What makes a trail challenging? How are the difficulties defined? ISPO.com has compiled five difficult cross-country ski trails in the Alps and Central Europe, with different challenges: Sometimes the technical requirements are particularly high, or the physical condition is especially demanded. Other difficulties lie in the altitude or competition character.
Copyright: Tourismus Oberstdorf/Elena Alger
Oberstdorf - The world championship cross-country trail: Professional track, technically and conditionally very demanding.
Large parts of the 10-kilometre track form the core of the World Cup cross-country skiing track. If you ski here, you are almost on the same track as Johannes Rydzek, Eric Frenzel and Co.
Copyright: Tourismus Oberstdorf/Eren Karaman
Accordingly, the trail is one of the most demanding circuits, especially in terms of gradients, as the climbs and descents sometimes push professionals to their limits.
The route on the web: https://www.oberstdorf.de/langlauf/loipen/wm-loipen.html
Copyright: Tourismus Oberstdorf/Elena Alger
Pitztal Glacier- The high-altitude cross-country ski trail: Cross-country skiing centre at 2,740 metres above sea level
Here the challenges are clearly due to the location of the cross-country trail, because from 2,000 meters above sea level the oxygen saturation decreases, the body has to work harder to remain fully efficient. Basically, the rule of thumb is: 10 percent less power for every 1,000 meters. The circuits on the glacier basin are without any technical difficulties for the athletes - but a lot of stamina is demanded. Many professional and squad runners train on high-altitude trails in summer and autumn and put stimuli in their bodies. But be careful: don't start too fast and listen carefully to possible body reactions, such as headache, strongly increased pulse, shortness of breath.
Glacier trail and high-altitude trail Riffelsee at a glance: https://www.pitztal.com/de/winter/aktivitaeten/langlaufen-tirol/langlaufzentrum
Copyright: Chris Walch
Rennsteig - The 142 km Challenge: The longest long-distance ski trail in Central Europe.
In two stages for extremes: 2,703 m total ascent, 2,544 m total gradient. Admittedly, you can also complete the Rennsteig long-distance ski trail quite enjoyably in six day stages and still have achieved a truly sporting feat.
Copyright: Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.
But if you want it to be much crisper, you can also complete the route compactly in two days. Definitely a conditional board. If you are considering the 2-day challenge, you can safely leave the maps at home, the Rennsteig ski trail has been continuously signposted since 2013 and is certified by the German Ski Association.
Download the Challenge: https://www.thueringer-wald.com/urlaub-wandern-winter/rennsteig-skiwanderweg-134530.html
Copyright: Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.
Kaiserwinkl - Challenging and breathtakingly beautiful: 21.5 km and 400 m difference in altitude in one of the most beautiful Alpine regions.
It's not just the magnificent scenery around Kössen, Walchsee and Schwendt that takes your breath away, but also the Kaiserwinkl trail. Because with 21.5 kilometres and 400 metres of difference in altitude, it is rightly classified as "difficult".
Copyright: Tourismusverband Kaiserwinkl
However, it is a pleasure to glide over the snow here in classic style or skating - the trails are excellently prepared - the Tyrolean cross-country skiing seal of approval makes sure of that.
Copyright: Tourismusverband Kaiserwinkl
Engadin - Marathon on narrow boards:42 km - The competitive challenge
14,000 runners and from 60 nations take part in the legendary Engadin Marathon every year. The challenges here: Hang in there, stay on track and bring home glory.
The course from Maloja to S-chanf is moderately difficult in terms of technical challenges, but the 42-kilometer length requires mental and physical strength, and the better the technique, the less the effort. If the tradition-steeped popular race can't take place this season due to corona, you can always race against your own clock - the course is definitely groomed.
Marathon air in the snow: https://www.engadin-skimarathon.ch
Copyright: swiss-image.ch/Remy Steinegger
Cross-country ski trails are marked according to their difficulty in accordance with DIN 32913. This standard serves as the basis for the classification into degrees of difficulty and also specifies the requirements for marking and signposting in the "organised" ski area.
- Easy cross-country ski trails are marked in blue on the trail map. This means that the route is predominantly flat. The uphill and downhill sections have a maximum gradient of 10 percent. In addition, the downhill sections may not contain any curves with a change of direction.
- Medium-difficulty trails are red. They lead over predominantly undulating terrain. Ascending and descending sections may not exceed a gradient of 20 percent. Curves in downhill sections may have a change of direction.
- Demanding trails are marked in black. The routes may exceed the 20 percent ascension mark and force the cross-country skier to change direction on curves in downhill sections.
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