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  • Cross-country skiers on the Kahleberg, skiing
    Cross-country skiers on the Kahleberg, skiing Photo: Detlev Müller, CC BY-ND, Urlaubsregion Altenberg / Erzgebirge
  • Schellerhau - cross-country skiing, trail entrance
    Schellerhau - cross-country skiing, trail entrance Photo: Egbert Kamprath, CC BY-ND, Urlaubsregion Altenberg / Erzgebirge
  • Cross-country skiing on the trail
    Cross-country skiing on the trail Photo: Detlef Müller, CC BY-ND, Urlaubsregion Altenberg / Erzgebirge
  • Cross-country skiers on the trail Photo: Detlef Müller, CC BY-ND, Urlaubsregion Altenberg / Erzgebirge
  • Cross-country skiing in the Altenberg vacation region Photo: Detlef Müller, CC BY-ND, Urlaubsregion Altenberg / Erzgebirge
  • Cross-country skiing area Oberbärenburg, trail Photo: Ahornallee Oberbärenburg, CC BY-ND, Urlaubsregion Altenberg / Erzgebirge

Gliding through the winter forest - cross-country skiing in Altenberg

Cross-country skiing

Pure cross-country skiing awaits you in the Altenberg vacation region: on an extensive network of approx. 80 kilometers (classic & skating) you will find trails of all levels of difficulty - from leisurely circular trails to challenging tours. Numerous ski trails invite you to go on a quiet, nature-loving discovery tour at weekends and when the snow conditions are good. Starting points such as the central cross-country ski trail parking lot in Zinnwald-Georgenfeld make it easy - and groomed trails guarantee the best skiing fun.


Our circular trails

Winter happiness at 800 m above sea level - from A for Altenberg to Z for Zinnwald. Whether families, professional athletes or beginners, everyone will find what they are looking for here.

Our ski trails

Far away from the hustle and bustle, completely relaxed, around the districts of the Altenberg vacation region.

Our tip for all winter sports fans

Updated daily, you will find everything you need to know about the Altenberg winter sports region:
  • Trail and piste reports, snow conditions, ski lift opening times, etc.
  • Park and weather information
  • Tips from the Altenberg vacation region
  • Opening hours of tourist facilities
  • Important information

You can conveniently download our daily news as a PDF, whether at home or on the move.


What is the difference between a cross-country ski trail and a ski hiking trail?

What is the difference between a cross-country ski trail and a ski hiking trail?
Photo: Kevin Scholz, CC BY-ND, Urlaubsregion Altenberg / Erzgebirge
A cross-country ski trail must be clearly classified, signposted, marked on maps and groomed if there is sufficient snow. The trails are groomed for classic skiing technique.

A ski hiking trail exists if it is recognizable and passable as a trail and is also clearly signposted and shown on maps. As a rule, a ski trail is only groomed if the demand for use is very high and the operator has the opportunity to do so.

Visitors are not entitled to this.

A look behind the scenes of cross-country ski trail preparation

A look behind the scenes of cross-country ski trail preparation
Photo: Egbert Kamprath, CC BY-ND, Urlaubsregion Altenberg / Erzgebirge
Marcus Böhme - an employee at the Biathlon Sparkassen-Arena sat on a cross-country bully for the first time 14 years ago and prepares hundreds of kilometers of trails every winter for competitions and training sessions for young athletes and some international biathlon stars. He explained the process to us.

"You don't make a cross-country ski trail in five minutes. You first compact the snow with the chain. There are two different options here. At the beginning of the season, you start with a rubber track. This is particularly suitable for lower snow depths. If there is sufficient snow cover, the aluminum track is used later. This is followed by the tiller, which can penetrate up to 8 cm deep into the snow. However, the deeper the tiller goes, the longer it takes for the snow to freeze again. This shreds and distributes the snow to create a base surface. You can then use the finisher board to start preparing the final track. It creates the many small grooves, which are a particularly good surface for skaters. The track plate (with ripper) is then lowered to complete the track. This creates the familiar double track in the snow.

The art of a perfect trail needs to be learned. It requires good instruction in the equipment, calmness and a certain eye for detail. In addition, the interaction between skier, machine, weather, snow type and temperature must be right. Deciding how and when to do what depends on the individual factors and is a real challenge, as the snow and weather are different every day. Ultimately, however, it comes down to experience and practice over several years."

Voluntary cross-country ski trail contribution

Would you like to support us?

It is possible to pay a voluntary cross-country ski trail contribution at the Altenberg Tourist Information Office. This contribution is used to provide you with freshly groomed cross-country ski trails and ski hiking trails every day.

Without all the (volunteer) cross-country bully and snowmobile drivers, who provide us with 1A trails year after year, sliding on the boards would not be possible. A huge thank you for this great work and of course to all the other helpers, such as the volunteer fire departments and the colleagues from the Biathlon Sparkassen-Arena who are always on hand with help and advice.

Correct behavior is also important when cross-country skiing and with a little consideration you will always ski better. This applies not only on the road, but also on the slopes. For a relaxed and harmonious experience, there are also simple rules of conduct when using the cross-country ski trails. Follow these 10 points, which can be seen as a kind of road traffic code, and enjoy this wonderful winter sport.

We wish you an unforgettable winter vacation in the Altenberg vacation region.

1. consideration for others

All cross-country skiers must behave in such a way that they do not endanger or harm others.

2. signaling, running direction and running technique

Markings and signals (signs) must be observed. On cross-country ski trails and pistes, you must ski in the direction and using the technique indicated.

3. choice of track and piste

On double and multiple tracks, you must ski in the right-hand track. Cross-country skiers in groups must ski one behind the other in the right-hand lane. In free technique, skiers must ski on the right-hand side of the piste.

4. overtaking

Overtaking is permitted on the right or left. The runner in front does not have to give way, but should do so if it is safe to do so.

5. oncoming traffic

In the event of encounters, everyone must give way to the right. The descending cross-country skier has priority.

6. pole guidance

Poles must be held close to the body when overtaking, being overtaken and during encounters.

7. adapting your speed to the conditions

All cross-country skiers must adapt their speed and behavior to their ability, the terrain conditions, traffic density and visibility, especially on downhill stretches. They must maintain a sufficient safety distance from the skier in front. If necessary, they must drop down to prevent a collision.

8. keeping the trails and pistes clear

Anyone who stops must leave the trail/piste. A fallen cross-country skier must clear the trail/piste as quickly as possible.

9. assistance

In the event of an accident, everyone is obliged to provide assistance.

10. duty of identification

Everyone, whether witness or participant, whether responsible or not, must provide their personal details in the event of an accident.

Source: www.stiftung.ski



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