Discover South Tyrol, the peak of indulgence this winter

Situated in the Italian Alps between Verona and Innsbruck, South Tyrol is home to the dramatic Dolomite mountains, and offers over 300 days of sunshine a year. With over 40 new hotels and spas in the last five years, the world’s largest ski network, stunning alpine scenery and an eclectic Mediterranean and Tyrolean cultural mix, South Tyrol is every winter sport enthusiast’s dream.

What To Do

The region offers excellent down hill and cross-country options for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, and for less experienced snow bunnies South Tyrol has 63 ski schools. And with only two per cent of visitors coming from the UK, South Tyrol is definitely the place to come to escape crowded slopes and lift queues.

After a day on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy après ski fun in cosy log huts or drop in at events organised on and off the slopes. Visitors can also indulge in South Tyrol’s alternative winter activities, including bobsleighing, snow-shoe walking, horse riding and ice climbing.

Away from the snowy peaks, take the opportunity to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere of Bolzano, South Tyrol’s capital, relax in one of the region’s 11 restaurants to be awarded 12 Michelin stars, or enjoy one of the 22 regional wines to be awarded the prestigious Italian ‘Tre Bicchieri’ award.

Where To Go

Val Gardena (The Gardena Valley)

Val Gardena stretches from the autobahn connecting Italy to Austria, ascending through Selva, before disappearing behind the majestic Dolomite range. With beautiful rocky profiles and a fantastic cultural history, Val Gardena has plenty to offer, including varied international gastronomy, rock concerts on the snow in April and the traditional San Giovanni market in October. Hikers can also follow the trail of the Little Train of Val Gardena through the valley from Chiusa to Selva. Worth a visit are the Val Gardena Museum, the Museum Gherdëina, the Selva Castle, and the Gardena Castle.

Kronplatz (Plan de Corones)

For dedicated skiers, Plan de Corones has some of the best and most varied facilities to be found. The Dolomiti Superski’s flagship ski resort, Kronplatz, is amongst the most high-tech ski resorts in the world, boasting artificial snow machines (never more than five years old) and over 100 kilometres of slopes to satisfy even the most demanding of skiers. The “ski mountain” can be reached from three villages, and complimentary ski bus services operate between the resort’s 14 villages to the lifts. The new “Piculin” lift and skibus also offers a direct connection to Alta Badia.

Alta Badia

The Alta Badia region - home to the annual ice sculpture festival and the Men’s World Cup Giant Slalom race – lies in the heart of the Dolomite mountains. Surrounded by wild gorges and deep alpine lakes, Alta Badia is rich in natural beauty. Glimpse into the area’s working past at the unique Valley of Mills, and explore Alta Badia’s culture and history with a visit to the Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor. The region also offers an abundance of restaurants, and is best known for its first class cuisine.

How To Get There

South Tyrol is easy to reach from the UK. Tour operators featuring South Tyrol include Inghams, Neilson, Thomson, Crystal, Equity Ski, Esprit Ski, Momentum Ski, Neilson, and Powder Byrne.

Or if you want to arrange your own trip, many low cost airlines fly to airports nearby, all with car hire available. Passengers flying in to Milan Bergamo, Verona Catullo, Venice Marco Polo or Venice Treviso can connect with low cost transfers to all major resorts in South Tyrol from €29 return.

To find out more about South Tyrol visit www.suedtirol.info

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