The mountain group of the Dolomites is known all over the world for a reason: It is the breathtaking beauty of the mountains that attracts numerous visitors every year. The unique backdrop of the Dolomites is like a huge natural playground - you can go hiking in the Dolomites, go on cycling tours or get to know the snow-covered mountain landscape from its particularly delightful side in winter. In winter, the mountain ranges are transformed into a fairytale of snow. Logically, this is the ideal season for all winter sports enthusiasts! The Dolomites are the perfect place to spend a winter holiday in the mountains. The 12 ski areas of the Dolomites offer skiers, snowboarders and cross-country skiers plenty of variety and fun on a total of 1200 kilometres of slopes.
In addition to numerous ski and snowboard trails, the Dolomites are a paradise for cross-country skiers. You can experience this active endurance sport on around 900 kilometres of excellently prepared cross-country trails. The Dolomiti NordicSki association thus offers the largest network of cross-country skiing trails in Europe. Passing the picturesque mountain peaks, crossing endless expanses of snow with the sun always at your back - simply fantastic. Another 90 km of trails belong to the Venosta Nordic cross-country skiing network. Six cross-country skiing areas in the most beautiful spots of South Tyrol have joined forces here.
Wonderful trails are located right in the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, in South Tyrol. The snow-rich, safely prepared trails in South Tyrol are open every year from December and can be used depending on the weather.
The South Tyrolean Dolomites have some promising regions for all cross-country skiers. Both through the typical holiday regions of South Tyrol and the cosy side valleys, such as the Antholz Valley, the generous and varied cross-country skiing network stretches. Whether you prefer the classic or free style or skating - here you will get your money's worth!
For people who want to learn how to cross-country ski or discover nature with professional guidance, there are possibilities to get a trainer at your side. So you can hone your techniques on holiday, take part in cross-country skiing courses or dare to tackle more challenging trails for the first time.
The Alta Badia region offers cross-country skiers a 25-kilometre route that leads across snow-covered meadows and dreamy forests. You can cross-country ski here in the classic style, but the route is also ideally suited for skating. A total of seven routes plus a green-marked practice trail are available to winter sports enthusiasts. The difficulty levels vary so that there are suitable routes for beginners to professionals. The routes with the names Scotoni, Settsass, Störes and Conturines are used as racing and training trails.
Cross-country skiing on Europe's largest high alpine pasture - this is possible in the Alpe di Siusi region. The cross-country trails run through the wintry, slightly hilly landscape and directly past fascinating Dolomite rocks. 80 kilometres of trails with various degrees of difficulty are just waiting to be conquered by beginners and experienced cross-country skiers. All tracks are also prepared for skating.
A real highlight: at the beginning of the year, the Moonlight Classic race takes place here under the full moon. Another tip is the connection of the 7.5 kilometre cross-country trail with the adjacent Val Gardena, also a very popular cross-country skiing area.
One of the top cross-country skiing regions in South Tyrol is the 3 Peaks Dolomites region. With 200 kilometres of groomed trails, it is an Eldorado for cross-country skiing fans. The picturesque Dolomite valleys invite you to romantic cross-country tours, while the World Cup trails place high demands on ambitious cross-country skiers. Those who want to marvel at the Three Peaks on their tour can go cross-country skiing in the tranquil Fischlein Valley directly under the silent giants.
In Antholz you can expect a total of 14 cross-country trails of varying degrees of difficulty. A special feature is that the cross-country trails also lead across the ice-covered Antholz Lake. Another advantage is that the side valley is less touristy and you can therefore enjoy more peace and quiet during winter sports. Biathlon hearts in particular should beat faster in Antholz: the Biathlon Centre South Tyrol is located in the Antholz Valley, where you can take part in cross-country skiing courses.
Val Gardena
In addition to its 55 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails, the Gardena Valley is particularly attractive for its magnificent mountain scenery. Between the mountains of the Dolomites, the dreamlike and well-maintained cross-country trails lead along. It is great that Nordic winter sports enthusiasts of all abilities can cross-country ski here. Enjoy the clear, ice-cold mountain air and glide through snow-covered meadows with glistening snow - a real winter dream.
A true highlight of South Tyrol's cross-country skiing areas is Kronplatz. The holiday region is located in the Pustertal valley on the edge of the South Tyrolean Dolomites. There are more than 100 kilometres of cross-country trails to explore here, leading directly along the beautiful mountain landscape. For beginners, there are relaxed beginner's trails and those who like it more challenging can work off their energy on the multi-track and conditionally demanding routes.
Those who have already lost their heart to winter sports will also lose it to the Dolomites after their holiday in South Tyrol. The gentle giants do not promise too much and inspire cross-country skiers time and again. Whether ambitious or beginner, whether relaxed cross-country skier or action seeker - cross-country skiing in the South Tyrolean Dolomites is simply a pleasure!