Sulden am Ortler

Solda is the largest and most attractive of the three ski resorts in the Ortles (Ortler) region of South Tyrol. In winter it has around 40 km of pistes. Solda sits picturesquely at 1,900 m, but its lifts take skiers much higher, to the summit of Schöntauf (3,250 m). Most of the pistes are intermediate. The longest is 12 km. Evening skiing is possible on a floodlit slope. The ski season in Solda lasts until late spring. After that you can only ski on the glacier-covered slopes of the Gaisterspitze (3,465 m), part of another nearby ski area, Passo Stelvio/Stilfserjoch. In summer you can drive up to the pass of that name, at 2,760 m; in winter the road is closed to cars and becomes a 4 km natural toboggan run that the whole family can enjoy. The runs on the glacier are mostly intermediate or easy. Skiers have around 20 km of pistes served by 11 lifts (9 T-bars and 2 gondolas). The pistes on the Gaisterspitze glacier became famous because Alpine champions such as Alberto Tomba, Deborah Compagnoni and Marc Girardelli trained on them. National teams from many countries still often train here today. Cross-country skiers can use three trails on the glacier (12 km in total), part of which is a very demanding trail at the foot of Monte Cristallo, at around 3,400 m. The third ski resort in the Ortles region is Trafoi/Trafo, which is ideal for relaxed family skiing. Unfortunately, the three resorts (Trafo, Solda and Passo Stelvio) are not linked by piste. A ski bus runs between the lift valley stations. The resorts here guarantee excellent snow conditions and good freeride terrain. That is one of the reasons snowboarders like to come here. The Snowboard Festival, held in Solda every year on the first weekend of May, has become a tradition.