Sparenmoos - a truly fabulous cross-country skiing area for everyone

The sun transforms the snow into a sparkling glittering landscape, your lungs fill up with cold air, and you gaze over snow-covered mountains and forests. Can you already picture yourself in Sparenmoos? The beautiful area above Zweisimmen has long been popular among cross-country skiing lovers and also attracts nature lovers as well.

Before we begin our trip to the high plateau, we would like to introduce the Hammers. Cross-country skiing is their passion and thanks to sports, Brigitte and Bruno were quickly integrated into their new home some 40 years ago. As sports lovers, they have both been active in various institutions and clubs since years. One of them is the Sparenmoos Pro Race, a club that plans, organizes and runs the cross-country skiing events, such as the Swiss championships. For this couple, one thing is clear: living in the recreation area of the holiday region Gstaad is an absolute privilege. Whenever there is a moment of free time in winter, you will find them on the skis. The events give them the opportunity to present their favourite place and share that which they love – cross-country skiing – with others.

Having arrived in Sparenmoos, it’s clear why the region attracts so many winter athletes. It’s high enough to be snow-secure, it offers 35 km of top groomed slopes, not to mention the wonderful view onto Simmen Valley and Saanenland. Thanks to the different kinds of routes, the area has something for everyone, whether beginner or professional.

What’s Brigitte’s favourite trail? She laughs and says, “It depends on the shape I am in, the variety is what makes the difference.” Bruno doesn’t have a favourite trail either, but “On the challenging Shiltenegg trail, I can really enjoy the peace and nature.” However, both agree that a perfect cross-country skiing day consists of “Freshly pressed trails, steel-blue skies and relaxing with a hot punch on the terrace of Muma Beizli or Site Alp.” Do you now want to come too? If you don’t yet feel comfortable on the narrow skis, then the Hammers recommend a winter hike as an alternative. Here you can enjoy plenty of views onto the nice, open landscape – that’s a promise!

Before both of these passionate cross-country skiers moved to the Bernese Oberland, they lived in the Engadin for a while. “There, this sport was unavoidable.” Is cross-country skiing difficult? “It’s not that difficult and easy to learn for all ages. What you need is good balance – a lot of people already have this from skiing, skating or biking”, explains Brigitte and talks about how she got started. “At that time, there was only classical cross-country skiing with waxed or fur skis. Back then, I always had trouble finding the right wax for the repulsion zone. As the skating style became popular, I quickly found it to be a great alternative. With today’s selection of good fur skis, I will have another go at classical cross-country skiing.” Today, there are two styles: classical and skating. “Both techniques combine gliding on a trail. I find the classical technique somewhat easier, as it reflects our natural forward movement. Depending on the terrain, both techniques can be challenging”, says Bruno.

It's best to introduce this sport to young cross-country skiers in a playful manner – an easy trail with small obstacles. In the middle of the trail is then a “fox’s den”, a place that gives kids the chance to take a break or to enjoy some food from the grill.

After our trip to Zweisimmen, it's probably clear to you by now that Brigitte and Bruno's hearts beat for the Sparenmoos and the Gstaad holiday region. They are passionate about sharing their love for the area and the wonderful cross-country ski trails. But what exactly motivated them to get involved in the cross-country skiing championships? “We were particularly pleased to present the youth and sports world with great competitions and an unforgettable experience, so that everyone present raved about our region for a long time to come and learned to appreciate the Sparenmoos as a recreational area.”

Would you like to find out more about the Swiss Cross-Country Ski Championships? You can find all the information here.