Trafoi Ski Area

A ski holiday with panoramic views of Mount Ortler

Trafoi is an idyllic spot in the middle of Stelvio (Stilfersjoch) National Park. The lift that whisks you up to the broad runs of this snow-capped mountain region runs directly from the village centre, so Trafoi is much loved by families.

Trafoi lies at the foot of Mount Ortler. At an elevation of 3,905 metres, Ortler is the highest mountain in South Tyrol and lends its name to the Ortler Ski Arena. The little hamlet of Trafoi, nestled amidst pristine nature, is a favourite of winter hikers because the best views of the mountains over the national park can be enjoyed from Furkelhütte Lodge, above the local ski area. On Trafoi’s slopes, where ski legend Gustav Thöni first learned how to carve, there is a bustling serenity today: beginners and more advanced skiers alike will feel very comfortable here. The lift up to the family-friendly slopes originates directly in the village centre, and specialised family businesses offer their own nursery slopes for children.

Tips for planning your holiday: maps.vinschgau.net
All walking tours, cycling trails, places of interest, skiing and cross-country ski areas at a glance. With the interactive map of Venosta Valley - Terra Raetica you are always on the right track.

The Trafoi ski area is part of the Two Country Skiarena ski association.
The following ski areas belong to the Two Country Skiarena ski association: Nauders, Belpiano-Malga S. Valentino, Watles, Trafoi, Solda

Season: 12/24/2023 – 4/1/2024

Opening hours: 08:30 – 17:00

Elevation: 1540m - 2550m

Runs open: 0 of 4

Lifts open: 0 of 3

The high-alpine Rifugio Forcola mountain refuge is idyllically situated way up above the village of Trafoi, at an elevation of 2,250 metres; it is accessible from Trafoi along Trail No. 17, a hike that takes about 2 hours. The terrace of the hut affords winter hikers an excellent view of the Ortler Mountains and the chain’s highest point, Mount Ortler itself. Soaring to a height of 3,906 metres, South Tyrol’s highest peak lends its name to the Ortler Ski Arena.

Rifugio Forcola is known for more than its spectacular mountain landscape, though. The hut is the endpoint of one of the most scenically and historically interesting trails in Val Venosta (Vinschgau) Valley. It was from here that Josef Pichler, known as Pseyrer Josele, a chamois hunter in the service of Churburg, first summited Mount Ortler in 1804 upon a direct order from Archduke Johann of Austria. During World War I, the Austro-Hungarian Army established its highest-altitude position atop Mount Ortler. All of these trails can still be hiked today.

For more information about the alpine pasture huts and winter hiking trails at Trafoi Ski Area, please visit:
www.trafoi.com
www.trafoi.com
Church Run, aptly named for its location directly below the village church, is a practice area for children and families. Although it is quite popular, the area is never too crowded. The broad slope has a gentle grade, making it perfectly suited to beginners and children, and a manageable number of skiers can usually be found enjoying themselves here.

The Gustav Thoeni Ski School’s ski kindergarten is also located at Church Slope.

The programme for budding skiers is as follows:
- Ski lessons on Trafoi’s nursery slopes from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- After the lessons, everyone eats lunch together;
- The fun and games continue at the ski kindergarten until 3:00 p.m.
For more information about the ski school and ski kindergarten
Trafoi Ski Area is an excellent starting point for snowshoe hikes through the forests of Stelvio National Park. One of the most popular routes leads from the Madacchio Hotel, following the ski run until it reaches the first bend and then continuing along Trail No. 17 to the Rifugio Forcola (Furkelhütte) mountain refuge. Another trail, albeit less spectacular, is the tranquil, almost mystical route to the Tre Fontane Sacre (Heilige Drei Brunnen) Fountains. The starting point is the parish church in Trafoi, and the legendary water sanctuary can be reached in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Technical Information:
To Furkelhütte:
Route: Starting from the Madaccio Hotel, follow the ski run as far as the first bend. Then take Trail No. 17 to Kleinboden and turn left towards Rifugio Forcola.
Walking Time: 2 hours
Altitude Differential: 600 m
Accessible by Cable Car: yes
Guided: no
Level of Difficulty: medium

Tre Fontane Sacre (Heilige Drei Brunnen) Fountains
Route: Starting out from the parish church, without much altitude differential, and continuing through the forest up to Tre Fontane Sacre (Three Holy Fountains).
Walking Time: 1 hour, 20 min
Altitude Differential: 40 m
Accessible by Cable Car: no
Guided: no
Level of Difficulty: easy

For more information about the snowshoe and winter hiking trails at Trafoi Ski Area

Trafoi Ski Area

A ski holiday with panoramic views of Mount Ortler

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