Cross-country skiing in Davos Klosters
Skating, classic, with or without your dog
Cross-country skiing at world cup ski runs – at no cost
The world elite among the cross-country skiers converges at the starting point every year to commemorate the Davos Nordic. Cross-country skiing at the FIS racing tracks in Flüelatal, where Dario Cologna once competed for world cup points. Or you can leave your imprint along the romantic tributary valleys. You haven’t had enough? Get to the night cross-country ski-run. And the best is: Cross-country skiing at Davos is free! There are no vignette obligations for cross-country skiing.
Trail network of Davos Klosters
The trails are officially opened daily from 08.00 - 17.00 hours. There is no final inspection of the cross-country ski trails.
The trail network in Davos Klosters encompasses over 100 km of classic trails and 75 km of skating trails across all difficulty ratings. They all have one thing in common: They are superbly well prepared. Furthermore, in Davos special dog trails can also be found along the Landwasser.
Dog owners know only too well that their four-legged friend likes to romp in snow. Often, however, dogs are not seen or even undesirable on cross-country skiing trails. Unlike in Davos, there are three specially marked dog trails:
- Bolgen - Islen
- Islen - Frauenkirch
- Frauenkirch - Ara Gadenstatt
Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners on a total of 18.5 km of trails. It doesn't matter if the dogs leave a few paw prints in the tracks. The only rule: please take into account other cross-country skiers so that the shared use of the cross-country skiing trails remains a pleasant experience for all.
Why cross-country skiing is so healthy!
Many people swear by green tea, while others swear by superfoods. Each to their own. However, you really should be sure to do one thing if you want to do your body some good: cross-country skiing. Dr. Jan Vontobel, Senior Consultant in Cardiology at the Davos Cardio-Rehabilitation Centre, explains why.
Dr. Vontobel, have you already exercised today?
Yes. In winter I cross-country ski to work. I ski from Davos Dorf to Davos Wolfgang – there and back. That’s some 40 minutes of exercise. That is in line with the recommendation that people should take half an hour’s exercise at least five times per week.
Is this a sop to your conscience or does your body crave it?
On the one hand, I love to keep on the move. However, I have a healthy body and try to look after it. To achieve this, I get up a little earlier in the morning and use sport to invest in my health. And what’s more, the cold burns calories at the same time as stimulating the mind and body. I used to go swimming early in the morning when I was out in Vancouver. Outside! However, despite the brutal cold, I felt as strong as an ox throughout the entire day.
Forcing yourself to do something is not easy in the cold. What sports do you recommend in winter?
Cross-country skiing (laughs). Seriously, though, cross-country skiing is a good sport in winter because everything is very consistent. I’m always consistently warm,I sweat regularly and am able to regulate my effort. And another point: cross-country skiing is gentle on the joints, as the movements are of a gliding nature and there is no impact. This sport is therefore also ideal for overweight people or people who suffer from 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.
What was the reason for its opening?
I’ve been working in the Davos High Alpine Hospital for almost two 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 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”.
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