Ski Guide to Gitschberg Jochtal (Rio Pusteria) in Italy

Enjoy the white stuff at the Gitschberg Jochtal Ski and Almen region, where life is geared towards enjoying the best of the mountains. Gourmand meets cool skier probably best describes the kind of person that fits right in here, although families are also drawn to the easy-going lifestyle and good time ski resorts.

Located on the edge of the northern Dolomites in South Tyrol, Gitschberg Jochtal is clasped between the valleys of Eisacktal and Pustertal, surrounded by the holiday ski resorts of Mühlbach, Meransen, Vals, Rodeneck, Spinges, Vintl, Pfunders, Weitental and Terenten. With over 55 kilometres of groomed pistes, there’s plenty of cross-country as well as a kids’ Fun Ride and dedicated kids’ park. Plus, you have access to the Dolomiti Superski, the world’s largest skiing area. One of our favourite things to do is sit on a sunny terrace and people-watch as skiers whizz past – we’re glad to say this is widely available, we take it with a side serving of hot chocolate mitt rum.

What’s also nice is that Gitschberg Jochtal isn’t completely ski-focused, in fact there are quite a few activities where you can enjoy the mountain panoramas without skis, which is great for any non-skiers in your group or if you fancy a change from straight downhill. Want an adrenaline hit? Try paragliding the Gitschberg, where you’ll be encircled by icy mountain air and 360-degree views. Kids will love taking sleigh rides or twirling on ice skating rinks. Winter hikes across snowy landscapes will bring you to Altfassal which comes cloaked in a deep blanket of snow, creating a silent and magical experience. There are also Alpine huts hidden in the forests - welcome cabins of warmth where you can re-fuel and enjoy traditional foodie customs.

Taking of foodie customs, Gitschberg Jochtal showcases its hybrid cuisine with delight. Taste Italian pasta classics or hearty Austrian stews and dumplings, meat and cheese platters and of course skiers fave – fluffy, sugar-dusted Kaiserschmarrn. We love discovering hidden snow-topped huts which seem lost in time to bustling pizzerias with sunny terraces. Surrounded the epic, UNESCO-protected Dolomites, you can’t fail to enjoy your winter escape at Gitschberg Jochtal.

Where to stay?

A showstopper of a hotel located at 1415 metres above sea level in Maranza (Meransen), South Tyrol, created by Peter Pichler Architecture, takes its cue from the Dolomites panorama that surrounds it and the local vernacular architecture of the humble wooden barn. Although distinctively steering sharply away from alpine traditions of gabled houses and folksy interiors, the soft structure sits in harmony with the canvas of mountain peaks. Step inside to a clear, minimal eccentricity that pays homage to the view through intelligent design.