Brixen/South Tyrol: An environmentally conscious destination for winter fun

Winter, skiing, snow, and sustainability: far from being contradictory, they complement each other perfectly on the Mount Plose in Brixen and its surroundings. Sustainable winter activities thrive here, thanks to key initiatives like water storage basins, photovoltaic systems, ski buses, and plastic-free zones, ensuring eco-friendly enjoyment of the season. 

When the cable car starts whirring again on 5 December 2024 and the first ‘pips’ sound at the access gates, then it’s winter on the Plose, Brixen’s local mountain. Perfect pistes for skiers and snowboarders, groomed winter hiking trails for hikers and groomed toboggan runs for sledgers are available so that everyone can enjoy the winter landscape in a sporty way.

However, preparations for the start of the skiing, hiking and tobogganing season begin long before the official start of the season, as the ‘peaceful’ snow cannons are activated with the first cold temperatures to make the first snow on the pistes. Throughout the summer, the reservoir, which took two years to build in 2019, was filled with abundant water from the surrounding springs and streams. ‘By law, the water used for snow production must be of drinking water quality,’ emphasises Plose Director Alessandro Marzola, adding ’because the snow that melts in spring flows back into the natural water cycle.’ Water reservoirs are not only essential for snow production but also play a crucial role during the summer. They support alpine pasture farming and, more importantly, serve as vital sources of water for firefighting in case of wildfires.

An important part of good snow preparation and perfect piste grooming is the delicate work of the snow groomers, which in South Tyrol are more commonly known as snowcats. Every evening after the lifts and pistes close on the Plose, 7 snowcats start to make their rounds. Behind the wheel of these ultra-modern snow groomers are highly specialised drivers who transform over 40 km of slopes back into sparkling smooth surfaces within 8 hours. One of the key challenges is preparing South Tyrol’s longest slope, the renowned Trametsch, which stretches 9 kilometres with a maximum gradient of 65%. As one of the most difficult black pistes in the region, it requires special techniques. Snowcats are secured to anchors to navigate the steepest sections safely.

Many decades have passed since the first snow cannons were used and improvements in snow production and piste preparation have been introduced on the basis of the experience gained. Today, a snow cannon consumes far less electricity and water than in the past. Noise pollution has also been significantly reduced, as has the quality of the snow produced with technical aids. ‘As only drinking water and air are part of the snow, we cannot speak of artificial snow here, but of technical snow,’ emphasises Alessandro Marzola. On the Plose, they have even gone one step further and are already talking about ‘feel-good snow’.

Health, environment and skiing pleasure

Studies by the Technical University of Vienna highlight the benefits of new snowmaking technology, which not only conserves water and electricity but also improves the snow’s natural water structure by reducing electromagnetic interference. This process is believed to positively impact the immune systems of skiers and snowboarders. The feel-good snow was developed by the Austrian company ERSO Technology after years of research and has been available to guests on the Plose since last winter. Another advantage of the feel-good snow technology is the extremely environmentally friendly melting process. ‘We can report from our guests that the feel-good snow project has had an extremely positive effect on general skiing behaviour,’ Alessandro Marzola emphasises.

When it comes to sustainability, the construction of the new Plose gondola lift last year has set several trends. For example, the electricity required to operate the cable car is generated by photovoltaic systems at the valley and mountain stations. Unfortunately, what you don’t see in winter are the green roofs at the valley and mountain stations.

In order to significantly reduce individual transport from Brixen and the various fractions towards the Plose valley station in St. Andrä, there are ski buses every half hour. Guests receive a BrixenCard when they stay at one of the many partner businesses and can therefore travel comfortably to the Plose valley station by ski bus. And, of course, back to their holiday accommodation. The BrixenCard offers additional exciting benefits, including free entry to the Acquarena—perfect for unwinding after a day in the crisp winter air—and the chance to test your skills on the ice rink.

And another thing… The Plose is a plastic-free zone. This means that plastic bottles are consistently and strictly avoided in all restaurants and huts. In summer, there are several fountains along the hiking trails, which are unfortunately not available in winter, where you can fill up the stainless steel bottle specially designed for the ‘Refill your bottle’ project.

Fresh air, winter landscape and healthy exercise

Take a deep breath, breathe in the fresh winter air with all your cells, put on your windbreaker, gloves, winter hiking trousers and mountain boots and then set off through the winter landscape. On foot or with snowshoes, you can take a leisurely walk along groomed hiking trails or snow-covered forest paths towards the heights, where extensive alpine landscapes open up enchanting panoramic views and cosy huts with local specialities offer special culinary delights. What more could you want? Special excursion destinations for winter hiking fans can be found on the Villanderer Alm, on the Lüsner-Rodenecker Alm, Freienbühel, Ackerboden and Halslhütte.

Engage all your muscles, breathe in the fresh air, whether skating or classic—this is exactly what cross-country skiers experience on the numerous trails surrounding Brixen. Perfectly groomed cross-country ski trails, breathtaking winter landscapes, impressive panoramas and cosy places to stop for refreshments after your activity make every cross-country skier’s heart beat faster. A special experience is the trail to the Würzjoch in Villnöss in view of the majestic Peitlerkofel. Cross-country skiers can admire the most beautiful Dolomite peaks from afar on the Rodenecker-Lüsner and on the Villanderer Alm, where you can also find winter hikers.

Strap on your touring skis and skins, and set off with a mountain and ski guide to one of the snow-covered peaks around Brixen—perhaps the Gabler or Astjoch? The ascent takes effort, but the reward is immense: reaching the summit cross, taking in breathtaking panoramic views, and then carving your way down through deep snow. That’s true winter adventure!

Tobogganing is always fun and fast-paced, but safety comes first! Make sure to wear sturdy shoes and a helmet to fully enjoy the experience without worry. On the Plose, you can keep coming back for more on the 4 km-long RudiRun 4.0, accessible all winter via the cable car’s middle station. If snow conditions are perfect, you can extend the thrill by running the lower 5 km section of the RudiRun all the way down to the valley station. The toboggan runs in Spiluck, on the Kreuzwiesen Alm, on the Plose Rossalm-Kreuztal and in Villnöss the Gampen Alm-Zans and Geisler Alm-Ranui are a little more leisurely because the ascent is on foot, but the descent is no less exciting.

The guided snowshoe hikes accompanied by mountain guide Max are a highlight for nature enthusiasts. On Friday, 3 January 2025, and then every Wednesday from 8 January to 12 March 2025, a shuttle service will take those seeking peace and quiet, with or without snowshoeing experience, to the starting point. From this point, you’ll embark on a scenic hike facing the iconic Geisler peaks, part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, through pristine winter landscapes. The trail ascends nearly 600 meters to the Halslhütte, where a friendly stop awaits. Essential gear includes a change of clothes, warm winter attire, mountain trekking boots, anorak, hat, gloves, sun cream, sunglasses, a warm drink, and a snack for the journey. Snowshoes, poles, and any necessary emergency equipment can be reserved for a small fee upon registration if you don’t have your own.

After the Mountain Air: Relaxation, Culture, and Indulgence Await

When the cable car closes, the snowcats are in action – you can always spot the lights of the piste groomers from Brixen – and the sportswear is taken off, then it’s time for relaxation, culture and enjoyment. Or a bit more of sport after all? The days are short in winter, so there is still plenty of time to look around the Brixen old town centre. Holders of the BrixenCard can recover from their exertions on the mountain in the Acquarena in warm temperatures. If you still haven’t had enough sport, we recommend a visit to the Vertikale climbing centre, which offers bouldering as well as climbing. Discounts are available here with the BrixenCard.

And why not a little culture too? The Pharmacy Museum provides an extremely interesting insight into the history of pills, tinctures and instruments from past centuries. The history and pompous lifestyle of the prince-bishops of Brixen can be experienced in the Hofburg, the former seat of the high prelates, where emperors and kings also stopped. No less interesting is a visit to the Neustift monastery, a few kilometres north of Brixen, with its almost thousand-year-old history. Extraordinary white wines are produced in the surrounding vineyards, which you can buy as souvenirs in the monastery shop.

You wouldn’t be south of the Brenner Pass if the focus here wasn’t on enjoyment. Start the evening with an aperitivo, the famous ‘Veneziano’ or a ‘Hugo’, and then savour the delicacies of the local gastronomy. Michelin-starred and award-winning restaurants, as well as some fine bistros and cosy farmhouses in the surrounding area offer something to suit all tastes and budgets.

Environmentally friendly travel even in winter

Arrive at your holiday destination relaxed and stress-free by traveling by train. Skip the long car queues and the hassle of fitting snow chains in winter conditions. The most convenient route from the north is via the scenic Brenner Pass. Once you arrive, the Brixen Card gives you unlimited access to local public transport. You can easily rent skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country equipment, as well as snowshoes and toboggans, directly at the resort.