Skiing
Skiing in the Dolomites
For many these are boards that mean the world, the symbol for the long awaited winter holiday in the Dolomites: skis! Recently taken out of the cellar or the attic, dusted off, cleaned and waxed, and ready to go. If you don't have any skis to bring with you, you can choose your favourite ones at one of the local ski rental stores. Which ski area is first? You have three to choose from …
Pssst! Our service for skiers
- A ski cellar with ski boot drier, waxing bench and ski waxing service (upon request - for a fee)
- Exclusive ski pass service in the hotel: no long lines to buy your ski pass at the valley station
- Depot at the Niederdorf train station (for a fee)
- Holiday pass: use all public transport in all of South Tyrol for free!
- Ski Pustertal Express: it leaves every 30 minutes from Niederdorf to the Three Peaks ski area, Cortina ski area and of course to the Kronplatz ski mountain. A new skiing dimension, without the stress of taking off your ski boots and without a tiresome drive with your car. With the Ski Pustertal Express, simply get on, enjoy the ride and look forward to the next skiing area.
Three Peaks Dolomites ski area
If you had to use only one word to describe the award winning, excellent Three Peaks Dolomites ski area... then we would not know which to use. The ski area is so much more and could never be expressed with just one word: 115 kilometres of slopes, divided among 5 connected ski mountains (Helm, Stiergarten, Rotwand, Kreuzberg, Dolomiti del Comelico), 31 lifts, incomparable slope variety, the best slope preparation and guaranteed snow.
- Giro delle Cime 1 Ski tour. New lifts. difference in altitude of 5,600 m. 34 km long. 2 provinces. An endless amount of scenic experiences.
- Freefall ride Slope: 72%. One of the steepest slopes in the Alps. Not only for skiers, but also for snow groomers, as they are lowered with a rope winch. Are you first in line to go down it? If your nerves are made of steel.
- Family fun Something big for our little guests: on Haunold, also known as the family mountain, children’s dreams come true. Various small ski lifts invite you to try out your skis for the first time. The only reindeer herd in Italy, the imposing family of giant snowmen and ski huts with children menus round off the family offer at Three Peaks Dolomites.
Cortina d‘Ampezzo ski area
1956 was a very special year for the ski area in Cortina, it was a year for the Olympic Games. The ski area, which includes the Faloria-Cristallo-Mietres, Tofana, Lagazuoi, 5 Torri, Misurina, San Vito di Cadore and Auronzo areas, has still maintained the magic of this period. Around 120 kilometres of slopes await beginners, families and experts.
- SLOW SKI Are you a hooligan on the slopes? Not today, take it slow today because skiing should also be enjoyable. Therefore, they have come up with something special at the Faloria Cristallo Mietres ski area.
- Tofana Express The chairlift in the Tofana ski area leads to the challenging black slopes, including the “Canalone”, the “Schuss” as well as “Skitour Olympia”.
- Ski tour on the Dolomite front Starting from the 5 Torri ski area, you can reach the ski tour with the best views of all: leading around the Col di Lana, you can see the impressive Marmolata, the Sella mountains, Civetta, Pelmo and Tofana.
The Kronplatz ski area
It is truly the number 1 ski mountain in South Tyrol: the Kronplatz! With 119 kilometres of slope and 32 extremely modern lifts, it has much to offer. It can be reached with a short train ride to Percha, where, after climbing out of your train compartment, you can almost climb right into the gondola.
- Black Five Sylvester, Herrnegg, pre da Peres, Erta and Piculin are nothing for weak nerves. To be even clearer, they are only for nerves made of steel, as these five black slopes are not intended for beginners.
- Sellaronda Four Dolomite passes and one time around the Sella group on skis. Interested? Of course, take the “Piculin” gondola lift up to the Kronplatz, and go back down later using the Piculin (black) slope. Or use public transport that leaves every 20 minutes.
- Snowpark Rail Line, Fun Line, Family Line – the snow park at the Kronplatz has everything that makes the hearts of snow boarders and freestylers (and everyone who wants to become one) beat faster.
Skiing Infos:
The Hirben Nature Hotel is located in the heart of the Upper Puster Valley, surrounded by the finest ski areas in the Dolomites. The Three Peaks Dolomites ski area is particularly popular and can be reached in just 15 minutes. The famous Plan de Corones is also within easy reach, and ideal for those looking for a variety of slopes. Both ski areas offer perfectly groomed pistes, modern lifts and impressive views of the surrounding peaks. Whether for beginners, leisure skiers or ambitious sportspersons – everyone can find their favourite slope here.
It’s very easy. Villabassa railway station is only a few minutes on foot from the Hirben and a shuttle runs between hotel and station. The SkiPustertal Express connects the two large ski areas without the need to drive, face traffic jams or search for a parking spot, making over 200 kilometres of slopes easily reachable by train. If however you prefer to take your own car, there are car parks at the bottom stations of the lifts.
Yes, absolutely: the Three Peaks ski area offers a wonderful selection of easy and medium-difficulty slopes that are particularly suitable for beginners and families. Quiet runs, clearly marked practice slopes and professional ski schools all ensure a gentle introduction to the sport. There are more challenging routes, too, so everyone can decide on their own pace and enjoy a day out in the snow – exactly as they wish.
We don’t offer ski hire at the Hirben itself, but there are several well-equipped sports shops offering ski hire nearby offering high-quality equipment and personal advice. Whether you need skis, a snowboard or a helmet, we’ll be happy to tell you where to find them. Many rental outlets also offer online booking so your equipment will be ready for you when you arrive. Ski gear can be stored in the modern ski depots at the bottom stations of the large cable cars, while ski boot dryers and storage facilities are available in our own ski cellar.
Skiing in the Upper Puster Valley means peace and quiet, not hustle and bustle. Here it’s not a matter of quantity but of quality – on and off the slopes. The Dolomite scenery is unique, the light particularly clear, the slopes wide and never overcrowded. Anyone who has ever stood on Monte Elmo with its views of the Three Peaks, starting the day in complete silence, will soon understand why skiing here is more than just a sport – it is means immersing yourself in winter – entirely consciously, all close to nature.
Why choose the Hirben? This is what sets us apart:
25-metre pool, heated all year round
Five saunas, quiet rooms and lawn for relaxing, fitness and yoga room
Unbeatable location in the Dolomites, plus a fabulous activity programme
Regional cuisine for breakfast, snacks, and dinner
Recognised sustainable approach
