Winter in Merano: skiing and much more.

There are many ways to enjoy a winter holiday in Merano and Environs. You do not even need to go far from the Zirmerhof Residence to enjoy a spoiling choice of winter activities ranging from skiing, cross-country skiing and ski touring to tobogganing, snowshoeing and ice skating.

Our residence with its cosy holiday apartments is open during the winter season, although with the hotel being closed catering and other amenities like the spa are not available.

Ski holidays

South Tyrol enjoys international reputation for its quality ski areas and perfect pistes. One of these ski areas lies at just 8 kilometres from the Zirmerhof: Merano 2000 extends over a sunny plateau above the spa town and is especially suitable for families.

Other ski areas in the Merano area:

Monte San Vigilio/Vigiljoch (ca. 30 km)
Plan/Pfelders (ca. 30 km)
Schwemmalm (ca. 35 km)
Senales/Schnals valley Glacier (ca. 45 km)

Cross-country skiing in Merano and Environs

No less popular than its Alpine counterpart, cross-country skiing is a big favourite here in South Tyrol. Not only is it a healthy sports discipline, it is also made particularly rewarding by the marvellous, sunny panoramas our land has to offer. Whether you are a classic style fan or a skater, and regardless of your level of proficiency, you will find plenty of opportunities to practice this winter sport at all five ski areas near Merano. There are trails for all tastes and levels, and if five ski areas are not enough, there are many more trails all over South Tyrol waiting to be discovered.

The trails we recommend:

Val Senales/Schnalstal valley
- Hochjoch 1 (intermediate, 10 km)
- Hochjoch 2 (intermediate, 5 km)
- Lazaun (easy, 3 km)
Merano 2000
- Falzeben (intermediate, 5 km)
Val Passiria/Passeiertal valley
- Innerhütt (easy to intermediate, 2,3 and 5 km) – floodlit on Tuesday and Thursday night
Val d’Ultimo/Ultental valley
- Valley trail (easy to intermediate, 25 km)

Snowshoeing through a wintry idyll

Snowshoeing is probably one of the most rewarding ways to explore the area of Merano and Environs during the winter season. Snowshoes allow you to progress easily through the snowy expanses so you can focus on enjoying the crisp mountain air and magnificent view. All you need apart from the basic equipment is a pair of sturdy boots and warm clothing – a snack to eat along the way does not hurt, either!

In the Merano area alone you can have your pick of nearly 60 snowshoeing routes. Here are our favourites:

Avelengo/Haflinger panoramic tour (67 hours)
Rifiano mountain huts tour (3 hours)
Möltner Kaser hut tour (3 hours)
Tour to the Lazinsalm hut in Plan/Pfelders (2 hours)

Winter is twice as fun… on a toboggan run!

Turn the winter fun up a notch with a thrilling toboggan race! Climb up the mountain with your family or friends – either on foot or by cable car – and then challenge them to a nail-biting downhill race. Toboggans are available for hire at local ski rental shops or at the nearby huts and inns, where you can also enjoy a stopover and a delicious dish of South Tyrolean favourites.

The best toboggan runs near the Zirmerhof:

The Vigiljoch run in Lana, 2 km
The Plan/Pfelders run, 2 km
The Bachwies racing run in Meltina/Mölten, 0.7 km
The Merano 2000 run in Avelengo/Hafling, 2.4 km
The Schennaberg run in Scena/Schenna, 1 km