Cross-Country Skiing: Technique and Nature on Snow

• Activity: Alpine Sports Base - Airolo
• Start date: 18 December 2026 / 18:00
• End date: 20 December 2026 / 17:00
• Location: Fuori sede
• Address: Casa della Sostenibilità, Via della Stazione 46, Airolo
• Course language:
  • Italiano
  • English

Two days dedicated to cross-country skiing, combining technique, nature and fun.

An experience for anyone who loves the mountains in winter and would like to discover or improve their cross-country skiing technique while surrounded by the snow-covered landscapes of Val Bedretto and the Andermatt region.

During the two days, technical exercises and practice sessions will be offered, adapting the activities to the participants’ level and snow conditions.

Level

The camp is suitable both for beginners trying cross-country skiing for the first time and for participants who already have some experience and would like to improve their technique.

The activities will be adapted, as far as possible, to the participants’ level and may include both classic and skating techniques, depending on the group’s abilities and trail conditions.

Participants should be in suitable physical condition to take part in several hours of outdoor activity on the snow during the day.

Program

Day 1 – Cross-country skiing in Val Bedretto

Surrounded by the snow-covered mountains of Ticino, Val Bedretto provides an ideal setting for discovering cross-country skiing or improving your technique.

Along the trails through the valley, technical exercises and practice sessions will be combined with breaks throughout the day.

• Location: Val Bedretto (Bedretto – All’Acqua)
• Altitude: approx. 1,400 m above sea level
• Level: suitable for all levels; easy and intermediate trails
• Duration: full day, including a lunch break
• Trail length: approx. 6.5 km
• Activities: classic and skating techniques, depending on the participants’ level and trail conditions

Day 2 – Cross-country skiing in the Ursern Valley (Andermatt)

The Ursern Valley, between Realp and Andermatt, offers an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails surrounded by Alpine scenery.

During the day, participants will have the opportunity to continue developing the techniques practised on the first day and explore different sections of the trail network, adapting distances and difficulty to the level of the group.

• Location: Ursern Valley (Realp – Andermatt)
• Altitude: approx. 1,450–1,500 m above sea level
• Level: suitable for all levels; easy and intermediate trails
• Duration: full day
• Cross-country trail network: approx. 28 km
• Activities: classic or skating technique, depending on the participants’ level and conditions

The final destinations and activities will be selected according to weather and snow conditions, trail conditions and the characteristics of the group.

Personal equipment

Participants must bring appropriate sports clothing for the activity. We recommend dressing in layers.

Clothing

• Base layer: technical underwear (synthetic fibre or merino wool)
• Mid layer: fleece or insulated jacket
• Outer layer: waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (e.g. Gore-Tex)
• Snow gloves
• Neck warmer
• Headband/beanie

Other items

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Backpack
• Thermos and/or water bottle
• Towels
• Casual clothing for free time
• Board games

Any additional equipment required will be communicated before the camp.

Equipment provided by USI Sport

Sports equipment can be rented directly on site for a daily flat rate of CHF 20.–.

The following equipment is available:

• cross-country skis;
• poles;
• cross-country ski boots.

Participation

The camp will be confirmed with a minimum of 5 participants, with a maximum of 12 participants.

Activities will be adapted, as far as possible, to the participants’ level and to snow and trail conditions.

Accommodation and meals

Accommodation is provided at the Casa della Sostenibilità in Airolo, in shared rooms for 6 people, with shared bathrooms and private showers.

Breakfast and dinner are included and provided at the accommodation. Lunches are at the participants’ own expense.

Any food intolerances or allergies must be indicated at the time of registration.

Bed linen

To help us reduce our environmental impact, we recommend bringing your own bed linen set:

• pillowcase 50 × 70 cm;
• fitted sheet 80 × 200 cm;
• duvet cover 140 × 200 cm.

Sleeping bag liners and sleeping bags are not permitted.

Alternatively, a bed linen set can be rented at the Alpine Sports Base for CHF 15.–.

Transport

Travel to Airolo

USI Sport offers USI/SUPSI students and staff free train travel to Airolo and back, an environmentally friendly option that reduces the environmental impact and ensures a comfortable journey for everyone.

For all other participant categories, a special USI Sport train ticket is available at a cost of CHF 12.– per journey.

Airolo–Andermatt

Return transport between Airolo and Andermatt is organised using group train connections at predefined times and is not included in the camp price.

The flat-rate daily cost for the return journey is:

• CHF 10.– for participants with a Half Fare Travelcard;
• CHF 20.– for participants without a Half Fare Travelcard.

The option selected in the registration form will be used to organise and purchase the group tickets.

Participants who choose not to use the transport organised by USI Sport, or who wish to travel at different times from those scheduled, must organise their journey independently and purchase their own ticket.

Parking

There is no free parking in the immediate vicinity of the Casa della Sostenibilità.

The only free parking area is available at the following location.

Price

The price varies according to the participant category and the time of registration.

By booking further in advance, participants can benefit from the most advantageous rate; as the camp approaches, the intermediate and standard rates will progressively apply.

Included in the price

• cross-country ski pass;
• accommodation;
• half board (breakfast and dinner);
• return train travel to Airolo.

At the participants’ own expense

• lunches;
• rental of USI Sport equipment, if required (CHF 20.– per day);
• return transport between Airolo and Andermatt (CHF 10.– or CHF 20.– per day, depending on the participant’s rail travelcard);
• bed linen rental, if required (CHF 15.–).

Rate deadlines

• Early booking: more than 5 months before the start of the camp;
• Intermediate rate: between 5 and 3 months before the start of the camp;
• Standard rate: less than 3 months before the start of the camp.

When purchasing, participants must select the category corresponding to their status. USI Sport reserves the right to request documentation confirming eligibility for the selected rate.

Registration and payment

Registration is confirmed once the applicable fee for the participant’s category and pricing period has been paid.

As the price increases progressively when the activity date approaches, we recommend registering early to benefit from the most advantageous rate.

Poiché il prezzo aumenta progressivamente con l’avvicinarsi della data dell’attività, consigliamo di iscriversi con anticipo per beneficiare della tariffa più conveniente.

COMPLETE THE REGISTRATION FORM

By proceeding with the purchase, participants accept the USI Sport instructions and code of conduct available in the “Attachments” section.

Do you have any questions? Contact us on WhatsApp

Refund policy

• a 90% refund upon presentation of a medical certificate;
• an 80% refund for cancellations communicated at least 2 weeks before the beginning of the camp;
• a 50% refund for cancellations communicated between 2 weeks and 1 week before the beginning of the camp;
• no refund for cancellations communicated less than 1 week before the beginning of the camp or in the event of non-attendance.

To request a refund, participants must contact USI Sport, indicating the activity and the reason for cancellation. The applicable refund conditions will be determined according to the date on which the request is received.