Just a 45-minute train ride away from Zurich lies the town of Einsiedeln, a cross-country skiing paradise. If you know what you're doing you can rent gear on the spot and enjoy the many tracks around the town and the spectacular views towards the Alps. Beginners can book a tour: a personal guide (speaks English, German, French, Italian and Spanish) takes you there and teaches you the first steps in cross-country skiing. All you need are some standard winter clothes, a cap and gloves.