Experienced skiers know it: Italian South Tyrol is full of fabulous ski slopes crossing, among other things, the splendid Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On which tracks will you take on the biggest challenge?
Here is an overview of the seven steepest slopes in the region. An ideal playground for experienced skiers who want to experience unforgettable and adrenaline-filled winter sports.
1. Trametsch
Welcome to the longest ski slope in South Tyrol. Adding to this the first part of the descent (the blue Plose run), we get a total of 9 kilometers with a drop of 1,400 meters. You start at 2,446 meters above sea level, with a fantastic view of the Dolomites. The second part of the circuit (the black Trametsch run) is particularly technical and varied. You cross at full speed mysterious pine forests, which are home to descents with gradients of up to 62%.
2. Piculin
We can honestly call Piculin a legendary track. This descent is part of the famous Black Five of Kronplatz/Plan de Corones. 2 kilometers long, it starts in St-Martin and delights you with slopes of up to 72%. Even if the first part of the descent seems easy, make no mistake: you will quickly realize the challenge ahead. Under the spring sun, you will easily see some beautiful bumps in the afternoon that you will have to tame.
3. Erta
The Erta black run is also part of the Black Five at Kronplatz/Plan de Corones. You descend along the flanks of the Piz de Plaies, a mountain peak culminating at 1,650 meters, to St-Vigil. With a total length of 1.3 kilometers, the track takes you in the wake of the slalom of the Women’s World Cup, where slopes of more than 60% are no exception.
4. Hernegg
If you’re up for a real challenge on one of the Black Five slopes at Kronplatz/Plan de Corones, take on the Hernegg. This descent of more than 5 kilometers is a difficult black track and seems endless. It starts at the top of Kronplatz, 2,275 meters above sea level. At first, you cross an open and snowy landscape, with a breathtaking view of the Dolomites and the Alps. You then ski among the conifers…until you arrive at Reischach/Riscone, which is about 1,298 meters below.
5. Gran Risa
Fans of the Alpine Skiing World Cup know that the Gran Risa in Alta Badia is a regular feature on the schedule of seasoned elite athletes. The Piz La Ila gondola takes you to the start of this 1.2 km long run. You then slide towards La Villa, crossing a heavily wooded landscape. The track is in the shade for most of the day, resulting in the frequent appearance of patches of ice. Handy for anyone looking to break their personal speed record.
6. Saslong
The Val Gardena/Gröden ski area is also home to one of Italy’s most famous slopes. The black Saslong run begins at the top of Mount Ciampinoi, which rises to 2,249 meters above sea level, near Selva/Wolkenstein. It then meanders for 3.1 kilometers in the countryside, towards Santa Cristina. From your first strokes on this track, you will understand its difficulties, with a steep slope over a length of 100 meters and a significant drop. The track then turns into a really sporty course through the woods.
7. Holzriese I & II
With a gradient of up to 77%, the Holzriese piste is the steepest in Italy. You start just above the village of Sexten/Sesto, in the 3Zinnen Dolomites ski area. From the luxurious resort of Bad Moos a gondola takes you to Rotwand/Croda Rossa, a peak 2,000 meters above sea level.
The second part of this black run is the famous Holzriese II. If you feel like the challenge will be a bit too muchcontinue your route on a more accessible blue run nearby, after completing the first section (Holzriese I).
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