South Tyrol, Italy’s most northernly region, plays host to the jaw-dropping beautiful mountains of the Dolomites. And that’s not just our opinion. The range was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2009. The area boasts some of the best ski and snowsport runs in the world, as well 300 days of sunshine every year and a snow guarantee that runs from December to April. This is clearly the place to be for discerning snow enthusiasts.
It’s not only the snow and the landscape that makes visiting worthwhile, however. South Tyrol’s unique combination of Alpine and Mediterranean cultural heritage influences everything from teh region’s food and wine to its spa tradition – all adding to an eclectic feel you will find nowhere else in the world.
Visitors can enjoy the finest South Tyrolean wines with traditional dishes such as dumplings – or ‘knodel’, as they are locally known – and schlutzkrapfen, which is ravioli filled with spinach and cheese. Yet only a small percent of European that are currently taking advantage of the region’s delights, with the exception of those living close. South Tyrol is a secret ski haven screaming to be discovered, and the perfect place to avoid crowded slopes and hour-long lift queues.
Home to the famous Dolimiti Superski and Sellaronda, the region offers excellent downhill and cross-country options for skier and snowboarders of all levels. There are an impressive 63 ski schools on hand for those beginners looking to improve their skills on the slopes. Away from the more traditional pursuit, there are plenty of alternative snowsports available for adventurers to try, from snowkiting and snowshoeing to tobogganing and sledging. Adrenaline junkies can go ice-climbling up frozen waterfalls, while those after a gentler time can enjoy the landscape with a pony ride or horse-drawn sled.
Not that snowsports ae the extent of your possibilities here. South Tyrol also enjoy a strong spa tradition, with many spas and thermal baths offering traditional treatments such as mild, honey and hay baths. The perfect way to relax at the end of the day on the slopes, and ahead of top-class après-ski in one of the many cosy log huts that pepper the mountain. You can make the most of the region’s renowned gourmet cuisine, too – 19 South Tyrol restaurants can boast of Michelin Star rating.
At its heart though, South Tyrol is all about the snow. The Dolomiti Superski is the world’s largest ski network, with a staggering total of 1,200km 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 it not only an adventurous, but also an affordable ski holiday option. The size of the network means there is a huge range of skiing available, from beginners’ and kids’ runs to elite-level slopes as well as great cross-country and off-piste skiing terrain.
South Tyrol also offers access to the majority Sellaronda, a 26km merry-go-round for skiers around the dramatic Sella Massif peak, with well-groomed pistes and modern, efficient lifts systems. The Sellaronda is one of the most exciting routes in the Alps and links four valleys in the Dolomites: The valleys Gardena, Fassa, Livinallongo and Badia.
In roughly five hours, skiers can complete the circular tour and around the impressive rock formations of the Dolomites and are rewarded with some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. The only tour of its kind, it 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.