Swiss Alps: Cross Country Skiing
Easy rolling pressed tracks of the Obergoms
An introductory week to 'classic style' cross country skiing or ('Langlauf' in German). Our base for this week is the Obergoms Valley, the heart of the Swiss Alps, where we have up to 82km's of groomed trails to explore between Oberwald and Niederwald. With the help of the local train, which is included in your ski pass and regularly passes through, gives us the flexibility to ski in different areas of the valley and from village to village. We explore the valley on easy trails making it a perfect location for total beginners to Nordic skiing.
- Track skiing in the heart of the Swiss Alps
- Reliable snow conditions above 1300m
- Explore the Swiss Valais and Uri cantons
- 5 Ski day sessions & 1 explorer day
- Free rail within the valley with your ski pass
- Ski from village to village on easy trails
Cross country skiing can offer more than just the enjoyment of fresh mountain air and chocolate box views but once mastered this 'low impact' exercise is a great way to improve your fitness with ever changing scenery!
Trip Level
We have graded this trip as Introductory. These holidays are a perfect introduction to the art of cross country skiing, as well as being ideal for those wanting to refresh their skills. We will look at the basics, practice travelling techniques and progress to enjoy longer journeys.
Download PDF version of this pageDepartures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GOM1 | Sun 19 January 14 | Wed 22 January 14 | £995 | Places available | Make a Booking |
| GOM2 | Sun 16 February 14 | Sun 23 February 14 | £995 | Places available | Make a Booking |
| GOM3 | Sun 16 March 14 | Sun 23 March 14 | £995 | Places available | Make a Booking |
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Day 1 Arrival in the Obergoms Valley - 1368m
The Obergoms is a wide open valley situated at the head of the Rhône Valley where the language is Swiss German. Our hotel is situated at the head of the valley in Oberwald, 1368m. Enjoy mountain views from your bedroom window! At this height we have reliable snow conditions so the cross country ski trails are within easy access. We meet you at your hotel the evening you arrive to brief you on the days ahead and answer any questions.
Day 2 Introductory Day in Oberwald
Our morning will be spent fitting our skis and taking time to find our 'ski-legs' and have a look at the basic techniques. After lunch we aim to head along by the river and ski a circuit to the next village. Enjoy the mountain ambiance amidst the woodland and magnificent stretches of snow.
Day 3 Ski to Münster
In the morning your instructor will run another technique session. Depending on the numbers this maybe in small ratio groups which will ensure that you feel you are progressing at your own pace. Afterwards we will then head out on a slightly longer journey along the freshly pressed tracks. The ski tracks wind along the entire Obergoms we will plan to ski onto Münster linking the trails and developing our efficiency along the way. The pistes which are always tracked and groomed, have many detours where we can lengthen or shorten our day.
Day 4 Niederwald
We will start our day by taking the local train down to the village of Niederwald where we will start our ski from. We'll pass by ancient sun-baked Valaisian style wooden houses and Baroque style churches and chapels whilst sliding and gliding enjoying the cool mountain air. We aim to ski to Gluringen for lunch and then on a bit further to finish making this journey approximately 12km. Think it's too much? As the train line is never to far away (and is included in your ski pass!) it offers us the flexibility to leave the ski trail in several places and save the legs to return earlier to the accommodation.
Day 5 Free Day
Enjoy a day to explore further afield in this quiet part of the Swiss Alps. Your instructor will provide you with options for excursions for your Free Day. Consider taking a train along to the village of Fiesch and then two stage cable car to the Eggishorn at 2869m where you can view the Aletschgletscher. The Aletch Glacier is the longest glacier in the Alps running 23kms through the Swiss Cantons of the Valais, Berne along the Bernese Alps. Enjoy lunch from the 360° panoramic restaurant! (Please note that the Eggishorn cable car is not included in the trip price).
Alternatively use this day to practice your newly learnt skills and explore the local villages. Or why not just enjoy a rest & soak up the mountain air!
Day 6 Furka Tunnel to Andermatt - 1436m
A day trip to the other side! From Oberwald in the winter months the road ends here but the train doesn't! We can take the train to the next Swiss canton, Uri, passing underground below the famous Furka Pass. The train pops out into the historic Gottardo region. We alight the train in the town of Andermatt where new trails to explore up to Realp at 1538m and back! Again with options to shorten or lengthen our journey as appropriate. We will then return to the Goms valley at the end of the day to our accommodation.
Day 7 Obergoms Challenge!
Our final days skiing is back in the Obergoms Valley where you can all set your own challenges. Due to the nature of the terrain, with easy rolling trails, you'll soon be able to travel reasonable distances without needing years of experience. A sense of adventure can get you along way! If conditions allow us, our plan is to ski the length of the valley from Oberwald at 1368m to Niederwald at 1251m with plenty of stops and refreshments on route. If completed the total distance travelled is 20km. No need to fear, it's all gently rolling downhill and if it feels too far then there's always the train that can be caught home for an earlier finish.
Day 8 Departure Day
The package finishes after breakfast.
Accommodation
We base this trip in Oberwald at the head of Goms Valley. Included is bed, breakfast and evening meals based on twin or double rooms. A single room maybe available on request.
Price
Included: Half board accommodation, based on twins/double rooms in a 2* hotel or similar, and 5 days of ski instruction by a fully qualified BASI Nordic Instructor and one free explorer day.
Not included: Insurance, flights & transfers, lunch & drinks, ski hire (approximately 90 CHF for 5 days) and ski passes (approximately 60 CHF for 5 days), any uplifts which may be used as an alternative in bad snow conditions and train to Andermatt (from 30CHF return). Tickets and excursions on the rest day are also not included.
Minimum Numbers
This trip requires a minimum of 4 clients to run. We will take a maximum of 8 clients.
Insurance
Please ensure that you must have the appropriate insurance for your chosen activity. You must be covered for helicopter rescue, repatriation and medical costs. With regard to this please be sure you have read the Insurance section in our Terms and Conditions.
Further Information
Please note that this itinerary is dependant on the weather and snow conditions at the time. Therefore changes to the itinerary may occur. Previous cross country ski experience is not required for this trip but would be useful. Upon booking a full list of the necessary suitable clothing will be provided.
The small towns along the Obergoms offer all the facilities that you may require including: cash machines, supermarkets, bakeries and ski rental.
The Obergoms is easily reached from other European & Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. Within Switzerland the trains is by the far the easiest and most efficient way to travel. Visitors can obtain a holiday/ visitors card from SBB which enables you reduced rate rail from/to airports to your holiday destination and throughout your stay in Switzerland. Times and prices vary depending on the length of your stay. For further details please refer to the Swiss Railway website.
The closest airport is Bern 2.5hrs, then Zurich to Oberwald - 3.5/4hrs or Geneva is a little but further away - 4hrs all times are by train.
By road the Obergoms is 2.5hrs from Chamonix, 1.5hrs from Martigny.
To find out more about the region then please visit: Gästecenter Obergoms and Andermatt Gotthard Tourismus
For current price information for the Aletsch Glacier cable car visit: Eggishorn Tourismus
For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking and Information pages.
