The best cross country ski resorts in Europe

If you want the mecca of cross-country skiing, then you must make a pilgrimage to the Dolomites. As the largest cross-country ski area in Europe, the Dolomites mountain range in northeast Italy is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to 1300km of flawless cross-country ski trails – that’s 80km more than the number of downhill pistes!

In Val di Fassa you’ll be rewarded with four ski areas that offer vast expanses of snow-covered trails which are the perfect conditions for cross-country skiers, and all grades of difficulty and length.

Whilst the resort of Arabba is enclosed by mountain pass ridges, it’s the gateway to other ski areas, like neighbouring Alta Badia which has a 25km cross country track.

In Corvara, expect to ski through white meadows and airy forests on short trails which are perfect for the classic and skating discipline. Bordering both the Dolomites and South Tyrol regions, this ski resort’s cross country trails have little elevation so are ideal for beginners.

Over on the Italian/Swiss border, Livigno has elevated cross-country skiing areas that stretch up to 40km. You can get easy access to these trails and whatever your experience, the resort includes both easy and technical sections across the valley.

The Milky Way (Via Lattea) is a big draw for cross-country skiers due it being the host of the 2006 Winter Olympics cross-country skiing event. If you want some challenging slopes then head to the resort of Sestrière which is the highest in the Milky Way and situated on the Franco/Italian border.

Home of ‘langlauf’, or cross-country skiing to us, Austria has many well-organised trails beneath its magnificent snow-covered peaks. From beginners to skate skiers and classic skiers, there’s a cross-country trail to suit all styles and levels. The trails meander past iced-over lakes, through enchanting forests, ancient hamlets and castles.

The Ski Circus area near Salzburg has 11km of well-groomed cross-country trails, including a circular route at the end of the valley in the Saalbach and Hinterglemm resorts. Another superb resort is Katschberg which has a 20km network of well-marked trails, including the magnificent Pöllatal Nature Reserve that offers the ideal setting for classic cross-country skiing.

In the Tyrol region, Mayrhofen is known for having a strong network of cross-country trails and is blessed to have the Zillertal ski area as its neighbour, who has an immense 200km of top prepared trails.

If you want picturesque, then Zell am See is for you. Its 40km cross-country ski routes connect to other popular resorts and take in a stunning glacier. Plus, if you’re keen to explore the resort at night, there’s also a few well-lit night trails.

Are you a skater or a strider? Whatever your speciality, France has some of the finest cross-country terrain. The French trails allow for gliding through dense forests and quaint Alpine villages where you can fully enjoy ‘ski de fond’.

Popular with skiers from all over the world, the Three Valleys (Les 3 Vallées) region asserts itself as a cross-country destination, with 120km of the best trails that are well maintained each day. The majority of the trails stretch along the brooks in the valley and take in a variety of woodland, making them wonderfully scenic routes. Although Val Thorens only has 4km of cross-country skiing, the short trails are perfect for beginners and those who like to practice classic and skating styles.

Between Les Menuires and St Martin de Belleville, further down the valley, you’ll find longer marked pistes for cross-country skiing. Start at the Plan de l’Eau in Les Menuires and follow the meandering tracks through the lower villages across and you’ll end up in Châtelard.

For the best choice of cross-country circuits in the French Alps, head to Alpe d’Huez. With a total of 50km of pristine cross-country ski trails, the loops allow you to discover the lakes and pretty villages that lie within the resort. Clearly marked and in perfect condition, there’s no chance of getting lost on these trails as they’re well signposted.

Making up part of the huge Paradiski ski area, La Plagne’s four trails are interlinked and offer all levels and styles of cross-country skiing. For a gentle pace, the Montalbert and Plagne Soleil trails are ideal for beginners, whilst the longest and hardest Champagny track runs around the mountain, testing your ability.

In neighbouring Tignes and Val d’Isère the trails are delightfully serene with 40km of great conditions. Weave through the Espace Killy or hop on Le Fornet cable car and take the trail across to the Vanoise National Park.

The backcountry of Andorra’s ski resorts is where you’ll get the pick of cross-country trails. It’s in the Pyrénées’ largest ski area, the Grandvalira where you’ll find Pas de la Casa and its 30km of cross-country trails. Nearby Soldeu and El Tarter each have one cross-country circuit with easy and medium level terrain for you to practice on.

For the ultimate cross-country experience, you can head to the Naturlandia Eco Park which is only 40 minutes away from Grandvalira. Another top spot for cross-country skiing, with 30km of trails, is the resort of Arinsal in the Vallnord ski area.

The breath-taking landscape of Spain’s skiing regions in the Pyrénées and the Sierra Nevada mean that cross-country skiers get to enjoy the mountains up close. Both beginners and experts are catered for along two fantastic 7km trails in the Baqueira Beret resort.