Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass: Alpine Delights and Urban Flair

Holiday Region Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass Offers Alpine Delights and Urban Flair in the North of South Tyrol

In the far north of South Tyrol/Südtirol, just beyond the Brenner Pass, winter opens into a landscape where alpine charm, wide‑open valleys and three distinctive ski areas come together as one seamless holiday region.

The neighbouring mountain communities of Sterzing/Vipiteno, Ratschings/Racines and Gossensass/Colle Isarco and their associated ski areas of Rosskopf, Ratschings‑Jaufen and Ladurns have come together to form a fabulous, unified holiday region with a shared identity.

Map of the Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass holiday region showing Sterzing, Gossensass, Freienfeld and the surrounding valleys © Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass

This area is a place where mountain time feels relaxed and natural, where snow arrives reliably thanks to the proximity of the main Alpine ridge, and where every day can be shaped around skiing, winter adventures, relaxing or simply enjoying the rhythm of an Italian winter. It’s an authentic, varied, welcoming and wonderfully easy place to enjoy.

The scenery shifts from alpine town to pristine mountain landscapes, creating a winter setting that suits families, beginners, mixed‑ability groups and anyone seeking a South Tyrol family ski holiday with character.

Skier carving a steep piste in Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass in front of a dramatic rocky peak © TGossensass_Kottersteger

Three Ski Areas, One Holiday Region

With 66 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes, 20 mountain huts for a short break or stopover to breathe and take in the view, comfortable modern lifts and a winter season running from 4th December 2026 through to 4th April 2027, the region offers long, snow‑sure months of skiing, winter walking, cross‑country trails, tobogganing adventures and cultural experiences. It’s a place where you can ski at sunrise, listen to live music in mountain huts, wander through a Christmas market, or spend a day exploring cafés, restaurants and shops in Italy’s northernmost town.

This is winter in Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass: relaxed, atmospheric and full of possibilities.

Ski Area Rosskopf: The Mountain Above Sterzing/Vipiteno

Rising directly above the alpine town of Sterzing, Rosskopf is a ski area that blends convenience with wide-open views. Its slopes are known for excellent grooming and long seasons, making it a favourite for family skiing in Italy and South Tyrol. Its favourable location for snow reliability ensures good cover well into spring, creating ideal conditions for sun skiing in March and April.

Two skiers looking out over the valley and mountains from a groomed piste on the Rosskopf © TG Sterzing Pfitsch Freienfeld – 99tales

Another highlight is Early Bird skiing, offered every Friday from 25 December to 26 February 2027 and then on Saturdays through March. Watching the sunrise from the slopes above Sterzing is a moment that stays with you: quiet, golden, and full of anticipation for the day ahead.

Ski Area Ratschings-Jaufen: A Winter Playground with High Energy

The Ratschings-Jaufen ski area is one of the region’s most dynamic mountains, offering terrain that suits beginners, confident skiers and mixed‑ability groups. With modern lifts, reliable snow and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s a natural fit for skiing with kids in Italy, beginner skiing Italy, and mixed ability family ski holiday groups who want variety without complexity.

In 2027, Ratschings‑Jaufen will host a major international event: the FIS Snowboard World Cup on 30th of January 2027. Over 100 athletes from leading winter sports nations will compete head‑to‑head on the parallel slalom course, chasing World Cup points, podium places and qualifications for future global competitions. It’s an exciting moment for the region and a chance for visitors to witness world‑class snowboarding up close.

Furthermore the Ski area Ratschings‑Jaufen brings the mountains to life with skiing fun and mountain hut entertainment as from 18th-21st January 2027 and again from 15th-17th March 2027, daily live music fills the ski huts, creating a festive, relaxed atmosphere that pairs perfectly with long ski days.

Two skiers chatting on a sunny piste in Ratschings-Jaufen with a snowy mountain peak behind © Ratschings-Jaufen / Wolfgang Ehn

Ladurns: Family‑Friendly, Atmospheric and Full of Charm

Located in the Pflersch valley, Ladurns is known as one of the most welcoming ski areas for families. Its gentle terrain, friendly ski schools and calm atmosphere make it ideal as a family ski resort Italy and for first‑time skiers. Ladurns is a place where children progress naturally, where parents feel at ease, and where skiing feels joyful rather than rushed.

For something a little different, every Saturday in January, Ladurns hosts January Sounds, bringing live music to the slopes and adding a warm, uplifting energy to winter weekends.

New for the season is MonteCherie, a venue offering aperitivo, mountain dining and après ski. It’s a stylish addition that enhances Ladurns’ appeal for relaxed afternoons and sociable evenings.

Couple enjoying Kaiserschmarrn and white wine on a sunny mountain hut terrace in Ladurns © Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass

“This is winter in Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass: relaxed, atmospheric and full of possibilities.”

Beyond Skiing: Winter Days with Variety

Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass is more than a ski destination. It’s a winter region where you can shape your days around movement, culture, food, scenery or simply slowing down.

The valleys surrounding Sterzing, Ratschings and Gossensass offer peaceful winter walking routes and snowshoe trails. Especially away from the busier slopes, forests, snow-covered meadows and mountain views create a sense of calmness and space.

Cross‑country skiers will also find atmospheric trails across the region, offering both gentle loops and more challenging routes available all season long.

For those who enjoy ski touring, the region’s valleys provide varied terrain and rewarding climbs.

For fans of tobogganing, the famous 10‑kilometre Rosskopf run is a real treat. From late December until the end of February, the run is floodlit every Friday evening, turning tobogganing into a magical nighttime adventure. But there are also plenty of smaller toboggan routes across the region offering fun for families and groups.

Culture, Cafés, Restaurants & Shopping

Sterzing/Vipiteno, Italy’s northernmost town, is a highlight in itself. Its medieval centre, colourful facades and inviting shops create a warm, atmospheric setting for leisurely afternoons. Cafés and restaurants serve South Tyrolean and Italian dishes, making it easy to enjoy relaxed meals between ski days.

At the start of the season from 27th of November 2026 to 6th January 2027 it’s particularly magical as the town hosts the “Sterzinger Glockenweihnacht” Christmas market complete with lanterns, wooden stalls, seasonal flavours and festive music which transform Sterzing into a beautiful winter postcard scene.

Sterzing Christmas market at dusk with wooden stalls and the Zwölferturm tower © IDM Südtirol – Alex Filz

Effortless Mobility with the Südtirol Guest Pass

Guests staying in participating accommodations receive the Südtirol Guest Pass which allows unlimited use of public transportation throughout South Tyrol. Ski slopes are accessible via public transport, making it easy to move between Sterzing, Ratschings and Gossensass without relying on a private car.

In short, Sterzing-Ratschings-Gossensass is a region that fits every kind of winter holiday. Everything fits together naturally, be it the alpine town atmosphere of Sterzing/Vipiteno, the five unspoilt Alpine valleys or the welcoming villages of Gossensass/Colle Isarco and Freienfeld/Campo di Trens. Together they all create a winter region with depth and personality.

Families enjoy quality time together, beginners feel supported, mixed‑ability groups can each enjoy their preferences without complication. Those seeking culture and atmosphere find it in Sterzing’s streets and Christmas market and skiers who love reliable snow and modern lifts find exactly what they’re looking for across Rosskopf, Ratschings‑Jaufen and Ladurns. All in all, it’s a region that has everything you need, whoever you are.

Main image © TGossensass_Kottersteger

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