Skiing at the Val Senales Glacier in the Ortler Skiarena

The Val Senales valley lies north-west from Merano: here you can ski all year round on the glacier. This ski area has Alpine skiing trails included in the Ortler Skiarena resort, a snowboard park open also in summer, sledding and snow rafting slopes, and exciting ski mountaineering routes, some reaching the site where Ötzi the Iceman, the mummy of Similaun, was found.

The 35 km trails of Val Senales are never too crowded and can be reached from Maso Corto with a swift and comfortable cableway.

The trails are large and of different levels: some are perfect for beginners and children; others are a little more difficult and exciting. The valley is ideal for children who start learning how to ski: parents can count on professional instructors and specialized assistance at the Skiland Ötzlino.

Some of the trails (about 10 km) are on the glacier, at an altitude of 3200 meters, thus allowing for summer skiing: try the unique sensation of sliding on perfect snow while basking in the Mediterranean sun of Merano.

The valley and its glacier are a favourite destination for snowboarders, who can perform their tricks on two snowboard parks. The Gentlemenrider's Nitro Park, on the glacier, guarantees a long and exciting snowboarding season and organizes summer camps. 

On the glacier there are two cross-country skiing trails, and a third one, open only during winter season, is in Lazaun, on the valley floor.

More than skiing

Many of the mountains surrounding the Val Senales valley are over 3000 meters high and here spring, when the snow is compact, is the best season for ski mountaineering. A lot of trails start from Maso Corto: the easiest reaches Stotz, whereas the most difficult ones go up to Punto Saldur, on the Palla Bianca, or on the site where Ötzi the Iceman, the mummy of Similaun, was found. An interesting interactive museum, the Archeo Parc of Madonna di Senales, is dedicated to this mummy.

There are also many snowshoeing trails taking to shepherd's huts and refuges, where the effort of walking in the silence of untouched snow will be rewarded with delicious local specialties.

In order to practice this off-piste sports safely you should be accompanied by a local mountain guide, who thanks to their deep knowledge of the territory will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of these lands without endangering yourself.

There are also exciting activities for the whole family. There is an ice rink in Madonna di Senales and a free sledding slope with hire shop near the Lazarun chalet. You can practice some very interesting and alternative winter sports like snow rafting and snow tubing near Maso Wieshof.

Opening period and number of slopes

20/09/2024 – 04/05/2025

Val Senales: 7 blue, 5 red and 5 black