In pictures: Highspeed Race 2012

Alpe di Siusi: A Winter's Tale

Get on your boards!
Winter in the Dolomites promises lots of fun and mountain magic. Families love the sunny slopes on the Alpe di Siusi and the youngest enjoy the Kids Funpark in Compaccio. On altogether 60 km, ski enthusiasts can enjoy winter to the full. It is even easy to reach the Sellaronda, the most famous ski tour around the Sella Dolomite massif, from the Alpe di Siusi: take the ski bus from Saltria to Monte Pana, put on your skies and slide into the Sellaronda!

Cross-country skiing
The Alpe di Siusi is crisscrossed by cross-country skiing slopes, totalling 80 km. Cross-country skiing in the Dolomites is an experience not only for the variety of the slopes, but also for the scenic beauty. If you’re a beginner, than the beginners slope is best for you while more experienced cross-country skiers try out the Giogo slope. You're looking for an unforgettable cross-country skiing event? Join in for the Moonlight Classic, the cross-country race in a full moon night!

Legendary: Boxes, rails and kickers in the Alpe di Siusi Snowpark
The Alpe di Siusi Snowpark boasts one of Europe's longest park lines with 32 boxes, 20 rails and 16 kickers for pros and beginners. Snowboarders show off their skills at the various events such as the Schlern Games or the Raiffeisen Ski King.

Snowy adventures: Snowshoeing on the Alpe di Siusi
For a snowy adventure try snowshoeing in the eye-crushing mountains of the Dolomites: whether you choose the Bullaccia round or the Sasso Piatto ascent, you will enjoy a spectacular landscape!

Walking through a winter wonderland
Walking through a breathtaking landscape covered with sparkling snow is another unforgettable winter experience. Bon vivants go hut-to-hut and enjoy the South Tyrolean cuisine.

Siusi on Ice: Ice-skating
You're looking for an alternative to skiing and snowboarding? Try ice-skating on the ice rink in the village centre of Siusi. The young and the young at heart enjoy gliding across the ice, trying their first steps on the ice or showing off their pirouettes. Also the frozen lake "Laghetto di Fiè" is a popular meeting point for ice skaters.

Tobogganing under the stars
A toboggan ride is nothing but fun. For a very special experience try tobogganing on full moon nights. When the moon illuminates the toboggan runs, bon vivants and night owls are on their way to a mountain hut. After a cosy mountain hut visit, you can enjoy the descent in the night.

ALPE - Alpe di Siusi Magazine

Take a look at the new winter issue of the Alpe di Siusi Magazine - ALPE!

Top 5 unusual winter experiences

Highspeed Race
If you are into speed, the Highspeed Race is for you! The Alpe di Siusi ski area holds its legendary race, which sees the two alpine ski racers Denise Karbon and Peter Fill as challengers. Join in and show that it's you who is the fastest skier on the Alpe di Siusi!

Traditional Country Wedding
Every two years, Castelrotto holds a historical reconstruction of a traditional farmers' wedding. Did you know that in past times the farmers married during the winter time because in summer there was too much work to do on the fields? And this is the reason why even nowadays Castelrotto celebrates the Country Wedding on a winter's day.

Winter golf tournament
When the fairways are white instead of green, the greens turn into white and the golf balls glare in bright colours, it's time for the winter golf tournament. Playing golf in winter is a snowy adventure and above all, it's fun!

Moonlight Classic
Every year, this very special race, which takes place in a full moon night, is an unforgettable experience for cross-country skiers. When the moon comes out, the participants start into the night. They can choose between the 20 km and the 36 km track.

Skijoring
For a winter adventure with horses, join in for skijoring on the Alpe di Siusi: a person on skis is pulled by a horse.

Hiking with a view in the Dolomites

Summer's back. The week-end weather is promising; the temperatures reach maximum values of nearly 30°. The perfect weather to go for a long walk! You're into hiking in the Dolomites? Then the Alpe di Siusi holiday area is your place to be. 3 hiking suggestions with unique viewpoints

Alpe di Tires and Sciliar mountain
This hiking tour demands some condition for it is about 19 kilometers long. The excursion starts at Compaccio and leads you up to the Denti di Terrarossa gap and from there to the Alpe di Tires hut. The second part of this hiking tour leads to the Sciliar tableland. Return via the Tourists' Path.

Bullaccia Round

The Bullaccia Round leads you to the "Engelrast" and from there to the Filln-Kreuz, the witches' benches and the Goller Cross. On this excursion you can experience a stunning 360° panorama!

© Alpe di Siusi Marketing/Francesca Monteforte

Frederick Augustus Trail

The trail in honour of the last King of Saxony runs along the south-facing mountainside of the Sassolungo group and offers a royal view.

Hiking for bons vivants

Savoury or light cuisine, strudel or dumplings, a typical snack, the Brettljause, or Mediterranean specialities: the South Tyrolean cuisine offers something for every taste. Hiking in the Dolomites – on the Alpe di Siusi and in the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi and Fiè allo Sciliar – is all about culinary delights.

© Alpe di Siusi Marketing/Stefano Locatelli

Hiking enthusiasts go from hut to hut and enjoy traditional South Tyrolean dishes – from dumplings to strudel and hay soups. A special appointment for all bons vivants is the culinary excursion from Siusi to San Osvaldo dedicated to the secrets of the original South Tyrolean strudel.

Another speciality pleasure hikers shouldn't miss is the "Brettljause" with speck, kaminwurz, alpine cheese, steamed potatoes and other delicacies.



Excursions in autumn

Autumn is on its way. During day time you can still feel the summer on your skin but in the morning and in the evening temperatures fall slowly welcoming autumn.  After the heat of the past days someone is looking forward to enjoying Indian summer. On September 1, the meteorological fall begins: here some suggestions for leisurely autumn hiking tours in the Dolomites.

Castelrotto – Cult place: The Hill of Castelrotto (Colle/Kofel)
The 14 stations of the Peace Trail lead up to the Hill of Castelrotto, an ancient cult place. This leisurely excursion is a must for everyone in love with this lovely village. Not to miss: Linger a moment and enjoy the silence!

Alpe di Siusi – Magic all around: The Bullaccia Round
The Bullaccia Round leads you to the "Engelrast" and from there to the Filln-Kreuz and the witches' benches. From here, you can walk via the Goller Cross to the end of the circular route. The Bullaccia Round is a magical experience. Not to miss: take a rest on the witches' benches – just like the Sciliar witches!

Siusi – On a knight's footsteps: The Oswald von Wolkenstein Trail
The Oswald von Wolkenstein Trail, in honour of the homonymous knight and poet, leads past the two castle ruins of Salego and Castelvecchio. Both are linked to Oswald von Wolkenstein's life and work. Not to miss: take a look at the legends book!

Fiè – Culinary delights: The Farmstead Trail
The Farmstead Trail leads from Prösels Castle to the chapel of Santa Caterina and runs through a varied natural and cultural landscape. Not to miss: törggelen!

Exploring the Dolomites

Enjoy the sunrise on the Sciliar mountain, get an eagle's view of the Dolomites or immerse yourself in the farmer's world: the Alpe di Siusi holiday area boasts some spectacular sceneries, from Dolomite peaks and epic lakes and ponds to stunning alpine meadows. One day you're cycling through the Sciliar-Catinaccio nature park, the next you're swimming in one of Italy's most beautiful swimming lakes, the Laghetto di Fiè. You can go hut-to-hut on the Alpe di Siusi, climb a Dolomite peak or saunter through the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi and Fiè allo Sciliar. Opt for challenging day routes or leisurely strolls. The most popular hiking trail is the one leading from the Alpe di Siusi to the Sciliar mountain but you may also consider the more challenging climb up the Sassopiatto peak or trek around the Sassolungo group.

The Dolomites are known for their outdoor beauty but even on rainy days there are lots of things to do and experience in the Alpe di Siusi holiday area: bouldering, climbing without a rope, is nothing but fun – and a good alternative to outdoor activities. You may take a hay bath and enjoy its relaxing effects or you stay dry while visiting Prösels Castle, built by the Lords of Fiè aroung the year 1200. So you won't need to worry about bad weather either.

Foodies will enjoy both – South Tyrolean specialities and Mediterranean cuisine. Among the most popular dishes rank the dumplings and the strudel in all their varieties. On September 7, the village of Siusi invites to the strudel feast where you can taste different strudel and of course, the apple strudel won’t be missing.

View from the Sassopiatto to the Sassolungo mountain

Summer in the Dolomites: 6 once in a lifetime experiences

Who doesn't know the bucket lists? Lists with all those special things to do and experience once in a lifetime. We're searching for unique travel destinations, unforgettable adventures, once in a lifetime experiences. And the best time to do so is during our holidays.

Go paragliding and see the Dolomites from above
Swim in the moonlight at the lake "Laghetto di Fiè"
Climb a Dolomite peak
Sleep in the hay
Imagine yourself princess or knight at the Castle Prösels
Be the first to test the new running shoe collection 2013

6 suggestions for rainy days

When skies turn gray and rain falls, there's loads to do: here are our suggestions for a rainy day in the Dolomites.

Hiking in the rain. Do you remember the quote by British adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes? "There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing." So, get into waterproof clothes and go out in the rain!

Bouldering. Climbing without a rope is nothing but fun. The bouldering hall at Telfen is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

More time for museums. Stay dry, check out the school museum in Tagusa and the farmers’ museum at the Tschötscherhof farm and gain an insight into the ancient everyday school life and the world of the local farmers.

Concert evenings and classic tones. Whether it is the Schlern International Music Festival, the Summer Classics or the Chamber Music Festival at Presule Castle, the music festivals in the holiday area Alpe di Siusi offer something for every taste. Take in a concert on a rainy day!

Relax in the hay. A traditional hay bath stands for alpine wellbeing because sweating in the hay is good for both body and soul.

Romantic hours at a dinner for 2. Having a candlelight dinner is the best thing to do on a rainy summer evening.

Night Thrill: Hiking in the Dark

When night is falling. everything's dark and the woods look mysterious, then it's time for a thrilling night walk. … not only for the brave.

The Alpe di Siusi Family Summer programme includes two hiking tours in the dark of the night: at the Sciliar-Catinaccio Natural Park Excursions the young and the young at heart will lie in wait for bats. Around the lake "Laghetto di Fiè" some specimens can be spotted and with a bat detector the ultrasonic calls are made audible. These nocturnal mammals are shrouded in legend. Speaking about legends, Martha, the witch, can tell some of them about the Sciliar witches. Together with the good witch Martha, families take a walk in the midst of the woods, to greet, with the only help of flashlights, the little spirits that inhabit them.

All you need to participate at this very special night experience is your researcher's spirit, a little courage and curiosity.

Into the great outdoors: The Dolomites

No matter what kind of outdoor activity you're searching for, the Dolomites are your place to be. For new experiences, ditch the car and try mountain biking in eye-crushing mountains, paragliding over a UNESCO World Heritage Site or swimming in one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes.

The bike region Alpe di Siusi/Val Gardena in the Dolomites is a superb territory for mountain biking: the region is crisscrossed by mountain bike trails covering 1,000km. Whether you are after a leisurely tour for the whole family or a more challenging adventure, the Dolomites boast a vast and varying range of mountain bike trails.

For those who prefer exploring Europe's largest alpine plateau on foot, there is a great variety of hiking trails for all types and ages. Follow the footsteps of the Sciliar witches, take a tour from hut to hut on the Alpe di Siusi or ramble through the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi and Fiè allo Sciliar.

If you're looking for a very special sporting challenge, don't miss the Alpe di Siusi Running, a running event over a total distance of 12,7km with start and finish in Compaccio on the Alpe di Siusi.

On hot summer days, the lake "Laghetto di Fiè" offers relief from the sun's heat: guests and locals alike flock to the lake to go swimming or to ride a rowboat.

Adrenaline addicts can experience the Dolomites from above during a paragliding flight. Golf aficionados get in some rounds of golf and horse riders can option for a guided trip on the well-known Haflinger horses.

The Dolomites, 5 excursion highlights

In the footsteps of the Sciliar witches. The witches' benches on the Bullaccia are known for being the resting and meeting place of the Sciliar witches on their flight to the Sciliar mountain. The benches can be reached during a hiking tour from Compaccio to the Bullaccia.

Of castles and ruins. The footpath Oswald von Wolkenstein leads past the two ruins of Castelvecchio and Salego, once the residence of the knight and poet Oswald von Wolkenstein.

Barefoot. Going through sources of sulphur and rich in wooden carved figures, woods and marshy spots, both children and adults can look for ancient traces. Discover the witches' sources on the Alpe di Siusi!

A journey of exploration across the Dolomites. The geologist's path near Siusi ranks among the most interesting excursions from a geological point of view of the Dolomites from their origin up to now.

A walk for everyone. The easy walk around the lake "Laghetto di Fiè" is suitable for everyone: for families with small kids and prams, for elderly and disabled people.

Music highlights in the holiday area Alpe di Siusi

In summer 2012 the Alpe di Siusi and the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi and Fiè allo Sciliar will turn into a great concert stage. The festival summer: an overview.

Open Air Concert of the "Kastelruther Spatzen". The days of June 8 and 9 are all about traditional folk music. For the 16th time in a row, the famous group from Castelrotto invites to a big open air spectacle.

Stradivari Summit. From June 9 to 17, the Alpe di Siusi will for the second time be meeting place of the world's finest string instruments. Classic music fans will experience four of the most known Stradivarius instruments. Operas by Beethoven, Brahms and Schumann are on the concert programme.

Concert of the "Wind players of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra". Oboe, clarinet, horn, bassoon and double bass will resound in harmony on June 26 at Castle Prösels. Five musicians of the Berlin Philharmonic Ensemble will interpret operas by Franz Vinzenz Krommer and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. A highlight in the concert summer 2012!

Schlern International Music Festival. From July 5 to 25 the villages at the foot of the Sciliar mountain will be all about the Schlern International Music Festival. Internationally renowned personalities and young musicians will give approximately 30 concerts in Fiè allo Sciliar, Siusi, Castelrotto, Ortisei and at Castle Prösels. The star concerts with pianist Eduard Kunz and violinist Sergey Khachatryan will be the highlights of this year’s Schlern International Music Festival.

Summer Classics. From July 9 to August 13 Siusi will be the setting for an extraordinary concert series. Among the guests are the Duo Guatti, SonORO and the Kreativ Ensemble.

Chamber Music Festival. In 2012, the Chamber Music Festival celebrates its 10^th anniversary. Three concerts will take place in the framework of this music festival from July 25 to 31 at Castle Prösels.

International Ferruccio Busoni Piano Competition: Guest concert. On September 2, Siusi will be the setting for a piano concert in commemoration of Ignaz Friedman. The Montreal piano competition prize winner, Beatrice Rana, will display her talent with works by Friedman, Chopin, Clementi and Skrjabin.

"Kastelruther Spatzen" Music Festival. The second weekend in October is folk music time in Castelrotto. The Festival will go on for three days. A must not only for Kastelruther Spatzen fans but also for all fans of traditional folk music.

Under the Skies of Blue: The Dolomites

Warm temperatures await all summer fans in the Dolomites: it's the perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, running and swimming. And the summer evenings and nights have something up their sleeve, too.

Sport in the outdoors. For summer sports enthusiasts the Alpe di Siusi is the place to be. Europe's largest alpine pasture and the villages of Castelrotto, Siusi and Fiè allo Sciliar offer a wide range of outdoor activities: from hiking and climbing to mountain biking and horse riding.

Equestrian event in Oswald's honour. The first weekend of June is all about the Oswald von Wolkenstein Riding Tournament which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Vivid market life at the foot of the Sciliar mountain. Village markets, flea markets and farmer's markets offer fresh products directly from the farm, accessories, clothes and shoes – and an open-air shopping experience.

Open-air of the "Kastelruther Spatzen". The Kastelruther Spatzen is the best-known band in the world of German folk music. Every year in June they invite to an open-air festival, going on for three days.

Summer nights. Night owls will love the summer nights in the Dolomites: join in for a thrilling night walk, a serenade at moonlight with classic tones or a night feast with fireworks.

Christian Balduzzo wins photo competition

The winner of the photo competition "Alpe di Siusi Winter" is Christian Balduzzo. The Facebook community voted for the best winter shot and chose a picture showing the Dolomite peaks Sasso Lungo and Sasso Piatto.

The winning picture by Christian Balduzzo: Alpe di Siusi with Sasso Lungo and Sasso Piatto

Summer deals

Whichever type of summer holidays you search for, from a fascinating expedition across the Dolomites to sportive experiences and adventurous moments for families, the holiday area Alpe di Siusi offers a wide rage of holiday deals. Find the holiday offer that suits you best!

For families: Holidays with Martha, the witch, will for sure be magical when parents and kids together explore the world of the Sciliar witches. If you like animals, you'll love the animal experience days on a farm. Or join in for an adventurous expedition across the Sciliar-Catinaccio natural park!

For summer sports enthusiasts: Our holiday deals are all about hiking and mountain biking. Whether holidays on a mountain bike or an excursion from refuge to refuge, whether an entire holiday week or just a long week-end, everyone can find a holiday offer that suits him best.

For bon vivants: In autumn, the Törggele-time is the time for a holiday all about pleasure with culinary excursion, wine seminar und hay bath. And couples can look forward to a romantic holiday package.

For the ecologically sensitive: Leave your car behind for eco-friendly holidays and choose the bus service instead that brings you directly from Munich airport to the holiday area Alpe di Siusi.

Take a look at our holiday packages!

Raiffeisen Ski King

A photo impression of the Big Air Style Contest on the Alpe di Siusi



© Simon Profanter



Alpe di Siusi Winter Season Finale: Offers

When spring is coming, winter sports enthusiasts soak up the sun on the slopes of the Alpe di Siusi.

For families, there is the offer DolomitiSuperKids with free holidays for kids up to 8 years while kids up to 12 years pay half the price. And with DolomitiSuperSun one day's holiday is for free when staying at least 7 days.

With DolomitiSuperKids and DolomitiSuperSun ski fans enjoy the remains of the winter in a breathtaking natural heritage.

Photo Contest "Alpe di Siusi Winter"

Enter our photo contest and win a weekend for 2 in the holiday area Alpe di Siusi in the Dolomites. Just send in your winter shots of Castelrotto, Siusi, Fiè or of the Alpe di Siusi until April 15, 2012. The motif of the photo is up to you: capture your favourite holiday moments and share them with us.
How do you enter? It’s very simple: email us up to 6 outstanding pictures of our holiday area and the following information: your name, address and phone number. Email: info@alpedisiusi.info.

Red Bull Jib-Ski Kings: The most spectacular tricks

In pictures: Red Bull Jib-Ski Kings 2012

Training of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team on the Alpe di Siusi

An interview with Chris Grover, head coach of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team

Please tell us about your training schedule.
The athletes are recovering from the Tour de Ski and other races. Now we're training 3 hours per day. Next week we have some other races and then we'll be coming back again for a couple of days on the Alpe di Siusi.

Is it your first time on the Alpe di Siusi?
For me, yes, but some of the athletes were here before, training also for the Olympic Games in Turin 2006.

Where do the athletes come from?
They come from all over the United States: from Alaska, the North West, New England, Vermont, Colorado, the Midwest, Minnesota and so on.

How do you like your stay on the Alpe di Siusi?
It's very relaxing. The Alpe di Siusi is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I like it very much.

What do you like about South Tyrol?
The Dolomites, South Tyrol are one of the places to be: good food and wine, the best cappuccino, friendly people, and lots of sunshine.

So, will you come back on the Alpe di Siusi?
Yeah, I will come back in summer to hike and to explore the area.

Thank you very much for your time and have a nice stay on the Alpe di Siusi.

Take a look at some pictures on the FasterSkier Blog.

Winter on the Alpe di Siusi: Our 5 tips

Sweet slopes for beginners and families as well. And for the third time in a row the Alpe di Siusi was awarded as one of the favourite ski-resorts all over the Alps, ideal spot for children and adults too. Younger guests will enjoy fun and amusement on slopes as well as in the snow-kindergarten and in the fun parks.

Hot rhythms and captivating notes. This is Swing on Snow, the Dolomite Winter Music Festival. Bands and musicians from Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, Slovenia, France and Great Britain are performing in the holiday region Alpe di Siusi their individual interpretations of folk music and folk.

80 km of tracks. A true paradise for lovers of cross-country skiing. Why not try the challenging track Giogo, or one of the trails that surround the area, or compete with the big at the cross-country race Moonlight Classic?

Red Bull Jib Ski Kings. The world of freestyle meets on the Alpe di Siusi to crown the Jiibing King on March 10, 2012.

Pure Romance on the Alpe di Siusi. A special offer for those who love romance and wish to relax. A  regenerating hay bath, a carriage ride surrounded by spectacular views of the Dolomites at night and a candlelit dinner.