Cross-country skiing in Davos Klosters
Classic, skating, dog trail & heart trail
Variety on first-class cross-country ski trails
The cross-country ski trail network in Davos Klosters is among the best and largest in Switzerland. Whether classic, skating, night skiing, or skiing with your dog – cross-country skiers will find perfect conditions here amidst an impressive mountain panorama.
In Davos and Davos Wiesen, you'll find 79.4 km of classic and 56.6 km of skating trails, many of which are separated for an undisturbed cross-country skiing experience. A special highlight are the five designated dog-friendly trails, where four-legged friends can accompany their owners on a total of 16.5 km. For those seeking the magic of the night, Davos offers a 2.8 km illuminated night trail as well as weekly headlamp runs. Klosters also boasts 28.7 km of classic and skating trails, plus a 3.1 km night trail open twice a week. Whether you're a competitive skier or simply looking for a leisurely stroll, Davos Klosters has the perfect trail for every cross-country skiing enthusiast.
Davos Klosters cross-country ski trail network
The cross-country ski trails are officially open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no trail inspection at the end of the season.
The Davos Klosters cross-country ski trail network comprises over 190 km of classic and skating trails of all difficulty levels. They all have one thing in common: they are perfectly groomed. In addition, you'll find a heart-shaped trail and special dog trails along the Landwasser River at the Davos Cross-Country Ski Center and the Klosters Sports Center.
Cross-country ski trail network
Davos and Davos Wiesen
- 79.4 km of classic-style cross-country ski trails
- 56.6 km of skating cross-country ski trails * Separate cross-country ski trails for classic and skating
- 18.5 km of dog trails
- 2.8 km of illuminated night-time cross-country ski trails (daily 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
- Headlamp runs every Tuesday until 9.00 pm on routes 1 to 8
Klosters
- 28.5 km of classic-style cross-country ski trails
- 28.5 km of skating cross-country ski trails
- 3.1 km of night-time cross-country ski trails (Tuesday and Thursday 9 p.m.)
- headlamp runs to Alp Garfiun and back are possible on Thursday evenings until 10 pm.
Dog trails
Davos has five dedicated dog trails. Four-legged friends can accompany their owners on 16.5 kilometers of trails. A true nature experience.
Dog owners know only too well that their four-legged friends love to romp around in the snow. However, dogs are often not welcome on cross-country ski trails. This is different in Davos, where there are five specially designated dog trails:
- Islen
- Frauenkirch
- Landwasser-Trail
- Frauenkircher Skating-Route
- D'Höf
Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners on a total of 18.5 kilometers of trails. It doesn't matter if the dogs leave a few paw prints on the trails. But please be considerate of other cross-country skiers so that using the trail together remains a pleasant experience for everyone.
Rules of behaviour on the dog trail
| Dos | Don'ts |
|---|---|
Take Robidog bags with you, dispose of leftovers | Let dogs run on regular cross-country trails |
Keep dogs in sight at all times | Leave food or treats lying around |
Stay on the marked trails | Leave dogs unattended |
Reflectors or luminous collar in case of poor visibility | Ignore body language of other dogs |
Heart trail
The Herzloipe (heart trail) is not named for its romantic sound, but for its suitability for health-conscious cross-country skiing.
On the specially marked Herzloipen, cross-country skiers can improve their fitness while simultaneously benefiting their heart and circulatory system. These routes were launched in collaboration with cardiologists from the Swiss Heart Foundation. There are a total of 18 Herzloipen in Switzerland, two of which are located in Davos Klosters. They offer relaxed exercise on flat terrain, ideal for beginners and recreational skiers.
- Start and finish in Davos: Cross-country ski center
- Start and finish in Klosters: Arena Klosters
Tips for cross-country skiing enthusiasts
Cross-country skiing is healthy
Some swear by green tea, others by superfoods. If you want to do something good for your body, there is one thing you should do above all else: cross-country skiing. Jan Vontobel, head of cardiology at an der Hochgebirgsklinik Davos, explains why.
Mr Vontobel, have you done any exercise today? Yes. In winter I go to work on cross-country skis. I run from Davos Dorf to Davos Wolfgang – there and back. That's about 40 minutes of exercise. Which, by the way, is in line with the recommendation to exercise for half an hour at least five times a week.
It's difficult to overcome the cold. What sports do you recommend in winter?
Cross-country skiing (laughs). Seriously: I'm always warm, I sweat regularly and can regulate my exertion. Another point: cross-country skiing is easy on the joints because the movements are smooth and there are no impacts. This makes this sport suitable for overweight people or people with arthritis.
Is it worth taking it up even if I have not exercised properly for some time?
That’s the ideal time to do so! But don’t start off too ambitiously. You should start slowly if you have not been physically active for some time.
There are two cross-country skiing techniques: classic and skating. Which one would you recommend?
I would recommend classic cross-country skiing to a novice. It lets you exercise in a leisurely way. Real gliding will start as you progress – and you can also regulate your speed. That’s more difficult with the skating technique.
What is your personal preference?
I like both. I have more rhythm using the classic technique and can unwind with a circular exercise loop. However, I push my body to the limits when skating.
What reason would you give for taking up cross-country skiing?
Getting started is easy, possibly on the “Heart Trail” in Davos. It’s a short, flat circular loop. This trail is ideal for cross-country novices and for anyone who wants to strengthen their heart. The”Heart Trail” opened in Davos last winter.
“
“I recommend classic cross-country skiing for beginners. It's easy to get started, for example on the Herzloipe trail in Davos.”
What was the reason for its opening?
I’ve been working in the Davos High Alpine Hospital for several years. Most of my patients have done no exercise for some time. It’s essential to find out in therapy which type of sport they most enjoy. Cross-country skiing is ideal which is why I campaigned for the “Heart Trail”.
From around what stage do you see initial training success?
Very quickly. It’s worth having two hour’s of expert tuition. After a week of regular training, a novice has learned enough to have fun cross-country skiing. People quickly start enjoying their physical well-being and the good feeling of having been outside in the sunshine doing exercise.
Has the new trail paid off?
Yes, there’s a lovely story to illustrate this: A patient was referred to me who had undergone a heart transplant some 15 years ago. It was clear that he needed a new heart because of his poor condition. When he heard about the opening of the new “Heart Trail”, he definitely wanted to take part. He was thrilled when we organised a cross-country instructor for him and put together a personalised programme for him and suddenly he is motivated to have a second heart transplant.
Any other experiences with the Davos “Heart Trail”?
Our patients are curious and disappointed if they are initially told that they are not allowed to head out onto the trail – and have to leave it for a year. That’s why we offer regular events to which we also invite former patients to motivate them to take up cross-country skiing. The feedback hasbeen massive. but there are also worries.
Are these worries justified?
Statistically seen, there is more chance of something happening when you’re exercising than when doing nothing. However, these are mainly minor accidents. There is only a small risk of something happening when you’re cross-country skiing. In the event of an emergency, staff at the “Hofmänner Sport” cross-country shop are trained in resuscitation. And there are also defibrillators at the cross-country centre.
From around what stage do you see initial training success?
Very quickly. It’s worth having two hour’s of expert tuition. After a week of regular training, a novice has learned enough to have fun cross-country skiing. People quickly start enjoying their physical well-being and the good feeling of having been outside in the sunshine doing exercise.
And finally: what hints would you give our readers to take away with them?
It’s never too late to take up exercise. Anyone who does not have a chronic disease and can climb up two flights of stairs with ease should simply try it. Preferably cross-country skiing on the Davos “Heart Trail”.
“
“The risk of something happening while cross-country skiing is low.”
Former rehabilitation patients
Michael Riklin
'It is a beautiful and very suitable trail. With good care for former patients, it is highly recommended. The care factor seems to me to be an important aspect so that you learn cross-country skiing properly from the beginning and do not overexert yourself physically. This worked out excellently here in Davos.'
Christopher Tillmann
"I'm excited about Davos. After just one hour and the valuable input from the cross-country instructor, I was able to master the Herzloipe well. I'm looking forward to spending more cross-country skiing lessons here. It's important to encourage people to exercise. The Herzloipe is perfect for this because it's flat and offers beginners and patients a great experience."
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