Latemar Dolomites

Photo: J.Ciszak/skionline.pl. Ski Center Latemar is a resort in South Tyrol at the foot of the Latemar massif, in the central Dolomites. The base for its ski area is the village of San Floriano (Obereggen), a 20-minute drive from Bolzano. In terms of the journey from Poland, it is one of the most conveniently located Italian ski resorts (the drive takes around 8 to 10 hours). This modern resort, which stretches from 1,500 m to 2,500 m, offers visitors ideal conditions for a winter holiday. Staying in Obereggen gives you direct access to the whole ski network, with 43 km of downhill pistes. The local ski pass is also valid in several neighbouring resorts which together make up the Val di Fiemme ski area, giving access to around 140 km of pistes in total. The Dolomiti Superski pass is also valid at Ski Center Latemar. In the Latemar massif, intermediate skiers have the widest choice of pistes, with plenty of long intermediate runs through interesting terrain. Children and beginners, in turn, have wide, gentle slopes and safe skiways stretching from Pampeago all the way to Obereggen. Experienced skiers can choose from several good black runs, the best known and fastest of which is the Zanggenberg, almost 2.5 km long with a gradient of 58°. Snowboarders are drawn to the snow park with its impressive view of the Latemar massif. In the evenings you can ski on a 1.5 km floodlit piste in Obereggen. Once a week, during the evening sessions, you can test the latest Salomon equipment free of charge. Thanks to a very modern snowmaking system, Ski Center Latemar offers optimal snow conditions throughout the winter season. Obereggen has nothing for cross-country skiers. However, the nearby plateau of Nova Ponente and Monte San Pietro, with its extensive network of trails, is an ideal place for the sport. The well-prepared trails start in the villages of Nova Ponente (Deutschnofen) and Monte San Pietro (Petersberg), which lie at more than 1,300 m. You can go tobogganing both in Obereggen and in the surrounding area. The 2.5 km toboggan run in Obereggen is also open in the evenings. Ski Center Latemar is a modern, busy resort that is lively both day and night. Its many bars offer different atmospheres and different kinds of music. Disco bars operate alongside the ski huts. When in Obereggen, be sure to call in at the "Tipi" right by the slopes, a one-of-a-kind bar built like a Native American tent, only on a huge scale: the structure is 10 m tall. Also widely known is the Ganischgeralm, a ski hut at 2,045 m built in the '70s and later modernised and renovated, a traditional stop for skiers, snowboarders and anyone after a winter tan.