From the Dolomites to the Ortler – for cross-country skiing fans
Even this winter season, cross-country skiing is a very popular sport in South Tyrol. It is one of the healthiest winter sports as it works all muscle groups and does not put excessive strain on the joints. Cross-country skiing is the perfect fitness programme in the fresh air for (almost) all ages.
There are almost 2,000 kilometres of cross-country ski trails in South Tyrol, from Alta Badia to Eggental till Meran. Today we present 5 trails of varying difficulty degrees, all of which lead through a dreamlike winter landscape and perfectly combine sport and nature. They all are groomed for both classic and skating styles and offer various payment options – from day passes to season tickets.
Plätzwiese circular trail
The easy 6.5 km long trail on the Plätzwiese high plateau above Prags in the Pustertal Valley is not only for professionals, but suitable for beginners as well. The trail offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Hohe Gaisl, Monte Cristallo and Tofana at an altitude of around 2,000 metres.
The Plätzwiese can be reached from the Brückele car park by shuttle bus and – to a limited extent – also by car. The 3 Peaks Dolomites region offers a total of 200 kilometres of cross-country ski trails for every taste.
Gsieser Valley cross-country ski trail
The Gsieser Valley is an unspoilt side valley of the Pustertal, which is a true Eldorado for cross-country skiers of all levels, with around 43 km of valley trails. There are several access points along the route, which leads from Welsberg to the end of the valley and out again.
The 3.5 km long, easy Mooswald circuit in St. Magdalena in Gsies is the ideal trail for beginners to try out.
Joch cross-country ski trail on the Seiser Alm
The cross-country ski trail network on the Seiser Alm covers around 80 km at an altitude between 1,800 and 2,200 metres. Both families and experienced professionals will find the right trail here.
The 15 km long Joch trail, which starts and finishes at the Ritsch cross-country skiing centre, is only for experienced winter sports enthusiasts. It is the longest and most challenging trail in this cross-country skiing area and offers stunning views of the imposing Dolomite peaks of the Langkofel, Plattkofel, Rosszähne and Schlern.
Ridnaun Valley circular trail
This medium-difficulty 14 km circuit starts in Maiern at an altitude of approx. 1,400 metres. The trail leads along the Fernerbach stream out of the valley to the Braunhöfe farms. After a loop, there is an ascent to Gasse up to the Joggelehof and then back down into the valley to Maiern.
The Ratschings and Ridnaun valleys are side valleys of the Eisack valley and offer a wonderful cross-country skiing area: in addition to the Ridnaun Valley circular trail, there is also the Platschjoch high-altitude trail, which starts at the mountain station of the Ratschings-Jaufen ski area, and the Ratsching valley trail.
Watles circular trail
At the Schlinig Nordic Ski Centre in the upper Vinschgau Valley, at an altitude of 1,726 m, a 15 km medium-difficulty circuit leads to the Schliniger Alm and back again. On the skiing and adventure mountain Watles you will find changing rooms and a cross-country skiing school.
In the border triangle between Italy, Austria and Switzerland, a total of 135 km of trails await cross-country skiing fans around Ortler and Lake Reschen: the cross-border cross-country skiing network Venosta Nordic covers 7 cross-country skiing areas in 3 countries
The first three trails presented are part of the largest cross-country skiing carousel in Europe: The Dolomiti Nordicski. It comprises 8 cross-country skiing areas in the heart of the Dolomites, in South Tyrol, in East Tyrol (Austria), in Cortina d'Ampezzo and in Cadore, and offers a total of over 900 kilometres of trails – including unique views of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.