The 3 Zinnen Dolomites: an undiscovered skier’s delight

South Tyrol has 30 ski areas, many of them in the Dolomiti Superski area, an enormous network of slopes with a combined length of 1,200km (745 miles) – all of which can be explored on a single ski pass.

The sheer size of the region means there is a resort for everyone in South Tyrol, ranging from sprawling ski towns with enormous lift networks and slope-side festivals to beautiful resorts with the irresistible charm of a traditional Alpine village, such as 3 Zinnen Dolomites.

A hidden gem nestled in one of the Tyrol’s most spectacular valleys, 3 Zinnen Dolomites is a skiers’ paradise you may never have heard of.

And that is exactly why it is so appealing: think of empty slopes, ridiculously short lift queues and plenty of space at the bar when it comes to celebrating your descent of its powder-blanketed steeps.

There are 110km of slopes to explore at this beautiful resort, and many more within easy reach – a short journey on the Ski Pustertal Express train will take you to the Kronplatz/Plan de Corones area, where you will find an additional 119km of piste.

3 Zinnen Dolomites has a fantastic network of lifts, and winter 2019-20 brings the unveiling of the eight-person Hasenköpfl chairlift, which will take you to its highest point and a gorgeous view in a matter of minutes.

This means that getting to its best bits is easy, whether you are a beginner heading for the smooth, well-groomed runs on Monte Baranci/Haunold mountain, a great family ski resort, or high-speed, challenging terrain, such as the Holzriese, the steepest slope in Italy.

The best bit is that 3 Zinnen Dolomites is one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts, thanks partly to the recent installation of northern Italy’s most powerful snow-making systems.

There is plenty to look forward to as well. An exciting development is the opening of the Rotwandwiesen chalets – six beautiful, two-storey buildings near the Croda Rossa/Rotwand cable car mountain station.

For some serious fun away from the slopes, there are two toboggan courses (one of which is 5km long), winter hiking and the chance to join piste bashers as they groom the Holzriese – no mean feat given its 72 per cent gradient. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the snow-grooming machines are attached to a winch.

Finally, look to sign up for reindeer-feeding sessions by the Croda Rossa cable car mountain station (just look for the eight-metre snowmen that appear at this spot every winter).

It is a popular activity with locals and visitors, who are invited to hand-feed the reindeers a main course of Icelandic moss, followed by reindeer candy (mixed grains) for dessert. This herd is the only one in Italy and ever ready for your attention.

Italy’s best-kept secret

Combine Alpine splendour with Mediterranean soul in South Tyrol, the northernmost region of Italy.

It’s the perfect getaway for skiing and winter enthusiasts, with stupendous views, and those who enjoy delicious Italian cuisine. Imagine your holiday. Live it in South Tyrol.