Cross-Country-Skiing Tips 

Ramsau is also the hometown of Franz-Josef Rehrl, a world-class athlete in the Nordic Combined. He grew up at the foot of the Dachstein – the place he still calls “home” to this day. He has a few concrete tips “just for you” when it comes to cross-country skiing, so that you get even greater joy out of this marvelous sport.

Dear Franz-Josef, in December 2020 you suffered a torn cruciate ligament, followed by terrific comeback season this past winter. How are you doing right now and what goals are you focused on in winter 2022/23?
Franz: I’m doing good. I am at the point now, I can give it 100 percent. I am really looking forward to the new season. My goal is to be right in the mix with the world elite.

From 15 to 17 December, the World Cup in the Nordic Combined will be making a stop in your home community, Ramsau am Dachstein. What are your expectations?
Franz: Competing in a World Cup event at home is always special. I hope that lots of spectators will attend once again, so that I can show everyone what I can do on the jumping hill and on the ski trail.

You grew up in Ramsau and probably know every single meter of the 220 km trail network here. Which is your favorite trail for classic technique, and which is your favorite for “skating”?
Franz: When I am in the mood for classic, I prefer the trail around the Rittisberg. The long climb there is ideal for long, steady endurance training. The peaceful, snowy setting of the forest brings you back down. As for skating technique, I prefer the tour of the Kulmberg. It demands every technique in the book and gives you everything you could ask for in terms of a great skating experience.

May we ask how old you were when you began to cross-country ski?
Franz: Yes, of course – I began as a child, between four and five years of age.

What are the benefits of beginning this sport as a child?
Franz: Sporting techniques are generally easier for kids to learn than for people who are older. Though with hard work and the right motivation, everyone can master cross-country skiing.

What is your advice for people wanting to learn how to cross-country ski as an adult?
Franz: Since the techniques are very complex and the enjoyment is significantly greater if you have a good handle on those techniques, from my perspective it’s best to pick up tips about balance, technique etc. from the pros – for example, at a cross-country school. The ability to brake safely and confidently on downhills shouldn’t be underestimated either.

What tips can you give beginners with respect to equipment? Buy or rent to start out?
Franz: At least at the beginning, you will do just fine with rental gear. But when cross-country skiing becomes more of a hobby, that’s the time when you should buy equipment that’s suitable for you personally. That includes matching your skis to your height and weight. If you do that, the cross-country skiing will become significantly “easier”.

In this part of the world, an enjoyable cross-country ski tour simply has to include an “Einkehrschwung”, in other words, a break for rest and refreshments. Do you also have some advice for us in that regard?
Franz: The good thing about Ramsau is that, no matter what tour you choose, you will always find attractive refreshment opportunities along the way. After all, the best way to regenerate after training is by eating.