Cross country ski trip to Ramsau am Dachstein, Austria

Saturday 3 to Saturday 10 January 2026 + Optional Dachsteinlauf races on 10-11/1/26

We're returning to the popular destination of Ramsau and the warm welcome we receive from Thomas and his staff at the Ferienhotel Knollhoff.  There will be coaching in a mix of formal and 'on the go' sessions in classic and skate style in small groups of different abilities.  Also there will be the option to take part in the popular  Dachsteinlauf races on the 11/12 January (10km and 40km, skate and classic techniques). 

Ramsau am Dachstein has an excellent network of cross-country skiing trails between 1,100 m and 1,400 m above sea level.  The trails are of varying degrees of difficulty to suit all levels of skier.  There is a cross country ski stadium with a night trail and testing centre. The village spreads along the main valley and is connected by a regular, free ski bus service that can help in extending ski tours.

The trip runs from Saturday 3 to Saturday 10 January 2026, but you can extend dates if you wish. This means that you would need to make your own transport arrangements but the hotel has rooms available. Please choose your dates on the application form.  You can also choose a rest day if you wish, or perhaps visit nearby Filzmoos for a change of venue [there's now a direct bus which makes this easier].

Who is this trip for?

Here’s a guide to the group levels (NB This trip is unsuitable for complete beginners).
Applications are open to all LRNSC members, and those wishing to join the club.

Novice

• you’ve had some cross country ski lessons, learned the basic technique and can ski on flat terrain
• you want to develop your skiing confidence and skills and learn how to control your speed better,
• you may have attended an LRNSC beginner roller ski course and want to transfer your skills to snow,
• you must have a reasonable level of fitness to take part as tuition is typically 4-5 hours a day with a break for lunch.

Improver

• you’ve got the basic techniques and can ski comfortably in easy terrain, controlling your speed on gentle descents,
• you want to improve and expand your skills so you can tackle varied terrain more efficiently and confidently,
• you may have previously skied in our novice group at Ramsau,
• you must have a reasonable level of fitness to take part as tuition is typically 4-5 hours a day with a break for lunch.

Intermediate

• you understand and can ski most classic and skate techniques confidently with effective downhill control,
• you want to become a more competent and efficient skier so you can ski varying terrain without undue hesitation,
• you can ski at a steady pace on half or whole day tours.

Advanced

• you understand and can ski most/all the techniques in classic and skate styles in varied terrain and snow conditions,
• you want to refine and polish all your skiing skills to become a more competent and efficient skier over longer distances and/or more challenging terrain,
• you’re able to ski for several hours each day, adapting your pace to suit the terrain and group.

Coaching

Dagmar Junghanns will be the head coach on this trip, which consists of 6 full days of coaching during the week.  You do not have to ski all the sessions - it’s up to you if you want to opt out and go swimming, take a sleigh ride, or an afternoon off during the week.  Peter Moysey will be on hand for the first 3 days to take some groups.  The rest of the coaches have not been confirmed yet, and will largely depend on the number and level of skiers who sign up.

Key points

• Everyone on the trip is recommended to have their own travel health insurance policy that covers the Covid-19 situation. Rules are changing all the time, so please be aware of what is required at the time of travel.
• The GIC (Global Health Insurance Card) issued by Gov.uk is also recommended in case of emergencies.

Euroloppet Races – The Dachsteinlauf

The race options.

• Skating races on Saturday 10 January over 10 km and 40 km.
• Classic races on Sunday 11 January over 10 km and 40 km.

The longer races are classed as difficult, the shorter races as moderate. The 10 km events are a really good way to enter your first ski race and want to try your luck.

Those racing should make their own entry arrangements once registration is open.  Please note that if you are entering these races, you will need to say so on our booking form so that we can extend your stay at the hotel. The transfer back to the airport is then your responsibility, but can be arranged amongst yourselves with other racers.

Travel

Here are the suggested flights to Salzburg which arrive at similar times to be able to arrange group transport to the hotel. Please check flights if you are racing to make sure you can fly back on a Monday or Tuesday – alternatively you can take the train and fly from Munich for a greater choice of flights.

Suggested flights - all departing 3/1/26 and returning 10/1/26

London airports    

Luton: Easyjet dep 10.45 arr Salzburg 13.45, return dep 14.35 arr 15.45

Gatwick: Easyjet dep 10:25 arr Salzburg 13:20, return dep 14:05 arr 15:10

Gatwick: BA dep 09:10 arr 12:10, return dep 15:40 arr 16:45

Heathrow: BA dep 11:05 arr Salzburg 14:10, return dep 15:05 arr 16:10

Manchester

Jet2 or other flight options through different airlines

Based on the flights from London airports, we could leave Salzburg by 3pm.  So if you book alternative flights from other airports and want to use the group transport you will need to arrive by 14:10 on 3/1 and leave no earlier than 14.05 on 10/1.  More information will be available in a few months time and I will send a separate email on this once the bookings are complete.

Transfer:  A group transfer will be arranged to coincide with the flights above if there is sufficient interest, or you can make your own arrangements. Salzburg to Ramsau is approximately 90 km (1.5 hours) to drive. The cost of a group transport per journey is currently estimated to be around €40 a head.

Accommodation - Hotel Ferienhotel Knollhof

The Knollhof is right on the cross country ski tracks with easy access along tracks to the stadium where some coaching is held and the races start.

On this interactive map you find it just under the Bergkristalift. The village centre is a 15 minute walk away.

The accommodation available to book is a single, some double for single occupancy, doubles and triples (Austrian beds apart from the single). We can pair you up with a roommate if you have no one to share with.

The buffet breakfast runs from 7.30 am to 10 am, and the evening meal from 6 pm to 8 pm offering soup, buffet salad, main course and dessert.  Lunch is usually taken at a cafe near where you're skiing, or at the hotel cafe or the small one behind the hotel if you're nearby.

There is a wellness centre with sauna, hot-steam-bath, infrared cabin, massage (fee) und sun bed (fee). A swimming pool is available locally. There is also a ski store at the back of the hotel with heated boot rack and a profile for ski waxing.

Wednesday night is an indoor buffet BBQ at the hotel, and we usually dress in something fun to add a bit of sparkle (eg Hawaiian skirts or shirts) just pack something colourful!  There will be a drinks reception before the meal that evening.  

Costs

Coaching Fee: £280 per person

Hotel: €92.60 (inc 3.50 tourist tax) per person per night for half board (+ €15 per person per night for single supplement). A reduction for the 3rd person staying in a triple room.

Dinner for anyone not staying in the hotel is €18.50 per night.  You will be responsible for paying your total hotel bill on checkout.

There are several other local hotels and apartment options if you prefer other accommodation or if all rooms are taken at the Ferienhotel Knollhof – see www.booking.com, AirBNB or local tourist office). Dinner can be arranged at the Knollhof if you stay elsewhere. Options that are within an easy walk of the Knollhof are:

• Feldlhof – a farmhouse with 9 rooms
• Haus Mayhofer – a farmhouse with 5 rooms
• Pension Pilz – family run apartments

Other Expenses to budget for:

• €50 for a 7 days løipe pass, which is included in the Winter card that also gives discounts at local attractions and travel. This will be added to your hotel bill.
• Lunch €10-€15.
• Ski hire – approximately €130 if switching between skate/classic skis. Classic only would be about €110 and skate only €160. We use the local hire at Ski Willy near the stadium and we will collect hire equipment on the Sunday morning as one group.

Supermarkets

Spar [the nearests] and Billa.  Both are closed all day Sundays and on 6/1/26 [Epiphany]. Check opening times on online.

What to do next

Stage 1

Complete the online booking form. This is a very popular trip so bookings will close as soon as the trip is full, and we will then hold a reserve list.

Stage 2

1. Your place on the trip and accommodation choice will be confirmed. A coaching deposit of £50 is then required which is non-refundable, except for extenuating circumstances.
2. Once your fee is received, and accommodation confirmed, you can book flights and races.
3. The final coaching fee should be paid by the end of November, but you will be sent a reminder in due course. The transfer cost will also be added to this amount if you are taking that option.

Any questions?

Contact Pauline the organiser.