Cross-country skiing in the region of Bern

Sunshine, a panoramic view of the Alps and a big smile on everyone’s face. Sounds great, doesn’t it? That’s what awaits you on a cross-country skiing weekend with an overnight stay in the Gantrisch. Set your alarm clock, take the train from Bern station to Thurnen at 8:12 a.m. and then ride the bus to the Gurnigel Berghaus stop. Rent your cross-country skiing equipment and start your adventure right there. But don’t worry if you need a bit more practice before becoming the next Dario Cologna or Nadine Fähndrich: the meeting point for the cross-country skiing courses is right next to the Berghaus. The trails offer wonderful panoramic views and the bench at Schüpfengrön lets you rest your tired legs after all those strenuous climbs. It’s also worth getting up at sunrise the following morning and enjoying the fresh cross-country skiing trails.

This trail is pure cross-country skiing bliss in the midst of a magical winter landscape. It’ll lead you along the Emme, surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Hohgant, Schrattenfluh and Schibengütsch. The 10-kilometre-long trail leading from the Bumbach schoolhouse to the Kemmeriboden is well-prepared and suitable for both classic and skating style. In total, the Marbach-Escholzmatt-Bumbach trail network consists of 50 kilometres of trails. A special highlight in the Emmental network is the night trail: every night from 6:00-9:00 p.m., you can have fun on a 3-kilometre-long trail. By the way: if you want to enjoy the snow-covered landscape without cross-country skis strapped to your feet, you can also take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque hiking path next to the trail.

If there’s enough snow, you can hone your Nordic skiing technique on several cross-country skiing trails in the Emmental, from Langnau to Trub. We particularly recommend the stretch from the indoor pool in Langnau to the station in Trubschachen. The trail is approximately 7,7 kilometres long and suitable for classic or skating style. The best thing about this trail is that the cross-country skiers are always accompanied by the river Ilfis, with a traditional Emmental farmhouse popping up from time to time. What’s unusual about this trail: the part from Langnau to Trubschachen is almost completely flat. Usually, you’ll have to brave steep inclines and declines in the hilly Emmental, but this trail is ideal for beginners on the narrow cross-country skis as well as for families.