will need a valid passport; many countries require 6+ months’ validity beyond your return date 

  • Visas: you will need to confirm the requirements early and ensure you have at least one blank page in your passport 

If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays we recommend that you check for updates on the new ETIAS website.

What is Included 
• Professionally qualified guides 
• Accommodation and meals throughout your stay 
• One group airport transfer on arrival and departure 
• Technical ski equipment (skis, boots and poles) 
• Access to hotel facilities and amenities 

 What is Not Included 
• Flights 
• Personal travel insurance 
• Drinks, snacks and food outside of planned meals 
• Additional transport not specified within the itinerary 
• Spa treatments and additional wellness services 
• Single occupancy supplements (please refer to Booking Information) 

Available dates for Refined Glide – Skating Masterclass

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