Ski Touring in South Tyrol
Away from the groomed slopes, South Tyrol reveals a particularly impressive side of winter: ski touring combines physical challenge with an intense experience of nature. A wide variety of routes, ranging from guided tours for beginners to demanding summit ascents, make South Tyrol one of the most attractive destinations for ski tourers in the Alps.
Ski touring is not just about spectacular views and untouched snowy landscapes, but also about good planning and a keen understanding of the mountain environment in winter. Whether you’re already well-prepared or are taking it step by step, South Tyrol offers ideal conditions for this winter sport, from the Dolomites to the Ortler region.
5 Tips for Ski Tourers
Good technique and sound knowledge of avalanche awareness are essential for ski tourers in open terrain.
Unsplash / Getty Images- Guided ski tours are the ideal option for beginners. In South Tyrol, there is a wide range of mountain guides offering guided ski tours, multi-day ski touring courses and ski touring weeks for both beginners and experienced ski mountaineers.
- Careful route planning, checking the latest avalanche situation in advance and having a full set of equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel, are essential for safety on ski tours. Further recommendations for safe ski touring and other mountain sports can be found on the Club Arc Alpin website.
- Many ski rentals in South Tyrol also rent out touring skis, skins, ski touring boots and ski touring poles. Some ski rentals and specialist sports shops also offer avalanche transceiver sets for hire.
- Winters with plenty of snow pose a particular challenge for wildlife in the Alpine mountains They are dependent on peace and quiet and respectful behaviour. If they are disturbed by ski tourers, life-threatening situations can arise for the animals.
- Some ski resorts offer dedicated ascent tracks for ski tourers or special touring evenings. Apart from these specific permits, touring on the slopes in South Tyrol is prohibited both during ski season and outside opening hours.
Beautiful Ski Touring Routes in South Tyrol
South Tyrol offers fantastic routes for experienced ski tourers. Our small selection ranges from moderately difficult tours with views of the Three Peaks to challenging tours with views of Mt. Ortler. For beginners, guided tours are recommended, as the guide selects the route. For this reason, easy tours are not included here.
The ski tour to the Fanes Pasture in the Kronplatz Dolomites Region offers stunning mountain views.
San Vigilio Dolomites | Gianvito Coco- Dolomites
From Pederü to the Fanes Pasture (St. Vigil in Enneberg | Kronplatz Dolomites region)
From the Fischleintal valley to the Mt. Sextner Stein (Hochpustertal | Moos/Sexten) - Eisacktal Valley
To the Mt. Hochspitz (Ridnaun | Ratschings) - Meran & Environs
From the Grawand mountain station to the Mt. Finailspitze (Schnals) - Passeiertal Valley
Over the Timmelsjoch to the Banker Joch (Moos in Passeier) - Tauferer Ahrntal
Mt. Schneebiger Nock (Rein in Taufers)
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Images
Ski tour with friends in the early morning
IDM Südtirol - AlexFilz
Whether in the Dolomites, the Tauferer Ahrntal valley, the Wipptal valley or the Vinschgau valley: ski tourers love the varied winter landscapes of South Tyrol.
Unsplash / Getty Images
Ski tour with powder snow
Kasseler Hütte - Dorothea Volgger
Dreamlike ski tour near the Three Peaks with view of Mt. Paternkofel
Alpinschule Sexten Drei Zinnen
Good technique and sound knowledge of avalanche awareness are essential for ski tourers in open terrain.
Unsplash / Getty Images
Ski tour to the dreamlike peak in the Rieserferner Group
Kasseler Hütte - Dorothea Volgger
Dreamlike views in the ski tourers' paradise Tauferer Ahrntal
Kasseler Hütte - Dorothea Volgger
Unfogettable sunset with view of the Three Peaks
Alpinschule Drei Zinnen - Daniel Rogger
Extreme ski touring race in front of a wonderful mountain scenery
3 Zinnen Dolomites - Harald Wisthaler
Kurzras is the starting point of many panoramic ski tours.
IDM Südtirol - AlexFilz
Sunrise at Mt. Zinseler in Sterzing
Tourismusgenossenschaft Sterzing Pfitsch Freienfeld
Ski tour at sunrise in Schnals
IDM Südtirol - AlexFilz
Ski tour with view of the Glacier Hotel Grawand
IDM Südtirol - AlexFilz
Unspoilt slopes, powder snow and dreamlike winter days are waiting for you in the dreamlike mountain world of the Kronplatz Dolomites Region.
TVB Kronplatz - Manuel Kottersteger
Mt. Kronplatz and environs are a paradise for ski mountaineers and offer dreamlike tours with different levels of difficulty.
TVB Kronplatz - Manuel Kottersteger
Ski touring is getting more and more frequent and offers dreamlike panoramas and wonderful descents.
Internet Consulting
Dream ski tour with view of the Three Peaks in Hochpustertal
Alpinschule Sexten Drei Zinnen
Hut in Seis
by paul / Fotolia.com
Discover the beauty of the South Tyrolean mountain world in winter by a ski tour to Mt. Dürrenstein.
Internet Consulting - Piergiorgio Caruso
Explore the Rosengarten Group with alpine skiing
Internet Consulting - Piergiorgio Caruso
Arrived on top, you are awarded with a dreamlike view to the mountian cross.
Internet Consulting - Piergiorgio Caruso
Explore the Dolomites with alpine skiing!
Internet Consulting - Piergiorgio Caruso
Experience the adventure of skiing in the valleys of Prags in winter.
Internet Consulting - Piergiorgio Caruso
On top of the 3,059 m high peak in the Durreck Group
Kasseler Hütte - Dorothea VolggerFrequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for ski touring in South Tyrol?
Ski touring requires a good level of fitness, confident off-piste skiing and knowledge of avalanche risks. Beginners should start with guided tours to gradually improve their technique and judgement.
What equipment is required for a ski tour in South Tyrol?
Basic equipment includes touring skis with skins, ski touring boots and poles. For safety in the backcountry, avalanche equipment comprising an avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel is also mandatory. Warm, weatherproof clothing in layers, sun protection, a map or GPS, and a rucksack containing a first-aid kit, provisions and a warm drink are also essential.
When is the best time for ski touring in South Tyrol?
Depending on snow conditions, the ski touring season usually runs from December to April. Powder snow in the depths of winter or firn descents in spring – both have their charms. In general, you should always check the current weather and avalanche conditions and allow sufficient time for the ascent and descent.
What is the difference between ski touring and freeriding?
Ski touring relies on your own strength: you make the ascent using skins on your skis before heading out into open terrain for the descent. In freeriding, on the other hand, you usually use ski lifts and then ski off-piste. Ski touring thus combines the ascent, the experience of nature and the descent all in one.
