Cross-country skiing in the “Three Riverheads” area

If you’re looking to move from one spectacular trail to the next, then we’re the place for you. Owing to the unparalleled location with four alpine passes, three riverheads, and four cantons, each cross-country offering has its own special characteristics – whether in terms of trails, landscape, or culinary delights. One thing you can be sure of: No cross-country ski holiday that you’ve ever taken will be as rich in variety – and assured of snow! – as this one.

If the snow conditions are good, the cross-country skiing season in the Ursern Valley begins as early as November. A snow-covered circuit in Realp is guaranteed from December 1. The trails runs along the Reuss through the valley floor from Andermatt via Hospental to Realp, covering a distance of 28 kilometres. If you prefer not to ski the entire trail, you can stick to one of the smaller circuits in Andermatt or Realp. There is also a biathlon track in Realp. 

A visit to the Valais high valley Goms is a must for cross-country skiers. Nearly 100 kilometres of trails link the 12 villages on the Rhone. The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway does that, too, meaning that the entire trail network can be reached by train. It goes without saying that this wide range of trails allows you to choose your circuit depending on how you feel and what shape you’re in. There are family-friendly trails, an FIS racing circuit, three training trails for ambitious skiers, a night trail, and more. And if your dog loves to play in the snow as much as you do, there’s a dog trail between Oberwald and Obergesteln so that you can do your rounds together. 

This varied circuit is about 15 kilometres long and takes you through woods and open fields, in some parts directly along the Rhine. Particularly impressive are the ruins of the 13th-century Putnengia Castle, which you’ll pass by in Dieni. You can shorten or extend the route as you desire. If you don’t like strenuous climbs and schussing runs, start at the power station in Sedrun and take a comfortable tour on the valley floor. Additional highlights in Sedrun: The wellness spa and adventure pool, with sauna, Roman bath, and massage offerings. 

The Nordic Surselva trail is more than 30 kilometres long and runs between Trun and Disentis by way of Surrein/Rabius, mostly along the Rhine. It’s easier to start from Disentis, because of its higher elevation. Once you reach Trun, you can return conveniently by train. The trail is well suited for cross-country skiers of every level. If you want to take a break, there are cosy restaurants in Trun, Surrein, Disla, and Disentis where you can get a bite to eat.

A true safari requires a bit of adventure. And that’s what you’ll get when you traverse the deep snow cover of the Lukmanier Pass going toward the Blenio Valley in Ticino. Here you’ll find the Centro Nordico Campra with its beautifully situated trails at 1,500 metres above sea level. They offer cross-country skiing fun for all levels: Beginners and children share the flat blue piste, which is six kilometres long. More advanced skiers will enjoy the red piste, which has an intermediate elevation profile and is 15 kilometres long. Expert skiers, on the other hand, come here for the six-kilometre black piste. It includes sections with big climbs and is technically challenging. The Cross-Country Centre has it all: rental equipment, laundry service, a restaurant, a cross-country ski school, and other snowsports offerings.