The peaks of the ‘Tre Cime’, the Sesto, and Braies Dolomites make up the beautiful backdrop that will dominate your vacation in Alta Pusteria. Italian villages bring charm and machismo, while the pistes are a great snow base for undemanding recreational skiers. If conditions are right off piste, there are plenty of challenges here for the serious powder hound prepared to do a bit of hiking.
This resort is make up of seven unlinked ski areas located above as many villages. The largest and highest of these ski areas is the Helm area which has a top lift of 2200m. This area is linked by cable car and gondola to the next two largest resorts which are San Candido and Sexten. There are ski areas to suit all in this region from beginner runs to a World Cup ski and snowboard run at San Candido. The altitude of these resorts does not always guarantee snow but with 85% snowmaking cover it is very much compensated for.
Off piste enthusiasts are well catered for in Alta Pusteria as there is some excellent skiing to be had. The lifts at the largest area of Helm go up to 2200m, whilst the peak is another 243m up. When the snow is good the hike is well worthwhile with a more or less infinite choice of runs. The Austrian ski area of Sillian lies over the backside of the mountain with no marked trail down so the possibilities are tempting as you might imagine. The three peaks have much more to offer to those prepared to hike, from wide sunny powder fields to forests for tree skiing.
The ski areas are well equipped with cosy Alpine log cabins for snacks and drinks on the mountain and the Helm restaurant is among the best of these, providing spectacular views of the Dolomite mountain range. There are around 100 restaurants scattered around the valley with around 26 of these in the main villages and town so you won’t be stuck for somewhere to eat. There are several dozen pizzerias in the area including the Martina and the Riego both of which are in Sesto and are highly recommended. For drinking Rudi’s Hutte is usually the liveliest place when the lifts close, but again there are plenty places around so you won’t struggle to find somewhere you like.
Resort Height | 1130m | |
Top Station | 2200m | |
Bottom Station | 1130m | |
Vertical Descent | 1070m | |
Drag Lifts | 12 | |
Chair Lifts | 7 | |
High Capacity | 6 | |
Opening Dates | Dec - March | |
Rating Expert | 5 | |
Rating Intermediate | 7 | |
Rating Beginner | 5 | |
Apres Ski Rating | 3 | |
Snow Reliability | 3 |