Holidays in Vinschgau/Val Venosta

Have a look at the new bike tour to the Marzoneralm around Castelbello-Ciardes.

From the Etschradbrücke bridge in Tschars the uphill trail no. 2 to the Marzoner Alm mountain pasture leads with a slight incline past various farms up to Tomberg, and continues on to the Zirmtal intersection. There the trail turns right in order to reach, by means of another climb, the Marzoner Alm mountain pasture (1,600 m). The first 8,3 km are paved and the rest of the route is along a gravel path. Upon arrival at the Uphill  Marzoner Alm 2, there are two different ways to join either the Lupo Trail or the Fontana Trail. At 6,7 km (570m vertical climb) one can take the Fontana Trail and at 4,3 km (360m vertical climb) the Lupo Trail.

Leisurely tour through the enchanted Prato forest to the castle ruin above Cengles/Tschengls. A stop at a special cultural guest house.

To reach the ruin of the Cengles Castle above the Venosta Valley, the trail leads from Prato/Prad in the Stelvio National Park in a south-easterly direction to the St. Johann church and further past the “Dürre Ast“ up to the Prato mountain farms. At the branch to Wittenberger Hof farm, the ground changes to gravel and a little later, the highest point has been reached (1,430m) at the streambed. During the descent on gravel and tarmac, the forest curtain opens up and with it, the view to the Tschengslburg castle ruin and the cultural landscape of the Venosta Valley covered with small squares. The view across green meadows on the other side of the valley with the sparse slopes and beautiful summits of the Monte Sole Mountain is, in any event, worthy of a stop to take a photo. You could stop in the Tschengelsburg, at Karl Perfler’s castle restaurant which has been developed to a cultural guest house. Then you leisurely pass the apple orchards and return to Prato at the foot of the imposing Tschenglser Hochwand mountain (3,376 m).

Tip: The field name Gungadria originates from the “Tschrinwiesen” fields at the Nittbach stream. The Romanic term “concha” (muscle) signifies the round or oval area indentations or hollow forms.

The Bergkastel trail leads from the Stieralm downhill to the junction of the cycle path (Bergkastel valley station). The trail is a natural single trail with short pedalling sections. The trail is equipped with north shores, doubles and occasional tables. In parts, you reach the natural forest floor. At the bottom, a cycle path leads back to the Bergkastel valley station.

Get started the tour from any accessible point on the lake. The loop is exactly 5 km long and is suitable for children, families and adults as a leisurely bike tour. The path always runs directly along the shore of Haidersee lake and is mainly gravelled, with very little asphalt. The highlight is the footbridge between the fisherman's houses and the west side and the constantly accompanying view of the Ortler group.

Note: The bikes need to be pushed along the walkway.

Watles in the Obervinschgau valley is one of the sunniest ski areas in the province’s west and features wide, mostly moderately difficult slopes especially suitable for families. Little ones can play in the "Bubo" ski kindergarten while freeriders carve new tracks on the new Skicross slope. Then there’s the legendary valley ski run, which leads through the spruce forest, and the picturesque, floodlit natural toboggan track. Both are considered can’t-miss highlights! Due to the ski area’s location in the middle of the Sesvenna mountain chain, snowshoe hikers and ski tourers can undertake challenging high-Alpine tours into the mountains. Alternatively, a separate ski touring slope leads from the valley station up to the Watlesspitze at 2,550 m above sea level. In the Nordic Ski Sports Centre Schlinig, international professionals and cross-country skiing fans meet for classic cross-country skiing or skating up to the Schliniger Alm Alpine pasture.

Beautiful tour demanding in terms of fitness with three trail highlights.

The strenuous tour starts in Prato/Prad in the shadow of the Stelvio Pass and the Ortler Range, via the famous Stelvio road in the direction of Gomagoi. In Gomagoi, turn right towards Stelvio/Stilfs and a few metres higher, turn left to the sports field and further to Platz (1,500m). Here, we are welcomed by the gravel path and the meadow trail, leading past the Prader Alm Alpine pasture and, leaving the Furkelhütte hut (2,153 m) at the left-hand side, up and down to the Stilfser Alm Alpine pasture (2,077 m). It is worth stopping and sampling a traditional Venosta Valley dish. The breathtaking panorama in view, the 6er trail with a length of 1.8 km, branches off to the right, below the Stilfser Alm Alpine pasture. Turning left, his very beautiful trail joins the forest path towards Schartalm Alpine pasture. The next reward for the height gain of more than 1,600 metres, presents itself below the Schartalm in a left bend: The 15er trail turns off here, to a short passage where you need to push your bike, before you are rewarded with “something for the soul” (S1/S2). According to the locals, this trail belongs to the most beautiful trails in Venosta Valley and also the 12er trails which joins the 15er trail after a short ride in the woods above the Platzhof farm, does not leave much to be desired, with several tight bends for trail enthusiasts. At Wartamstein, we reach a narrow tarmacked road back to Prato

Tip: Please to not ride the bike on the popular family trails below Wartamstein.

Discover numerous sights and museums of Upper Vinschgau by bike.

Easy tour once around the valley floor between Prad am Stilfserjoch and the medieval city of Glurns.

The starting-point for the Wolf Trail is just below the Schartegg parking lot. The wooded trail isn’t technically demanding (S1) and it leads from the Nörderberg mountain to Tabland, with various possible entry points.

The starting point of this trail, which leads downhill throughout, is the mountain restaurant just below the mountain station. With the partly quite direct line choice, the Eleven Trail is one of the longer descents on the Mutzkopf and it reaches directly below the valley station.

Road bike tour with view to the marble quarry, the Ortler group and the orchards of the Lasa and Sluderno Monte Sole mountain

It starts at the highest point and leaves no stone unturned on the 1700 meters of trail to put a big grin on your face. The start is a few meters up, the Green Trail leads into the lower part of the Eleven Trail.

Very challenging top class high-mountain tour with shuttle to the Stelvio Pass.

Alta Rezia refers to the area between Stelvio Pass, Umbrail Pass, Bormio and the Münstetalr Valley. For those who wish to discover the incredible high-Aalpine landscape by mountain bike, this is the ideal tour. The starting point is on the Stelvio Pass or Umbrail Pass (2,490m). From there, the route leads across a trail with few passages where you have to push your bike, to the Bocchetta di Forcola (2,768 m) and further to the Bocchetta di Pedenolo (Sentiero della Pace [Freedom Trail]), to walk across a breathtaking old military road, down to Lago Cancano lake (1,880 m) and Lago San Giacomo lake (requires head for heights). Everywhere evidence can be found of the savage trench warfare at the Ortler front. The descent should only be attempted by bikers who do not have a fear of heights. Alternatively, the descent can be made via the Valle Forcola Valley. Shortly behind Lago San Giacomo lake, we turn off to the Val Mora Valley (1,930m). We cross the beautiful Val Mora up to the Passo Döss Radond Pass (2,235m). From the pass, in the direction of Santa Maria in Val Müstair Valley via the gravel road with short options to take a shortcut, and from there further via the cycle path to Malles/Mals.

Recommendation: Clothing suitable for high-Alpine conditions and a local guide.

Trafoi is located at the foot of the "King Ortler", the highest mountain in South Tyrol. Starting directly from the tranquil village centre of Trafoi, the lift transports guests up to the slopes on which skiing legend Gustav Thöni once perfected his technique. At the kindergarten of the "Gustav Thöni" ski school on the "Kirchhang" slope, children can practice for a skiing career, while adults make tracks on the sportier slopes of the small but fine Trafoi ski area. The best view of the Ortler range is from the Furkelhütte mountain hut at 2,250 m above sea level. This area is actually an important historical site: from here daredevil and chamois hunter "Pseyrer Josele" was the first to successfully ascend the Ortler in 1804. Snowshoe hikers will find plenty of peace, quiet and untouched nature in the middle of the Stilfserjoch National Park, while adventurers can glide through fresh powder snow in the Ortles region all the way to spring.

This trail is a good MTB connection between Göflan/Covelano near Schlanders/Silandro and Morter near Latsch/Laces, runs around the Aigen farm, and offers pure flow.

This short tour named after the surname of this area leads from Prato/Prad which is characterised by Romanesque period, across the beautiful meadow path above the granaries of the Venosta Valley to Agumes/Agums and to Montechiaro/Lichtenberg. A tarmacked trail leads upwards, gaining a little altitude, up to the Lichtenberg Castle and the Pinethöfe farms. We cycle past the Pinethöfe and a little later, turn left into the flowy S0 to S1 trail, which merges with a small tarmacked road at the Wartamstein height, back to Prato

Tip: Please do not cycle on the popular family hiking trail.

 
Worth seeing: Castles like the former Lichtenberg Fortress, the parish church of Montechiaro with building features and frescos from the 13th century, the St. Christina chapel  (1575) with a chancel closed on three sides, wall paintings and shingle roof.

A enjoyable racing bike side trip through the Lower Engadine and the "Oberes Gericht"

From Graun, the wonderful Langtaufers valley opens up to the east. First, follow the asphalt road in the direction of Melag until the fork in Kapron. In Kapron, turn right in the direction of Riegl and then follow the shady forest path to the Kaproner Alm alpine pasture (1,960 m), which is closed. Continue slightly up and down to the Masebner Alm alpine pasture, which is closed as well. Following the path upwards, sometimes a bit steep - arrive at the Maseben mountain hut at 2,267 m. Here the innkeeper of the hut welcomes guests with traditional schnapps and local foods. The 2 km back to the Masebner Alm continue towards the valley and Karlin creek. Once on the forest road, turn right and follow a beautiful forest path along the rushing stream to the Melager Alm alpine pasture. Enjoy the views of the glacier world from the rest areas and then follow the forest path again on the orographic left bank to Riegl. Here go briefly uphill to the main road in Kapron. This road will lead you back to Graun.

Starting in Reschen and heading north across the border to Nauders, we follow the state roads through the Inn valley towards Prutz. Here we turn right in the village and follow the road up to the Kaunerberg. From here we follow the high road in the direction of Wenns, which takes us further and continues to Imst. From Imst we follow the state road up to the Ötztaler Höhe, where we turn right and follow the course of the Ötztal. Arriving in Sölden, the climb up to the Timmelsjoch slowly begins. After the magnificent view, we descend into the Passeier Valley, towards Merano and via the Vinschgerstraße back to Reschen.

The trail starts at the Riatschhof and is due to the terrain in the upper part equipped with five somewhat falling turns before a flowing sloping passage comes. Another four nimble turns form the end of the trail. 
The trail then continues via the family trail to the Mutzkopf valley station.

The tour starts at the dam in St. Valentin. In the beginning, the route runs on an asphalt road through St. Valentin to Dörfl to the fisherman's houses and on to Alsack. Here turn left to Plawenn and then take the forest road on the right towards Planeiler Alm. Up to the Planeiler Alm alpine hut you have to really pedal uphill to reach the stopover after about 8 km. On the way enjoy the view of the Malser Haide, the Marienberg monastery and the Ortler group. The alpine hut offers some fresh milk and the traditional South Tyrolean bacon - Speck. With a full stomach, take the alpine path in the direction of Planeil valley to the Planeil stream called - Puni. After a rough, quite steep descent, reach the quaint village of Planeil. From Planeil, the asphalt road leads back to Ulten and Alsack and back to St. Valentin dam.

Up and down below Piz Salve, Munwartl and Glurnser Köpfl mountains.

From Trafoi, a lift takes you up to the Furkelhütte hut (2,153 m), where you can have a coffee before starting the tour. Then up and down on gravel paths, meadow paths towards the Stilfser Alm  Alpine pasture (2,077 m). Here, another opportunity presents itself to enjoy the panoramic view. Now downhill around 500 metres of height, below the Stilfser Alm to the 6er trail (S1) and forest as well as gravel path downhill to the Faslarhöfe farms (1,550 m), to then carry on uphill again, towards Schartalm Alpine pasture (1,825 m). At the junction Schartalm, take the gravel path towards the Lichtenberger Almen Alpine pastures (2,066 m) to the beautiful Gutfalltal Valley. From the pastures, a lovely trail, with occasional roots and a brilliant panoramic view leads to the Glurnser Alm Alpine pasture (1,978 m). This part is challenging and occasionally requires some skill and fitness. At the pasture, it is worth taking a break and a snack you brought along (Marend).
From the Glurnser Alm Alpine pasture, follow the forest trail downhill up to the town walls of the beautiful little town of Glorenza/Glurns, with its cobbled old town and nice cafés. From Glorenza, briefly follow the road from the south gate of the town wall, then turn right into the meadow path to Prato.

The Sulden glacier ski area is situated between 1,900 to 3,250 m above sea level and is considered to be South Tyrol's most snow-secure ski area - here you can ski for six whole months! Beginners can enjoy easy descents in an impressive location on the "Kanzel" amidst 14 three-thousand-metre peaks and the Stilfserjoch National Park. There are more challenging slopes in the "Schöntauf" area, especially on the "Gran Zebru" slope, and those who love powder snow descents will find their bliss here. Or perhaps you’re keen to embark on a ski tour to one of the many peaks? Skiers will need good stamina for the "König Ortler Circuit", which extends over all three mountains of the ski area, as well as for the eleven-kilometre-long valley ski run. At the "Yeti Club", children will receive first-class supervision. Guests can also meet real yaks from mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner next to the "Messner Mountain Museum Ortles".

Far above, it leads across the picturesque and namesake Plamort plateau past the famous tank barrages. The Plamort Trail crosses the border between Austria and Italy and ends at the historic bunker complex.

From the village center in Laas on the cycle path westwards through the orchards to Oris, through the Tschengls biotope further to Prad and over the "Prader Sand" to the fishing ponds.

The Fontana Trail starts just below the Schartegg parking lot. The first section is a wooded trail and isn't technically demanding (S1), following the same route as the Wolf Trail. However, as from the Wolf Trail/Fountain Trail intersection the path becomes more challenging (S2). Closer to the valley the trail gradually increases in difficulty (S3). The trail has various points of access.

Nestled between the Endkopf "Jaggl" (2,627 m) and Pleisköpfl (2,425 m) lies the destination, the Grauner Alm alpine pasture, at 2,173 m. Start the tour in Graun at 1,500 m. For a quick warm up, follow the road into the Langtauferer valley. After 250 m, turn right over the bridge and pedal up through the shady Arluiwald forest on a mainly pleasant incline on the alpine path to the Grauner Alm alpine pasture. There is a possibility to park your mountain bike at the mountain pasture and continue on foot via hiking trail no. 10 to the summit of the Endkopf (2,652 m). Duration of hike: approx. 2.5 hours (ascent and descent). On the hiking path to the peak, it's possible to spot some rare edelweiss flowers and marmots. Lying in the grass on the slope, enjoy the sensational panorama and head back down to the valley via the alpine path to stop by the village for a good meal.

The Schöneben - Haideralm ski area is the largest ski area in the province’s west and invites to experience winter’s many facets. The slopes of the Haideralm ski area can be accessed directly from the village of San Valentino/St. Valentin leading up to 2,200 m above sea level. Ways to get moving are equally as diverse: switch to a paraglider or take advantage of the reliable conditions at the Haidersee and Reschensee lakes where the famous ‘Vinschgau wind’ reliably powers ice sailors and kiters. On the wide slopes of the Schöneben ski area, featuring views of the Reschensee lake, families and leisure-minded skiers can carve their tracks. At the same time, freestylers practice at the ‘Butter Boxes’ and Funslopes of the award-winning snow park. The mythical atmosphere at the Reschensee lake with its sunken church tower also attracts many hikers in winter. Cross-country skiers can take advantage of an attractive network of trails around the ski area. The "Dreiländerloipe (three-country cross-country skiing trail)" is particularly popular. You can also explore the three-country region of South Tyrol, Tyrol and Engadine on a snowshoe hike.

From the village center in Schlanders on the cycle path to Holzbrugg, through fruit gardens following the river to the lake Goldrain.