It's Christmas Time in the Dolomites

The aroma of mulled wine, lebkuchen and cinnamon lies in the air: it's Christmas time at the foot of the Sciliar mountain. Off the beaten track, the villages Castelrotto and Siusi allo Sciliar get into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas market of Castelrotto is bound to the tradition: Sarentino cardigans, socks and jackets from the knitting Paul line up next to wood and crib figures, candles, crochet and felted works. For those snacky moments farmers from Castelrotto serve traditional specialities of the South Tyrolean cuisine. With its little stands the Christmas market is the place for a cosy get together with mulled wine, punch or hot apple juice.

For the first time, a Krampus procession will take place in Castelrotto this year: approx. 500 Krampuses from the entire Alpine region fill the streets around Castelrotto. Instead of Christmas tones loud cowbells ring in the streets, for the Krampus, the uncanny companion of Nicholas, announces his coming from far away with his cowbell.

It get's more contemplative on December 16 and 17 when the well-known folk group, the Kastelruther Spatzen, gets us in the mood for the feast of love. The folk group will sing Christmas carols such as "Stille Nacht" ("Silent Night"), but also some of their own songs about life and love.

Also Siusi allo Sciliar offers something special for the Christmas time. December 9 and 10 are all about "Siusi on Ice": a cosy get-together will take place at the ice rink in the village centre. Traditionally, mulled wine and punch are served, while the young and the young at heart glide across the ice.

Dolomites: All eyes on winter

On December 3, 2011 the Alpe di Siusi kicks off the winter season 2011/2012. Up to April 15, 2012 the Alpe di Siusi winter is all about skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.

First snow and Christmas atmosphere set the tone in December: the Christmas market in Castelrotto offers traditional handcraft and Christmas baking. Get together in the historic centre and enjoy mulled vine and Christmas sounds! For the first time Castelrotto is the setting for a Krampus procession: about 500 Krampuses from all over the Alps will meet on December 10 in the picturesque village at the foot of the Sciliar Mountain and paint the town red.
For fans of high speed, there is the Highspeed Race on December 11, 2011: four-man teams with at least one woman will compete against each other – and against challenger and former Italian ski racer Kristian Ghedina.

In January the Alpe di Siusi holiday region is the right place to be for music lovers, bon vivants and actives. At the traditional "Hoazetkuchl" culinary festival, restaurants in Castelrotto dish up goulash soup, rye bread and other wedding food typical in the ancient times. On January 22, 2012 you can try the game of golf on snow. The musical highlight is the Alpe di Siusi WinterMusicFestival Swing on Snow: from January 22 to 29 alpine sounds emerge on the slopes and in the huts of the Alpe di Siusi and in the villages at the foot of the Sciliar Mountain.

Sports, sports, sports is the message in February and March: whether cross-country race by night, Red Bull Jib Ski Kings or alpine combination of the Blue Ribbon Race, the winter events offer competition combined with lots of fun.

In April the slopes on the Alpe di Siusi are kissed by the sun. Sun skiers head down the slopes and enjoy the magic in a mountain hut.

More information on your winter holidays in the Dolomites

Alpe di Siusi Summer Photo contest winner

Andrea Turconi is the winner of the first Alpe di Siusi Summer Photo contest. And here comes the winner's photo...

Andrea Turconi's picture: Alpe di Siusi with Sciliar Mountain

Winter emotions on the Alpe di Siusi

Photo Contest: Here are the finalists

For 6 months up to now, photographers and photo enthusiasts have been able to join with their photos portraying summer in the holiday area Alpe di Siusi the photo contest "Alpe di Siusi  Summer". Here are the 15 finalists.

What are the 15 photos selected from the Alpe di Siusi Marketing team? Come and see them on Facebook.  And thanks to the button "Like" you can choose your favourite photo. The vote will be active until 10.11.2011 8.00. The photo with the most Likes will be the winner. And the author wins a weekend at Wanderhotel Europa.

What is your favourite? What is the most original photos, unique or just beautiful?
Why don't you join in and visit our page on Facebook and help your favourite photo to win?