Cross country ski trip to Ramsau am Dachstein, Austria –
Saturday 4 to Saturday 11 January 2025 + optional Dachsteinlauf races
;)
Update 3/7/24: this trip is now full but you can register and be added to a reserve list in case of any cancellations.
Ramsau is a popular destination for the Club so we’re returning for the fifth time! In 2025 the trip will have a slightly different format and coaching team to better meet the needs of novice and improver skiers, as well as those with intermediate and advanced skills.
The trip offers:
- coaching to improve your skiing skills and/or transfer them from roller skis to snow at improver to advanced level [it’s unsuitable for complete beginners];
- skiing on beautiful trails on the Ramsau am Dachstein plateau;
- the option of taking part in one or more of the Tour de Ramsau races [classic and/or skate];
- a warm welcome from Thomas and his staff at the Ferienhotel Knollhof.
Who is this trip for? Here’s a guide to the group levels
Applications are open to all LRNSC members, and those wishing to join the club.
NB This trip is unsuitable for complete beginners.
Improver – led by Glennis Dore
- 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 – led by Mike Smith and Mary Wray
- 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 – led by Dagmar Junghanns
- 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.
About the coaching
Coaching will a mix of formal and 'on the go tuition' in classic and skate style in small groups.
All our coaches are fully qualified, licenced, and insured with Snowsport England and/or BASI. Dagmar, Mary and Glennis are our regular Club snow and roller ski coaches; Mike Smith is also an experienced coach hailing from Lakeland XC Ski Club who also enjoys xc racing.
We reserve the right to change coaches should the demand for places change.
Key points
The trip runs from Saturday 4 to Saturday 11 January 2025, 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 the nearby Flizmoos for a change of venue. There is now a direct bus which makes this easier.
Everyone on the trip is recommended to have their own travel health insurance policy that covers the Covid-19 situation. The GIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is free and issued by Gov.uk is also recommended in case of emergencies.
Covid-19 rules - the trip will be run in accordance with English and Austrian regulations and guidance in force at the time. Rules change so please be aware of what is required at the time of travel. You can see the latest information from Austria here.
About Ramsau am Dachstein
It has up to 220 km of cross-country skiing trails between 1,100 m and 2,700 m above sea level and trails have varying degrees of difficulty for all levels of skier. There is a cross country skiing stadium with a night trail, testing centre and children's cross country skiing park.
The village is spread along the main valley and there is good access to the main ski stadium area and ski trails. A free ski bus also runs along the valley many times a day, which can assist in extending ski routes.
Euroloppet Races – The Dachsteinlauf 2025
The race options:
- skating [free technique] races on Saturday 11 January over 10 km and 40 km.
- classic races on Sunday 12 January over 10 km and 40 km.
The longer races are classed as difficult, the shorter races as moderate. The 10 km event is a really good way to enter your first race and give yourself an achievable challenge.
Those racing should make their own entry arrangements once registration is open.
NB 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.
Transport
Train
For information on train travel see Seat 61. The nearest station is Schladming which is short local bus or taxi ride to Ramsau.
Flights
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 – you can always take the train and fly from Munich for a greater choice of flights.
Luton - Easyjet
Luton 10.50 4/1/25 arrives Salzburg 13.45 Salzburg 14.35 11/1/25 arrives Luton 15.45
Gatwick - Easyjet
Gatwick 10.25 4/1/25 arrives Salzburg 13.20 Salzburg 17.35 11/1/25 arrives Gatwick 18.40
Gatwick - BA
Gatwick 11.40 4/1/25 arrives Salzburg 14.35 Salzburg 15.05 on 11 January arrives Gatwick 16.10
Bristol - Easyjet
Bristol 11.30 4/1/25 arrives Salzburg 14.30 Salzburg 15.15 11/1/25 arrives Bristol 16.25
Heathrow - British Airways
NB BA Business class, which includes 2 bags, can work out cheaper than buying separate ski carriage.
Heathrow 11.05 4/1/25 arrives Salzburg 14.10 Salzburg 16.25 11/1/25 arrives Heathrow 17.35
Heathrow - Lufthansa
Heathrow 11.30 4/1/25 arrives Salzburg 14.30 Salzburg 15.45 11/1/25 arrives Heathrow 16.50
Birmingham - Jet2/Tui
Birmingham 08.45 4/1/25 arrives Salzburg 11.55 Salzburg 18.00 11/1/25 arrives Birmingham 19.05
Manchester – Jet2
Manchester 09.10 4/1/25 arrives Salzburg 12.20 Salzburg 19.35 11/1/25 arrives Manchester 20.55
There are flights with other airlines and departure airports. However, your flight will need to arrive by 14.35 on 4 January and leave no earlier than 14.25 on 11 January if you want to use the group transport.
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 €35 a head and will depart at the times stated in the previous paragraph.
Accommodation - Hotel Ferienhotel Knollhof
This hotel 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 its location is just under the Bergkristalift. The village centre is a 15 minute walk away.
We can pair you up with a roommate if you have no one to share with. The accommodation available to book is a single, some double for single occupancy, doubles and triples – all are Austrian beds apart from the single. An Austrian double is one large bed frame containing two single mattresses, both with separate duvets and linen, that cannot be separated – ie very close twin beds. All rooms are ensuite.
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 the løipe, the hotel has a lunchtime café for those back near base, and there is also a small café behind the hotel.
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.
On Wednesday night there will be a drinks reception followed by an indoor buffet BBQ at the hotel, and we usually dress in something fun and colourful to add a bit of sparkle (eg Hawaiian shirts & garlands etc). ;)
Costs
Coaching Fee: £260 per person.
Hotel Costs
€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 (A on map) are:
• Feldhof – a farmhouse with 9 rooms (B on map)
• Haus Mayhoffer – a farmhouse with 5 rooms (C on map)
• Pension Pilz – family run apartments (D on map);)
NB Supermarkets are closed on Sundays and on 6 January [public holiday – Epiphany]. The Spar in Ramsau Ort may be open until 7pm on Saturday, but check on Google for current opening times.
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.
What to do next
Stage 1
Update 22/5/24: this trip is now virtually sold out but if you're interested you can still register and be added to a reserve list by completing this online 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
- 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.
- Once your fee is received, and accommodation confirmed, you can book flights and races.
- The final coaching fee of £210 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.