Adventures abound and a big rush of adrenaline: In May, South Tyrol’s Three Peaks Dolomites holiday region starts into a new climbing and outdoor season drawing mountaineers of all sorts to the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. From beginners to experts, from hiking to climbing – fixed rope routes, via ferratas and high routes, exciting climbing parks and indoor climbing centers make the region a perfect destination for anyone “aiming high”, and popular climbing and outdoor events are sure to add that extra bit of action. The top five things to do for adrenaline junkies:
1. “Peak performance”: Following the Dolomites high routes
Taking a spectacular multi-day hike through the Dolomites requires a certain level of physical fitness and stamina. In spite of all the strain, it certainly won’t be long before the endorphins kick in, along the ridgeway crossing the Braies/Prags and the Sesto/Sexten Dolomites for example. During the five-day tour from Braies to the Dolomites’ famous Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese crossing the Valle della Rienza/Rienztal valley to the “Drei Zinnen Hütte” mountain hut and back to the idyllic Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal hikers will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Three Peaks. Nights can be spent at cozy, rustic huts to be found along the trails.
2. For novices and pros: Climbing parks & indoor climbing centres
Whether it is improving one’s skills or entering the world of climbing – the spectacular climbing parks in the Three Peaks Dolomites offer perfect terrain for all tastes. Known as some of the most popular destinations for experienced climbers are the climbing crag Landro in the Val di Landro/Höhlensteintal, and the challenging routes in Ponticello/Brückele in the Val di Braies valley, while the Rienztal valley climbing park attracts visitors with a variety of routes both for beginners and pros plus impressive views of the Three Peaks. Ideal places for practice are the two indoor climbing centers: The Nordic Arena in Dobbiaco/Toblach and the Dolomiten Arena in Sesto/Sexten provide routes for every level plus bouldering areas.
3. Follow the flow: Via ferratas in the Three Peaks Dolomites
Those who feel ready for the next step “up” can try and climb the Three Peaks with an experienced guide from one of the local alpine training centers. There is a whole choice of routes at different levels leading up the region’s landmark. The world famous Via Comici route on the north face (level VII), for example, is recommended for very experienced climbers only: 16 ropes and a 550-metre vertical slab make it a very special challenge.
4. Rock it! – The Dolorock Climbing Festival
A renowned event in the scene, the Dolorock Climbing Festival takes place from May 26 through 28, 2017 in the Three Peaks Dolomites. It offers climbers the opportunity to spend a weekend dedicated to their favorite sports and to compete against big names from the scene in the Landro valley. More detailed information is available on www.dolorock.com.
5. Aiming high: The Adventure Outdoor Fest, San Candido/Innichen
Visitors at this year’s Adventure Outdoor Fest from June 28 through July 2 will be able to literally rise to new heights trying themselves at disciplines like high-lining, parkour, climbing, mountain biking, running and yoga. Next to courses, meetings and presentations the festival also presents workshops, film screenings in the evenings, and an exciting kid’s program. For full details see www.adventureoutdoorfest.com
For further information on activities and family-friendly accommodation in the Three Peaks Dolomites go to www.drei-zinnen.info.
INFO: Three Peaks Dolomites
South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal, which as of recently presents itself under the “Three Peaks Dolomites” brand, offers some of the best places for a winter season filled with outdoor action, opportunities to relax and romantic moments – in the picturesque townships of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags. Whether it is a horse sleigh ride in the Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal, a walk along the shores of Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee, a stroll through San Candido’s picturesque pedestrian zone, a stop at Klammbachalm or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through a mountain winter wonderland: the wide variety of choices is sure to suit all tastes.
Romantic moments in the snow
What could possibly be more romantic than a horse sleigh ride for two through the picture-perfect snow-covered scenery at Val Fiscalina and the famous Meridiana di Sesto?
Or how about a walk through the charming pedestrian zone of San Candido, site of the annual “Dolomite Christmas”? This season, the event takes place November 25 through January 6, filling the village with true Christmas magic. Nature lovers, on the other hand, should opt for Lago di Braies, the largest natural lake in the Dolomites, which during the winter months is covered with glittering white ice and snow.
An athlete’s dream come true …
Winter time is also the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors – on cross-country skis, for example. The holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites features an impressive 200 kilometer network of groomed and connected trails. An insider’s tip is the Val di Landro tour providing great views of the Three Peaks.
Alpine skiers will enjoy the area’s more than 93 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes in the Three Peaks Dolomites ski resort, snow guaranteed. And, next to the new, sun-drenched Three Peaks run actually lies Italy’s steepest run, the so-called “Holzriese”.
Unspoiled landscapes and a hearty snack
Snowshoeing puts participants into a slower, almost meditative mode when jointly making their way through spectacular landscapes covered with an immaculate white blanket of snow that produces softly crunching noises. Offering breathtaking views of the Three Peaks, a hike from Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese to Monte Specie/Strudelkopf is considered to be a true highlight. At the end of an extensive hike or snowshoeing tour stands a hearty snack, served in the cozy atmosphere of a farmed alp like Klammbachalm. Those looking for an easier way up to the alp should instead take a gondola ride via Stiergarten.
Creits: 1st pic H.Wisthaler / 2nd pic ©TV Innichen_H.Wisthaler.
Further information and bookings are available online at www.drei-zinnen.info
Since the skiing terrain in the Three Peaks Dolomites is so varied and distances within the resort are so short, the Three Peaks Dolomites ski resort has for the 2016/17 season created a series of exciting experiences for all types of skiers.
For high-flyers: A helicopter ride over the snow-covered Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage and boundless skiing fun on the area’s most beautiful pistes is what visitors are able to experience when booking the Dolomites by Ski & Heli tour.
An absolute must for skiers with great stamina is the Giro delle Cime. The day tour through the Monte Elmo/Helm, Stiergarten, Croda Rossa/Rotwand, Kreuzberg/Monte Croci and the Val Comlico ski area features 5,600 meters of elevation gain, eleven lift rides providing spectacular views as well as many culinary peaks. Depending on snow conditions, the tours take place weekly on Wednesday and Sunday throughout the winter season.
Lots of adrenaline and fascinating technical insights are offered to adventurous guests during the Free Fall Ride at the Croda Rossa when accompanying technicians on their nightly snow groomer tour. It takes them to one of the steepest runs in the Alps, the so-called “Holzriese”.
Up for a skiing break? The feeding of Italy’s only herd of reindeers near the top of the Croda Rossa gondola promises to become an unforgettable highlight for the entire family. The public feeding takes place every Thursday at 2 pm.
Early-morning ski tours in the Dolomites are the crowning glory of any skiing season. Those wanting to enrich this awe-inspiring experience with a breakfast in the sun should opt for the Three Peaks Mountain Brunch, available on Saturdays from February 11, 2017. On touring skis participants make their way from the valley’s bottom in Sesto up to the popular panorama restaurant on Monte Elmo.
Bookings are available online.
Copyright: Ch. Tschurtschenthaler
INFO: Three Peaks Dolomites
With immediate effect, the area around South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria presents itself under a new name – holiday region Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites. The rising alpine destination, which comprises the quaint villages of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags, chose that name in order to further stress the importance of the world-famous Three Peaks as the area’s landmark. Yet, the primary focus of the tourism experience remains the holiday experience for all senses. Target groups are individual travellers and families, those looking for indulgence or relaxation, and active travellers. The valley welcomes them with a truly unique mix of cultural features and laid-back lifestyle, whether it is during a break at one of the many mountain cabins, or in the cosy atmosphere of a local guest house or restaurant. Guests may choose from a wide range of exciting activities: hiking, mountain climbing and biking in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, water-based treatments in the “Kneipp für mich®” Active Park, and relaxed days on the shores of a lake.
In addition to the Alta Pusteria, the Sesto Dolomites cable cars, too, form part of the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites, making it a perfect winter destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. In the Helm-Croda Rossa skiing region 32 cable cars provide access to snow-filled fun on 93 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes. Five interconnected skiing mountains between South Tyrol and the Veneto plus convenient train connections with the Ski Pustertal Express offer further options, adding up to a total of 200 kilometres of slopes. A wide network of cross-country trails, snowshoeing, winter hiking and many other experiences complement the array of winter sports activities in the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites, while families will enjoy features like gigantic snowmen, Italy’s only free-range herd of reindeers, ice-skating, or tobogganing.
Another romantic affair is a sleigh ride through the snow-covered landscape. Fast at times, then slow, to the rhythmic trudging sound of hooves the horse-drawn sleigh takes passengers to the Lago di Dobbiaco or the Val Fiscalina.
Pic Credits: Ch.Tschurtschenthaler
INFO: Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites
Put on your walking shoes and march off: Autumn time is hiking time in South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria. The region features a sheer endless array of sporting highlights like the Dolomites Alpine Week or the Dolomites autumn weeks, within a diverse choice of tours and beautiful views all around the landmark, the Three Peaks. A special highlight is also the “cable car journey to the sunrise”.
For the adventurous: The Dolomites Alpine Week
If the scent of autumn lies in the air, the South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria attracts with numerous travelling packages at its townships Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags. From the 10th to the 24th of September the Dolomites alpine week provides the participants with a one-week activity programme, including hosted mountain hikes and half day hiking tours.
For beginners: The Dolomite autumn weeks
From 24th of September to the 16th of October 2016 guests of the participating accommodations can use numerous mountain railways free of charge to reach various starting points of marvellous hikes/wanderings.
For hiking lovers: Lodge tour to Rifugio Comici, Rifugio Pian di Cengia and Rifugio Locatelli hut
Stamina, perseverance and experience are demanded on the lodge tour to Rifugio Comici, Rifugio Pian di Cengia and Rifugio Locatelli hut. The 17 kilometre takes a minimum of seven hours and provides the hikers from June to October with the nicest view of the surrounding mountains.
For real perseverance junkies: Stoneman Hike Trail
The trekking tour features a 54 kilometre journey through South Tyrol’s Dolomites, on which several stamps at three checkpoints have to be collected. At the end of the tour hikers receive the Stoneman trophy. The starter package costs 39 euros per person.
For romantics: “Cable car journey to the sunrise”
The ride takes place until 15th of September 2016 and offers an unforgettable moment. At the break of sunrise the panoramic cable car Sexten takes visitors up to the 2,050 metres high mountain Monte Elmo/Helm. The ride costs 17,30 euros each.
Photos credits:
1) Consorzio Turistico Alta Pusteria photogruener
2) Drei Zinnen AG C.Tschurtschenthaler
3) Consorzio Turistico Alta Pusteria H.Wisthaler
INFO: Alta Pusteria