Winter tourism in South Tyrol

1. 3 official languages are spoken in South Tyrol, divided as follows: 70% German, 26% Italian, 4% Ladin
2. 6% of the surface area of South Tyrol is habitable, 80% are mountains
3. 3,905 metres is the height of Ortler, South Tyrol’s highest summit. There are a total of 350 summits over 3,000 meters
4. 5,000 years is the age of the oldest South Tyrolean: Ötzi was discovered in 1991 in the Schnalstal valley.
5. 1,120 kilometres of ski slopes criss-cross South Tyrol. Many are part of the Dolomiti Superski

Whether you travel the environmentally friendly way by train or bus, take the quick option by plane, or use your own car, there are many ways to get to South Tyrol. Once you get here, it’s easy to explore South Tyrol without your own vehicle or the Mobilcard. Detailed information and the latest lists of the relevant suppliers are to be found at How to get to South Tyrol - free map and route planner.

Winter Passions in South Tyrol: Beyond skiing

South Tyrol has 30 ski resorts suitable for all levels of skiing and the amazing Dolomiti Superski network, which provides access to 1,200 km of slopes offers something unique for both Alpine skiers and snowboarders. It is also perfect for cross-country skiers as it offers Dolomiti Nordicski, Europe's largest cross-country ski network with 1,300 km of incredible trails.

Every year, the region improves and modernises its equipment such as new ski lifts, hotel openings and original event initiatives. South Tyrol is considered a trailblazer for Alpine skiing, as well as being the largest manufacturers of ski lifts, snowmaking systems and snow groomers (such as TechnoAlpin, Leitner Ropeways, Prinoth and Demaclenko). Each company was established in South Tyrol and their headquarters are based in this region of the Italian Alps.

Good news for keen skiers - the winter season starts in mid-September in the Schnalstal/Val Senales valley at the foot of the glacier. Guests have until the end of April to enjoy 185 hectares of incredible ski slopes and admire the famous peaks Weißkugel, Wildspitze and Similaun, which lies on the border between Austria and Italy. The Sulden/Solda ski resort opens at the end of October, while in the Dolomites, the season starts around the end of November until mid-April.

The Unique Experience of a South Tyrolean Winter

The Sellaronda circuit is well known beyond the Italian borders and it is one of the most impressive circuits in South Tyrol and the Italian Alps. This circuit offers a tour of the massif that can be completed in one day with a single package and this includes 40km of tracks, 26km of descents which links four different valleys. There is no need to take off your skis or ski a track twice! (In order to complete the circuit in one day, guests are advised to set aside six hours of skiing).

The Lagazuoi tour is much more than just a trip to the Dolomites; it is a testimony to the history of the First World War. Here from 1915 to 1917 a war over land ownership took place between the Austro-Hungarian and Italian troops. The circuit begins in the locality Armentarola/San Cassiano at 1,600m in which skiiers can reach by bus the pass of Falzarego (2,105 m). This is followed by a cable car which takes you to the summit at 2,800 meters. Before leaving, skiiers are advised to admire the 360-degree panorama of the Dolomite Peaks. The most beautiful descent is called the 'Armentarola', a 7.2 km long trail that finishes at the village, Sass Dlacia; where guests can experience a magical horse driven sled ride from the village to the ski lift!

Whether it is downhill skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing in South Tyrol - the region offers much more than perfectly snow-covered slopes, well-maintained cable cars and some of the best snow parks in Italy. This captivating corner of the Italian Alps also offers nearly 300 days of sunshine and fantastic activities both on and off the slopes, such as delicious food and wine tastings in authentic South Tyrolean huts dotted around the mountains.

Find out more: suedtirol.info