Annina Uehli’s cross-country skiing tips – from fun to challenge

Cross-country skiing has certainly been making an impressive comeback in recent years. Hardly any other winter sport can so harmoniously combine exercise, mindfulness, and the captivating experience of nature. At Sirocco, too, values such as care and balance are a focal point of our credo. Just as immaculately grooming cross-country ski trails requires precision, passion, and meticulous attention to detail, so does producing the finest organic teas and exquisite coffee specialties.

Sirocco actively sponsors the highly talented 16-year-old cross-country skier Annina Uehli in her drive to excel. She already has a very promising track record. As a U14 skier, she has won several prestigious awards, including first place in the Swiss Nordic Trophy, the most extensive competition series for young Swiss athletes. For former ski racer Tina Weirather, there is one reason why Annina is part of the Liechtenstein Olympic Committee (LOC) Olympic Potential Team: “Quite simply, she is exceptionally talented.”

We asked Annina to let us in on her favorite, most beautiful, most unusual, most challenging, and most exciting cross-country ski trails, and here are her tips:

Favorite trail – Sertiger Klassiker, Davos
This cross-country ski trail in the Sertig valley is certainly one of Annina’s absolute favorites. It leads through a serene winter landscape and features an idyllic stream. The mountain peaks of the Mittaghorn, Plattenflue, and Hoch Ducan provide a breathtaking backdrop. After some eight kilometers of classic-style skiing, the Walser village of Sertig, nestled in a wide valley basin, comes into view. It is a protected region and perfectly combines tranquility, expansive scenery, and is a complete natural winter wonderland.

Great for beginners – Steg/Valüna, Liechtenstein, or Herzloipe, Davos
For those first-timers venturing out on cross-country skis, Annina recommends Steg in Liechtenstein. This trail is flat, clearly laid out, and ideal for those gradually coming to grips with technique and rhythm. Anyone who enjoys the experience can easily find more challenging sections later on – without being overwhelmed.

The Herzloipe (heart trail) in Davos is also ideal for beginners – it is a short, flat circular route, letting beginners get the feel for the sport step by step. The trail’s name came about since it was developed in collaboration with cardiologists from the Swiss Heart Foundation. This is an ideal trail for cross-country skiers to improve their overall fitness while also working on their cardiovascular health.

Nighttime cross-country skiing
Both Steg and Davos have illuminated trails for skiing in the evenings. Gliding through the snow-covered landscape under the starry heavens is quite a unique experience!

Impressive and very special –  Graubünden region and Flumserberg
Well-known trails such as Surses/Savognin, St. Moritz, or Klosters offer panoramic views of majestic mountain scenery. In the Flumserberg area, there are sweeping vistas from the high plateau to the Seeztal valley, while the striking Churfirsten peaks impressively convey the grandeur of the Swiss mountains.

For experienced skiers – Flüelatal, Davos
Annina recommends the Flüelatal valley for the more seasoned cross-country skiers. Since some of the snow remains during the summer months, training there is often possible as early as November. Later in the season, you can also ski the route where the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup takes place every year in Davos and where quadruple Olympic gold medalist Dario Cologna used to compete for points. The trail combines challenging climbs, rapid descents, and smooth passages – a real sporting and scenic delight.

Annina’s tip for beginners
“In my opinion, it is best to get started with rental equipment and by taking an introductory course in cross-country skiing. That way, you’ll get valuable tips on technique right from day one and avoid typical beginner’s mistakes – and the fun of exercising in the snow will come naturally.”

A harmonious working partnership between Sirocco and Loipen Schweiz
Supporting the promising, up-and-coming cross-country skier Annina Uehli is just a part of our commitment. Partnering with Loipen Schweiz, the Swiss Cross-Country Trails Association, Sirocco actively promotes the preservation and further development of cross-country skiing.

We are working together to maintain and make Switzerland’s extensive network of cross-country trails accessible to everyone, creating the basis for enjoyable, safe, and unforgettable cross-country skiing experiences on well-groomed trails.

Our partnership unites exercise with tranquility. It also demonstrates how true enjoyment arises when there is a harmony of passion, pleasure, and nature.