Finding the Rhythm of the Alps: A Week of Sun, Schnaps, and World-Class Trails

There is something about this time of year in the Alps that feels like a shared secret among cross-country skiers. The air is crisp, skies are clear, the corduroy on the trails is fresh-pressed and the ski culture of the mountain villages is in full swing. This week, there are several Lumi Experiences groups on the trails enjoying a combination of activity and relaxation.

A Toast to the Dolomitenlauf

Lumi’s Dolomitenlauf & Marcialonga trip kicked off with a bang last weekend in the charming village of Obertilliach, Austria. Many of our guests took to the start line of the Dolomitenlauf, Austria's  Worldloppet ski event. Obertilliach is a special place, often used by world-class athletes for training due to its reliable snow

and scenic trails through the iconic farm fields dotted with cabins, along the Gail Stream and through tall pine forests. The village comes out to support the event with a band playing music and spectators cheering at the finish.

Cheers to a successful Dolomitenlauf!

In the evening after the events, the group gathered to sample schnapps in a 500-year-old distillery. There is no better way to celebrate a race weekend than raising a glass in a traditional cellar. With the Dolomitenlauf in the books, the group traveled across the border to Toblach, Italy. The village is a staple on the World Cup circuit and annual host of the Tour de Ski. Beyond the world-class trails, the group also went rodeling – sledding on traditional wooden toboggans. Rodeling is a great way to experience the playful side of alpine culture.

(left) Lined up for the Dolomitenlauf. (right) Behind the scenes of a local schnapps distillery

Sunny Skies in Leutasch

Meanwhile, the Seefeld & Seiser Alm trip has been enjoying a sunny start in Austria. I joined the group this morning for a ski in the Leutasch Valley, which sits adjacent to Seefeld and offers some of the most scenic, flat and sun-drenched trails in the region. We found our rhythm in the fresh classic tracks that Seefeld is famous for.

(left)Trip Leader Elisa captures the alpenglow while the Dolomitenlauf & Marcialonga group skis in Toblach. (right) The sun peeks out over Toblach's snowy forests

Of course, no Lumi ski is complete without a trailside lunch stop. We sat in the sun and I enjoyed a hearty plate of lasagne while catching up with the group, a delicious reminder that while we were in Austria, the culinary influence of Italy was just over the next mountain pass. It’s exactly the kind of "rest and recovery" that Lumi-sponsored athlete, Julia Kern, often seeks when she visits Seefeld during her training camps.

(left) Post-lunch rodeling. (middle) Ready for another lap in the Leutasch Valley. (right) Bluebird conditions in Leutasch!

Onward to the Lavazé Loppet

Tomorrow, my own journey continues in Cavalese, Italy. I’ll be meeting our group on the Passo Lavazé plateau. Surrounded by the striking peaks of the Dolomites, many guests will participate in the Lavazé Loppet. It’s a high-altitude plateau known for its incredible views and top-notch grooming. The skiing there is a great warm-up for the Marcialonga Worldloppet Ski Marathon this weekend.

Enjoying a picture-perfect sunny day on the trails in Leutasch

Looking Ahead to 2027

Interested in a snowflake cappuccino or a bright yellow Bombardino on the ski trails next winter? We are already taking bookings for Lumi’s 2027 winter season. Whether you want to challenge yourself in a Worldloppet or simply enjoy the culture and cuisine of the Alps, we have a spot for you on one of Lumi’s many winter trips, including the Dolomitenlauf & Marcialonga, Marcialonga & König Ludwig, or Seefeld & Seiser Alm trips. Book your 2027 trip by March 31 to receive Lumi’s $300/person early booking discount.

Big smiles from the trails in Toblach

See you on the trail,

Garrott Kuzzy 

Founder & Olympian 

garrott@lumiexperiences.com