Eggental

Not far from the provincial capital of Bolzano and yet situated in the middle of the idyllic South Tyrolean mountains, the Val d'Ega (Eggen derives from the Ladin word "ega" for water) has emerged as an insider tip for a winter holiday. The valley comprises seven villages with a total of only 9300 inhabitants - but as small as the population is, as large is the offer for passionate winter sports enthusiasts. With Carezza Dolomites and Obereggen - Ski Center Latemar, two areas of the Dolomiti-Superski association, which comprises a total of twelve ski areas in the Unesco World Heritage Site, run through the Val d'Ega. Carezza, which lies directly below the Catinaccio and stretches from Lake Carezza to Nova Levante, has many blue slopes and is therefore ideal for beginners and families with small children. If you want to catch your breath, visit the "Laurins Lounge", South Tyrol's highest panoramic lounge ("Sunset Skiing Aperitif" not to be missed!), above the invisible mountain station of the new King Laurin cable car. The unique convertible aerial tramway with panoramic terrace, connecting Carezza with the village of Tiers is also new. The nearby Obereggen - Ski Center Latemar, on the other hand, was recently voted the "world's best ski area up to 60 km of slopes". On this section the slopes are a touch more challenging than on the neighbouring side: the majority are red runs, but there are also some difficult black runs. Advanced and intrepid skiers should definitely try the Latemar Ronda; expert ski guides from the region are happy to accompany ambitious athletes. The cost is around 20 euros per person, including shuttle bus and lunch. The "Latemar Sixpack" includes the six best routes under the Latemar, the King Laurin Challenge in turn includes the downhill run on the longest piste of the same name in the ski area - 1132 metres in altitude and 7.7 kilometres down to Welschnofen.

Architecture and sustainability

Futuristic flair in the midst of the mountains can be found in Val d'Ega at the "Loox": The après-ski building at the valley station in Obereggen is a real eye-catcher. With its flowing, organic structure, the spacey building is a deliberate contrast to the jagged silhouette of the surrounding mountains. The unique club has brought a breath of fresh air to the region with its hybrid concept of cosy Alpine atmosphere and cosmopolitan party mood, offering its guests a completely revamped version of après-ski, including original drinks. Popular with winter sports lovers since the late 19th century, Val d'Ega has already counted Empress Sisi, Agatha Christie and Winston Churchill among its most famous visitors. In many ways, the area, which has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2009, has remained wonderfully untouched despite its many innovations: 70 percent of the 200-square-kilometer landscape is forested land - a carefully preserved part of the past that also points the way to the future. After all, sustainability is a top priority in the region, and has been for many years. The ski areas of Val d'Ega are also fully committed to sustainability, resource conservation and environmental protection: the Carezza area is already aiming for complete climate neutrality by 2025 and is continuously reducing the energy consumption of snowmaking measures and piste preparation. The entire village of Obereggen is heated by its own district heating system using regional biomass (wood chips) and the public transport network is being constantly expanded.

Good to Know

Perfect for ...

Beginners, but also ambitious skiers. For children, a legend course was built under the Rosengarten massif and for youngsters a snow park including night park in Obereggen.

Route network and lifts

Obereggen - Ski Center Latemar has 18 lifts and 49 kilometres of slopes and is ideal for sporty skiers. Carezza Dolomites is a popular family ski area with 40 kilometres of slopes and 13 lifts.

Duration of the ski season

The area scores thanks to a powerful snow system with white splendor until spring. The season starts on 26 November (7pm) and lasts until 18 April 2022.

Best of Eggental: Restaurant tips

Gourmet Restaurant Johannesstube

"Taste nature" - this is the concept of the "Johannesstube". Every ingredient is handpicked, every product is either homemade or comes from the immediate surroundings. Guests of the restaurant can expect masterful haute cuisine from the hands of Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser, who has been setting the tone in the great kitchen here since 2014. johannesstube.com

Sonnalp Gourmet Restaurant

In the "Gourmetstube" of the "Hotel Sonnalp" in Obereggen, traditional South Tyrolean and Mediterranean cuisine meet. For example, Psair char with black pudding raviolo and pigeon breast with crispy polenta are on the menu. The skills of chef Martin Köhl have not gone unnoticed - his cuisine has received several awards from Gault Millau; it currently holds three toques. sonnalp.com

Restaurant Astra

Steinegg is home to this Michelin-starred restaurant, where chef Gregor Eschgfäller has succeeded in winning a Michelin star, three Gault-Millau toques and the hearts of his guests with his dishes. Here, only exquisite ingredients are served on the home-made plates. In addition, an original beverage accompaniment gives this cuisine a further portion of individuality. restaurant-astra.com

Hotel Tip

Hotel Pfösl

Architecture and nature in symbiosis

On a sunny high plateau, the "Hotel Pfösl" presents itself as an architectural highlight that blends harmoniously into the landscape and is inspired by its surroundings. The rooms are light-filled, equipped with natural materials and modern design; the guests of the house can also expect wellness pleasure on 2000 square meters. In terms of cuisine, the diversity of the garden is reflected on the guests' plates, among other things. Half board from € 206,- per person.

Hotel Pfösl, pfoesl.it
Schwarzenbach 2, 39050 Nova Ponente, Italy
T: +39 0471 616537