Whether skating or classic: these ten cross-country skiing destinations are all reachable from Winterthur by public transport. From romantic forest tracks to scenic high-altitude loops, there’s something for every level of Nordic skier.
The destinations below are sorted by travel time from Winterthur to make your planning easier. Make sure to visit the map to explore all cross-country skiing areas and thousands of other outdoor activities reachable from any starting point in Switzerland.
Much more on ovunta.com/en/map
Traversing the forested Randen plateau near Schaffhausen, this extensive network ranks among the larger options in northeastern Switzerland. The rolling terrain through dense woodland offers variety for different skill levels, with the elevated position providing reliable snow conditions when winter settles in.
29.7 kmLearn more on
schweizmobil.ch
| S24 (27m) | |
| S64 (6m) | |
Set in the gentle hills of the Zürcher Oberland, Gibswil offers a well-established network winding through rolling pastures and scattered woodlands. The terrain suits both leisurely outings and more sustained training efforts, with the rural Töss valley landscape providing a peaceful backdrop throughout.
21 kmLearn more on
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| S26 (45m) | |
A compact loop near the village of Bargen in the canton of Schaffhausen, this short circuit serves as an accessible introduction to cross-country skiing or a quick workout option. The modest route meanders through the agricultural landscape typical of this northern border region.
2.4 kmLearn more on
lws-sport.ch
| S24 (27m) | |
| 23 (17m) | |
Located in the Bernese Oberland near Adelboden, Feldenmaas provides a compact network of trails winding through gentle alpine meadows. This peaceful spot suits those looking for a relaxed outing amid mountain scenery without venturing into high-altitude terrain.
5.4 kmLearn more on
loipe-feldenmaas.ch
| S8 (31m) | |
| 200 (15m) | |
| 227 (4m) | |
In the rolling Appenzell hills, this village preserves strong folk traditions including the famous Silvesterchläuse customs. Trails traverse gentle farmland terrain, offering an authentic glimpse of rural northeastern Swiss culture.
6.3 kmLearn more on
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| IR13 (36m) | |
| S23 (22m) | |
Cross-country skiing directly in the city – the city trail Kreuzbleiche makes this possible! The shape of an eight divides it into two sections, whereof one is slightly more difficult and also includes an incline and a starting section.
1.1 kmTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| IC5 (33m) | |
| 3 (3m) | |
The canton of Zurich’s longest cross-country ski trail is a short distance from the city itself, yet still in the heart of a quiet rural area. The hilly route is almost 30 km long (18.5 miles) and runs along the back of Pfannenstiel, offering breathtaking views of Lake Zurich and the Swiss Alps.
24.3 kmTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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schweizmobil.ch
| S12 (16m) | |
| S7 (19m) | |
| 940 (6m) | |
Away from the huge winter destinations Degersheim offers a long and scenically attractive cross-country skiing trail. This also includes a unique view far beyond Lake Constance and the city boundaries.
11.7 kmTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| IC1 (31m) | |
| 751 (12m) | |
The panoramic trail on Scherb between Hemberg and Ebnat-Kappel leads past various viewpoints. Eight theme charts describe the panorama and make the hillier trails to a special experience.
24.8 kmTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| IR13 (17m) | |
| S9 (22m) | |
| 770 (2m) | |
Located in the heart of the Zurich Oberland, the Bäretswil-Maiwinkel cross-country ski trail leads over undulated terrain and offers outstanding natural beauty. The region is a popular local recreation area as it is known to have little fog and is easily accessible.
10.7 kmTour published by:
SwitzerlandMobility
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| S12 (16m) | |
| S15 (18m) | |
| 851 (14m) | |
