Winter Activity Level

Activity Level 1 (Easy)

Easy activities requiring some physical effort for a short length of time. Experience is not necessary; anyone who is fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will be comfortable. 

Activity Level 3 (Moderate)

Relatively full days, with four to five hours of snowshoeing, although there may be occasional longer, harder days. Experience is not necessary, but you should be confident in your fitness level.  

Activity Level 5 (Challenging)

Generally, four to six hours a day, with longer ascents and a faster pace to complete circular routes. There may be more challenging sections throughout the trip. Experience of mountain snowshoeing and a good fitness level are required.  

Grade 1 Beginners

Equivalent Activity Level: 1 (Easy)

For complete beginners. We start with the basics, including how to stop using the snowplough technique and how to turn. You will be on skis for at least five to six hours a day, with a focus on tuition, getting comfortable on skis and building towards longer tours through the winter landscape. In some centres, there may also be some easy off-track skiing. This involves heading off the pre-cut tracks, typically across frozen lakes or snow-covered pastures. 

Activity Level 2 Improvers

Equivalent Activity Level: 2 (Easy & Moderate)

Ideal if you’ve enjoyed at least one Grade 1 trip and grasped the basics. Tuition is offered to refresh and improve technique and typically involves skiing a little further than in Grade 1 weeks, and over more varied terrain (ie more ups and downs), which requires slightly higher fitness levels. In some cases, these are acceptable for newcomers to cross-country skiing. Beginners on these weeks should be very fit and proficient in sports that develop balance (ice skating, roller skating or roller skiing) as you will need to pick up the basic technique quickly. Please contact us if you wish to book a Grade 2 holiday but have not skied before. 

Grade 3 Intermediates

Equivalent Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)

Ideal if you’re looking to push on, tackle slightly steeper terrain and cover more ground each day. Typical groups will have a few weeks’ skiing behind them, be comfortable with the basics and happy on longer day tours. There will still be tuition on these trips. 

Grade 4 Advanced

Equivalent Activity Level: 4 (Moderate &Challenging)

Choose this grade if you can tackle ‘ups and downs’ competently, can manage a controlled snowplough descent and want to ski at a lively pace. You should also be able to get up swiftly and easily by yourself after a fall. The mix of track and off-track skiing varies. Be prepared for long, steep ascents and descents, and for off-track skiing over variable snow. You need good fitness, stamina, and sound, controlled technique. Climbing skins will be needed on some days. 

Grade 5 Challenging

Equivalent Activity Level: 5 (Challenging)

For experienced, proficient skiers looking for long, steep ascents and descents, including off-track skiing over variable snow. Good fitness, stamina, and sound, controlled technique is required.