Skiing at sunrise in South Tyrol, a unique experience for skiing enthusiasts
There is a moment in winter when the mountains seem to breathe slowly. The ski slopes are still untouched, the air is crisp and the sun is just beginning to color the peaks of the Dolomites. This is the magical moment of skiing at sunrise in South Tyrol, an experience that every ski lover should try at least once in their lifetime.
If you love to put on your skis as soon as possible, if you dream of perfect turns on fresh snow and if the idea of being the first to leave tracks on the slope makes your eyes sparkle... you're in the right place. In this article, we describe one of the most exciting experiences of winter in South Tyrol, including practical tips, ski areas not to be missed and little “local” secrets.
The colours of sunrise create a magical atmosphere.
Margot BreitenbergerWhy skiing at sunrise in South Tyrol is so special
Skiing is always enjoyable, but skiing at sunrise is a whole different experience. In South Tyrol, this experience takes on an even more intense charm thanks to the landscape, impeccable organisation and mountain culture. The first big advantage? The ski slopes are practically deserted. No queues, no crowds, just you, the mountains and the sound of your skis on the snow. Night-time grooming leaves the snow in perfect condition: compact, uniform, ideal for clean carving and smooth descents.
The light of sunrise on the Dolomites
When the sun rises behind the peaks, the sky is tinged with pink, orange and gold. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offer a spectacle that alone is worth waking up at dawn for. Skiing as the day dawns is something that remains etched in your memory. There are several ski areas in South Tyrol that offer the opportunity to ski at sunrise on specific days of the week and at special times.
Below we present the best places in South Tyrol where you can try skiing at sunrise.
The edges of your skis, the perfect slope and silence! This is what awaits you when you ski at dawn in Ultental!
Margot Breitenberger🌅 Schwemmalm – Skiing at sunrise in the quiet
The Schwemmalm ski area in Ultental Valley offers an intimate and evocative experience of skiing at sunrise, perfect for those seeking impeccable slopes and absolute silence. The early opening of the lifts allows you to enjoy the first descents in the pink light of morning, followed by a traditional breakfast in a mountain hut.
Key dates and information
- Available dates: 20, 27 December 2025 - 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 January 2026
- Lift opening hours: from 7 a.m.
- Cost: no special ticket required (normal ski passes apply)
- Breakfast in the mountain hut: ✅ Yes, typical breakfast in the Aussere Schwemmalm (with reservation), Larchegg and Breiteben mountain huts.
Being the first to hit the slopes when the mountain is still waking up is a unique experience!
TV Speikboden🏔️ Speikboden – Sunrise at 2,400 metres in the Ahrntal Valley
Speikboden offers one of the most spectacular views in South Tyrol: the sun rising over the mountains of the Ahrntal Valley. Thanks to the early opening of the Speikboden cable car and the Sonnklar chairlift, you can reach 2,400 metres at the first light of day for a truly unique skiing experience.
Key dates and information
- Available dates: 2 January 2026 (from 7 a.m.), 3 February 2026 (from 6.30 a.m.), 17 February 2026 (from 6.15 a.m.)
- Cost: no special ticket (normal ski passes are valid)
- Breakfast in the mountain hut: ❌ Not included
- Extras: possibility of a tandem flight back down to the valley
Being the first to descend perfectly groomed slopes will be an experience to talk about!
Drei Zinnen Marketing - Manuel Kottersteger🌄 3 Zinnen Dolomites – Early Skiing among iconic landscapes
In the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski area, skiing at dawn means empty slopes and unique views. The early openings of Mt. Helm, Stiergarten and Rotwand allow you to enjoy the Sexten Dolomites at the most magical time of the day, with perfect snow and golden light.
Key dates and information
- Available periods: 28–31 December 2025, 2–4 January 2026, 15–20 February 2026
- Lift opening hours: from 7:30 a.m.
- Cost: no special ticket (normal ski passes apply)
- Breakfast in the mountain hut: ❌ Not included
Skier on Seceda with Mt. Sasso Lungo in the background
Val Gardena Marketing⛷️ Gröden – 'Be the First' on Seceda
With the "Be the First" initiative, Gröden offers an exclusive experience: be the first to leave your tracks on the snow of Seceda. Accompanied by an instructor from the Ortisei Ski School, you will tackle the famous Longia slope (10 km), followed by a hearty breakfast in a mountain hut.
Key dates and information
- Available period: from 11 December 2025 to 2 April 2026
- Time: from 7:20 to 9:00 by reservation (except on 23/12, 30/12 and 04/02).
- Cost: €50 per person (ski pass not included)
- Breakfast at the mountain hut: ✅ Yes, at the Val D'Anna mountain hut
- Note: the price includes ski instructor and breakfast. What to bring: ski equipment and Val Gardena ski pass. An intermediate/advanced level of skiing is required.
- Minimum number of participants: 4. Registration by 6:00 p.m. the day before.
Skiing at sunrise on Seiser Alm is a unique experience that you will want to repeat.
Seiser Alm Marketing_Laurin Moser🌞 Seiser Alm – Early Bird Skiing with Alpine breakfast
On the Seiser Alm, skiing at dawn becomes a weekly ritual: every Wednesday in March and April, three lifts open early for an exclusive experience with expert instructors, ending with a panoramic Alpine breakfast.
Key dates and information
- Available period: every Wednesday in March and April
- Lift opening hours: from 07:00
- Cost: €48 (ski pass not included)
- Breakfast in the mountain hut: ✅ Yes, at 09:00
- Note: registration required by 12:00 noon the day before.
ℹ️ Useful tips before hitting the slopes
- Always check the official calendars of the ski areas before making plans
- In some cases, a special ski pass is required to ski at sunrise, in others it is included in the daily or weekly ski pass. The advice is always the same: check in advance on the resort's website or ask at the ticket office.
- Some activities require booking, accompaniment by instructors or a minimum technical level.
- Even if the slopes are open, it does not mean that the entire resort is open. Only ski on well-marked and controlled slopes. Never leave the trails.
Sunrise in the Schwemmalm ski area in Ultental.
Niklas Holzner
The sun rising behind the mountains is a sight to behold at least once in a lifetime.
Niklas HolznerTo get the most out of the experience, here are some practical tips!
- Prepare everything the night before: skis, boots, helmet, gloves: get everything ready in the evening. In the morning, your brain may not be fully operational yet 😄
- Dress in layers: it's cold at dawn, but after a few runs you'll warm up quickly. It is best to wear technical, breathable layers.
- Do not skip breakfast: many mountain huts open especially for those who ski at dawn, offering incredible breakfasts. Take advantage of this: it is an integral part of the experience. If your experience also includes breakfast, you have made the right choice😉!
Fantastic view of the Sexten Dolomites
IDM Südtirol-Alto Adige / Thomas MonsornoAn experience to share (and repeat)...
If you love skiing, if you love the mountains and if you love authentic experiences, then skiing at sunrise in South Tyrol must be on your to-do list. Once you've tried it, you'll find it hard to go back. The alarm clock goes off early, it's true. But believe me: when you're there, with your skis on, the sky lighting up and the slopes all to yourself... you'll realise it was worth it. And you'll probably already be thinking about when to do it again.
...because dawn is the most precious moment
You realise it immediately: skiing at sunrise is not just skiing. It is listening to the mountains at their most poetic. It is seeing the colours change from one minute to the next. It is feeling that silence, that veil of light, that immense space... are just for you. And when the slopes fill up later, you will know that you have already experienced your perfect descent: the one that begins with the day.
