In this article, we’ll tell you about the walks and experiences we’ve enjoyed during the winter in the Aurina Valley and the Tures Valley in South Tyrol. These valleys (side valleys of the Puster Valley) are truly magical and ideal for families: small ski areas but with everything you need to have fun, sledding runs, walks in the snow, and alpine huts serving excellent traditional South Tyrolean dishes. Ready?
WALKS
Rio Bianco Alpine Huts
From Rio Bianco in Luttago, you can take a hike that leads to three mountain huts: the Innerhofer at 1 ,743 meters, the Marxegger at 1,761 meters, and the Pircher at 1,810 meters. The hike is easy and takes about 2 hours in total. You can return by sled, which can be rented at reasonable prices at all three mountain huts. Find all the information HERE.
Knütten Alm
A classic hike starting from Riva di Tures. A one-hour leisurely walk that takes you to an elevation of 1,911 meters. The trail is wide and climbs gradually, running alongside the Knuttenbach stream. The cuisine features traditional dishes with a gourmet twist. The service is friendly and efficient, and prices are a bit higher than average (but well worth it). You can return by sled, which can be rented at the mountain hut. Info HERE.
BizatHut
The Bizat Hütte, at 1,460 meters, is a wonderful place to stop for a bite to eat in Costa Molini in the Aurina Valley. It takes about an hour and a half to reach it on foot along the forest road, with a 300-meter elevation gain. It’s family-run and serves excellent food, ranging from classic dishes to more unique offerings (such as mountain pine tagliatelle or desserts!). For those with small children or who aren’t used to long walks, you can shorten the hike by leaving your car 20 minutes away from the hut. All the information is HERE.
Stegeralm
A snowshoe hike lasting about two hours with an elevation gain of 500 meters to reach the Stegeralm at nearly 2,000 meters in the Aurina Valley. It’s a bit challenging, but definitely worth it. Friendly service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a menu featuring a small selection of excellent dishes at reasonable prices. Find all the information HERE.
Casere Alpine Pastures
At the end of the Aurina Valley lies the small village of Casere, just a stone’s throw from Austria. From here, an easy hike of less than an hour along a well-trodden path leads to four mountain huts, each more beautiful than the last: the Prastmannalm, the Talschlusshütte, the Jägerhütte, and the Adleralm. The little Church of the Holy Spirit is delightful. Find all the information HERE.
Weizgruber Alm
This authentic and rustic mountain hut is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters in Val di Tures (Selva dei Molini) and can be reached in a couple of hours on foot through the woods, following the forest road uphill. The place is small but very cozy, offering traditional local dishes at extremely reasonable prices. You can return by sled, which can be rented at the mountain hut for a modest fee. Find all the information HERE.
FUN IN THE SNOW
Klausberg Ski Area
In the Klausberg ski area, in the Aurina Valley, there are 33 kilometers of ski runs, an easy toboggan run more than five kilometers long (also open at night on Tuesdays), another six-kilometer toboggan run of moderate difficulty, and the adrenaline-pumping Alpine Coaster—a nearly two-kilometer course featuring numerous ups and downs and 360° turns aboard a bobsled on rails. All the information is HERE.
Speikboden Toboggan Run
A fun experience for the whole family in the Speikboden ski area in the Aurina Valley: one of the longest toboggan runs in Italy! A full ten kilometers of curves and straightaways. You can rent toboggans at both the departure and arrival points of the gondola. Find all the information HERE.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Campo Tures Castle
This ancient manor house is one of the most beautiful and largest in South Tyrol, situated on a rocky outcrop above Campo Tures. In winter, it can only be visited with a guide, who leads visitors through more than twenty perfectly preserved and furnished rooms. From December 8, 2022, to May 27, 2023: daily at 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. For more information and admission prices, click HERE.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re looking for comfortable, cozy, family-friendly accommodations, we recommend one of the Gallo Rosso farmhouses. We stayed atthe Innermoser in Selva dei Molini during the winter and at the Redenhof in Lappago during the summer. Both accommodations are perfect any time of year. You can find other accommodations in the Aurina Valley HERE.
