The Cross-Country Area
The Antholz Valley – A cross-country mecca
Cross-country skiers and biathlon fans will be in their element in the Antholz Valley, an idyllic side valley off the South Tyrolean Puster Valley. The imposing peaks of the Rieserferner Group and the picturesque Antholzer See form the ideal backdrop for enjoying Nordic winter sports. In this sunny valley which extends between 1,030 and 1,930 metres, Nordic skiers can explore more than 30 km of immaculately prepared trails. The trail network leads through snowbound forests and across the frozen lake to the foot of the Staller Saddle, where the mountains almost seem close enough to touch. Exploring the Antholz Valley on skis is like being part of a real winter fairy tale, with the tranquil surroundings and sunshine making this an unforgettable experience. The trails in and around Antholz are, like all trails in the Kronplatz holiday region, part of the Dolomiti NordicSki Association, Europe’s largest cross-country ski region with some 1300 km of trails.
Exploring the region on two skis
The Antholz Valley trails are equally distributed between the skill levels easy, intermediate and difficult. As a result, beginners, solid amateurs and pros will all enjoy the terrain here. The trails extend out from Niederrasen across the entire valley, which extends deep into the Rieserferner Nature Park. The 44 hectare lake Antholzer See stands at the end of the valley. In order to ensure top-quality conditions no matter the weather, some trails are also partially served by snowmaking equipment. In addition, various cross-country ski courses are offered throughout the winter, while enthusiasts can also look forward to a ski hire shop, changing rooms as well as a restaurant at the ski centre.
Biathlon in Antholz
The Antholz Valley is particularly well known to biathletes, as the Biathlon World Cup comes to town every year to hold events in the Südtirol Arena Alto Adige in Antholz. These popular sporting events held among the imposing surrounding peaks are the highlight of the biathlon season here. As thousands of fans from around the globe come to support their favourite athletes and bring the atmosphere in the stadium up to fever pitch, this ski hub suddenly seems a far cry from the otherwise idyllic surroundings of the Antholz Valley.
The biathlon experience
Nordic biathlon sport requires more than just power and endurance, body control is also vital. If you want to try the sport out yourself, courses are available in the Biathloncenter Antholz, where you can also race against your friends or participate in a guest biathlon. The biathlon centre is the starting point for various trails ranging from easy to challenging, which can be tackled in both classic and skating ski style. Whatever your preference, tackling the same terrain as the world’s best biathletes is always an exhilarating feeling.
The Most Beautiful Tracks
High-level route on the Staller Saddle
The undoubted highlight among the Antholz cross-country ski trails is the roughly 8 km high-level route on the Staller Saddle. This mountain pass connects Antholz Valley with the Defereggen Valley, opening up majestic views of the surrounding peaks, including the Rieserferner Group and Villgraten Mountains. This trail at 2,000 m above sea level is classified as difficult and definitely demands a good level of fitness. It can only be tackled in the classic skiing style.
Other trails in the Antholz Valley
- Biathlonzentrum Antholz trail (5.3 kilometres, 30 vertical metres, intermediate, classic and skating ski)
- Niederrasen valley trail with circular route (6 km, 150 vertical metres, easy, classic)
- Antholzertal valley trail (Antholz Obertal – Antholz Niedertal, 8.8 kilometres, 305 vertical metres, intermediate, classic and skating ski)
- Oberrasen valley trail (Biotop, 6 km, 60 vertical metres, easy, classic)
- Oberrasen/Niederrasen valley trail (4 km, 100 vertical metres, easy, classic and skating ski)
Interesting facts
- Offering 51 km cross-country trails, Antholz Valley is among the 15 largest Cross-Country Skiing Areas in Italy.
- Antholz Valley is among the 10 best rated Cross-Country Skiing Areas in Italy.
- The high point of the cross-Country skiing area is located at an elevation of 1,930 m.
- Snow coverage is usually best during February, offering an average snow depth of 73 cm at summit elevation and 25 cm at the base.
Getting Here
By car: The Antholz Valley is accessible from Innsbruck or Trento/Bolzano via the A22 motorway. Exit the motorway at the Brixen/Pustertal junction and take the SS49 via Bruneck until you reach the bottom of the valley. From there, take the SP44 and then follow the road.
By train: The closest train station is in Olang at the bottom of the valley.
