Carezza Dolomites Ski Resort

Carezza Dolomites lies in the Eggental valley in South Tyrol, nestled between the mighty rock faces of the Rosengarten and the jagged towers of the Latemar — both UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites. What sets the resort apart is not primarily its size but the combination of above-average sunshine hours, family-friendly slopes and a Dolomite panorama that is hard to match. Carezza ranks among the ten sunniest ski resorts in South Tyrol.

The terrain ranges from wide, gently graded runs in the lower section through varied red-graded pistes to demanding black-graded steep slopes. Four base stations — at Welschnofen, Karersee, Frommer Alm and Karer Pass — ensure short routes into the ski area. The entire piste area is covered by snowmaking, guaranteeing consistently excellent conditions throughout the season.

For families, Carezza is a true paradise: in the lovingly designed children's lands König Laurin and Nani Land Carezza, the youngest visitors take their first steps on child-friendly conveyor belts and practice slopes. A play park, carousel, bouncy castle, sledges and bob slides provide off-piste entertainment.

Freestylers meet in the snow park beneath the Rosengarten. A Family Fun Line, an Easy Kicker and Easy Box Line and a Medium Kicker Line offer obstacles for various levels — the highlight is the nine-metre DFD tank.

The resort is part of Dolomiti Superski. From the second ski day, the multi-day ski pass automatically opens access to the partner resorts in the Val di Fassa — including Buffaure, Ciampac, Catinaccio, Belvedere and Col Rodella.

Thanks to 200 snow cannons, the entire piste area can be machine-covered. Combined with the altitude and above-average sunshine, this delivers a reliable season from December to April with mostly excellent piste conditions.

Around 20 huts and mountain restaurants are spread across the ski area, offering a mix of South Tyrolean hut cuisine, Italian cooking and fine dining. The Frommer Alm serves hearty dishes with local ingredients, while the Moseralm specialises in traditional Alpine cuisine. On the sun terrace of the Paolinahütte, Tyrolean specialities take centre stage. Pizza lovers should head for the Restaurant Antermont and its wood-fired pizzas. The Restaurant Hennenstall is known for its grill specialities, and the Masarè Hütte for Hansi's woodcutter pasta, homemade soups and a variety of dumplings.

Further options include Laurins Lounge, the Restaurant Latemar, the Restaurant Alpenrose, the Ochsenhütte, the Franzin Alm, the Golflift Bar and the Tscheiner Hütte. Most huts have generous sun terraces with views of the Rosengarten and Latemar.

Advanced skiers should not miss the two black-graded runs No. 20 and No. 21. They start from the highest point of the ski area and deliver an impressive Dolomite panorama alongside the adrenaline rush. The steepest descent is the Pra di Tori, with a gradient of up to 65 per cent — not for the faint-hearted.

Those who love long runs should take on the König Laurin Challenge: from the top station of the König Laurin gondola, it is eight kilometres and over 1,100 vertical metres through the entire ski area down to Welschnofen — the longest continuous descent in Carezza.

Away from the alpine pistes, seven kilometres of cross-country trails and roughly 30 kilometres of cleared winter hiking paths are available. The snow-laden forests around the Rosengarten and Latemar invite snowshoe hiking. Two toboggan runs — the 1.2-kilometre Hubertus run and a further 800-metre course — deliver fast-paced family fun. Ice skating and ski touring are also possible in the area.

Carezza is not a classic après-ski resort — the emphasis here is on enjoyment and relaxation. The best way to round off the ski day is on one of the many sun terraces with a glass of wine or an aperitivo. Those who do want to celebrate will find the right spot at the Antermont après-ski umbrella bar — right on the slopes beneath the Rosengarten.

The cuisine of the Eggental lives from the connection between South Tyrolean tradition and Italian lightness. Hearty Kasnocken with Paznaun alpine cheese sit alongside pasta and wood-fired pizza on the menus, Kaiserschmarrn beside tiramisu. Whether rustic mountain hut, Mediterranean ambience or fine dining — across roughly 20 sun terraces with Dolomite views, there is something for every palate. The cafés in the valley are also worth a visit: strudel, cakes and Krapfen are an essential part of the South Tyrolean experience.

Two ski schools and two snowboard schools offer lessons for all ages and levels — from taster sessions to freestyle and freeride courses. Ski rental, ski storage and sports shops are located at the base stations. Cross-country, touring and telemark equipment is also available for hire.

By car

From Bolzano, follow the A22 or SS12 to the Ritten/Eggental exit and change onto the SS241. Follow this road through Birchabruck and Welschnofen to Karersee. From Trento to the south, take the A22 to Bolzano and follow the route described above.

By public transport

The nearest airport and train station are in Bolzano, 24 kilometres away. A local ski bus operates between the base stations and the surrounding villages.