Mountain Adventure Holidays
Tracks and Trails are the only BASI Approved Nordic Ski School in the world. We have acquired a reputation for being specialists in the field of cross country skiing largely due to our own passion for this particular skiing discipline. We find pulling together the different elements to create a custom-made cross country ski trip a truly pleasurable task. Any of our 'Scheduled Departure' track, skate and off-track skiing trips can be adapted to a private trip.
By booking a custom trip you will have your own qualified professional Nordic Ski Instructor, either on a 1:1 basis, or shared with a group of your friends. It is an excellent way of improving your ski skills with a view to taking on more challenging ski journeys. Alternatively, having your own Instructor can mean a very relaxed session on skis with minimal instruction and maximum cake and coffee stops.
For athletes, and those of you who like to improve your fitness, cross-country skiing can be as challenging as you choose it to be. Arguably it can be the most aerobic of sports and is ideal for winter cross-training from other endurance sports (such as cycling, running and triathlon). If you are training for a cross-country ski race and would like private tuition then get in touch.
The Itinerary section above gives just a few ideas, or if you already know what you want then contact us.
For a better understanding of cross country skiing and its various forms please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.
Use the interactive map above to browse your preferred country and destination.
We can create private adventure holiday itineraries guided by fully qualified professional cross-country ski instructors. We are specialists in Norway, and throughout Scandinavia. We also have extensive experience and knowledge in the European Alps, in particular in France, Switzerland, and Italy. In addition we have organised trips in Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and Slovenia.
We are a BASI Approved Nordic Ski School working only with qualified professional ski instructors.
Getting to know a particular area, and knowing exactly what you are heading home to at the end of a day of skiing is rather nice. A chance to savour the thought of that log fire, the cup of hot chocolate, the sauna, the excellent wine, and the delicious food. For this reason we have listed a few of our favourite areas for cross country skiing which offer a first class cross country skiing and have some great hotel options.
Äkäslompolo, Lapland If you have ever dreamed of seeing wild reindeer in the snow or watching the Aurora Borealis dancing overhead then this is the one for you. This village in Finland, beyond the Arctic Circle, is a wonderful destination offering over 300 km's of tracks. It is perfect for those who love to cruise around the forests stopping for cake and coffee at the native Larvu huts by the tracks! There is a range of accommodation but we love the Hotel we use for our Scheduled Departure week. It's a once in a lifetime experience!
Venabu, Norway How we love this remote family run hotel and all the ski tracks that surround it. On the edge of the oldest National Park in Norway, the Rondane, the hotel is perfectly placed to enjoy the mountains. Ski from and to the ski room door each day, and look forward to what is possibly the best food on any of our trips. A Norwegian buffet served nightly that features many local dishes, and is enough to fuel you for any number of kilometres on skis! At Venabu we base a number of weeks every year, and many of our guests just keep coming back.
Cogne, Val d'Aosta, Italy The Aosta Valley, a land of fir trees and mountain pastures becomes a superb high location for cross country skiing when the snow falls. We adore the village of Cogne with its cobbled streets and remote feeling. Lying at the end of a steep sided valley it has 55 kms of tracks which offer everything from gentle to very challenging. There is a stadium area which is perfect for learning and indeed this is where we base our introductory Italian Ski Breaks.
Swiss and French Jura Close to Geneva this gentle mountain range lies along the frontier between France and Switzerland. Visit traditional shepherds' farms and chalets in rolling snowy pastures. The home to so many cheeses and other culinary delights that food becomes a serious part of this holiday. This is the venue for our Trans Jura Swiss, a point to point journey you may like to consider?
Obergoms Valley, Switzerland This is a very popular venue with Swiss cross country skiers. Reliable snow conditions and a variety of long distance ski trails attract nordic skiers who want plenty of km's to perfect their technique. The valley is served by the local train and our ski pass includes access to the train service. A wonderful way to explore the whole length of the Valley is to ski as far as you can then simply hop on a train and head for home. The Obergoms are featured in our Gorgeous Goms Ski trip.
We find that many of our bespoke trips are based on the Scheduled Departures which we already offer on this website. Simply browse the Scheduled Departures and decide which one you would like as a private trip. The itineraries can be adjusted to suit your needs with 'rest' days inserted where appropriate, and the number of trip days either extended or shortened.
In this respect we find that our Peer Gynt Trail, in Norway is one of the most popular options for a private trip. Other wonderful cross country ski trips include the epic Trolls Trail, in Norway and our Grand Traverse of the Jura, in France. To be honest there are many options and we are happy to talk you through what is possible to suit your skiing ability.
Our totally bespoke trips are those where you have the ideas and the dreams and we discuss how these can be achieved. They could feature an element of our Scheduled Departure trip itineraries, but also include other optional activities, such as snowshoeing, alpine skiing, ice climbing, dog sledding, or maybe something more relaxing such as a visit to a thermal spa such as the one at Pre St Didier, near Courmayeur, in Italy, followed by compulsory gelato, to end your trip?
Another example of the variety which can be included is available at Venabu, in Norway, a tranquil mountain hotel on the edge of the Rondane National Park. Here there are many activities which can be included in a cross country ski trip, there is dog sledding, snowshoeing, horse drawn sleigh rides, yoga/pilates classes and massage available.
In other words 'Bespoke' means created and crafted just for you and your family or friends. A unique experience in the stunning mountains of the Alps or indeed farther afield in Scandinavia.
Making a journey through the mountains on skis is a truly wonderful experience. Setting off in the morning with a sense of expectation and adventure, not knowing exactly what is ahead, is surely one of the best feelings that can be had while sliding on snow! Over the years we have become specialists in cross country ski journeys offering some long distance journeys which are certainly not on offer elsewhere. Please note that the trips given below are all ski journeys on pre-prepared tracks, they are not off-track.
If you have dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights then our Finnish Russian Frontier trip is perfect for you. Last year we spent hours watching the dancing lights in the snow. This trip is great for those who have just started cross country skiing but who are keen to do a journey as soon as possible. We spent the first three days teaching you at a cross country ski centre in Finland, then we make a 3 day journey along the Russian Frontier.
If you love Scandinavia then we have some excellent adventures on skis that are six day journeys across a landscape which is the birthplace of the sport. Our Peer Gynt Trail is a wonderful introduction to touring with days that are not too long, and hotels that are cosy and characterful and offer great food.
The Trolls Trail is another Norwegian offering that provides a wonderful challenge for experienced cross country skiers. An epic journey from Otta to the Olympic town of Lillehammer, we love it! Joining the Trolls Trail for winter 2019 is the stunning Hallingdal Track. This is the first winter we will offer this trip and without doubt it is a true mountain experience with some excellent skiing for advanced skiers.
In the Alps you can enjoy the Grand Traverse of the Jura in France, or the Trans Jura Swiss which is, yes you guessed it, the traverse of the Jura mountains but on the Swiss side. Both are brilliant journeys, and each offer sufficient differences that we often have guests who have done both of them.
finally, in Germany there is the wonderful Traverse of the Black Forest, and in the Czech Republic we have combined two long distance ski 'races' to create out Czech Polish frontier experience.
We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. With a family group we can sometimes book a family 'suite' which usually means two inter-connecting bedrooms. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
Ski Centre Based
With a private tailor-made trip you can choose your preferred standard of accommodation. Once you have decided where you would like to be based, we can advise you of the options available. Some towns and villages will have more options than others. If based in a large town there is usually a broader range of accommodation available from budget to luxury.
Ski Point to Point
If you are embarking on a point-to-point journey you may find that there is no option or choice of accommodation. However, this does not always mean basic accommodation, some mountain locations offer wonderful, characterful and traditional mountain hospitality. The choice is yours and we will prepare a quote for your trip based on the standard of accommodation chosen.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. Note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Your safety while skiing is our top priority. All skiers are requested to adhere to the Code of Conduct published by the International Ski Federation, or FIS. The aim is to make you, the skier, aware of how to avoid risks, take responsibility and act thoughtfully while on the cross-country ski tracks.
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
We go to great lengths to work with first class ski instructors who are passionate about their work.
Your ski instructor will be a BASI qualified, or equivalent, Nordic Ski Instructor. BASI is the British Association of Snowsport Instructors and is one of Europe's leading examining boards for those choosing a career in snow sports. For some countries your ski instructor will hold the national qualification required for the country you are visiting. All are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
In the majority of cases your instructor will also be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting.
Please note your instructor has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
This is a general statement with regard to luggage. Firstly, luggage on wheels is a good idea is always a good idea as you may have to walk a short distance to access your accommodation.
Ski Point to Point
The majority of our point-to-point trips have luggage support which means your bags can be transferred each day to the next accommodation and you only need to wear a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you might need during the course of the day.
On some trips which feature a night in a refuge/rifugio/hut your main luggage may not be available that evening due to lack of vehicle access. Your rucksack should be of sufficient capacity to carry a few extra items required for this overnight. Your trip itinerary will indicate on which nights you do not have access to your main luggage. If in any doubt please contact us.
Ski Off-track Point to Point
For our off-track ski touring trips which are in remote mountain areas you will usually ski with everything you need for your trip in your rucksack. On some trips it may be possible that we can get luggage delivered for one or two of the nights, this entirely depends on the location.
Ski Centre Based
For our centre based trips, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, do refer to the note below with regard to 'size' and the lack of elevators in some hotels.
Size of Luggage
Note that many hotels do not have elevators. This means you may need to be able to carry your luggage to your bedroom. On our point-to-point trips where your luggage is moved along the route by taxi we ask that you keep the weight to a maximum of 15kgs (33lbs), and ONE bag per person. Many of the taxi companies who move your bags impose a 15kg (33lbs) limit and restrict the number because they have to unload and reload the vehicle each day. If you take more than one bag you may be asked to pay a supplement.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
When creating tailor-made trips for our private guests we do not include the cost of any additional expenses such as transport, accommodation or cable cars which may required to complete your route due to itinerary changes. We always aim to complete the proposed itinerary that you have agreed with us. However, in terms of both safety and enjoyment the day by day route can only be followed when conditions and weather make it appropriate. Your guide will make a decision on your route based on those conditions. Any decision by your guide will be final and indisputable. We therefore ask that you are prepared to cover these expenses, if needed, for your group and the guide. It is rare that we need to apply this, but by operating on a case by case basis we avoid building these costs into your agreed trip price.
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
New European Travel Regulations from mid 2025
If you are a guest travelling to one of our European holidays you may be impacted by a significant change to travel regulations expected to be in place from the middle of 2025. The new EITAS scheme will start operating this year and, whilst a start date is not yet confirmed, it is likely to affect our summer holidays in 2025 and any winter holiday thereafter. As your holiday approaches we recommend that you check for updates on the website HERE.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
If you wish to add optional activities these can often be arranged and in winter you can certainly experience a range of other winter sports. Depending on the location these can include trying snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice climbing, glacier walking, or even horse drawn sleigh rides. We can advise on what is available in each location.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
The date range given below indicates the months when the activity can usually be undertaken.
Maximum Numbers To ensure you make the most of your skiing experience we take a maximum of 8 people per instructor. We can accommodate larger groups, but for safety and enjoyment this would require an additional Instructor.
Equipment Rental We can arrange cross country ski rental, either 'classic' or 'skate' skis. To hire 'classic' skis, boots and poles in 2025 costs around 16€ per day per person, with 'skate' skis, boots and poles, around 23€. In non-Euro countries the price is approximately the same, but in the local currency. Ski passes to use the tracks are around 10€ - 12€ per day. Ski hire in Norway is around 800-900 NOK for 6 days. This will depend on the type of ski being hired whether on-track or off-track.
The Complete Package We offer all inclusive packages which include accommodation, luggage transfers if on a point to point journey, cross country ski hire, the guides fees and expenses and all logistics. We can also add on other winter activities such as snowshoeing, ice climbing, alpine downhill skiing, dog sledding, etc depending on your chosen location. If you have a young family you may also like to consider renting a baby sledge or 'pulka' to tow them behind you!
| From Price | What's your budget? |
| Holiday Type | Tailormade |
| Duration | How long do you have? |
| Minimum Age | 10 |
| Countries Visited | Italy, France, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Germany |
