Ski Guide to Ahrntal (Valle Aurina) in Italy

Winter in Ahrntal, when the snow blankets the peaks and valleys, is a picturesque wonderland that’s a sparkling beauty to experience. Located in one of our favourite regions South Tyrol, in the far reaches of northern Italy, Ahrntal is around 70 kilometres from altitudinous hub Bolzano – the gateway to the UNESCO-protected Dolomites.

Although the Ahrntal ski region, known as Skiworld Ahrntal, is probably not widely recognised outside of Europe, there are some very good reasons for making a bee line here for your next ski escapade. An in-the-know paradise for ski lovers, there are two main resorts: Klausberg and Speikboden, serviced by modern lifts. Those that prefer a little cross-country will love the picturesque runs that zig zag through Kasern and Rein in Taufers.

What really stands out though is that Ahrntal is particular good for family ski holidays. If you want to get your kids into skiing this is certainly the place to do it. Little ones will love the cool Dino Fun Run, which winds its way around models of T-rex’s and stegosauruses with mini jumps and tunnels. For more snowy fun take the tikes down the thrilling Alpine Coaster ‘Klausberg-Flitzer’, which is Italy’s longest toboggan run. If you need more adventure, try out the zipline Klausberg for the ultimate altitudinous adrenaline rush. Or simply indulge in a more chilled activity – perhaps a horse sleigh ride around the pretty snowscapes.

If you and the family fancy a break from mountainous adventure, the quirky mineral museum in St. Johann makes a diverting attraction. The Kirchler family have worked hard to make this fascinating museum a hub of information about the mountain’s jewels – including stones created 30 million years ago inside the earth’s crust. You’ll see over 1,000 unusual quartzes and crystals - don’t expect to leave without your own little gem from the shop.

It’s also good to know that Ahrntal has got wellness covered. ‘Cascade’ at Taufers has several different pools, with emphasis on stimulating your senses. It has an impressive six saunas plus a Kneipp bath, meaning that Ahrntal can be as relaxed as you’d like it.

Where to stay?

Cast in a dramatic silhouette in blackened larch wood, eco-conscious and fully organic, this timbered design bastion by architects Alexander and Armin Pedevilla sits in the beauty of Italy’s stunning Valle Aurina (Ahrntal). The contemporary interiors create a retreat with timber-clad rooms of pure design simplicity, offset with putty greys, copper lighting and the soft warmth of ancient Ladin cloth in earthy greens.