The 7 Best International Cross-Country (Nordic) Skiing Destinations

Gliding through well-maintained, snowy trails on a pair of cross-country skis is one of the best ways to enjoy winter. Across the world, there are many places to venture out on cross-country skis, including those with stunning beauty, luxurious accommodations, and everything you need for an enjoyable après-ski. Revealed below are seven of the best cross-country destinations on the planet.

1. Banff National Park, Canada

Come winter, Banff National Park transforms into the ideal skiing destination, delivering thrills and entertainment that rival those you’ll find at an online casino, much the same way casino bonuses are easily found on BonusFinder Canada. In both cases, you’ll uncover exciting opportunities you may not have been aware of previously, allowing you to enjoy yourself to the absolute fullest.

Banff has a variety of trails that cater to different skiing levels, so whether you’re new to the sport or have been at it for decades, you’ll find something enjoyable while enjoying breathtaking views of Banff’s mountain ranges and pristine lakes. But a trip to Banff also encompasses far more than skiing — you’ll also find hot springs, spas, festivals, and decadent dining options among the area’s offerings.

2. Seefeld, Austria

The Austrian town of Seefeld is known best for one thing: cross-country skiing. Naturally, this makes the town a top destination for those seeking a skiing getaway — although its Christmas village atmosphere, set between the snow-capped mountains of the Alps, is charming enough to warrant visiting even if you have no interest in skiing. Seefeld is home to Austria’s largest network of cross-country ski trails, totaling 245 kilometers (152 miles) of trail.

Along the trails are huts where you can enjoy refreshments or rest before heading back out into the cold. The village is home to comforts like cafes, bars, and restaurants, many of which are accessible through the thoughtfully built pedestrian zone that’s safe and cozy to walk through day or night. After a day of skiing, this makes it simple to relax, unwind, and satisfy the hunger you worked up on the trails.

3. St. Moritz, Switzerland

Switzerland has many cross-country skiing destinations, and St. Moritz is one of the best of them. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and is considered the birthplace of winter tourism as we know it. You’ll encounter gently rolling hills and beautiful views on your cross-country skis, but you’ll also want to set aside time to embark on the Chantarella-Corviglia, a single-car train built to handle the cold and ice of winter and climb Corviglia mountain. You’ll be able to drink in the stunning mountain scenery from a warm and comfortable train car and then switch to a cable car that reaches the summit’s peak, allowing the landscape to fall away from you for unobstructed, awe-inspiring views of the region.

4. Ylläs, Finland

The small village of Ylläs, found in Lapland, Finland, boasts 300 kilometers (just over 186 miles) of cross-country ski trails and unique attractions, making it a dream ski destination. The most unique of these attractions is the cable car sauna at the Ylläs Ski Resort, which carries four people up to a mountain-top spa—the perfect complement to a vacation spent exercising.

While the spa is certainly an inviting feature, Ylläs is also situated to allow visitors to see the Northern Lights if the conditions are right. Just a half-hour drive from the resort is the Snow Village Hotel, a hotel made of ice and snow. The hotel features snow carvings and ice sculptures throughout, and the suites include an ice bed frame. It’s a unique experience you’ll marvel at, even if you only walk through the hotel.

 

5. Kungsleden, Sweden

Kungsleden invites skiers to deeply connect with winter and the outdoors with its 400-kilometer (248-mile) skiing and hiking trail that may be more aptly described as an arctic expedition. Though it certainly requires comfort with the cold and long periods outdoors, it’s not without its creature comforts. The trail is skied with a knowledgeable guide, is clearly marked, and has off-grid huts at regular intervals. The huts are equipped with food and saunas where you can warm up after all the trekking and refuel for the next leg of the journey.

Over eight days, you’ll go through Sami reindeer herding land, get crystal-clear glimpses of the Northern Lights, and have an opportunity to ski in a whole new way. Given the intensity of this destination, you’ll want to have a decent amount of skiing experience under your belt and ensure you’re in good physical condition.

6. Courchevel, France

Cross-country skiing, fine dining, and lavish accommodations meet at Courchevel, France, for an unforgettable experience. The Courchevel area maintains various ski trails ranging from beginner-friendly trails to intense trails for experienced skiers looking for a challenge. After spending your day gliding through the scenic French Alps, you can unwind at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants. The town is a fusion of classic Alpine village styles and streamlined modern architecture, creating a charming place to meander through that is rich in history and culture and oozes luxury living.

 

7. Nozawa Onsen, Japan

Nozawa Onsen, a tiny Japanese village dating back to the 8th century, is renowned for its hot springs and has become a popular cross-country skiing destination. The small village served as the location for the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics biathlon, a trail that is still maintained and available for use. Near the Olympic trail is a range of courses for different skill levels.

However, the highlight of Nozawa Onsen isn’t the skiing but the natural hot baths scattered throughout the village. You can soothe your muscles after all your skiing while learning more about the traditions surrounding the hot springs, or as they are called, “onsen.”

Conclusion

These seven cross-country destinations invite skiers to do so much more than hit the trails. They form a comprehensive vacation that invites you to have fun, unwind, and enjoy the finer things in life—be it fine dining, stunning views, or simply the company of loved ones.