Tucked away in the northernmost tip of Italy, guarded by the mighty Dolomites, is the wintery world of the Three Peaks region – also known as the 3 Zinnen. In this South Tyrol (Südtirol) spot, the slopes are always perfect, the sun shines 300 days a year, and the Italian passion for good living thrives.
The region is made up of the three UNESCO-listed granite peaks of the Dolomites, which stand stoically above the valleys, icy lakes and wooded mountains. This is where you’ll find 110km of immaculate slopes set across five interconnected ski mountains, with runs for all abilities.
You can steel yourself for one of the steepest slopes in the Alps, or glide down childfriendly toboggan runs. There are also hiking and snowshoe trails available nearby, if skiing isn’t for you.
What makes the holiday region 3 Zinnen Dolomites stand out, other than its three iconic mountains, is its blend of the Alpine and Mediterranean. Like in other European ski destinations, you’ll find restaurants and mountain cabins that serve up hearty ski-friendly meals, but here they have a lively Italian twist. You can tuck into traditional South Tyrolean cuisine like dumplings and Schlutzkrapfen (stuffed pasta), as well as unusual fusions like a chestnut tagliolini made from local chamois, a kind of mountain goat-antelope. Grab some Italian wine, find a spot with a view of the Three Peaks and revel in la dolce vita (the good life).
DON YOUR BOOTS
In the 3 Zinnen Dolomites, the focus is still on skiing as a sport. Skiers can explore five interconnected ski mountains with over 70 individual runs, framed by the majesty of the snow-capped peaks.
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