Winter in South Tyrol at Vitalpina Hotels Sudtirol. Skiing and more

In winter, South Tyrol takes on a new look and offers skiing and more at the Vitalpina Hotels Sudtirol.

A winter wonderland to be discovered

Snow covers the meadows and the woods and reshapes the outline of the Dolomites which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But winter here is not just a season for skiing. It is a time to explore the region at a more leisurely pace, also on cross-country skis while delighting in the winter landscape. It is this vision of the mountains – active yet deeply connected to nature – that guests find at Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol/Alto Adige. The hotels are spread across various areas of the province and are ideal starting points for discovering a range of very different landscapes.

In the silence of the snow-covered woods

One of the most evocative experiences of a South Tyrolean winter is snowshoeing. Far from the ski slopes, the mountains seem quieter along trails that wind through fir and larch forests, snow-covered meadows and small villages up to mountain huts where farming continues even during the coldest months. In Val Venosta, in the western part of South Tyrol, the landscape is particularly striking. The valley is dominated by imposing mountains and retains a distinctly rural character. In Malles, fromthe Vitalpina DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat****S, you can explore this area on snow trails. Further east, in the Tires area, the Dolomites take centre stage. The Catinaccio and the Sciliar are among South Tyrol’s most recognizable mountains and the Vitalpina adults-only Alpinhotel Vajolet** is for those wishing to alternate outdoor activities and moments of tranquillity.

The valleys and their farmsteads

One of the most interesting aspects of South Tyrol is the variety of its landscapes. The Puster Valley, for example, features a mix of mountains, woods and wide valley floors. They are farms, and a testament to a way of life in the mountains that has developed over the centuries. In the Casies Valley, one of the Puster Valley’s side valleys, cross-country skiing allows you to immerse yourself directly in this setting The Wander Vital Hotel Magdalenahof** is situated in the valley, in a particularly favourable location for
exploring the area on cross-country skis.

A traditional Christmas

Winter in South Tyrol is also a season rich in traditions. In December, historic town centres and small villages are lit up. Christmas markets fill the squares with the scents of cinnamon, spices and mulled wine. The stalls offer handcrafted goods and local specialties, while ancient customs linked to the Advent period continue to be practised in the valleys. In Sesto, in the Sesto Dolomites, the Vitalpina Alpenwellness Hotel St. Veit** offers experiences rooted in this very tradition. A torchlight procession through the snow, the music of the zither and the baking of Christmas biscuits according to family recipes all evoke a simple Christmas deeply rooted in local culture.

Exploring the mountains on snowshoes

For those who love the snow but are looking for something different from downhill skiing, South Tyrol offers an extensive network of cross-country trails. The Casies Valley is one of the best-known destinations. Here the trails follow the valley floor, allowing you to traverse a landscape of woods, snow- covered meadows and ancient farmsteads. On 21 and 22 February 2027, the valley will host a long- distance cross-country race, featuring both classic and skating techniques. But even away from competitions, cross-country skiing retains a special connection to the local area.