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Cross-country skiing holidays in South Tyrol

Perfectly groomed trails, snow-sure high-altitude locations and impressive mountain panoramas make South Tyrol one of the most versatile destinations for a cross-country skiing holiday in the Alps. Between the Dolomites, the Antholz Valley, the Seiser Alm and the Hochpustertal Valley, cross-country skiers can expect a varied network of classic trails, skating routes and high-altitude trails to suit all abilities.

Apartments in ski areas in South Tyrol

Cross-country skiing in South Tyrol: diversity between the Dolomites & the Ortler

A cross-country skiing holiday in South Tyrol combines sporting activity with nature experiences and regional diversity. Particularly well-known are the trails in the Hochpustertal Valley around Toblach and Innichen, the routes around Lake Antholz, the Seiser Alm, the Gsies Valley or the Martell Valley in the Vinschgau. Many areas are among the regions in Italy with the most reliable snow conditions for cross-country skiing and offer ideal conditions from December through to spring.

Thanks to modern infrastructure, cross-country skiers in South Tyrol will find a wide variety of trail profiles:

  • classic trails for relaxed gliding through snow-covered landscapes 
  • wide skating trails for more athletic sessions 
  • high-altitude trails with particularly reliable snow cover 
  • illuminated night trails 
  • circular routes for families and beginners 
  • challenging routes with a competitive character 

International events such as the Biathlon World Cup in Antholz or the Cross-Country World Cup race as part of the FIS Tour de Ski in Toblach also contribute to the popularity of many regions.

Classic trails & skating routes

South Tyrol offers ideal conditions for both classic cross-country skiing and skating. Numerous trails are groomed daily and lead through valleys, forests, alpine pastures or along frozen lakes. Routes with views of the Dolomites are particularly popular, such as on the Seiser Alm or in the area around the Pragser Tal and the Three Peaks.

Whilst beginners often prefer flatter circular trails, experienced cross-country skiers will find challenging routes with longer climbs and demanding descents. Many cross-country centres also have practice areas, ski hire and cross-country skiing schools.

High-altitude trails: cross-country skiing at around 2,000 metres

High-altitude trails are among the special highlights of a cross-country skiing holiday in South Tyrol. Due to their high altitude, they are considered particularly snow-reliable and often offer ideal conditions early in the winter.

The best-known high-altitude trails include:

  • the Plätzwiese in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park
  • the panoramic trails on the Seiser Alm 
  • the trails at the Lavazè Pass 
  • high-altitude trails in the Martell Valley and on the Schnalstal Glacier 

In addition to guaranteed snow, these areas impress above all with sweeping views of the Dolomites or the Vinschgau mountains and tranquil natural landscapes.

Current holiday offers

from 93 €
Hotel Leitner

Jewel in the heart of the Eisacktal – the perfect starting point for adventures in the Gitschberg Jochtal, Drei Zinnen, Kronplatz and Plose areas.

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from 438 €
Naturhotel Waldheim

Hikes and wellness in Altrei! 7 nights at the price of 6. Relaxation and tranquillity you expect from your holiday.

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from 118 €
Hotel Saltauserhof

Welcome to the Saltauserhof in the heart of South Tyrol – near Meran. The perfect symbiosis of Alpine tradition and Mediterranean luxury.

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from 125 €
Hotel Waldhof

In a quiet location in Rabland, where Meran and environs and the Vinschgau valley meet and nature offers numerous possibilities.

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To all offers
To all offers

Biathlon & cross-country skiing centres in South Tyrol

South Tyrol is also internationally renowned as a biathlon destination. The Antholz Valley, home to the Südtirol Arena Alto Adige biathlon and cross-country skiing centre, ranks among Europe’s most prestigious winter sports resorts and hosts World Cup races every year. A variety of cross-country trails for different ability levels are located around the stadium.

Another well-known centre is located in the Martell Valley. The Martell Biathlon Centre offers modern training facilities, trails with guaranteed snow cover and ideal conditions for competitive cross-country skiers. Thanks to its high altitude, the area is particularly well-suited for training sessions in winter and spring.

Many cross-country skiing centres combine sporting facilities with winter hiking trails, tobogganing opportunities and family-friendly activities.

Cross-country skiing holidays in South Tyrol for families & active holidaymakers

As well as sporting challenges, South Tyrol offers numerous family-friendly cross-country skiing areas with short circuits, practice trails and peaceful routes. Regions such as the Gsiesertal valley in the Kronplatz holiday region, the Ridnauntal valley near Sterzing, or smaller trails around Seis, Toblach and Niederdorf in the Dolomiti NordicSki cross-country skiing region are particularly popular with families.

Active holidaymakers also benefit from the combination of cross-country skiing, winter hiking, wellness and regional cuisine. Many accommodation providers specialise in winter sports guests and offer direct access to trails, drying rooms for equipment or special winter packages.

Tips for a cross-country skiing holiday in South Tyrol

For a successful cross-country skiing holiday, the right region and the type of trails you’re looking for play just as important a role as snow conditions and the range of trails on offer. Higher altitudes often provide better conditions, whilst lower-lying areas tend to offer longer circular routes and good accessibility.

Many cross-country skiing areas offer:

  • Trail reports and current snow depths 
  • Digital trail maps 
  • Cross-country ski hire and servicing 
  • Courses for beginners and advanced skiers 
  • Combined winter activities in the surrounding area 

In the Dolomites in particular, it is also well worth combining several cross-country skiing regions within a single winter holiday.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is cross-country skiing particularly popular in South Tyrol?

The best-known cross-country skiing regions include Antholz, the Hochpustertal Valley, the Gsies Valley, the Seiser Alm, the Martell Valley and the area around Toblach and Innichen.

Are there high-altitude trails with guaranteed snow in South Tyrol?

Yes, numerous high-altitude trails are situated at over 2,000 metres and are considered to have particularly reliable snow conditions, for example on the Seiser Alm or in the Martell Valley.

Which regions are suitable for beginners?

Family-friendly circular trails and easy routes can be found in the Gsies, Niederdorf, Seis and the Ridnaun Valley, amongst others.

Can you also try biathlon in South Tyrol?

Several cross-country skiing centres offer introductory biathlon courses and training opportunities, including Antholz and the Martell Biathlon Centre.

When does the cross-country skiing season start in South Tyrol?

Depending on snow conditions, the season usually starts in December. High-altitude trails and high-altitude cross-country skiing centres often offer particularly long seasons lasting into spring.

Winter sports

Sledding tours with huskies A hot evening on cold ice A winter paradise From the Dolomites to the Ortler – for cross-country skiing fans
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