![Side view of a modern South Tyrolean hotel.](/content/dam/idm/assets/images/unterkünfte/übersicht/smg01225heri_1.jpg/_jcr_content/renditions/web-rendition-2.webp)
Perfectly prepared pistes, deep snowy slopes and breath-taking views of the snowy mountain backdrop: winter in South Tyrol is impressive. As a venue for high-calibre sporting events and World Cup races in the various disciplines – from Alpine skiing to biathlon, tobogganing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing and freestyle – South Tyrol has certainly made a name for itself. The latest technology, optimal pistes and an appealing supporting programme make sporting events in South Tyrol a real highlight of winter. There are also lots of South Tyrolean athletes who take part in these competitions every year.
The warm-up to the Ski World Cup takes place in Val Gardena in mid December: on the spectacular Saslong slope, one of the world’s longest pistes, the world elite come together in the disciplines of Downhill and Super-G. The athletes reach a speed of over 130 km/h on the Saslong and fly over the “camel hunches” of over 80 m wide. Shortly before Christmas, attention shifts to Alta Badia: it is here that the Men’s Giant Slalom takes place on the Gran Risa piste . With a length of 1,255m, the Gran Risa is one of the most beautiful and challenging pistes in the World Cup Giant Slalom. The finale of South Tyrol as a host venue for the Ski World Cup takes place on the Kronplatz for the Women’s Giant Slalom on the Erta piste.
If you want to follow in the footsteps of the world’s best athletes, you can ski down the World Cup pistes outside of racing season with the Dolomiti Superski ski pass.