Sunshine skiing in South Tyrol is a winter sports experience that makes every skier’s heart beat faster. After all, there is hardly any other region in the Alps where snow fans can soak up so much sun on and off the piste in spring and enjoy the Italian dolce vita at the same time. SnowTrex knows what makes the ski resorts between the Zillertal Alps and the Dolomites so special for sunshine skiers.
Hundreds of days of sunshine and snow you can count on
On average, South Tyrol boasts up to 300 days of sunshine a year! So it’s no wonder that winter sports enthusiasts can expect exceptional fun on the slopes under the glorious Alpine sun from the start of the ski season in December right through to April. Especially in spring, South Tyrol with its typical sunny Italian climate continues to offer ideal conditions for skiing in the sun. Speaking of ideal skiing conditions, thanks to South Tyrol’s geographical location in the Alps, the high reliability of snow guarantees the best piste conditions, even in March, when temperatures are characteristically mild. So please remember your sunscreen!
90 per cent of the slopes are equipped with state-of-the-art snowmaking systems, which ensure constant and high-quality snow cover in addition to the natural snowfall. Nevertheless, snow fans will never get bored on the slopes, as the region boasts an impressive variety of ski areas.
The glacier ski areas of Solda and Val Senales, for example, boast altitudes of up to 3,212 metres. Both are part of the Ortler Skiarena with 15 ski areas and a total of 400 kilometres of pistes. In San Candido, part of the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski area, families in particular feel right at home on the many blue pistes and in the mountain huts, while in Val Gardena and Alta Badia there are some difficult World Cup pistes waiting to be explored. In sunny weather conditions, every skier will find the right terrain in South Tyrol, whether beginner, pro or early riser. They can let off steam on the slopes early in the morning with the first light of day at “Early Bird Skiing” on the Alpe di Siusi or at “Be the First” in Obereggen.
And the best part about skiing in the sun in spring: for one thing, the region’s fantastic, wide pistes and ultra-modern lifts are not very busy, and for another, lift pass prices and accommodation are cheaper than in the high season.
Fantastic panoramas and culinary delights
Skiing days await in South Tyrol until well into spring, offering not only unique piste experiences but also a feast for the senses. From the slopes of most ski areas, skiers and snowboarders can expect spectacular and unrivalled panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In bright sunshine, which provides the typical spring colours, winter sports enthusiasts can let their gaze wander from the main Alpine ridge over the Zillertal Alps to the majestic peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alpine tradition and Mediterranean flair also come together in hundreds of mountain huts in the ski areas. They invite you to stop in and enjoy delicious South Tyrolean classics such as Schlutzkrapfen, hearty bacon dumplings, sweet apple strudel or Italian specialities such as tagliatelle served on spacious sun terraces.
Enjoy winter activities away from the slopes
Soaking up the sun in March and April is also possible off the slopes in South Tyrol. In addition to skiing, the entire region offers guests many other sporting attractions. Even in spring, some of the most beautiful and idyllic routes for winter hiking in the Alps await you in the ski resorts. At this time of year, outdoor enthusiasts in South Tyrol still have many diverse and lengthy trails at their disposal, where they can enjoy pure sunshine. Completely unwinding, absorbing the beauty of nature, and letting the Alpine world work its magic on you is, of course, also possible when cross-country skiing. Friends of the Nordic skiing sport can still explore some of the region’s incredible 1,800 kilometres of trails at this time of year.
Whether free-style or classic, organisations such as Dolomiti Nordicski, Europe’s largest cross-country skiing carousel with challenging World Cup trails in Dobbiaco, or Venosta Nordic in Vinschgau, offer cross-country skiing opportunities at all levels of difficulty, and not just in winter. In spring, cross-country skiers in the region particularly appreciate high-altitude trails such as the Prato Piazza near Braies, as well as the trails on the Schnalstal glacier or in Langtaufers. In this way, the picturesque snowy landscape of South Tyrol can be experienced in an entirely different but equally impressive way. The well-developed trails lead through idyllic snowy landscapes and allow every visitor to enjoy the peace and beauty of nature away from the busy pistes.
Pure wellness for body and mind
After a day on the slopes with many kilometres of pistes and plenty of spring sunshine, winter sports enthusiasts in South Tyrol can unwind and relax. Some of the best spa hotels in the Alps are the perfect place to switch off, relax in saunas, spas, traditional hay baths or healing thermal springs and regenerate tired muscles. Even in mild spring months such as March or April, there are many other spa hotspots in the region where everyone can discover their own personal oasis of well-being for pure relaxation. For example, the unique mountain world of South Tyrol boasts crystal-clear forest lakes, on whose shores the first flowers and trees are already blooming at this time of year.
Lots of culture and relaxed après-ski
South Tyrol has almost everything to offer in terms of sport in spring under the bright Alpine sun, but the region is also unique in terms of culture. In Italy’s northernmost province, many of the over 500,000 inhabitants cultivate a culture typical of the region that has been passed down from generation to generation. A fascinating mixture of Alpine tradition and Mediterranean flair lives here, with roots that go back several centuries to the Bavarian-Alpine Romanesque settlement. Especially in March and April, when the days are getting longer, it’s great to stroll through old towns, visit museums or admire historical sights after a day on the slopes in towns such as Bressanone, Merano, Brunico or Vipiteno, which are often just a few kilometres away from well-known ski resorts.
And if you want to round off a typical spring skiing day with music and cool drinks on a sun terrace, South Tyrol is also the right place for entertainment away from the slopes. In Val Gardena, in the heart of the Dolomites, the “Rock the Dolomites” festival is one of the après-ski highlights of the year. The calendar of events in the region’s ski resorts in spring is also packed with events such as “Musk Swing on Snow” on the Alpe di Siusi, “SpeckAperitivo” on the Gitschberg and “Beef & Snow” in Val d’Ega. Located directly on Plan de Corones, one of the most popular ski areas in South Tyrol, Riscone also scores big with a number of locations where sunshine skiers can end the evening with a cosy get-together.
FAQ about sun skiing in South Tyrol
What are the weather conditions for sun skiing in South Tyrol and how long does the ski season last?
With up to 300 days of sunshine a year, South Tyrol is an ideal destination for sun skiing. The ski season starts in December and lasts until April, with the typically sunny Italian climate providing excellent skiing conditions, especially in spring. Despite mild temperatures, for example in March, South Tyrol offers exceptional piste conditions thanks to its geographical location.
What kind of ski resorts are there in South Tyrol and what kind of skiers are they suitable for?
South Tyrol has an impressive variety of ski areas for all skill levels. The glacier ski areas of Solda and Val Senales, which are part of the Ortler Skiarena with 400 kilometres of pistes, are particularly suitable for demanding skiers. Families will find plenty of blue pistes in San Candido in the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski area, while challenging World Cup pistes await professionals in Val Gardena and Alta Badia. Otherwise, “Early Bird Skiing” on the Alpe di Siusi or the “Be the First” hours in Obereggen are exceptional experiences for early risers.
What are the advantages of skiing in South Tyrol in spring?
Skiing in South Tyrol in spring has many advantages. In addition to the smaller crowds on the wide pistes and the ultra-modern lifts, the prices for lift passes and accommodation are also cheaper than in the high season. This makes spring an attractive time for skiers who appreciate the combination of first-class skiing fun and favourable conditions.
Are there other off-piste activities for sunshine skiers in South Tyrol in spring?
Yes, after an eventful day on the slopes, South Tyrol also offers numerous opportunities for relaxation and regeneration in spring. The region is home to some of the best spa hotels in the Alps, where guests can relax in saunas, spas and thermal baths or traditional hay baths and treat their tired muscles. There are also many other spa hotspots that offer a personal oasis of relaxation. A special attraction is the crystal-clear forest lakes, which offer a unique opportunity to enjoy South Tyrol’s nature in bloom in spring.
