Davos, in Switzerland, has kicked off its cross-country skiing season today with the unveiling of its snowfarming track. What began as a bold experiment over a decade ago has blossomed into a remarkable success story, allowing this Swiss alpine town to roll out a cross-country ski track as early as late October. 

Snowfarming for the Season

At the heart of this achievement is the unique practice of snowfarming. By utilizing over-summer snow, Davos ensures that a generous stockpile of approximately 20,000 cubic meters of snow, expertly covered with sawdust, is ready for transformation into a cross-country ski track. 

Through this process, around 70 to 80 percent of the snow volume is effectively preserved. This guarantees an early start to the cross-country skiing season, irrespective of the vagaries of autumn temperatures.

A Training Haven

The appeal of Davos’ Snowfarming trail extends beyond the boundaries of Switzerland. This meticulously designed track draws national teams from over 12 nations, including top cross-country skiing powerhouses. With its challenging ascents and thrilling descents, it is an ideal pre-season training ground, providing athletes with the perfect opportunity to fine-tune their skills and prepare for the season ahead.

Inclusive Training Opportunities

To cater to the diverse needs of cross-country skiing enthusiasts, Davos has established dedicated time slots for various performance groups. These carefully allocated time windows ensure that both elite athletes and recreational skiers can train to their satisfaction. The snowfarming trail is open to both teams and individuals, with competitive athletes required to register online in advance to secure their training slots.

An Early Start to the Season

The snowfarming trail in Davos officially opened its doors on October 28, signaling the beginning of a new cross-country skiing season filled with excitement and opportunities.

For a visual tour of the snowfarming process, you can watch a video (in German) on how the trail is created.

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more.