On the cross-country ski trail with Xaver Frieser

Xaver visibly enjoys cross-country skiing in the Engadine. Within a short distance, cross-country skiers will find a wide range of trails, most of which can be reached quite comfortably by public transport.  
The valley trail from Scuol in the direction of Sur En and on to Martina leads along the Inn River, through almost fairytale-like forests and offers plenty of variety in the trail profile. The landscape changes practically behind every bend. The Passlung, the annual cross-country race, is also held here.  
Beginners feel particularly at home in Zernez, where the cross-country trail runs flat near the sports centre. An ideal starting point for the first attempts, especially with the somewhat more complex skating technique. 
Ambitious athletes will find their own personal challenge on the Ftan high-altitude trail. Demanding ascents and rapid descents are completed over a short distance. 
Nature lovers are also in good hands on the circular trail around the small mountain lake Lai Nair, which lies above Tarasp on a quiet plateau. For Xaver, this is a real place of strength to switch off from everyday life and gain new energy. 

In winter, as we all know, the days are shorter and locals who work during the day, in particular, long for a sporting opportunity in the soothing nature. Thanks to lighting, the night trails in Zernez, Ardez, Ftan and Scuol offer a sporty balance to everyday life - even during the week. The light is simply activated by a switch. Together with the cross-country skiing commission, Xaver has campaigned for the expansion of the night trail in Scuol, which now starts conveniently directly at the cross-country skiing centre.

His father was already a passionate cross-country skier, so it's no wonder that Xaver was drawn to the narrow boards at an early age. For him, being on the track at the same pace is almost a kind of meditation. Xaver enjoys being able to clear his head and also find creative time for new ideas. As a former ski coach in competitive sports, he is particularly fascinated by the technical components of cross-country skiing, the interplay of balance, use of strength and breathing. What is a little more demanding at first with the skating technique is much easier for beginners in classic cross-country skiing, and since the beginning of the pandemic, young and old are increasingly drawn to the trails.

For those who want to challenge themselves a little more, we recommend taking part in a cross-country race. In addition to the big "Engadiner", the "Diagonala" and a popular cross-country race from Maloja to Zernez and other events, the "Passlung" (Rhaeto-Romanic for cross-country skiing) takes place every winter on the route from Martina to Scuol. The race is an event for everyone: ambitious athletes, popular runners who want to get a taste of the racing atmosphere and simply take part, as well as children and future cross-country skiing professionals who want to compete in the cross-country races. As OC president of the "Passlung", Xaver pulls the strings together and thus contributes to the successful organisation.

At the cross-country ski centre, you won't only find Xaver in sales and advising. He is also passionate about the workshop and applying the right wax to the skis. On the one hand, this is important for athletes who are competing, but on the other hand, it is also important for beginners who are tackling their first kilometres of cross-country skiing. The wax maintains the surface of the skis so that they glide more easily over the snow. Without the necessary care, the skis would become dry and scratches would form, leading to an increasing braking effect and ultimately frustration on the trail. By the way, while glide wax is applied throughout on skating skis, classic cross-country skis are divided into a glide zone, a kick zone, which on some models are equipped with a mechanical climbing aid, and another glide zone.

The Engadine is a wonderful playground for Xaver, in whose soothing nature he can really let off steam in terms of sports. And not only on the cross-country ski run and the piste. In summer, he can often be found in his white-water kayak on the varied rapids and in the impressive gorges of the Inn. He also shows guests the region's most beautiful single trails as a bike guide. He enjoys sharing the happy moments of biking with others. But when the first snow falls again, the anticipation for the new cross-country skiing season rises and then Xaver can finally fly over the trails again.

Text & pictures: Dominik Täuber