In South Tyrol, ski huts combine the alpine hospitality of this sun-drenched winter destination with outstanding cuisine right on the slopes. With views of some of Europe’s most beautiful runs, the culinary spectrum in the Dolomites ranges from hearty dumpling dishes in rustic alpine huts to innovative gourmet cuisine and fine wines in modern slope-side restaurants. SnowTrex highlights which huts and culinary routes winter sports enthusiasts in the region absolutely must not miss.
Skiing and indulgence – that’s South Tyrol’s alpine hut culture
- Culinary diversity featuring down-to-earth South Tyrolean classics and refined alpine high-quality cooking.
- From mountain breakfasts to wine tastings on the slopes, guests can look forward to moments of top-class indulgence here.
- Local produce and authentic craftsmanship with protected quality products.
Anyone visiting a ski hut in South Tyrol can experience an authentic blend of traditional Tyrolean pub culture and Mediterranean sophistication right by the edge of the slopes. After all, as is so often the case in Italy, enjoyment takes centre stage alongside winter sports in South Tyrol, where down-to-earth culinary craftsmanship meets the ‘dolce vita’. In the mountains, innkeepers typically serve freshly prepared regional specialities such as hearty bacon dumplings or handmade Schlutzkrapfen.
The culinary experience in the ski area usually begins as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear. Early risers can refuel before or after some early-bird skiing with a hearty mountain breakfast and a genuine Italian coffee on the sun-drenched terraces of the ski huts, before carving the day’s first tracks into the freshly groomed snow. The fun continues in the afternoon, when the cosy dining rooms by the slopes serve not only a hearty lunch but also homemade pastries and sweet hot drinks. And that’s not all because today’s menus feature not only traditional dishes but also innovative gourmet concepts.
This top-class cuisine is complemented by sommeliers who guide guests through tastings and present them with fine wines made from grapes grown on South Tyrolean hillsides right next to the slopes. Paired with tangy alpine cheese, matured South Tyrolean speck or mountain herbs, it’s a dream come true for all winter sports enthusiasts. The menus feature regional produce with a guarantee of origin, turning the culinary classics served at the ski huts whilst skiing in South Tyrol into a true taste sensation.
→ Book unforgettable skiing moments in South Tyrol with SnowTrex now
Gourmet Hopping – unique culinary events with views of the slopes
- There are multi-course menus spread across various mountain huts along the slopes.
- Initiatives such as ‘Skifahren mit Genuss’ in Alta Badia, featuring creations by Michelin-starred chefs.
- Leisurely culinary tours across the sunny high plateaus of the Alpe di Siusi.
In South Tyrol, the slopes aren’t just about pure carving turns. ‘Gourmet-Hopping’ is also very popular there, combining exhilarating descents with a culinary journey of discovery. A different course is served at each hut. The principle of ‘hut-hopping’ transforms a day’s skiing into a multi-course meal, allowing skiers and snowboarders to discover various runs. For example, you might enjoy the starter at a rustic alpine hut before heading down sunny slopes to the next ski hut, where the main course is served. The tour finally ends at a modern mountain restaurant with a dessert and an espresso.
Please also note that by using our services and integrating the YouTube API Services, the YouTube Terms of Service and the YouTube API Services Terms apply and your use of our website is deemed to be acceptance of these terms.
Alta Badia is regarded as a pioneer of this concept with its ‘Skiing with Flavour’ (Sciare con Gusto) initiative, in which renowned top chefs take on permanent patronage of selected mountain hut dishes. The ski area, home to the legendary Gran Risa World Cup run, also offers guided sommelier ski tours. Under expert guidance, visitors can sample exquisite wines there after a day’s skiing. Alpine hut hopping is also available on the Alpe di Siusi, where the breathtaking panorama of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a constant backdrop. Equally popular here are the ‘Sommeliers on the Slopes’, guided downhill runs featuring expert wine tastings at selected mountain huts.
Another excellent culinary experience in the snow is “Ski & Cheese” at Campo Tures in the Valle Aurina, where qualified cheese sommeliers guide skiers from hut to hut, where they can sample raw-milk cheese and traditional Ahrntal grey cheese. At Plan de Corones, meanwhile, the “Speck & Wine Emotion” series of events puts the spotlight on two world-famous South Tyrolean specialities. Furthermore, very popular are the seasonal gourmet weeks in regions such as the Val d’Ega or as part of the speciality weeks in the Ulten valley. South Tyrol is the ideal setting for such culinary delights, as the most popular ski circuits and first-class mountain restaurants are all within easy reach of one another.
An overview of selected ski huts and slope side restaurants in South Tyrol
| Ski Hut/Restaurant | Ski Area/Region | Culinary Focus | Special Feature/Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kristallalm | Speikboden - Skiworld Ahrntal ski area | High-quality restaurant cuisine and traditional specialties | Stylish lounge with a large sun terrace on Klausberg |
| Wasserfalleralm | Ratschings-Jaufen/Kalcheralm ski area | South Tyrolean alpine delicacies and grill specialties | Mountain refuge at an altitude of 1,903 m with a traditional wine cellar |
| Edelweisshütte | Ladurns | Homemade dumpling specialties and Schlutzkrapfen (stuffed pasta) | Sunny stop-off in the picturesque Pflersch Valley |
| Schöne Aussicht (Bella Vista) | Schnalstal Glacier ski area | Dumpling variations and traditional home cooking | Mountain refuge at an altitude of 2,845 m featuring the highest outdoor sauna in the Alps |
| Plantapatschhütte | Watles - Malles ski area | Traditional South Tyrolean home cooking and dumplings | Sun terrace with unobstructed views of the Sesvenna Group at an altitude of 2,150 m |
| Höferalm | Watles - Malles ski area | Hearty Vinschgau snack platters ("Brettljausen") and pastries | Rustic alpine hut right on the forest run at an altitude of 1,860 m |
| Äußere Schwemmalm | Schwemmalm ski area | Regional specialties and Ultental alpine cheese | Authentic alpine dairy hut ("Schwaige") at an altitude of 2,148 m |
| Berggasthaus Pichlberg | Reinswald ski area | Traditional regional cuisine and Sarntal specialties | Mountain inn at an altitude of 2,130 m directly at the top station |
| Feltuner Hütte | Rittner Horn - Ritten ski area | Fine herb cuisine and homemade desserts | Panoramic location at an altitude of 2,042 m with views of the Dolomites |
| Ütia Bioch | Alta Badia | South Tyrolean specialties and a fine wine list | Popular meeting point for gourmet hopping right on the slopes |
| Club Moritzino | Alta Badia | Fresh seafood, fish, and exclusive wines | Slopeside institution at an altitude of 2,100 m on Piz La Ila |
| Piz Boé Alpine Lounge | Alta Badia | Contemporary alpine gourmet cuisine | Stylish lounge with a glass facade at the Boé gondola |
| Gostner Schwaige | Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area | Regional herb and hay flower cuisine | Rustic alpine hut with a tiny two-square-metre kitchen |
| Rauchhütte | Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area | Fine meat specialties and homemade desserts | Unobstructed view of the striking Langkofel Group |
| Berghütte Oberholz | Latemar – Obereggen/Pampeago/Predazzo ski area | Modern alpine cuisine and regional products | Striking timber architecture with panoramic windows at an altitude of 2,096 m |
| Laurins Lounge | Carezza ski area | Alpine gourmet dishes and a fine wine selection | Highest panoramic lounge on the Rosengarten at an altitude of 2,337 m |
| AlpiNN | Plan de Corones ski area | Cook the Mountain" philosophy | Summit restaurant in the LUMEN photography museum at an altitude of 2,275 m |
| Jora Mountain Dining | Dolomiti Superski ski region | Homemade pasta creations and slow food | Upscale South Tyrolean cuisine right on the slopes at Mount Haunold |
Südtirol Skiarena: Traditional mountain hut culture meets authentic cuisine
- A peaceful atmosphere and unrivalled hospitality in small to medium-sized ski areas.
- In the Valle Aurina, Racines and Wipptal, South Tyrolean cheese-making traditions and rustic alpine pastures await.
- High-altitude mountain huts in the Vinschgau, on the Schnalstal Glacier, in the Ulten valley and in the Sarntal.
Away from the major ski areas, the Südtirol Skiarena boasts charming valleys where deeply rooted mountain hut traditions and authentic culinary delights await. Here, between the Zillertal Alps and the glaciers of the Ortles massif, winter sports enthusiasts appreciate the hospitality of the host families, the tranquillity on the slopes and recipes that have been cherished for generations.
Ahrntal, Ratschings and Wipptal: cheese, regional produce and traditional mountain huts
In the Valli di Tures e Aurina and the Ratschings-Jaufen/Kalcheralm ski area, the ski huts serve traditional cheese specialities and local produce from mountain farmers, whilst the ‘Kristallalm’ in the Klausberg – Skiworld Ahrntal ski area boasts a stylish restaurant concept with a large sun terrace. A must for gourmet skiers are also the huts in the Speikboden – Skiworld Ahrntal ski area, where the famous Ahrntal Graukäse, prized for its tangy flavour and low-fat content, features on the menu.
An equally authentic experience can be found in Racines, not far from Vipiteno, at the ‘Wasserfalleralm’ at an altitude of 1,903 m, where grilled specialities and selected wines also attract winter sports enthusiasts. The ‘Edelweisshütte’ in Ladurns, in the neighbouring Pflerschtal valley, also has a rich history; here, guests can enjoy fresh dumpling specialities right by the slopes.
Vinschgau, Val Senales and Ulten valley: High-altitude mountain huts and rustic alpine inns
In the ski areas of Vinschgau, on the Schnalstal Glacier, in the Ultental and in the Sarntal, the culinary scene is characterised by high-altitude mountain huts and alpine inns run by families. On the Schnalstal Glacier, for example, winter sports enthusiasts searching for a place to stop for refreshments cannot fail to visit the ‘Schutzhaus Schöne Aussicht’ (Bella Vista) at an altitude of 2,842 metres. Situated right next to the Hintereis slope, they can treat themselves here to steaming dumpling dishes against an imposing backdrop of 3,000-metre peaks. The hut also boasts another highlight: the highest outdoor sauna in the Alps, whilst the Glacier Hotel Grawand at the mountain station, at an altitude of 3,212 m, is the highest hotel in the Alps.
It’s almost just as sunny in glorious weather on the terrace of the ‘Plantapatschhütte’ in the family-friendly Watles-Malles ski area in Upper Vinschgau, whose cuisine is prized for its unique takes on South Tyrolean classics. Meanwhile, the ‘Höferalm’, situated on the Waldabfahrt slope near Mittag, scores highly with its hearty snacks.
Ultimately, the Ulten Valley is also truly unspoilt, with the Schwemmalm ski area and the ‘Äußere Schwemmalm’ (2,148 m), where, after stopping for refreshments, you absolutely mustn’t miss the authentic, delicious Ulten alpine cheese and other regional specialities. Other must-visit spots for true ski connoisseurs in the region include: the sunny Sarntal valley with the ‘Berggasthaus Pichlberg’ (2,130 m) in the Reinswald ski area, renowned for its traditional cuisine, and the ‘Feltuner Hütte’ (2,042 m) in the Rittner Horn – Ritten ski area, which is renowned for its exquisite herb-based dishes and homemade pastries.
Dolomiti Superski: Gourmet experiences against the backdrop of the Dolomites
- In Alta Badia, renowned gourmet initiatives meet world-class cuisine.
- Traditional alpine huts and architectural highlights offering panoramic views on the Alpe di Siusi and in the Val d’Ega.
- Contemporary mountain cuisine and the Slow Food philosophy await at Plan de Corones and in the 3 Zinnen Dolomites region.
In Dolomiti Superski, the world’s largest ski region, a 1,200 km network of slopes blends with the striking panoramic views of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and first-class mountain cuisine. Nestled among rugged rock formations are traditional alpine huts, which today offer innovative gourmet concepts and feature internationally renowned chefs.
Alta Badia: Top-class cuisine right by the slopes
Alta Badia is the undisputed gourmet hub for food-loving skiers in the Dolomites and boasts an extraordinary concentration of top-class ski huts. And no visit would be complete without a stop at the ‘Ütia Bioch’. Situated on a sunny high plateau, it’s an absolute must to sample traditional South Tyrolean dishes and exquisite wines, selected by experienced sommeliers. Another culinary institution in the ski area is the ‘Club Moritzino’ on Piz La Ila. At an altitude of 2,100 metres, fresh seafood and fine fish specialities are served there alongside exquisite wines.
Another gastronomic highlight in Alta Badia, alongside the ‘Piz Boé Alpine Lounge’ with its contemporary architecture, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass fronts and innovative gourmet cuisine, is the ‘Edelweißhütte’. In the picturesque Edelweiß Valley near Colfosco, connoisseurs with a taste for tradition can feast on classic South Tyrolean home-style cooking on a sheltered sun terrace. In the world’s largest ski region, Dolomiti Superski, a 1,200 km network of slopes blends with the striking panorama of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and first-class mountain cuisine. Nestled among rugged rock formations are traditional alpine huts, which today focus on innovative gourmet concepts and internationally renowned chefs.
Alpe di Siusi and Val d’Ega: Enjoy the mountain huts and panoramic views of the Dolomites
On Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine pasture, the ski huts impress with a blend of farming tradition, regional produce and authentic, natural cuisine. First and foremost among these is the ‘Gostner Schwaige’, which has made a name for itself far beyond Italy’s borders with its creative hay-blossom cuisine, edible alpine flowers and freshly churned alpine butter. At the ‘Rauchhütte’ in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area, in the heart of the Dolomites, the menu, as the name suggests, features fine game and meat dishes paired with first-class wines, all whilst enjoying views of the peaks of the Langkofel Group (3,181 m).
Other places to stop for refreshments in the Latemar – Obereggen/Pampeago/Predazzo ski area, with their timber architecture and terraces, include the ‘Berghütte Oberholz’, which towers over Obereggen at an altitude of 2,096 m. There, visitors are treated to an unobstructed view of the Latemar massif (2,842 m) before their plates are filled with Alpine classics from mountain hut cuisine, given a contemporary twist by the chefs. Things are a little different at ‘Laurins Lounge’, the region’s highest panoramic lounge at 2,337 m, in the Carezza ski area, where the menu features fine wines and sophisticated snacks.
Plan de Corones and 3 Zinnen Dolomites region: design meets Alpine tradition and Slow Food
In the Plan de Corones ski resort and the neighbouring Valli di Tures e Aurina, cutting-edge mountain cuisine meets rustic Tyrolean hospitality. At an altitude of 2,275 m lies the iconic summit plateau and the “LUMEN” museum, home to the ‘AlpiNN’ restaurant. In its kitchen, three-star chef Norbert Niederkofler puts his sustainable ‘Cook the Mountain’ concept into practice. Only seasonal ingredients from regional mountain farms are used, whilst guests enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding Dolomite peaks from their tables.
Much like at Kronplatz, the focus of the mountain hut owners in the Dolomites 3 Zinnen region is on sustainable dining and culinary artistry of the highest standard. A definite highlight right on the slopes is ‘Jora Mountain Dining’ in the Haunold – 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski area. Here, slow food cuisine is celebrated with homemade pasta dishes and regional mountain herbs. Head chef Markus Holzer relies on traditional recipes, which he refines with fresh ideas.
SnowTrex tip: At Plan de Corones, exhilarating runs across 125 kilometres of slopes can be perfectly combined with a visit to the ‘LUMEN’ museum and a stop for refreshments at ‘AlpiNN’. It’s best to book a table there in good time for lunch.
→ Plan your Alpine getaway and find the best South Tyrol deals at SnowTrex
Sun-kissed skiing and terrace life in spring
- In the mornings, conditions are perfect on firm, grippy firn slopes.
- Long breaks on sheltered sun lounger terraces in mild temperatures.
- A series of culinary events and open-air wine tastings.
Hardly any other setting in the Alps is more beautiful than spring skiing in South Tyrol. After all, the region is transformed as the days grow longer from March onwards and the sun shines more brightly. The slopes in the Dolomites are particularly appealing to leisure skiers. The slopes offer ideal conditions for long carving turns, particularly in the morning, before the hut owners open their terraces from midday onwards for guests to linger. The outdoor areas of the slope-side restaurants, which serve not only local specialities but also exquisite international cuisine, are now equipped with sun loungers, subtle music and refreshing spring drinks.
For winter sports enthusiasts with a passion for fine food, several ski areas in the region now organise special ‘gourmet weeks’ on several occasions in the spring, focusing on regional wines, fresh asparagus and light Alpine dishes. It is no surprise, then, that spring skiing in South Tyrol is so popular, as it offers the chance to combine exhilarating descents with a relaxed way of life.
Winter delights at the Christmas markets in South Tyrol
- A festive way to round off a day’s skiing in the historic old towns.
- The five original South Tyrolean Christmas markets are located in Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and Vipiteno.
- Regional arts and crafts, traditional market stalls and warming mulled wine.
There are few places where a day’s skiing can be combined so well with traditional pre-Christmas culture in the valley as at the South Tyrolean Christmas markets. After your final runs in the afternoon, it’s always worth popping over to the five original South Tyrolean Christmas markets in Bolzano, Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and Vipiteno. They captivate visitors not only with their contemplative atmosphere set against historic façades and snow-capped mountains. At their wooden stalls, local craftspeople also showcase carved figurines, woollen goods and handmade decorations.
The food stalls are particularly tempting, serving fresh apple fritters, roasted chestnuts and aromatic mulled wine made from local grape varieties. It is this combination of skiing fun on the slopes and a cosy evening in the valley that ranks among the most popular experiences at the Christmas markets in the Alps.
Travelling to South Tyrol: Sustainable and flexible access to the ski areas
- There are relaxed train connections via the DB/ÖBB EuroCity along the Brenner route.
- Seamless local transport links with ski buses and the Pustertalbahn railway.
- Quick access by car via the A22 Brenner motorway or the Reschen Pass.
Thanks to well-developed rail networks and well-known road links such as the Brenner, travelling to South Tyrol’s ski areas is now very convenient. Winter sports enthusiasts can, for example, use the environmentally friendly trains operated by Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, which run several times a day via the Brenner axis to Franzensfeste, Bressanone and Bolzano without the need to change trains. From the railway stations, the journey continues quickly to the valley stations of the ski areas via the Pustertal Railway or the shuttle and ski buses provided by the “Südtirol Mobil” network.
With smart luggage services and guest cards included, travelling by train to the ski area is now a relaxed alternative to driving your car. But of course, it’s also possible to drive your car to your skiing holiday in South Tyrol. As well as the A22 Brenner motorway via Innsbruck, the toll-free routes over the Reschen Pass are also used.
→ Discover South Tyrol with SnowTrex now
FAQs about ski huts in South Tyrol
What sets South Tyrol’s ski huts apart from those in other Alpine regions?
They are characterised by a successful blend of down-to-earth Tyrolean pub fare and sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine. Alongside hearty home-style fare such as dumplings and Schlutzkrapfen, many establishments offer exquisite wine lists with sommelier service, as well as menus created by top chefs right on the slopes.
How do the huts in the Dolomiti Superski network differ from those in the South Tyrol Ski Arena?
Whilst the Dolomiti Superski network is dominated by internationally renowned gourmet huts, large panoramic restaurants and initiatives featuring top chefs, the South Tyrol Ski Arena focuses on smaller, often family-run mountain inns with their farms and regional cheese-making traditions. The two ski networks thus complement each other perfectly to create a diverse culinary landscape.
What is meant by ‘gourmet hopping’ on skis?
Gourmet hopping involves skiers following a specific culinary route during their day on the slopes, enjoying the individual courses of a set menu at different mountain huts. For example, the starter might be served at a rustic alpine hut, the main course at a mountain restaurant and the dessert on a sunny panoramic terrace.
What guided culinary tours are on offer on the slopes in South Tyrol?
Among the best known are ‘Ski & Cheese’ at Speikboden in the Valle Aurina, ‘Sommelier on the Slopes’ in Alta Badia and ‘Speck & Wine Emotion’ at Plan de Corones. On these experiences, sommeliers or ski guides accompany guests from hut to hut for expert tastings of high-quality regional produce.
Do you need to book a table in advance for ski huts and slope side restaurants in South Tyrol?
For gourmet restaurants on the mountain, exclusive dining areas and popular terraces, it is advisable to book a table well in advance for lunch, particularly during the high season. In traditional self-service areas and cosy parlours, however, skiers can usually find a free seat on the spot without a booking.
What typical specialities should winter sports enthusiasts try when stopping for a bite to eat in South Tyrol?
Among the best-known specialities are speck dumplings, spinach and cheese gnocchi, Schlutzkrapfen with brown butter, and Tyrolean Gröstl. For a sweet finish, Kaiserschmarrn with cranberries or apple strudel are served.
Do the ski huts in South Tyrol also offer vegetarian dishes?
Numerous ski huts in South Tyrol feature a wide selection of vegetarian dishes on their menus. Traditional dishes such as cheese spaetzle or spinach dumplings, as well as creative dishes featuring wild herbs and alpine flowers, offer a first-class culinary experience even without meat.
