Cross-country ski trails in the Ötztal for all skill levels around the Explorer Hotel

Cross-country skiing expert Martin from the alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will take you on the most beautiful trails in Umhausen and Niederthai in Tyrol's Ötztal Valley. It starts at the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Umhausen, from where it's just a 10-minute drive to the cross-country skiing center in Niederthai. Our cross-country skiing tour starts there on the sunny Niederthai plateau and leads you on beautifully groomed trails via Überfeld and Ennebach out of the center toward the Horlachtal Valley and Larstig.

Cross-country skiing expert Martin from the Alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will demonstrate classic cross-country skiing technique on a trail in the Ötztal Valley in Austria. Classic cross-country skiing and skating differ not only in their skiing style, but also in their equipment. Classic cross-country skiing requires boots with a softer outsole. The shaft is low, and the ankle area is cut a bit wider to allow freedom of movement. Cross-country ski poles should be shoulder- or armpit-high, and definitely not longer. For classic cross-country skiing, you need a suitable ski with a grip zone to create a connection between the ski and the snow. To step into the skis, it's best to hold the poles in both hands for support. Clean the snow off your boots and then try to clip them into the ski bindings. To learn the classic cross-country skiing movement, don't use the poles at first. For classic cross-country skiing, you need the diagonal stride. Move forward with cross-coordination – that is, similar to walking or running: - Left hand forward, right foot forward - Right hand forward, left foot forward Cross-country skiing is a dynamic strength-endurance movement. Bend and stretch during the cross-coordination movement using your hips and ankles. Once you've practiced a bit and the classic cross-country skiing movement has become automatic, add the poles. You can now slowly incorporate the poles into the movement. To begin with, take the learned diagonal step and drag the poles slightly. When you feel like you're gliding, you can swing the poles more forward. When doing this, your arms should not be extended forward, but slightly bent towards your shoulders. If you want to start cross-country skiing, Martin recommends starting with the classic cross-country skiing technique, as the guided track makes it easier to execute the movement cleanly. Another tip from a cross-country skiing expert: Start on a flat trail to learn the stride. Classic cross-country skiing is the original form of alpine skiing and easy for everyone to learn. Want to try it too? Then come to the Explorer Hotels' cross-country skiing camp and learn classic and skating techniques from cross-country skiing experts. In Niederthai in the Ötztal Valley, there are trails with varying levels of difficulty (red to black). The Explorer Hotel Ötztal is ideally located for hitting the trails in Niederthai.

Martin from the Alpinzeit cross-country skiing school will show you how the skating cross-country skiing technique works on a trail in Niederthai in the Ötztal Valley. The cross-country skiing expert will show you how to get started with the skating cross-country skiing technique, so you can move around on flat and slightly steep terrain with a few tips and tricks. First, the skating equipment: For skating, you need sturdy shoes with a compact sole. Cross-country ski boots create a lateral imprint when skating, so good stability is required. The skating boot is higher than classic cross-country ski boots. It's important that it goes over the ankle. This protects your ankle and your ankles. Skating cross-country skis are also different from classic cross-country skis. They don't have a climbing zone in the middle, but are groomed throughout. This is similar to alpine skiing, but skating cross-country skis are lighter. The skating poles should reach your chin or nose. Now put on your skis. It's best to make sure your skating boots are free of snow so you can fit them into the bindings. The skating technique requires more coordination than the classic cross-country technique. The technique must be adapted to the specific terrain of the trail. Martin will show you the basic skating technique: the asymmetrical step. The starting position is a V-shaped stance. The poles are slightly offset forward. You move by stepping onto your left foot and simultaneously removing the poles from the snow and placing them on the ground. This way, the movement always follows on the left side. It is important that you always stay in the V-shaped position. You can also perform the asymmetrical step on the right side. In this case, you move forward on the right side. You need both movements (right and left) to negotiate a turn or to move forward properly on a slope. Another tip from Martin: The skating technique has nothing to do with a natural movement pattern. Take your time learning and start with the basic technique shown on flat terrain! This will give you confidence on the cross-country ski trail. With the skating technique, you only move on one foot at a time. This requires the right balance and dexterity. There are other step techniques in skating. However, these only make sense once you've mastered the asymmetrical stride on the cross-country ski trail.

When cross-country skiing, it's important that your clothing is breathable and doesn't restrict your movement. Depending on the weather, a hat or headband and a buff for your neck are recommended. Choose pants that ideally have windproof material on the front and are as stretchy as possible on the back. For your upper body, layering is recommended. A vest is a good choice over the close-fitting bottom layer, as it gives you plenty of freedom of movement in the arm area, as you'll be using them actively while cross-country skiing. In colder temperatures, wear something long-sleeved over it, preferably with windproof material on the front. For your hands, there are special cross-country gloves; on cold days, those with windproof material are also suitable, while on warmer days, thin gloves are sufficient. Ski gloves are not recommended, as they are too thick and prevent you from getting a good grip on your poles. Sunglasses are always a good idea, because in addition to the sun and the necessary UV protection, you also need to protect your eyes from the wind. To ensure you stay optimally hydrated during your cross-country skiing tour, it's best to bring a drink. If it's thermally insulated, you can also bring warm tea. There are different types of equipment for classic cross-country skiing and skating. The boot for classic style has a softer sole so you can roll over the ball of your foot in a guided track. The shaft is also soft to allow flexibility in the ankle area. The boot is more reminiscent of a running shoe. The poles are the optimal length when the grip is at shoulder to armpit height. They should definitely not be longer. When skiing, it's important to choose classic skis with a grip zone in the middle. Recreational skis usually use skis with skins in the grip zone. The skating boot has a higher cut and a more stable and stiffer sole, allowing you to easily push off to the side. The cuff on the shaft provides extra support and stability for the ankle. The poles are longer than in the classic technique, and the grip should reach from chin to nose height. The skis have no climbing zone, but are flat, allowing you to move forward in a V-shaped position.

Hit the trails with cross-country ski instructors and learn to cross-country ski: Sport buddy Franzi gives you an insight into the Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp for Beginners in the Ötztal Valley, offering skating and classic cross-country skiing. The Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp for Beginners took place in the Ötztal Valley over the weekend of December 8th - 10th, 2023. At the cross-country ski camp, participants learn cross-country skiing from certified cross-country ski instructors. They hit the trails alongside the pros, putting theory into practice. The ALPINZEIT cross-country ski school runs the cross-country ski camp for beginners in the Ötztal Valley and teaches participants how to cross-country ski. Franzi welcomes you from the Explorer Hotel Ötztal in Umhausen. Here's a look back at the past two days of cross-country skiing camp: Friday ・Arrival ・Welcome & Equipment Briefing ・First Practice on the Trail ・After the Trail: A Group Review of the Day at the Explorer Bar All camp participants arrived on Friday. After checking in, participants were greeted by the cross-country instructors in the Explorer Lounge, and equipment briefing took place. Those who wish can bring their own skis. Rental equipment is also available on-site for a small additional charge. On Friday afternoon, we hit the trails. There was an introduction to skating and classic cross-country skiing technique. Saturday ・Practice on the Trail: Technique Training ・Group Dinner ・Time for Questions & Slide Show ・Workshop: Waxing Tips & Equipment Care at the Explorer Workbench On Saturday morning, we hit the trails again for technique training. The camp participants learned how to brake and ski uphill and did their first laps. In the evening, they enjoyed dinner together. Afterward, there was a workshop on ski waxing. Participants also received tips on buying and caring for cross-country skis. Franzi will now take you through the last day of the Explorer Cross-Country Camp: Sunday ・Practice on the cross-country trail: Consolidating what they've learned ・Insight into biathlon with a small competition ・Return to the hotel & farewell On Sunday, after breakfast, we head to the cross-country trails in Niederthai in the Ötztal. After warming up and coordination exercises, the camp participants split into two groups: skating and classic cross-country skiing. In small groups, the learned techniques, such as braking, are reinforced. The small groups allow the cross-country coaches to address individual weaknesses and offer tips. Martin from the ALPINZEIT cross-country skiing school thinks the Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp for Beginners in Ötztal is a complete success. The participants had no experience on cross-country trails and are now able to ski independently after 2.5 days. The small number of participants makes the camp family-friendly, allowing each participant to receive individual attention and have fun learning to cross-country ski. For the first time, the cross-country skiers will be on a red, or intermediate, trail. They will learn how to use their poles correctly. The final event will be a small biathlon competition between the skate and classic cross-country skiers. Participants can try their hand at shooting. Sport buddy Franzi sums up the Explorer Cross-Country Ski Camp for Beginners in Ötztal. She had a lot of fun at the camp and especially appreciated the playful approach of the cross-country coaches. Franzi learned a lot and is proud of her progress in cross-country skiing.

Martin from the Alpinzeit cross-country skiing school in Ötztal explains how to brake in cross-country skiing. Braking in cross-country skiing is different for classic and skate techniques. In classic cross-country skiing, you brake with the one-sided brake plough. You are on the trail in the classic cross-country ski track. To perform the one-sided brake plough, you need to lift one ski out of the track and bring it into the braking position. To do this, place your ski at an angle in a V-shaped position. Then shift your weight onto the angled ski to brake. This allows you to control your speed or brake completely in a larger V and come to a stop. If you are unsure about a descent, lift your ski out of the track before going downhill. With the skate technique, you brake with the regular brake plough. With the skate cross-country technique, you are not in the track. To brake, you therefore need to move both skis into a V-shaped position. This is similar to snowplow skiing. With the skating technique, it's also important to bring the skis into the V-shaped position well in advance of the descent. To brake, you place weight on both legs. A small V allows you to control your speed; as you make the V larger, you achieve greater braking power. Keep your hands in front. Tip from a cross-country expert: Try the braking techniques for both the classic and skating techniques on flat terrain first before attempting a long descent! ;)