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.

Castelrotto lit by the full moon: A walk with torches

Those who have already experienced the excitement of a walk with Martha, the witch (Martha Silbernagl) and heard the legends and sagas of the Alpe di Siusi have experienced unique moments.

In winter with Martha another surprise has yet to come… at full moon. Starting from Castelrotto and arriving at San Valentino the bravest one will follow her accompanied only by torches and  by the moonlight. And they will carefully listen to legend and sagas that speak of witches and wizards. And at their arrival at San Valentino, they will enjoy a hot mulled wine, shortly before getting back to Castelrotto.

A special winter walk. Dates
Monday January 9, 2012
Tuesday February 7, 2012
Tuesday, March 8, 2012
Duration: From 9 pm. to 11 pm.

For more information please contact the Tourist Information of Castelrotto at +39 0471 706333

If on a winter's night the Alpe di Siusi

Sledging in the moonlight with friends, the cross country marathon at full moon, the concerts of Swing on Snow. The holiday area Alpe di Siusi offers winter nights with a varied and rich program.

At daytime guests and residents as well enjoy winter on the ski slopes, on the cross-country tracks at the foot of the Dolomites, or feel the thrill of King Laurin Snowpark. Winter walkers leave their tracks in the snow, and those who enjoy ski touring reach the highest peaks, such as the Sasso Piatto. And then they all come together in huts along the trails and paths. And when night falls, and the lifts close and the aerial cable car undertakes its last way back, direction valley station, then the more "nocturnal" transform the area into a magical paradise.

The winter nights at Alpe di Siusi and in the villages surrounding it, are illuminated  by the light of torches and the moon. And the first event is the descent with torches of the Ski School Sciliar 3000 along the track of the Bullaccia slope on December 30, 2011. On New Year's Eve the village of Siusi invites children and adults at the party in the ice rink in the center of Siusi and Castelrotto welcomes the New Year with fireworks. The "Magic Impressions" are organized by the Alpe di Siusi Ski School on January 5, 2012 during a show on skis along the Bullaccia slope.

In January 2012, the evenings of Swing on Snow will serve as the ideal soundtrack, at the foot of the Sciliar mountain: Diandl Opas, Spafudla, Doppelbock, and some other bands are celebrating until late at night.

One of the most outstanding sport events is the cross country marathon at moonlight Moonlight Classic on February 7, 2012. Those who want to experience the thrill of a run after dark can choose a section along 36 or 20 km. And they will be greeted by the fire artist Saraph.


There will be some sport event also in Fié: the Lake Laghetto di Fiè is loved in winter by those who practice ice curling. The only quality required is strength. Experiencing nature: this is the leitmotif of walking around with torches in Castelrotto and Siusi. The torch-light shows the way to hikers: at Carnival on February 21, 2012 carnival masks accompany the procession of torches.

Romantic and comfortable hours are guaranteed during a sleigh ride at moonlight. Those who love the speed will meet up with friends for a night-time tobogganing with sledges.

Siusi celebrates the winter solstice feast

With musical entertainment, culinary specialities and a fire show Siusi allo Sciliar welcomes winter.

On December 22, winter fans start together in the longest night of the year, celebrate the astronomical beginning of winter and taste an oxtail soup with alpine herbs or a special herbal tea dedicated to the winter solstice.

When? From 5 pm. To 7 pm.

Where? On the Oswald von Wolkenstein square in Siusi allo Sciliar

New sponsor for the ski stars Denise Karbon and Peter Fill

In the World Cup season 2011/2012 Denise Karbon and Peter Fill, both from Castelrotto, are officially sponsored by Alpe di Siusi Marketing. The Alpe di Siusi logo adorns the helmets of the ski stars. For the World Cup season 2012/2013 the sponsorship agreement is planned to be extended.

Peter Fill at the Ski World Cup in Lake Louise

Alpe di Siusi Winter Photo Contest

"Alpe di Siusi Winter – our holiday region from your perspective": that’s the theme of the photo competition open to amateur and professional photographers. We're searching for the most beautiful, most extraordinary, or simply the best winter shot. The competition starts on December 3, 2011 and ends on April 15, 2012. A weekend for two in the holiday region Alpe di Siusi will be up for grabs.