Dolomites Region Villnösstal/Val di Funes

Nestled between the head of the Villnösstal and Val Gardena valleys, you'll discover a unique string of jagged dolomite rock peaks. To distinguish it from the Aferer Geisler on the opposite northern side of the valley, this extraordinary formation is often referred to as the Villnöss Geislers and stands as a natural wonder. The Sass Regais,  also well-known as the "Odles", meaning "needles" in Ladin, with 3,025 m is the heighest peak of the Villnös Geisler. Start your winter adventure on one of the many hiking trails leading up to alpine inns and mountain huts. The post-card perfect panorama is particularly unforgettable from the Adolf-Munkel-Trail.

Go a few meters higher up on the snow-covered mountain slope to take one final lap on a cross-country skiing trail. After your active time in the snow, you can stop at one of the rustic huts for a snack or meal. Indulge in high-quality products and local dishes while marvelling at the view of the Dolomites: a speck-flavoured dumpling soup, a warm risotto or a sweet Kaiserschmarrn - a thick omelette that has been shredded.  Don't you have much appetite? The classic Marende (South Tyrolean snack)  with cheese, Schüttelbrot and Speck Alto Adige PGI should be tasted once in a lifetime.

Low traffic and no large hotels: just a group of people who are united and committed to their mission of caring for the natural landscape of the Villnösstal. By displaying the Slow Food label they made their vision public. Established in 1986 by Italian Carlo Petrini as a way of preserving local products, cuisine and recipes, Slow Food is now known worldwide as a sustainable movement.

Today, the Villnösstal in the Dolomites has become the first Slow Food Travel Destination in South Tyrol. Surrounded by meadows and Alpine pastures at the foot of the mighty Geislerspitzen peaks, people here still have close ties with nature, and farming continues to be part of the everyday culture. Huts, restaurants and hotels favour local products, and promote local producers. For instance, the Villnösstal is home to two Presidi Slow Food projects, which aim to preserve local and artisanal foods while supporting their producers. These include the Villnöss sheep and grey cattle. In addition, the strategy of sustainable tourism, which was adopted many years ago, continues to pave the way for a sustainable future. 

You'd better bundle up: the Dolomiti Ranger takes the whole family on a journey of discovery into the wild. Guided by an expert and during different activities, you'll learn how animals in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park prepare for winter and adapt to the cold. The program consists in identifying animal tracks in the snow, playing fun animal games and much adventure.

The ranger offer is aimed at families travelling with children from 7 years old.

Would you like a slice of spicy flavor mountain cheese? What about a tender cut  of grey cattle beef? Honey with the South Tyrolean Seal of Quality? Or a cosy blanket made of Villnöss natural wool? In the Dolomites Region Villnösstal and in the rest of South Tyrol, you'll find a wide selection of local high-quality foods and hand-crafted objects.

Many producers sell straight from the farm where you can taste the ingredients and get to know the producers. In this way, you will experience moments of delicious flavour and gain an insider knowledge about the cultivation and processing. With a bit of luck, you can even look over the shoulders of craftsmen at work as they create jewellery, wooden sculptures and baskets while strolling through the village.