A pristine white gift from heaven. The backdrop for days filled with joy. A silent companion for infinite expeditions. What does the snow of Val Senales mean to you? 

Sometimes I wonder what old Anton would say about modern skiing. Back in the nineteen hundreds, he was pretty taken aback when the first people in Val Senales strapped boards onto their feet, wanting to give skiing a try. If he’d been born just a few decades later, I think moustachioed Anton Raffeiner would have ended up as a ski instructor. But let’s focus on the present. Are you considering a winter getaway in Val Senales in the near future? Then come on! Skiing on the Senales Glacier. Winter hiking and cross-country skiing. Touring, building snowmen, sledging and visiting Christmas markets – there’s so much joy to be had. 

The 23 pistes in the Alpin Arena Senales are situated at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. Surrounded by imposing glacier giants, you have to make sure you do actually ski and not just stand there and marvel at it all. The skiing season here in Val Senales lasts longer than anywhere else in South Tyrol, offering a diverse range of winter sports activities. From training slopes for elite athletes to family-friendly slopes, there’s something for everyone. Plus, children up to the age of 10 can enjoy a full day’s skiing in the Val Senales glacier ski area for just €5. The whole day long. 

Of course, you can snuggle up in my inviting rooms and watch the snowflakes dance in Val Senales. But it’s even more magical if you venture outdoors and take part in Oberraindl’s Winter Wonder Week Programme. Here’s what we have in store for you this year:

• Monday: Trip to the Merano Christmas market. Tyrolean evening
• Tuesday: Ötzi glacier ski tour with mountain guide. Curling.
• Wednesday: Snowshoe hike into the Mastaun valley. Guided tour of the Allerengelberg Monastery. Serata italiana.
• Thursday: Ski tour on the glacier. Wine tasting with senior host Helmuth.
• Friday: Snowshoe tour with Martin.

An ice-cold paradise opens up for you at the end of the valley, a veritable kingdom of snow. The glacier ski area is a perfect playground for winter sports enthusiasts. Thanks to state-of-the-art cable cars, you can ascend to over 3,000 metres above sea level in no time. With 23 wonderful pistes, 2 high-altitude cross-country ski trails, numerous charming huts, and extraordinary sights, there’s plenty to explore up here. 

When there’s a scent of cosiness, a taste of childhood and the twinkle of lights competes with the sparkle in your eyes, then it must be Advent. In Val Senales, the lead-up to Christmas is celebrated in a timeless, familiar manner, steeped in tradition and joy. There’s ample time and space for cherished customs and all that is dear to us in these mountains. Advent is particularly enchanting in my rustic rooms, where moments alternate between reverence and eager anticipation of the grand celebration. Equally delightful is a visit to one of the South Tyrolean Christmas markets. How about joining us on a trip to Merano on Monday?