Cross-Country Skiing in South Tyrol: Effort and Emotion on the Trails
Anyone who has tried cross-country skiing at least once knows well the effort required to tackle each section of the trail. But in South Tyrol, among enchanting landscapes, descents that provide relief, and the satisfaction of overcoming one’s limits, every effort transforms into pure emotion.
With almost 2,000 km of dedicated tracks, the region is a true paradise for cross-country skiers.
Cross-Country Trails in Val Venosta: Nordic³
Val Venosta offers a network of 232 km dedicated to cross-country skiing, divided into 8 areas connected by a single skipass. A true carousel of trails suitable for every level of experience.
Monterodes – Slingia Trail
- Length: 1 km
- Elevation gain: 30 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Ideal for those approaching cross-country skiing: short, with minimal elevation gain, perfect for getting familiar with the technique.
La Venosta – Melago Trail
- Length: 7.5 km
- Elevation gain: 150 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
A trail included in the international race circuit, but also suitable for skiers with intermediate experience. The more challenging sections are found at the beginning and end, with ups and downs that test your skills.
Buffalora – Tubre Trail
- Length: 3 km
- Elevation gain: 40 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
A short but intense circuit, characterized by continuous changes in rhythm and frequent ups and downs.
Paradise for Cross-Country Skiers in Val Pusteria
One of the areas with the richest cross-country trails, with slopes for all levels that cross postcard-like landscapes.
San Candido - Baranci Trail
- Length: 4 km
- Elevation gain: 45 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for beginners, it connects Dobbiaco to San Candido through meadows and forests.
Waldheim Circuit
- Length: 2 km
- Elevation gain: 20 m
- Difficulty: Easy
A panoramic ring between Moso and Sesto, also accessible at night with weekly lighting.
Braies Vecchia Circuit
- Length: 1.9 km
- Elevation gain: 15 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Short and suitable for families and beginners, immersed in the forests near Braies.
Giro Cimabanche
- Length: 17 km
- Elevation gain: 315 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
A long trail that crosses the Val di Landro up to Passo Cimabanche, passing by Lago di Dobbiaco.
Val Fiscalina Ring
- Length: 6 km
- Elevation gain: 70 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
A panoramic trail with views of the Sesto Dolomites, suitable for intermediate cross-country skiers.
Carbonin – Prato Piazza Ring
- Length: 7 km
- Elevation gain: 574 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
A technical route that ascends to the magnificent Prato Piazza plateau at an altitude of 2,000 m, also shared with ski mountaineers.
Cross-Country Trails in Val Gardena
In Val Gardena, there are three dedicated cross-country centers: Santa Cristina, Selva, and Alpe di Siusi. With 133 km of trails for all levels, the options are abundant.
Mont Dessot – Santa Cristina Trail
- Length: 2.5 km
- Elevation gain: 69 m
- Difficulty: Easy
A simple route through the forest, ideal for beginners.
La Buja – Santa Cristina Trail
- Length: 7.5 km
- Elevation gain: 350 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Full of curves and changes in pace, perfect for those looking for variety.
Val Scura – Santa Cristina Trail
- Length: 8.4 km
- Elevation gain: 254 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
The most challenging of Santa Cristina, with a long initial climb followed by technical descents.
Green Loop – Selva
- Length: 2.2 km
- Elevation gain: 67 m
- Difficulty: Easy
Perfect for those taking their first steps in cross-country skiing. With a very low elevation gain, it’s accessible to everyone.
Red Loop – Selva
- Length: 4 km
- Elevation gain: 134 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
Also used for races, it crosses the woods with light ascents and descents.
Pra da Rì – Selva Trail
- Length: 8 km
- Elevation gain: 200 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
Beloved by experienced skiers for its length, ascents, and the landscape of Vallunga.
Col di Lupo – Alpe di Siusi Trail
- Length: 9 km
- Elevation gain: 90 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
A varied route with wooded sections and fun descents.
Giogo – Alpe di Siusi Trail
- Length: 15.3 km
- Elevation gain: 340 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
One of the longest and most challenging loops, reserved for more trained cross-country skiers.
Cross-Country Loops in Alta Badia
Just a few kilometers from San Cassiano, the cross-country center offers 26 km of trails divided into 8 tracks of varying difficulty.
Sas Dlacia
- Length: 2.7 km
- Elevation gain: 50 m
- Difficulty: Easy
A short and scenic route through snow-covered forests.
Gran Ancëi
- Length: 4.5 km
- Elevation gain: 80 m
- Difficulty: Intermediate
A varied loop with curves, gentle ascents, and flat sections.
Stores
- Length: 3.4 km
- Elevation gain: 128 m
- Difficulty: Difficult
A short but challenging circuit with repeated climbs and breathtaking views.
Two Techniques, One Love for Cross-Country Skiing
In recent years, the number of enthusiasts for this discipline, which allows not only an athletic experience but also a landscape one, has grown significantly. Made up of circuits immersed in snowy forests and breathtaking views, this skiing specialty can be enjoyed with two different techniques: classical and skating.
Classical
Skis glide along marked tracks, with alternate movements. It is ideal for beginners or those who enjoy a more traditional style.
Skating
Requires more technique: it involves free skating with lateral pushes, ideal for tackling ascents with more agility and sustained rhythm.
In South Tyrol, cross-country skiing is not just a sport: it’s a journey through effort, nature, and wonder, in one of the most beautiful winter landscapes in Europe.