Ski areas in South Tyrol

The Rittner Horn mountain above Bolzano/Bozen is also known as the "Dolomite Lodge" for good reason. Here you can enjoy a 360° panorama in the heart of the South Tyrolean mountains as you enjoy fantastic views of the striking Dolomites then turn north to spot the main chain of the Alps. Families and nature lovers in particular will love the relaxed atmosphere in the easy-to-navigate Rittner Horn ski area. Elsewhere, cross-country skiers are busy discovering the wide Alpine pastures via the high-altitude trail from the Schwarzseespitze mountain station and sledging fans speed down the many curves on two runners. Comfortable winter hiking trails, some of which are even suitable for prams, lead across the entire high plateau. Journey from Bolzano with the cable car to Soprabolzano/Oberbozen then continue with the romantic narrow-gauge railway to Collalbo/Klobenstein. Ice skaters and ice skating professionals can make use of the 400-m speed skating rink, which is one of the fastest open-air skating rinks in the world thanks to its altitude.

From the valley floor below, the jagged peaks of the Sella massif, the towers of the Sassolungo and Fermeda peaks and the Odle mountains all seem within easy reach. With 175 km of slopes, Val Gardena is not only the largest but also one of the most famous ski areas in South Tyrol. It became famous for the Ski World Championships held there in 1970. Today, cable cars and lifts bring visitors directly from the village centre up to the mountains where they can tackle slopes of all difficulty levels and with connections to the Dolomiti Superski carousel. From the huts, guests can enjoy culinary delicacies and panoramic views of the Dolomites. The famous "Sellaronda ski circuit" can be started from all Val Gardena villages. So too can the less well-known but equally diverse "Gherdeina Skiring" from the Alpe di Seceda mountain hut to Dantercepies. Only bold skiers dare to descend the steep "Saslong" slope on the Ciampinoi, while the 10.5 km "La Longia" route from Seceda to Urtijëi/Ortisei requires good fitness.

Families feel particularly at home in the Pflerschtal valley ski area between the Brenner/Brennero border and the medieval town of Sterzing/Vipiteno. Kids from age 2 can have a blast at "Fichti's Kinderwelt, a 5,000 m² children's winter park. At the ski school, which has received several gold awards, the ski instructors know exactly how beginners best learn to take their first turns. Experienced skiers can carve over the slopes of the forest valley ski run or enjoy the panoramic trail with a view of the Tribulaun and the Weißwandspitze peaks. The nearly 7-km toboggan run from the Ladurner Alm Alpine pasture is fun for young and old. Alternatively, the idyllic landscape in the Ridnauntal, Pfitschtal and Pflerschtal valleys boasts countless winter hiking routes and an exquisite network of cross-country skiing trails. Experienced ski tourers can climb up to the Stubai Glacier or the Zillertal Alps.

The word "hectic" simply does not exist in the vocabulary of Plan/Pfelders. Here, amidst the fairytale winter landscape of the pristine Passeiertal valley, nature lovers and families in particular can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Plan is one of the "Alpine Pearls©", a group of mountain villages dedicated to sustainability. During your skiing holiday in Plan, you won’t need your car because it takes a maximum of 3 minutes from the accommodation to the lift in this traffic-calmed village. The Pfelders ski area features slopes for all levels of ability as well as cosy mountain huts. With snowshoes or cross-country skis, you can discover the untouched landscape of the Texelgruppe Nature Park on your own. Elsewhere, romantics lace up their skates at the natural ice rink.  If, on the other hand, you are looking for an adrenaline rush, Corvara/Rabenstein has one of the largest ice climbing facilities in Europe.

Families in particular will feel at home on the gentle slopes of the Speikboden ski area in the Tauferer Ahrntal valley, where about half of the wide pistes are classified as easy. The Family fun park offers fun for young and old and the snow park gives freestylers the chance to practice their latest tricks. Long carving turns are best enjoyed next to the Sonnklar lift. The ski area’s cable cars will take you up to 2,400 m above sea level, where you can enjoy the scenery of the surrounding three thousand metre peaks either from the viewing tower or on one of the many marked snowshoe hiking trails. An overnight stay in an igloo is one of the romantic highlights of the snow-secure Speikboden ski area. Family fun is not in short supply thanks to the two toboggan runs. At ten and eight km, they are the longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol.

From the lively spa town of Meran or the picturesque village of Hafling/Avelengo, the cable car and the gondola Falzeben transports guests up to the high plateau, which is also known as the "Sun Terrace of Meran". At the Kinderland playground Outdoor Kids Camp, little snow bunnies can romp and frolic while freestylers and snowboarders jump and slide in the snow park. The slopes, most of which are easy to moderately difficult, are spread over the St. Oswald, Kesselberg and Mittager ski mountains. At the latter, sporty skiers play daredevil at the eponymous black slope. The wide range of offers for all ages and levels of ability has already earned the Meran 2000 ski area several awards for its family friendliness. In addition to leisurely winter hikes with mountain hut stops and romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides, the ski area is also a good starting point for demanding ski tours. The year-round mountain roller coaster provides a thrill: the Alpine coaster whizzes along the tracks at speeds of up to 40 km/h!

The sunny ski area in the authentic Sarntal valley near Bolzano/Bozen is ideal for families: the ski lifts transport you up to 2,400 m above sea level, where varied, partly even FIS European Cup-tested slopes await you. At the same time, leisure-minded skiers prefer to carve tracks on the "Pichlberg-Plankenhorn" slope and experts test their courage on the "Joch slope" with up to 58 % incline. Elsewhere, snowboarders practice jumps at the "Sunpark" and cross-country skiers glide through the idyllic landscape beneath the foot of the Sarntal Alps to the scent of mountain pine thickets. With a little luck, you might be able to sample the traditional "Sarner Striezl" bread filled with Speck smoked ham at the valley station. The Reinswald ski area is also famous for its toboggan runs. Sledging fans from all over South Tyrol gather in Reinswald on full moon nights: While romantics sledge along the 4.5-km "Reinswalder Wiesen" track, speed-demons zip down the short but quick "Sunnalm" toboggan run.

Winters on the Vigiljoch mountain have a certain nostalgia factor. In particular, arriving via Europe's second oldest ropeway (built in 1912) is a real experience. In the past, Lana's local mountain was a popular destination for spa guests from Meran/Merano and there were even international ski races held here in winter. These days on the Vigiljoch mountain, you will find untouched nature and quiet places of energy in addition to modern aspects like the "Vigilius Mountain Resort" wellness hotel by star architect Matteo Thun, which blends harmoniously into the landscape. One way to reach the family-friendly ski slopes is via the historic chairlift. The panorama of the surrounding mountains and the romantic winter landscape of the car-free high plateau can be discovered particularly well on a winter or snowshoe hike. A lively atmosphere prevails on the toboggan run and during ice skating on the legendary "Schwarze Lacke" mountain lake in the middle of the forest.

In the Ratschings ski area, not far from Sterzing/Vipiteno, demanding skiers can carve over 25 km of perfectly groomed slopes. Mini ski stars will have a great time in the Kinderland play area while in the "fun park" beginners and professionals can practice tricks on the many obstacles. If they have protective equipment, they can also practice on the "Fun-Slope" with the snow elements. Particularly popular with experts are the north-side slopes, which feature grippy snow all they way to spring, or the "Saxner" valley ski run. Above the mountain station, the forest opens up to feature a wide plain that invites you to winter hikes. The toboggan run is the perfect way for the whole family to descend into the valley together. Cross-country skiers will find a challenge on the "Platschjoch High-Altitude Trail," which runs diagonally through the gentle winter landscape on the main chain of the Alps and through spruce forests.

From the bishop's bishop's seat of Brixen with its medieval alleyways, it’s less than ten minutes to the Plose ski area, which stretches over two of the three peaks of the Plose mountain area. Once you’ve arrived at an altitude of over 2,000 m above sea level, a magnificent panorama opens up in all directions. As you ski the southern slopes of the Plose and the Pfannspitze mountains, you’ll have a clear view of the Dolomites’ distinctive rock pinnacles. To the north, the main chain of the Alps towers in the distance. Will you have the courage to venture down the 9-km legendary "Trametsch" valley ski run? Ways to explore the snow-covered landscape are limitless: Hike along the numerous hiking trails and ski tourers will discover untouched powder snow on the slopes of the Gabler in the Puez Geisler Nature Park. On the "RudiRun," one of the longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol, fun is guaranteed for the entire family. From the mountain station to the valley, speed down nearly 10 km and descend 1,000 metres in altitude.

The Kronplatz mountain is especially popular with demanding skiers and snowboarders. While the young practice new tricks in the two snow parks, the brave plunge down the notorious "Silvester" or "Hernegg" black slopes to Riscone/Reischach, where the après-ski bars fill up in the evenings. In the kids’ parks and ski schools, guests learn to parallel turn on the flatter slopes. Thanks to modern lifts, Bruneck’s local mountain with over 100 km of slopes is accessible from three sides. The "Piculin" lift even offers access to the "Sellaronda ski circuit", and the Ski Pustertal Express transports excited skiers to the Three Peaks Dolomites ski resort in Hochpustertal. The Plan de Corones area is an especially spacious, sunny plateau with a 360° panorama of the surrounding mountain landscape. Here, a true architectural highlight awaits discovery: at the Messner Mountain Museum "MMM Corones”, designed by star architect Zaha Hadid, mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner puts guests into dialogue with the world’s north faces, the supreme discipline of mountaineering.

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.

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.

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.

The Carezza Dolomites ski area is one of the most traditional in the Alpine region. The first ski resort was opened back in 1950 at the foot of the Rosengarten massif. Today, a modern cable car facility leads up the erstwhile "Paolina" route and an additional 11 lifts connect the 40 km of slopes. The ski area is accessible from Bolzano/Bozen in about 20 minutes and is considered a true insider tip for families. At the "King Laurin Children's World," little ones can immerse themselves in the enchanting, legendary world of the Rosengarten and learn to ski in a playful way. Meanwhile, more practiced winter-sports enthusiasts can carve down the sun-kissed slopes, speed down the toboggan run, or follow the track of the cross-country skiing trail with stunning views of the Dolomites. Apropos, there is no other place in South Tyrol where you can ski more sustainably. The Carezza Dolomites climatic ski area, for instance, only uses water from its own reservoir to produce snow. Snow groomers use snow depth measurements to ensure that they only groom the slopes to the extent necessary.

On the slopes of Schwemmalm in the Ultental valley, leisure-minded skiers and beginners can rub elbows with professional skiers training for the next World Cup. In addition to 25 km of variety-rich slopes, rustic mountain huts with regional delicacies provide an attractive combination of sporty and culinary enjoyment. Freestylers love the Schwemmalm ski area for its powder snow slopes. For ski touring enthusiasts, there are countless routes in the Ultental valley at various levels of difficulty with more challenging options at the glacier at the end of the valley. The most personal way to experience the pristine Ultental valley is along the cross-country skiing trails or countless winter hiking trails that lead past centuries-old farms with traditional shingle roofs. Or you can hike to the starting point of the "Moscha" natural toboggan run and speed down the slope on two runners.

At the glacier skiing area in the rustic Schnalstal valley, slopes start at up to 3,200 m elevation. From September to May, the long ski season is also popular with international skiing and cross-country skiing professionals for high-altitude training. In just minutes, the highest-climbing cable car in South Tyrol takes visitors from the village of Maso Corto/Kurzras to the snow-secure slopes, where there are pistes for all skill levels. Almost half of these are black! The "Teufelsegg", for instance, is notorious, while the new slalom training course "Leo Gurschler" with a gradient of up to 60% and the "Schmuggler" ski run into the valley are both challenging. Schnalstal valley is also known as a fantastic ski touring region: Many of the surrounding 3000-m peaks can be reached without long climbs. Finally, the demanding "Ötzi Glacier Tour" takes visitors to the Tisenjoch, the discovery site of the famous iceman, or you can start the "Ötztaler Runde" circuit.

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".

Few cities are so close to the slopes: From the picturesque shopping streets of the former Fugger town of Sterzing/Vipiteno, it’s just a five minutes to the valley station of the Rosskopf cable car, which quickly transports guests up to 1,860 m above sea level. On Sterzing's local mountain, also known as the "Sterzing sun terrace," the panorama over the entire Wipptal valley is quite impressive and the Dolomites of the southern Odle mountains reach for the sky. The quickest way back into the valley is via the spacious slopes. Alternatively, discover the idyllic winter landscape of the family-friendly skiing area by snowshoes. The toboggan run is winter fun for young and old at its most popular. With a distance of 10 km, it’s the longest track with artificial snow cover in Italy.

The Seiser Alm high plateau is a cosy place and the wide slopes are ideal for families and beginners. You can hike over the rolling hills of this vast Alpine pasture and listen to the crunch of snow beneath your feet. Gourmets will want to stop in to the "Schwoage," a rustic Alpine hut with great food. From the chairlift already, the landscape of the Schlern Nature Park can be readily admired. The cross-country skiing trails that stretch across the high plateau demand endurance. Those interested in high jumps should head to the snow park, which is considered to be one of Italy’s best. A particularly romantic way to discover the winter landscape is by horse-drawn carriage. Those with a need for speed, on the other hand, can measure their quickness on the "Goldknopf" ski run. Featuring a direct lift connection to the neighbouring Val Gardena valley, guests can also take advantage of the countless slopes of the Dolomiti Superski skiing network.

Around the most famous rock towers in the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, the Three Peaks, and near the Austrian border, modern cable cars and lifts lead to over 100 kilometres of diversity-rich slopes. The "Giro delle Cime”, a sporty round trip to the ski mountains Helm, Stiergarten, Rotwand, Kreuzberg and the Val Comelico ski area (Belluno province), offers the best views of the jagged peaks. In the realm of the sleeping giant Riese Haunold, oversized snowmen, a toboggan run and the only free roaming reindeer herd in the Alps provide family fun. The brave plunge down Italy's steepest daily-groomed slope, the "Holzriese”, which has a gradient of 72%. For even more km of slopes you don't even need to take off your ski boots - the Ski Pustertal Express connects the 3 Zinnen Dolomites and Kronplatz ski areas.

Alta Badia delights gourmets with events themed around "A taste for Skiing", while cosy mountain huts offer refined regional dishes. Naturally, the skiing conditions at South Tyrol's most tradition-rich ski area are also first-class. Demanding slopes on the Sella massif such as the "Vallon" ski run or the "Gran Risa" World Cup giant slalom track in La Villa are for daredevils only. Otherwise, more than half of the pistes in Alta Badia are classified as easy so that even beginners and novices can easily explore the entire ski area with views of the Sasso di Santa Croce, Sassongher and Lavarella mountains. In addition to the famous "Sellaronda" ski circuit, the "Peace Tour" around the Col di Lana mountain is a real experience. For it was here that Austrian Gebirgsjäger, as the light-infantry was called, fought against the Italian Alpini during World War I. Cross-country skiers can cross the Armentarola valley diagonally, whilst deep-snow fans can glide from Sass Pordoi through the picturesque Val Mezdì valley to Colfosco.

Keen to experience 3,000 m peaks so close you can reach out and touch them? Then take the K2, South Tyrol’s highest eight passenger gondola lift, up to 2,510 m above sea level on Klausberg. The varied, wide ski runs in the Klausberg ski area are a dream come true and every skier will have the chance to chose a favourite slope. Meanwhile, international ski professionals prefer to train for the slalom event on the particularly long, icy "Steinhaus" slope. In the mountain pasture down at the bottom, kids can learn to ski in a playful way with magic carpets, as "Klausi" the marmot watches over the slides and the igloo in the children's playland. Older ones should check out the ideally equipped snow park, the ‘speed line,’ or the "Klausberg Flitzer" Alpine Coaster. With so much to experience, it’s small wonder that the Klausberg ski area in the Tauferer Ahrntal valley has already received several awards as one of the most family-friendly ski resorts in Italy.

Small but excellent: The Jochgrimm ski area is perfect for beginners and families. Four ski lifts connect the seven kilometres of slopes between the Schwarzhorn and Weißhorn peaks. The manageable size makes the ski area a popular destination for school classes or group excursions. In 'Fantiland', little ones can frolic in the snow and practice sledging, while cross-country skiers can glide through one of the world's best Nordic areas at the Lavazè cross-country ski centre. This centre has connections to the villages of Aldein/Aldino, Petersberg/Monte San Pietro, and Deutschnofen/Nova Ponente, where there are almost 80 km of high-altitude trails to explore. Those who want to enjoy views of famed Dolomite massifs such as the Rosengarten massif, Schlern or the Val di Fiemme mountains in peace and quiet, should hike over the snow-covered high plateau or stomp through the winter forest on snowshoes.

The Gitschberg-Jochtal skiing and Alpine pasture region welcomes guests where the Pustertal valley meets the Eisacktal valley. The lifts connect Mühlbach/Rio di Pusteria in the valley with the villages of Maranza/Meransen and Valles/Vals, both of which are situated at about 1,400 m above sea level. Small wonder that there are three viewing platforms here: More than 500 peaks can be discovered from these vantage points, in particular the Pfunderer Berge mountains, the adjacent Zillertal Alps and the Dolomites. In the Mühlbach skiing and Alpine pasture region, the focus is on families. While little ones attempt their first ski turns at the award-winning children's ski schools, beginners and novices can practice carving on the gentle slopes of Valles. Meanwhile, experienced skiers can carve down the demanding slopes into sunny Maranza. The nearly 7-km toboggan run is definitely not just for kids! Romantics can go on a winter hike through the picturesque Altfasstal valley or to the Fane Alm Alpine farm.

In wintertime, the Latemar Dolomites massif (Latemar translates in English to “Sea of Milk”) is transformed into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Several times in the past, the Obereggen ski area was named one of the best ski resorts in the Alps, above all because of its perfectly groomed slopes, the cosy huts with regional specialities and the snow parks, which inspire both snowboarders and freestylers alike. This is a great destination for families. Parents can practice parallel turns along the sunny slopes (all difficulty levels) to the adjoining Val di Fiemme. Meanwhile, children from age three can frolic in the mini club or learn to ski in the "snow house" and the "Yeti Kinderpark". Qualified ski instructors will teach children how to control their speed on two skis. There is also a tubing track in addition to snow waves in "Brunoland" at the valley station. Should you find a day of action to be too short, you can head night skiing several times a week by floodlight, rush over the toboggan run, or practice tricks in the night snowpark. At the "Obereggen Night Show" you can even watch the snow groomers dance through the night.