Cross-country skiing
28 km of classic trails, 22 km for skating – at altitudes of 1,600 to 1,950 metres. Twice a week there is also a 2 km floodlit trail.
High, snow-sure and surprisingly varied
Arosa’s cross-country trails lie between 1,600 and 1,950 m – an altitude band that gives the valley a long, reliable winter. 28 kilometres are set for classic, 22 kilometres are groomed for skating. The network spreads across two areas with quite different characters: the gentle high plateau of Maran with practice area, training loop and floodlit trail, and the Isel, affectionately called the «fridge of Arosa» by locals because the snow lasts particularly long there.
Between them lie the sun trail «Uf Prätsch» tucked into the Schanfigg valley, the panoramic trail on the Ochsenalp with views down to Chur, and the demanding Prätschalp trail up to the staffed hut. Combine them all for a big loop of around 21 kilometres. And because the network is compact, the start, changing rooms and a café are never far away.
- 28 km classic, 22 km skating – both techniques on almost all trails
- Practice area in Maran for the first steps on narrow skis
- Maran floodlit trail: 2 km, lit twice a week
- Free cross-country ski bus from Postplatz directly to the Isel
What sets Arosa's cross-country trails apart
Three reasons why Arosa is more than an alternative to the slopes for cross-country skiers.
Altitude & snow reliability
No trail access lies below 1,600 metres, and the highest point on the Prätschalp reaches 1,950 m. The Isel is considered the valley’s cold-air basin – runners have traditionally trained there for the Engadin Skimarathon.
Skiing after sunset
The floodlit trail in Maran is lit on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9 p.m. – 2 kilometres in the cone of light, with the Schiesshorn as a dark silhouette above the tracks. An experience rarely found in this form in Graubünden.
Sun & views
The sunny «Uf Prätsch» cross-country trail opens up views of the Plessur range, Calanda, Ringelspitz and Sardona massif. From the panoramic Ochsenalp trail, the view reaches beyond the Schanfigg valley all the way to the Tödi.
Classic or skating?
We teach both techniques – here you can find out which one suits you.
Classic
The skis glide parallel in the pre-set tracks. Propulsion comes from the diagonal stride, which resembles natural walking. The technique is easy to pick up and is particularly suited to beginners and to anyone who wants to travel in a relaxed way and enjoy the landscape.
Skating
The push-off is V-shaped, like ice skating, on the groomed surface next to the classic tracks. Skating is faster and more dynamic, but also more demanding in terms of rhythm, balance and coordination. A good technique course is therefore especially worthwhile.
Double poling & technique
Whether classic or skating: a clean double poling technique delivers efficient propulsion and saves energy. Technique training focuses on timing, core engagement and an active glide phase – for more speed, better efficiency and relaxed cross-country skiing.
Arosa's cross-country trail network
Unless stated otherwise, all trails are groomed for both classic and skating. We choose the trail that suits your technique, fitness and how you're feeling that day.
| Cross-country trail | Area | Length | Elevation difference | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maran practice area | Maran | 0,6 km | ± 2 m | easy · for beginners |
| Maran night trail illuminated Wed & Fri until 21:00 |
Maran | 2 km | ± 26 m | medium |
| Maran training trail | Maran | 1,9 km | ± 25 m | advanced |
| Herzloipe Forest section |
Isel | 2,6 km | ± 22 m | easy |
| Sun trail «Uf Prätsch» | Prätschli | 3,5 km | ± 49 m | advanced |
| Isel I trail | Isel | 4,8 km | ± 64 m | advanced |
| Loipe Isel II | Isel | 5,5 km | ± 34 m | Beginners with basic skills |
| Panoramaloipe Ochsenalp classic track only |
Ochsenalp | 6,1 km | ± 54 m | advanced |
| Prätschalp trail staffed hut at the highest point |
Prätschalp | 7,9 km | ± 215 m | advanced |
| Long loop Maran – Prätschalp – Ochsenalp – Sonnenloipe – Maran |
all areas | 20,9 km | + 365 m / − 380 m | challenging |
Practical information for your day of cross-country skiing
Cross-country trail pass
The trails are financed through the Arosa trail pass: day pass CHF 10, weekly pass CHF 30, season pass CHF 80. Children up to 16 ski free of charge. The pass is available online as well as at Arosa Tourismus, the ski school centre, Carmenna Sport, El Grito Sports, Gisler Sport, the Geeser cross-country and snowshoe centre, Hotel Hof Maran and on the Isel cross-country bus. At the trail entrances it can also be paid by TWINT. With a valid pass, the trails, the Isel cross-country bus and the changing rooms in Maran and Isel are included.
Equipment & rental
Cross-country skis, boots and poles are available as a complete rental set from the Geeser cross-country and snowshoe centre, Gisler Sport and Carmenna Sport. For your first attempts we recommend classic skis with skins, they are more forgiving.
Getting there & changing rooms
The free local bus runs from Arosa railway station to the Langlauf/Golf stop. In Maran, the trail access and the changing rooms are in the golf house. The cross-country bus runs from Postplatz near Obersee to the Isel and is free with a valid trail pass. Changing rooms, showers and toilets in Maran and Isel are open during the season from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Courses and private lessons with Skischule Arosa
In the cross-country skiing group lesson you get to know technique and trails in small groups of three to six people. The group lesson runs twice a week and takes place once at least three people with a similar level and the same cross-country style have signed up. A lesson lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and costs CHF 65 per person. If you want to work on your technique or progress faster, our private lessons from CHF 90 are the right choice. We tailor the lesson to your goals and level – whether classic, skating or double poling. The group lesson can't be booked online: please get in touch by email; we collect the interested guests and decide once at least three people have signed up whether a session can take place.
Classic and skating – from the gliding step to technique
This is how private lessons typically progress, regardless of whether you choose classic or skating.
Beginners
Balance on narrow skis, the diagonal stride on the groomed trail and the first push-off with poles. Flat terrain is best suited for getting started.
Advanced
A smooth movement sequence, double poling, first skating steps and confident riding over gentle undulations. Braking and turning on the trail are also part of this.
Ambitious
Efficient technique over longer distances, changes of pace and fine-tuning your skating technique for more demanding trail profiles and climbs.
Private cross-country skiing lessons
The private lesson can be booked daily – alone or with up to 6 people at the same price. Classic, skating or a mix of both: your instructor adapts fully to your wishes and level.
Until and including 31.10., you receive a 10% discount on snowsports courses; from 1.11., a 5% discount applies when booking up to 30 days before the course starts. A private lesson can be booked alone or with up to 6 people of a similar level at the same price; each additional person beyond the first costs CHF 10 extra for full-day bookings.
Frequently asked questions about cross-country skiing lessons
The most common questions from our guests – answered briefly and reliably.
What does a cross-country skiing private lesson cost in Arosa?
The private lesson starts at CHF 90 for the 55-minute single lesson and goes up to CHF 486 for the full-day rate. These are starting prices; the booking system shows the binding prices.
What is the difference between classic cross-country skiing and skating?
Classic cross-country skiing uses a diagonal stride in the set track and is easier to learn. Skating resembles ice skating, requires more balance and effort, but is faster and more athletic.
Who benefits from a private lesson over a group lesson?
Mainly if you want to work on technique in a targeted way, learn at your own pace or choose a specific time slot. The group lesson runs twice a week once at least three people with a similar level have signed up and can't be booked online.
How many people can share a lesson and what does it cost?
A private lesson can be booked alone or with up to 6 people of a similar level at the same price, from CHF 90 for the 55-minute single lesson. Each additional person beyond the first costs CHF 10 extra for full-day bookings.