Not far from Merano, an enchanting winter world opens up with dense forests, snow-covered alpine pastures and ancient shingle-roofed farmhouses. On the horizon, the three-thousand-metre peaks of the Ortler tower into the sky and in between lies the small, fine skiing area of Schwemmalm Ulten. Enjoy a active timeout in a breathtaking winter landscape, far away from the hustle and bustle.

www.schwemmalm.com

The Ulten Valley stands for the original South Tyrol, for 300 days of sunshine a year and for a winter in peace and quiet. The local Schwemmalm Ulten ski area is an insider tip away from the hustle and bustle - all the better in times like these. It is located on the sunny ridge above the village of Kuppelwies, between 1,150 and 2,600 metres above sea level. Visitors appreciate the 25 kilometres of pistes, as well as five kilometres of off-piste runs. Another highlight are the wide, tree-free and sunny slopes below the Mutegg peak, which are among the most beautiful downhill runs in South Tyrol. The skiing area has been awarded several times for the excellent preparation of the slopes, its snow safety and the small, rustic ski huts. The latter invite you to refuel on the large sun terraces with traditional dishes.

An unforgettable experience off the slopes too

Those who don't just want to enjoy themselves on the slopes in winter can also enjoy numerous other activities on the Schwemmalm. Get out of the warm room and into the white winter splendour with snowshoeing and winter hiking. The silence and beauty of nature on the Ultner Höfeweg is perfect for recharging your batteries. You can see as far as the South Tyrolean horizon on the winter hiking trails to the Innere Schemmalm, to the Steinrast or to the Mariolberger Alm above St. Pankraz.

Cross-country skiers get themselves going on the trails. Right next to the valley station of the Schwemmalm Ulten skiing area, the Ulten panoramic cross-country trail runs between 12 and 25 kilometres along the lake and the frozen Falschauer, past ancient farms and through deeply snow-covered forests towards the sun. The tobogganers set off from the valley station of the Breitebenbahn to the Steinrast and the starting point of the competition-calibrated natural toboggan run "Moscha". Night tobogganing is also recommended, with tobogganers whizzing down the mountain every Wednesday from 7pm. Skaters turn their pirouettes on the natural ice rink in Kuppelwies, and ski tourers will also find a varied terrain in the 40-kilometre-long Ulten Valley - and absolute snow reliability around the glacier area in the Ortler massif. The ski tour to the 2,658-metre-high Mutegg peak with a magnificent view of the Ötztal Alps and the Dolomites is popular and guaranteed snow until late spring. By the way: Every Thursday evening the pistes on the Schwemmalm are reserved exclusively for ski tourers from 5.30 to 9.30 pm.

Picture Credits: mk Salzburg, Schwemmalm