2024-02-16 13:00:00
Cross-country skiing is enjoying new popularity, runners are getting younger and younger and it is cited much more often as a reason to take a vacation in the mountains. We are moving away from ski slopes and sardine-like queuing at the ski lifts and towards two-lane groomed trails with views of untouched snowy landscapes. I also strapped on two narrow skis for my first time cross-country skiing in order to share the experiences I gained with you here.
Arrived – The first uncertainties
When you arrive at the Gerlosplatte Krimml-Hochkrimml parking lot, your first question is regarding the right equipment: Do I need my ski jacket? Well, you might have thought regarding that in advance, but the self-confidence that was left in the hotel room suddenly literally disappeared as the first gust hit my face. Phew… It’s already cold here at 1,640 meters altitude. But of course I’m not complaining, although the journey along several serpentines has upset my stomach a bit and I still don’t know whether I’ll either turn into an icicle for two hours or suffer a small heat stroke and my head will be as red as a little one Tomato sits on my body. The mountain panorama of the Zillertal Alps and the Hohe Tauern is far too impressive.
Especially as a city child, a view of high mountain peaks is always something special. I watch the gusts of wind hitting the top of a mountain opposite, like the one hitting my face, and watch the blowing snow.
Old wisdom
Suddenly I notice that I am the last one in my group who is still wearing open shoes and two open jackets, so now I have to make a quick decision. The ski jacket finds its way into the trunk of the car and suddenly I’m standing surrounded by snow in my running jacket, which has little warming effect apart from a thin padding on the chest and stomach. But the golden rule is: If you’re a little too cold standing, your gear is perfect for moving! Of course we already know this from other sports, in my case it is a piece of wisdom that was passed on to me from my father. I just didn’t accept it so gratefully back then.
Is every beginning difficult?
You see, every beginning is difficult, even if it’s just regarding choosing an outfit. Of course, it’s all the more convenient for me that I didn’t make my way to the high trails alone as a complete beginner. We have other beginners who I can see are in the same dilemma, but we are not alone. We are accompanied by cross-country skiing instructor Martina Millgrammer, who provides us with advice and support when it comes to putting on our shoes, how to fall properly, our first steps and until the foreseeable breaks from exhaustion. And sometimes you can even hold on to her stick if the pace gets too fast or slow.
The narrow skis have been grabbed and then we can get started! At least I think so. I’m quickly shaken out of my disillusionment. First, technique is practiced. From the correct way to lift your foot onto the ski, to moving forward on one leg, to the correct movement of your arms, Martina shows us in the smallest steps what is actually important in cross-country skiing. Pfff, I think to myself, with almost 20 years of skiing experience, this should almost work itself. And once once more my ideas are shattered before my eyes – or rather I, before the eyes of cross-country skiing instructor Martina. Because cross-country skiing reminds me, at least to me, a lot more of ice skating than skiing. And ice skating is definitely not one of my strengths.
Everything is fun if you can do it
After several hundred meters of tense progress, I notice how slowly the movement becomes more intuitive and I no longer have to be eagle-eyed regarding keeping my skis in their tracks, but can slowly focus my gaze on the surrounding winter wonderland beauty without losing my balance.
And slowly I notice that there is a pleasantly strenuous but at the same time relaxing feeling that I might definitely keep going for a few more kilometers. And lo and behold, I even have to! The Krimml-Hochkrimml high-altitude trail is eight kilometers long. So it’s estimated that by mile three I’ll be in my personal “runner’s high” and won’t be able to stop being amazed. Even Martina compliments us on the technology and is surprised at our morning performance.
It can look so nice when you no longer have to focus on the technology. (c) Theresa Komornyik | 1000things
The reward
And as if the view, the weather and the great instructor weren’t reward enough, a stop for a small snack is also on the program. Of course, the guesthouse we chose welcomes us once more with a view so beautiful that it’s almost kitschy.
Proud and tired, we return to the Alpengasthof opposite the cross-country ski trail for Skiwasser, Kaspressknödel and Kaiserschmarrn, Martina’s words of praise: “I was worried at first, you can’t do this cross-country ski trail with everyone!” still ringing like a song in my ears. My first time cross-country skiing was definitely not the last.
Continue reading:
The best places for cross-country skiing in Austria
Cheap alternatives to skiing
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#time #crosscountry #skiing #1000things
