The Ski Resort
Watles offers next to great trails and wonderful mountain scenery the most hours of sunshine in the association of ´Ortler Skiarena´ ski resorts. You see, there are more than enough reasons to pay a visit to the Vinschgauer ski resort in West Southern Tyrol. You will find 18 kilometers (11 miles) of trails that split into 6,5 km (4 miles) of blue and 11,5 km (7 miles) of red marked trails. So it´s safe to say that it is the perfect resort for a family vacation.
The resort boasts more than three chairlifts and other kinds of ski lifts that serve all slopes. There are two conveyor belt lifts for beginners as well. Speaking of beginners, there´s a slope for real newbies on skis. Also look for the valley slope at ´Watles´ lift. The freeride trail and racing slope are oriented to the needs of skiers that love to challenge themselves. Plus, the guests get to enjoy the skicross slope that brings a length of one kilometer (0,62 miles) and includes a stair, Wu Tang, rollers, jumps and banks.
Kids and beginners learn the correct handling of ski and snowboard at Watles ski school.
Actual and prospective Freestylers do their tricks in the terrain park, whereas the youngsters are in the hand of professional childcare at the ski kindergarten Bubo. Here kids learn skiing the playful way. Helpful thereby are two magic carpets, a ski carousel and a snow igloo. A playground guarantees tons of fun and the specially designed kids restaurant Plantapatsch even offers a warm-up room. During day care, you can optionally book lunch for the kiddies.
Interesting facts
- The vertical drop from summit to base is 750 m. The average difference in altitude between base and summit of Ski Resorts in Italy is 979 m. The ski resort takes you to an elevation of 2,500 m.
- Average snow depth during the season is 74 cm at summit elevation and 84 cm at base elevation. Snow coverage is usually best during March, offering an average snow depth of 95 cm at summit elevation and 106 cm at the base.
- Watles features 51 sunny days on average per season. The average for all ski Resorts in Italy is 52 sunny days. February is the sunniest month with an average of 17 sunny days.
Snow Safety & Snowmaking
On Mountain Dining
You can´t criticize the variety of choices for dining options. Mountain hut Plantapatschhütte, situated at the top station of Watles awaits all hungry skiers. The large panorama terrace is an other plus.
´Höfer Alm´ is extremely comfortable and handy located at the run that brings you back to the base. Please take your time to relax on the great panorama terrace during sunny days.
The valley station´s snack stand offers little snacks and- this is hard to believe- is open until sunset.
Must-Ski Runs
Don´t miss the valley slope to Watles. Special trails like the Freeride trail for deep-snow fans or the race slope for all those checking their speed are also worth checking out. On the skicross trail you have to overcome different Freestyle elements to get to the finishing line.
Activities
A highlight away from ski fun is the natural toboggan run with a length of four kilometers (2,5 miles). What a thrill! That is what you´ll say once you´ve experienced this toboggan run through forest ´Lärchenwald´. It´s one of the most beautiful runs in Southern Tyrol. You decide if you go the easy way and ride the chairlift or you take the hiking tour that will also bring you to the tippy top and takes you around 1,5 hours to walk.
In addition there are countless snow shoe hiking trails and regular hiking trails that invite you to explore the region. Take these trails to get access to the high mountains, also alp and mountain restaurants. The popular two-hour hike begins at Watles valley station. Pass ´Höferalm´ along the way and continue to the mountain facility Plantapatschhütte.
Ski tourers will find their own runs along with a wide variety of challenging trails that lead you to the high mountains as well. Route Höferalm is a beauty. It starts at Prämajur and passes the hosted ´Höferalm´ along the way, further you´ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the mountain´s summit. The ski resort organizes a night skiing tour every Tuesday, where ´Höferalm´ is open too.
Après-Ski and Nightlife
Dining and Restaurants
Zum Goldnen Adler in Mals is for sure one of the best restaurants in town. The secret recipe: They only use fresh and local food from their own farm to cook outstanding regional dishes.
The ´Stroossnkuch´ is not a gourmet temple at first sight with its ´simple food´ like sausages, burgers and the famous ´Schnitzel´. However, they really have a passion for cooking and organic products, that makes the restaurant to a real insiders tip. It seems unspectacular at first sight but turns out pretty great!
Infrastructure & Rental
Skischools
Number of Ski Rental
Getting here
By car:
You can get to the ski area Watles, either taking the Brennerpass or the Reschenpass.
Continue on the Brennerpass and exit the highway at Bozen Süd.
Then proceed to Meran and drive the expressway Mebo to Vinschgauer state road that will bring you right to the ski resort.
