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Best time to go cross country skiing

The cross country skiing season is sometimes different from that of downhill, because it doesn’t rely on snow cannons and resort openings. It relies on nature, and communities that have remote lodges and cabins open all year round. It depends where you are going, of course, but Finland and Lapland are better around March as the days are longer. Although in the Dolomites, Germany and Austria you get a good few hours of sunlight in the thick of winter. And as for Chile, it’s perfectly chilly August until October.

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Best time to go cross country skiing

It seemed odd to go skiing in July in Chile. But with seven volcanoes to climb, this has got to be the hottest and coolest cross country skiing trip I have ever had.

December to March is the best time to go cross country skiing in Norway, although beware of the shorter days earlier on. There is usually a Norwegian school holiday mid-end Feb, so popular spots get busy. Although Christmas may seem like a classic time to be in Finland – for serious cross country skiing, don’t travel in December as the sun never rises. Particularly in Lapland and Norway, Christmas and New Year get really busy, so you need to book your journey far in advance to get a good deal. Christmas and New Year in Austria are magically festive, with glühwein and Christmas markets just about everywhere you go, no matter how remote. Seefeld is wonderful for this. Ski touring usually takes you higher up into the mountains, extending the season in many places. If going up and down volcanoes in Chile appeals, mid August to late October is best time to go cross country skiing in the Andes. If you are cross country skiing on fixed tracks, start your day when the sun has been up for a few hours, as the tracks will be cut and hard ice will have melted. The season can stretch from November to March in Estonia at its highest points, but you will get more daylight and sun from February onwards. If you are experienced enough to take part in the Engadin ski marathon in Switzerland, this usually happens mid March.

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Downhill differences

Tom Wilkinson, cross country skiing expert from our partner, Exodus:
“Don’t compare it to downhill! It’s smooth, often peaceful, and a wonderful way of experiencing the landscape. Also, if you are a downhiller you often forget your heel is not attached particularly when doing a snowplough. It’s not about going 100 miles an hour. It is however more of a full cardio workout. And pack a drinks bottle/flask. Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you don’t get thirsty. Also I’m also a mega snacker, so need things to eat to keep me going.”

Responsible Travel recommends

Tom Wilkinson:
"Late season can be great in the Dolomites as it feels pretty warm and there's often still a good base of snow and more daylight so you can afford a longer, lazier lunch, often in the sun, before carrying on. Some of the views can be spectacular at any time of year just as long as it's clear. You wouldn't really want to go in early January to some of our remote Norwegian lodges, as there is too little light and it's extremely cold."

Emma Mason from our partner on the best time to go cross country skiing in the Pyrenees: "Springtime (March/April) is traditionally the best time of year for classic ski touring here, when there is usually reliable off-piste snow cover, and the snow conditions are at their most predictable. During an ideal spring ski touring day, we would aim to make our ascent on firm snow in the morning, then enjoy the ski back down after lunch, when the top layer of snow has softened just enough to give perfect conditions for the descent. Modern "free touring" all-mountain skis, however, are also great in powder, so there's no reason why you can't slap on your skins in January or February to make first-tracks in fresh powder snow. Many of the mountain refuges in the Pyrenees are open during March and April, and there are some superb multi-day touring routes, as well as classic day tours that are virtually unheard of outside France."

Tips for Chile travellers

Cross country skiing holidays tips from Cristian Levy, co-founder of our partner Amity Tours in Chile: “Always hire mountain guide services, the terrains include glaciers with crevasses. The avalanche risk is really, really low. You should bring your own touring skiing gear as here in Chile rental options are very limited. Consider skins for spring snow and icy conditions. Ski crampons won't work well. Most of the southern volcanoes have a small ski resort at the base, with basic drag lifts and double chairlifts. My favorite is reaching Villarrica Volcano crater, look the powerful interior and then ski off piste to the base.”