The bliss of diversity
Alpine skiing, snow sculptures, ski-tour racing and the newly-opened indulgence spa ‘Cascade’: in the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley everyone finds their winter paradise.
Winter in the mountains appeals to our innermost human instincts. Everyone has their own way of enjoying and cherishing it. There are those who cannot resist the call of the ski slopes and those that are intent on experiencing the idyllic beauty of the snow-covered valley landscapes, and then there are the thrill-seekers, who are drawn towards the icy peaks and frozen waterfalls.
Fortunately the Tauferer Ahrntal - a valley made in South Tyrol – offers a holiday region where our guests are able to enjoy every aspect of a glorious mountainous winter.
Alpine skiers for instance are guaranteed to find what they are looking for in the three ski regions that cater for all skill-levels with 45km of prepared ski slopes in total.
The ski resort Speikboden this winter has introduced three new pistes, as well as a tower viewing-platform at 2,400m offering stunning 360 degree panoramic views of more than eighty of the Dolomites’ 3,000m+ high peaks, making it a particularly attractive resort. Meanwhile the Klausberg has been unlocked by South Tyrol’s highest eight-person cabin cable car - and it is not only the slopes which are found here at 2,500m. Bound for the Valley is also the exhilarating Alpine Coaster „Klausberg-Flitzer“ - Italy’s highest and longest alpine rollercoaster celebrates its winter debut. This toboggan run leads you down 1,800m of track spiced up with jumps, curls, dips and sharp bends amidst the snow-covered Klausberg. Or why not soothe your soul on the peaceful slopes of Rein in Taufers, the Valley’s third ski region, which comes especially recommended for families with children. Whichever you decide upon all three resorts have one common feature – a 100% snow guarantee all the way through from the 3rd of December to beyond Easter!
Winter touring amidst Nature’s breathtaking scenery
Located on the sunny southern side of the Zillertaler Alps and surrounded by eighty colossal 3,000m high mountain giants the beauty of the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley’s landscape is truly unique. A spectacle in its own right this experience is best enjoyed away from the marked slopes, for instance by joining one of many sportive Ski-Tours. The high-grounds of the Nature Park Rieserferner-Ahm is the ideal location for such pursuits where, should you wish, you can be accompanied by a local world-class mountain guide. By joining the ski-touring weeks led by Günther Ausserhofer you will conquer the most beautiful of the Alps’ main chain of 3,000m peaks. Meanwhile the Ahrntal Valley’s most renown extreme mountaineer Hans Kammerlander offers not only ski-tours but also winter hikes and frozen waterfall climbing for the duration of his winter-mountain-week (14th – 20th February 2012). And for anybody still left seeking yet more thrills they need look no further than the 4th ski-tour race „SkiAlpRaceAhrntal“ (12th February). This international ISMF-Race, held in Weißenbach/Ahrntal, provides not only an opportunity to watch the world’s elite athletes competing to tackle the mountain’s draining ascent and rapid decent but also affords all well trained amateur sportsmen and women the opportunity to take on the challenge themselves.
Relaxing and leaving the daily grind... behind
Would you like it a touch more quiet? There you go. Total relaxation is on offer at the indulgence, sauna and bathing centre „Cascade“ in Sand in Taufers. Opened in September 2011 its modern architecture blends extra-sensitively into the surrounding landscape while inside four indoor baths and six different sauna and warm cabins await. Those who choose to indulge themselves need not worry about missing out on the outstanding landscapes as expansive seamless glass facades allow the wintry surroundings to find their way into the heart of the relaxation rooms and swim areas.
Another easy-going way of enjoying the mountain winter in the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley is to grab your snow shoes. Snow-shoe hikes lead you through mountain woods and onto pastures with huts, all enveloped in silenced by the white blanket – recharge in perfect harmony with nature. Taking one of the much loved horse-drawn carriage journeys is certain to leave you enchanted by the ringing of their decorative bells. And whilst the Haflinger snorts through the snow of this family-friendly holiday region its passengers are free to enjoy the perfect peace of these culturally important farmlands. Contemporary creativity also plays a vibrant role in the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley. For the 3rd time already the Klausberg plays host to the „Klausberg Ice Games“ atop its plateau. From the 8th to the 13th of January 2012 ten assorted teams will turn huge blocks of ice into breathtaking sculptures. The theme of this year’s contest is “World of Comics”. Mickey Mouse can rightfully be expected!
Enjoy culinary highlights and delicacies.
How best to end a splendid day in the winter wonderland that is the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley? The answer surely has to be “with South Tyrolean specialities”. Here you can discover for yourself delicious Schlutzkrapfen, Pressknödel, Südtiroler Apfelstrudel and, leading the way, mention must surely be given to the Ahrntaler Grey Cheese – known locally as 'Graukas'. This king of cheeses will proudly preside over the 10th Cheese Festival which takes place in Sand in Taufers from the 9th to the 11th March 2012 where, with over 100 producers from all over Europe presenting nearly 1,000 different cheese delicacies, our Graukas is sure to find itself in illustrious company. As we’ve learnt already - in the Tauferer Ahrntal diversity is everything.
Find more information and footage in the office of the 'Ferienregion Tauferer Ahrntal', Ahrnerstr. 95, I-39030 Steinhaus (Italy), phone: +39 (0)474 65 20 81 , fax +39 (0)474 65 20 82, and mail .
MMMMM….. Cheese