the Travel Enthusiast
- 02 Feb
Tudi in Travel Planning | 1 COMMENTWorld’s Best Cross-Country Ski Resorts
Cross-country skiing is very likely one of the most underrated winter activities. When asked why they prefer alpine skiing to cross-country skiing, many skiers would argue that they find cross-country skiing to be simply ‘boring’, and that they would always choose the steep slopes over the rolling hills.
However, cross-country ski has its undeniable advantages: not only it reduces the risks of an accident, but it can also offer the most amazing winter landscapes. Although there aren’t many cross country ski resorts per se, there are thousands of beautiful places around the world where cross-country skiing tours are available.
Whether you decide to try cross-country skiing in the highlands of the Rockies or back to its home country (or rather, countries, as cross-country ski is practiced all over the Scandinavian peninsula), there are some really special places you might want to start with:
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Lillehammer
In Scandinavia, cross-country ski started as a necessity and ended up is one of the most popular winter sports. Throughout the centuries, Scandinavian people have developed different types of equipment and skiing techniques. Lillehammer in Norway is widely known as one of the one of the oldest and most prestigious ski resorts in Europe. There are few other places in the world that can offer as many possibilities for cross-country ski lovers as the Nordseter and Sjusjøen areas, situated in the close vicinity of Lillehammer.
St. Anton am Arlberg
Situated in the Verwall Alps, in the western part of Austria, St. Anton am Alberg offers over 200 km of cross-country ski trails. Home to some of the best ski schools in Europe and numerous guided ski tours, St. Anton am Alberg is an ideal place to start exploring the hidden treasures of the Alps.
Mont Sainte Anne
On the other side of the ocean, the vast northern territories and the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains make America a skiers heaven. Despite the fact that its cross-country ski tradition is not so old, North America is worth all the attention. Any cross-country skier has at least one heard of the Mont Sainte Anne Cross-Country Ski Center in Quebec. Dozens of miles of mild slopes and wonderful landscapes make this resort an all time favorite, even among professional skiers.
Craftsburry Outdoor Center
As for the United States, the northern state of Vermont offers some amazing possibilities. The Craftsburry Outdoor Center awaits cross-country skiers with its 130 miles of ski tracks, various terrains and untouched wilderness. The more daring spirits can even try skiing in the surface of frozen lakes or along the numerous water courses.
Yellowstone National Park
If getting to admire the some breath-taking panoramas is your main priority, then Yellowstone National Park is the place for you. At over 2000 meters altitude, America’s oldest national park looks even more impressive in winter.
Although the park is closed for vehicles, there are plenty of cross-country ski tours that can take you right in the middle of this fascinating ecosystem. And, let’s face it, there are few other things that can compare with the chance to spot a great-gray owl or admire the eruption of a geyser set against the immaculate snow.
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Schladming, Austria isn’t bad too.