1. Toggenburg, SG: Cross-country skiing with ski jumping superstar Simon Ammann
Fans of winter sports tend to associate it with ski jumping rather than cross country skiing, Toggenburg said. After all, four-time Olympic champion Simon Amman hails from the beautiful valley in eastern Switzerland. The former superstar has recently moved to Alt St. He even bought a hotel in Johann’s village of Toggenburg. But the homeland of Simon Ammann has a lot to offer not only for long-distance travelers, but also for cross-country skiers. Classic enthusiasts and skateboarders alike will find great cross-country trails in five locales. The best part is that in some of them you can even pursue your hobby at night, thanks to the most modern lighting installations. www.toggenburg.org
2. Loetschental, VS: Cross country skiing in Tschäggättä
It is said that the heart rate of cross-country skiers in Lötschental is always slightly higher than anywhere else in Switzerland. The reason: fears that somewhere in the wild and romantic valley, a stray Tschäggättä will jump out from behind a tanner and attack peaceful cross-country skiers with her pine mask and rattle. Of course this is nonsense. The traditional mask-wearers in Lötschental are no longer as malicious as they once were. Nor are they targeting cross-country skiers. More reason than to visit the wonderful cross country ski slopes at the foot of Fafleralp. www.loetschental.ch
3. Val Mustair, GR: In the footsteps of Olympic champion Dario Cologna
Unobstructed winter views, newly snowed fir trees and a good chance for a lot of winter sun: that’s what a trip to the cross country ski paradise of Val Müstair has to offer. The remote Graubünden valley is not only home to the World Cup sprint track in Tschierv (an integral part of the Tour de Ski cross country stage race). There are also several beautiful circular trails and the challenging panorama trail “La sulagliva” waiting to be explored. www.val-muestair.engadin.com
4. Langis, OW: Obwaldner cross country ski paradise
No, the people of Obwalden aren’t exactly humble when it comes to cross-country skiing. Looking at the Mount Faith-Langis cross country ski area, they speak somewhat broadly about the “Eldorado of cross country skiers”. But it must be admitted that anyone who takes a few tours of the snow-capped Obwalden mountains will automatically be thrilled. Some of the well-marked trails pass through beautiful steppes and the views of the Alpine peaks are magnificent. In total, the area offers about 25 kilometers of classic and 25 kilometers of skateboarding trails. www.loipe-langis.ch
5. Kandersteg, BE: With a lot of pfuus on “Höh”
All of the approximately 55 kilometers of cross-country trails in the home of former Bundestag Adolf Ogi can be used as a circuit. The Kandersteg hit is the 14 kilometer “Höh” panorama track. If you want to reach the “Höh” at 1,318 meters above sea level, you need a lot of “Pfuus ide Bei” and good downhill technique. The short 3-kilometer trail along Kander or the 5-kilometer Kandersteg trail through the Lötschberg north portal is less demanding but no less enjoyable. Open daily from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, a night tour on the 6-kilometer night course is absolutely special. www.kandersteg.ch
6. Les Mosses, VD: Cross country skiing is Röstigraben
The Les Mosses high plateau is 1,380 to 1,680 meters above sea level and offers a total of 36 kilometers of trails for classic and roller cross country skiers. The trending sport here is called “ski de fond” and is attracting more and more people. Thanks to the high altitude and relatively high snow security, you can go cross-country skiing on the Vaud plateau until mid-April. Meanwhile, the Swiss Biathlon Cup has been held in the region for twenty years. www.aigle-leysin-lesmosses.ch
7. Campra, TI: Campra: Scandinavian sport in the Italian-speaking south
Cross country skiing in Ticino? Sure, this works. So in «Centro Nordico Campra». The area on the south side of Lukmanier offers 28 kilometers of cross-country trails and is full of amazing nature. Alder forests, views of the rugged rock faces of the surrounding gorges, and rivers that often freeze in winter reveal: Ticino is much more than palm trees and Helvetic Italianità. www.campra.ch