“Schlutzkrapfen,” Sauvignon Blanc and Snow Fun

Schwemmalm ski area in the Ultental valley: Schwemmalm mountain restaurant
The Schwemmalm ski area in the Ultental valley offers 25 km of slopes at up to 2,625 m elevation. The well-known ski racer Dominik Paris is also from the Ultental valley. In addition to low waiting times, the ski area boasts excellent food at the rustic, rural huts. Outdoor cooking on the slopes is an additional highlight. At the Schwemmalm mountain restaurant, you should try the home made cheese and the yeast dumplings with vanilla sauce.

Ski area on the Schnalstal Glacier: The Schöne Aussicht mountain hut
At over 3,200 m, the Schnalstal Glacier is the highest ski area in Merano and Environs. Because there are ideal snow conditions at this altitude in autumn already and because the snow is excellent well into spring, numerous professional athletes such as Marcel Hirscher or Ole Einar Bjorndalen come to the Schnalstal valley to complete their high-altitude training. The Ötzi Glacier Tour is a special offer: Along with a mountain guide, this 8-hour rope-team tour leads to the site where Ötzi, the over 5,000-year-old Iceman, was discovered. The Schöne Aussicht mountain hut offers a special culinary experience with a multi-course dumpling menu.

Merano 2000: Waidmannalm mountain hut
The sunny Merano 2000 ski area offers around 40 km of slopes, a natural sledging run and a year-round open-air mountain coaster. This Alpine coaster is just five km from the centre of Merano. The area is now especially family-friendly thanks to the new Outdoor Kids Camp. The Waidmannalm hut dishes up excellent Kaiserschmarren shredded pancake with home made cranberry jam. It’s a culinary highlight for the whole family! Moreover, the VIP gondola of the Falzeben cable car promises a break full of enjoyment. Spend time as a couple with champagne, fresh fruit, appetizers and a breathtaking panorama.

Plan ski area in the Passeiertal valley: Gasthof Zeppichl inn
The Plan ski area is located at the rear of the Passeiertal valley. Here, the contemplative village attaches great importance to sustainability. As a car-free village, it belongs to the group of “Alpine Pearls”. The Dorfexpress, a small train on wheels, and a Citybus transport guests from their accommodation to the cable cars and lifts in just a few minutes. The ski area is perfect for beginners and those relearning to ski. The highlight is the horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered landscape. Guests will pass by the Gasthof Zeppichl inn, which serves its own Speck smoked ham, Kaminwurzen cold-smoked sausages, and home made sausages according to old family recipes.

Vigiljoch: The Gampl family hut
The Vigiljoch mountain in Lana is a recreational area for locals all year round. While many families spend their summer holiday there to escape the heat, the Vigiljoch in winter is a popular destination for winter hikes in nature. It is also features a small ski area ideal for learning. The Vigiljoch can only be reached by cable car, which takes just seven minutes from Lana. Always worth a visit is the family-oriented Gampl hut with a fenced-off children's playground. Parents can eat in peace while children let off steam. Tip: Try out ice stock sport on the “Schwarze Lacke” lake.

Tips for Merano:
In winter, the spa town serves as a Mediterranean retreat in the heart of the Alps. On the Tappeinerweg trail or the promenades along the Passer river, guests can discover both evergreen plants and palm trees. In front of the cafés you can enjoy apple strudel and cappuccino in the sun. Under the Lauben arches, hunt for Italian shoes and bags, as well as authentic South Tyrolean products at Pur Südtirol or Siebenförcher. And in the evening? Enjoy the serene atmosphere, a good glass of wine and excellent Alpine-Mediterranean cuisine in the gourmet restaurants.