Winter holidays: enjoy South Tyrol in winter
Imagine sparkling snow transforming the Dolomites into a winter wonderland and clear, cold mountain air awakening your senses. A winter holiday in South Tyrol promises moments full of magic – from crackling open fires to snow-covered hiking trails that take you right into the heart of winter.
Why visit South Tyrol in the cold season?
Pasta with chanterelles at the Schöne Aussicht hut
Schutzhütte Schöne Aussicht - StefanSchuetz.com
Swimming pool
Therme Meran- Breathtaking snowy landscape
- Wide range of winter sports options: Skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing and much more.
- Relaxation in top wellness hotels and spas
- South Tyrolean cuisine with Alpine and Mediterranean influences
- Traditional customs and atmospheric Christmas markets
Skiing in the Italian Alps
Magnificent ski runs, modern ski lifts and breath-taking views are available for winter sports fans in Alta Badia.
Alta Badia - Andre Schoenherr
The family-friendly Gitschberg Jochtal ski region with views of the Eisack Valley, situated at the entrance to the Puster Valley
Tourismusverein Gitschberg JochentalThis region in Italy is a true Eldorado for skiers and snowboarders: the huge range of slopes in ski resorts such as Kronplatz and Gröden impress even the most demanding ski fans. Families also feel right at home in the smaller ski areas.
South Tyrol offers much more than just perfect slopes – it combines impressive mountain landscapes with a unique culinary culture. The rustic ski huts not only offer breathtaking views, but also culinary highlights.
South Tyrolean specialities such as speck dumplings, Alpine cheese and homemade pasta combine Alpine tradition with Mediterranean influences and make your ski holiday a real experience. The ski resorts are also known for their warm hospitality and modern infrastructure.
Tip: With the Dolomiti Superski ski pass, you have around 1,200 kilometres of slopes at your disposal.
Winter holidays without skiing: Other winter activities
In South Tyrol, there are numerous activities away from the ski slopes in winter. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can enjoy the fantastic trails of Hochpustertal or Antholz, which run through idyllic snowy landscapes and perfectly groomed trails. Those looking for pure winter fun should stay overnight near Toblach or on Seiser Alm pasture.
Tobogganing is also a popular highlight: on natural toboggan runs such as in Sexten or on the Rosskopf, young and old can embark on an adventure.
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiers can look forward to snow-sure high-altitude and panoramic trails of all levels of difficulty. The Antholz cross-country skiing centre and the Nordic Center Schlinig offer optimal training opportunities, even for professionals.
Tobogganing
For tobogganers, there are both family-friendly and fast-paced runs in almost all parts of the region, both floodlit at night and easily accessible by cable car. The longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol can be found in the Rosskopf, Plose and Speikboden ski areas
Ski touring & snowshoe hiking
The snow-covered mountains are of course also popular with ski tourers and snowshoe hikers. The Dolomites and the Ortler region in particular offer an immense range of tours and winter hikes with impressive summit panoramas.
Gliding across the ice
Ice skating is fun for young and old alike on frozen lakes or artificial ice rinks. For a change, you can also try curling.
If you are looking for a special winter adventure: Lake Reschen in the Vinschgau Valley offers ideal conditions for snowkiters and ice sailors. Numerous icy challenges await ice climbers in the Ahrntal and Passeiertal valleys, for example.
Images
The sunny ski runs of Meran 2000 are a paradise for winter sports fans.
Meran 2000 - Manuel Kottersteger
The ice tower in Rabenstein is one of the most spectacular ice-climbing facilities in Europe.
Tourismusverein Passeiertal - Benjamin Pfitscher
Extreme ski touring race in front of a wonderful mountain scenery
3 Zinnen Dolomites - Harald Wisthaler
Cross-country skiing from Toblach to Cortina
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige/Manuel Kottersteger
Dream ski tour with view of the Three Peaks in Hochpustertal
Alpinschule Sexten Drei Zinnen
The new Intercable Arena is located in Bruneck in Pustertal and is the venue for numerous ice sports.
Intercable Arena
Dreamlike ski tour near the Three Peaks with view of Mt. Paternkofel
Alpinschule Sexten Drei Zinnen
Family-friendly slopes nearby the picturesuqe Vigilius church offer a very special panorama.
AlexFilz - Ortler Skiarena
Europe's highest Benedictine monastery is located above Burgeis in Obervinschgau.
IDM Südtirol - F. Blickle
The valley of Ridnaun is a paradise for lovers of cross-country skiing.
Internet Consulting - Andreas Oberpertinger
In the surroundings of Schlanders, in winter, there are wonderful snowy peaks and family-friendly ski areas.
Tourismusverein Schlanders-Laas
Welsperg Castle is located on a rock at the entrance of Gsies Valley near Welsberg.
TV Gsieser Tal - Kamilla Photography
Winterly Issing near Pfalzen
Bruneck Kronplatz Tourismus - Harald Wisthaler
During the cold season, Innichen is a paradise for winter sports fans.
IDM Südtirol - Klaus Huber
View of the dreamlike, snowy Villnöss valley
Villnöss Tourismus Genossenschaft
in wintertime
hagenvontroja / Fotolia.com
Seiser Alm in South Tyrol
hegadex.com / Fotolia.com
Hut in Seis
by paul / Fotolia.com
Geisler in Villnöss
iPics / Fotolia.com
Christmas Market in Bozen
Antonio Gravante / Fotolia.comSpa & wellness: recovery after sport
With this view, the sauna infusion is a unique experience.
Internet ConsultingWintertime = wellness time! After an active day on the slopes or cross-country ski trails, there's nothing better than relaxing in the cosy wellness oases of South Tyrol. Whether you have exhausted yourself skiing or enjoyed nature while cross-country skiing – the numerous wellness hotels and swimming pools invite you to relax perfectly. Here you can warm up your muscles in the sauna, relax with soothing massages or enjoy the view of the snow-covered mountains in the pleasantly warm pools.
Enjoy Christmas markets during Advent
At Christmas, the cathedral square in Brixen is decorated with festive market stalls.
Brixen Tourismus Genossenschaft - Axel Filz
Christmas Market in Bozen
Antonio Gravante / Fotolia.com
Christmas market in the historical Kapuziner garden in Lana
TV Lana und Umgebung - Patrick Schwienbacher
Atmospheric music and festive lights create a spacial atmosphere at the Christmas market in Meran.
Kurverwaltung Meran - Manrico FinottoWinter in South Tyrol is characterised by festive traditions and a special magic that delights young and old alike. In many villages and towns, the Advent season is celebrated with atmospheric Christmas markets. Handmade gifts, regional specialities and the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine will enchant your senses.
The Christmas market in Bozen is particularly well-known and attracts numerous visitors every year. With its historical flair and lovingly decorated stalls, it is a highlight for families with children. Here the little ones can marvel, visit craft workshops and listen to stories about local customs. The whole family can enjoy the contemplative atmosphere of South Tyrol and experience unforgettable moments.
Where is it warmest in South Tyrol in winter?
South Tyrol offers the perfect conditions for those who prefer a slightly milder winter: The lower-lying valleys, such as the Meran region, often have more pleasant temperatures. The region is known for its many hours of sunshine. During the day, temperatures there often rise to 10-15 °C on sunny winter days.
In fact, South Tyrol has many hours of sunshine at this time of year, which makes the cold days all the more pleasant than in other regions of Europe. In the area around Bozen and Meran, you can enjoy the winter weather in bright sunshine without having to constantly wrap up in thick jackets.