South Tyrol, also known as Südtirol, Italy’s most northerly region, is set amongst the jaw-droppingly beautiful mountains of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites. It boasts some of the best ski and snow-sport runs in the world – add to this 300 days of sunshine a year and a snow guarantee from December to April, and it really is the place to be for discerning snow enthusiasts. However, it’s not just the snow and landscape that makes visiting worthwhile. South Tyrol’s joint Alpine and Mediterranean cultural heritage influences everything from the region’s food and wine to its spa tradition – all adding to its eclectic and unique nature. Visitors to the region can enjoy the finest South Tyrolean wines with traditional dishes such as dumplings, or “Knödel” as it’s locally known, and Schlutzkrapfen – ravioli filled with spinach and cheese. South Tyrol is a secret ski spot waiting to be discovered, and the perfect place to avoid crowded slopes and hour-long ski-lift queues.
Home to the famous Dolomiti Superski and Sella Ronda, the region offers excellent downhill and cross-country options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and there are 63 ski schools on hand for those beginners looking to improve their skills on the slopes. There are also a number of alternative snow sports available for adventurous visitors to try – from snow kiting and snow shoeing, to tobogganing and sledging – there need never be a dull moment. After a day on piste visitors can enjoy an après-ski in one of the many cosy log huts that pepper the slopes, or tuck into the gourmet food which the region is famous for – it boasts an amazing 20 restaurants with a Michelin star rating. South Tyrol also has a strong spa tradition, with many spas and thermal baths offering traditional treatments such as milk, honey and hay baths – the perfect way to relax at the end of the day.
The Dolomiti Superski is one of the world’s largest ski networks with a staggering total of 1200km of perfectly snow-covered slopes taking in 12 different resorts and areas. What is more, each of these areas has direct access to the Dolomiti Superski, and any part of this impressive network can be covered with just one ski pass, making this not only an adventurous but also an affordable ski holiday option. The size of the network means that there is a huge range of skiing available from beginners’ and kids’ runs to championship-level slopes, as well as great cross-country and off-piste skiing terrain.
South Tyrol also offers access to the mighty Sella Ronda, a 26km merry-go-round for skiers around the dramatic Sella Massif Peak with well-groomed pistes and modern, efficient lift systems. The Sella Ronda is one of the most exciting routes in the Alps and links four valleys in the Dolomites: the Gardena, Fassa, Livinallongo and Badia valleys. Alta Badia and Val Gardena are in South Tyrol. In roughly five hours, skiers can complete the circular tour around the impressive rock formations of the Dolomites and are rewarded with some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. This merry-go-round for skiers is the only one of its kind and is made up of a series of ski-lifts and downhill runs, all linked to one another and set against a background of woods, rocky peaks and expanses of snow. It is a must-do for any keen skier or snowboarder.
But South Tyrol is also a fantastic destination for all things snow and not just ski. Adrenaline junkies can go ice climbing up frozen waterfalls, or why not enjoy the landscape on a pony ride or horse-drawn sled? In South Tyrol’s winter wonderland, the possibilities are endless. For more information visit suedtirol.info/dolomighty or join us on facebook.com/southtyrolUK.
WIN A HOLIDAY TO SOUTH TYROL
Enter our competition for the chance to win a 7-night skiing holiday in the Dolomites for a family of four, courtesy of Inghams. The prize includes hotel accommodation, return flights with airport transfers and ski passes plus £1000 worth of Salomon gear – perfect for keeping warm on the slopes. Check out our online magazine at www.suedtirol.info/.
