Vinschgau/Val Venosta in the snow
Cross-country skiing &
winter activities
Two large cross-country ski centres and a total of eight cross-country ski resorts with over 200 kilometres of cross-country trails can be found in the surrounding area. From classic to skating, from beginner to professional, from flat valley trails to challenging high-altitude cross-country ski trails – Vinschgau/Val Venosta has something for every style. Also on offer: snowshoe hikes through snow-covered forests, tobogganing tracks for families, winter hiking on cleared trails. Winter paints Vinschgau/Val Venosta in a completely different light. And enjoying after an exciting day in unspoiled nature, you can indulge in relaxation and enjoyment with us at Bio Hotel Panorama. This is a holiday just the way you like it.
Something for every style
Cross-country skiing resorts
There are eight cross-country skiing resorts around Mals/Malles with a total of over 200 kilometres of cross-country trails. From flat valley trails to challenging high-altitude cross-country trails, there’s something for everyone. The cross-country trails are groomed daily, snow-sure and perfectly signposted – ideal conditions for every style.
Schlinig Cross-Country Skiing Centre
Distance from Mals/Malles: 15 min | Altitude: 1,750–1,860 m | Cross-country trail length: 22 km
Snow guaranteed from December to March. No wonder that national and international championships are regularly held here – which is a real mark of quality.
Lake Reschensee cross-country skiing trail
Distance from Mals/Malles: 20 min | Altitude: 1,444–1,509 m | Cross-country trail length: 9 km
The Lake Reschensee cross-country trail starts straight from the ‘Mein Dörfl’ restaurant in Reschen/Resia and takes you across sunny, flat terrain along the lake shore. With only around 30 metres of elevation gain to the border, it is ideal for beginners and leisure enthusiasts.
If you want more, simply glide further along the three-country trail to Nauders – an easy cross-country skiing experience complete with an Alpine panorama and international flair.
Martell/Martello Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon Centre
Distance from Mals/Malles: 30 min | Altitude: 1,537–1,720 m | Cross-country trail length: 12 km
The Martelltal valley lies at the foot of the Cevedale Glacier and is considered one of the most beautiful valleys for cross-country skiing in South Tyrol. The cross-country trail is varied, sometimes leading through forest, sometimes across open meadows and always offering spectacular views of the Ortler Alps.
Special feature: Guaranteed snow, beautifully scenic and also suitable for ambitious cross-country skiers. The biathlon centre also has a modern shooting range with 30 fully automatic shooting stands.
Sulden/Solda cross-country skiing trail
Distance from Mals/Malles: 40 min | Altitude: 1,840–1,900 m | Cross-country trail length: 4.8 km
The Sulden high-altitude cross-country trail is short, but spectacular. It runs at an altitude of 1,900 metres above sea level with a direct view of Mount Ortler (3,905 m above sea level). The cross-country trail is challenging, snow-sure and perfect for anyone seeking that glacier feeling when cross-country skiing.
Special feature: Highest cross-country ski trail in Vinschgau/Val Venosta, absolutely snow-sure, breathtaking scenery.
The nordic³ network
One ticket for three countries
With the nordic³ Ticket, formerly referred to as the Venosta Nordic, you gain access to all eight cross-country ski resorts around Mount Ortler and Reschen Pass – a total of 232 kilometres of cross-country trails in Italy, Austria and Switzerland. One ticket, unlimited cross-country skiing fun!
Ticket prices
You can find the current ticket prices here.
Silence in the powder snow
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is the perfect sport for anyone who wants to experience winter away from groomed trails. You can get anywhere on snowshoes. Several local guides also offer guided snowshoe tours from Mals/Malles – from leisurely half-day tours to challenging full-day tours with summit ascents. You can hire the equipment on site.
Popular snowshoeing destinations
- Planeiler Alm Alpine pasture hut: 2.5 hours, leisurely, refreshments at the mountain hut
- Rojental valley: 2.5 hours, unspoilt, Nikolauskirchlein and Rojen/Bergkristall inn
- Watles summit: 4 hours, challenging, panoramic view of the Alps
- Maseben mountain hut: 1.5 hours, idyllic winter walk in Langtaufers/Vallelunga
Fun for the whole family
Tobogganing
Tobogganing is a classic winter activity – and there are several prepared toboggan runs in Vinschgau/Val Venosta. The Watles toboggan run is 5 km long and runs from the Plantapatschhütte hut to the valley station. The chairlift takes you up, the toboggan takes you down, and the run is illuminated on Friday evenings. Those who prefer to hike to the Maseben hut can take the toboggan back to Langtaufers/Vallelunga.
Breathtaking views
Ski touring
Ski touring is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience winter immersed in quiet mountain nature. Around Mals/Malles you will find numerous ski touring options, from short, relaxed ascents to challenging summit tours. On touring skis you can reach remote peaks and enjoy long, untouched runs. Before every tour, check locally for information about snow conditions and the current weather and avalanche situation. This is all part of careful tour planning, which ensures that you can enjoy the mountains safely.
The most amazing ski tours in Obervinschgau/Alta Val Venosta
Tellakopf mountain
This easy ski tour at the entrance to the Münstertal valley offers breathtaking views of Vinschgau/Val Venosta, the Ötztal Alps, Münstertal valley and the Ortler mountains .
Starting point: Egghof mountain farm above Taufers im Münstertal/Tubre
Ascent: 792 hm
Distance: 7.1 km
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: medium
Grionkopf mountain in the Rojental valley
The approximately one-hour ski tour starts with a gently ascending ski trail and continues into wonderful, sometimes steeper bowl-shaped slopes. This medium-difficulty tour with partly shaded slopes usually offers good snow conditions for extended periods. In unfavourable avalanche conditions, the narrow section at the entrance to the Griontal valley and the steeper ascents in particular should not be underestimated. The ski trail through the valley allows for a swift return to the car park on the descent.
Starting point: Rojen/Roia valley station
Ascent: 1,050 m elevation gain
Distance: 11.6 km
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: medium
Schadler mountain via Sesvenna Hut
The ski tour from Schlinig/Slingia to the Schadler via Sesvennascharte is straightforward and is popular as an easy alternative to the ascent of Piz Sesvenna. A descent into the eastern cirque (Ostkar) or the ridge traverse over Piz Rims to Piz Cristanas with a descent through Val Cristanas would be an excellent option.
Starting point: Schlinig/Slingia
Ascent: 1,200m elevation gain
Distance: 16 km
Duration: 6 hours
Difficulty: medium
From December to March
Seasonal highlights
December01
First snowflakes & pre-Christmas period
The first snow falls in December, and the cross-country trails are prepared. The pre-Christmas season in Vinschgau/Val Venosta is particularly atmospheric – with Christmas markets in Glurns/Glorenza and in Martelltal valley.
January & February02
Deepest winter
January and February are the coldest months but also the most snow-sure. At this time, conditions are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing. The days get longer again, and the sun shows itself more often.
March03
Spring sun & firn
In March, it gets warmer, the sun shines for longer and the snow becomes softer. Perfect for leisure cross-country skiers who want to glide along the cross-country trails in light clothing!
Practical information
For cross-country skiers
& winter enthusiasts
Cross-country trail passes & tickets
- Day tickets for individual cross-country trails
- Nordic³ network pass: all centres included
- Guest card: discounts on many cross-country trails
Rental & service
- Several rental shops along the cross-country trails
- Classic and skating equipment
- Also touring skis, snowshoes, sledges, winter hiking equipment
Cross-country trail conditions
- Updated daily on Vinschgau.net
- Guaranteed snow: December to March
- High-altitude cross-country trails: more reliable snow conditions than valley trails
Cross-country skiing schools
- Courses for beginners & advanced learners
- Private and group lessons
- Skating technique & classic style
Best time to visit
- December–February: coldest, most snow-sure months
- March: Spring sun & soft snow
