Out and about with the cross-country ski trail device

Cross-country skiing in the Gschnitztal valley has become indispensable. What began over 50 years ago on the initiative of Adi Messner with a 1-kilometre hiking trail has developed into an impressive network of trails with the option of classic cross-country skiing and skating. And it's even free of charge for all visitors.

The preparation of cross-country ski trails has changed quite a bit in recent decades. What used to be groomed by a skier at the end of a ski-do is now done by a modern cross-country skiing machine. We were allowed to accompany the cross-country skier Paul Wurzer in his cross-country skiing machine, also known as a husky, and got a little insight into his day.

Weather-dependent working hours
Paul's working hours have nothing in common with a typical 9 to 5 job. If fresh snow is reported in the evening, Paul has to prepare the trail at 5:00 a.m. the next day. If the night is stable and it's not snowing, he continues in the evening so that the trail can freeze through until the next day. The preparation not only depends on the weather, but also takes time. When Paul grooms the 25-kilometre classic trail and the 18-kilometre skating trail, it can take 5 to 5.5 hours.

High quality standards
The cross-country ski trails in the Gschnitztal valley have had the Tyrolean cross-country ski trail seal of approval since 1984. The requirements, such as correct signposting and the quality of the cross-country ski trails, are also regularly checked by the Province of Tyrol. But it's not just the state that inspects the trails, Paul has also been an enthusiastic cross-country skier for almost 6 years and inspects his work in his free time.

When asked if there is anything that annoys Paul about his job, he has to think. The only thing he can think of is the dogs running around off the lead and the garbage and dog poo that he has to pick up from the cross-country ski trail again and again. We got a quicker answer to the question of what he loves about his job. "Clearly, the feeling of driving through fresh snow with the cross-country skiing machine. When you see the dust as you drive and a fresh trail emerges behind you."

Tip: Cross-country skiing taster days take place every year in January in the mountaineering village of Gschnitztal. Perfect for anyone who has always wanted to try out this trendy winter sport. Find out more here.
You can find all the trails in the Wipptal Valley on our cross-country skiing page: www.wipptal.at/langlaufen