Whether in the Ulten valley, the Eisacktal valley, Eggen valley or in the Puster valley: mountain lodge parties, stunning mountain views and culinary treats …South Tyrol has it all! In this blog post, Sabine reveals her top 5 favourite Alpine huts!

I love winter… I love the thrill of zooming down the steepest pistes with the snow whirling up around me… and I also love roaming through the glistening white of the snowy countryside. This means, of course, that I take a break and grab a bite to eat or I enjoy a good meal afterwards. And since I am a true bon vivant, I especially like those mountain huts, where there is always a lot going on: delicious food, fantastic views of the surrounding nature or even singing and dancing… the right places to have a great time, or “a Hetz” as we say here. :-)

So, here you go: I’ll share my top 5 favourite mountain huts in South Tyrol with you! :-)

1. The perfect place to socialise
Throughout the small yet well-known ski and hiking area Schwemmalm, nestled in the picturesque Ulten valley, not only will you find traditional mountain huts, but also a cosy place to stop and recharge your batteries, a place where you lose track of time: namely the M13! Always busy and lively, you can enjoy food and drinks during the day, before DJs and live bands warm up the atmosphere at night. It’s a bit pub, a bit coffee shop and bistro, a bit après ski – Santa Valburga’s M13 has got something for everyone and rightly so! Because nowhere else do so many winter sports fans come together. This unique ski resort keeps advanced skiers happy with 25 kilometres of challenging slopes and offers families superb practice slopes.

2. The newest addition
Located directly at the Obereggen valley station, this completely new place is definitely worth a look. A look at the LOOX! :-) Admittedly, the LOOX has very little to do with the traditional ski chalet parties, but in this new mountain hut you will definitely enjoy yourself after a day spent hurtling down the slopes! In a modern and stylish setting, you’ll find yourself carried away by sublime beats und light effects – a ski and snowboard club for real party animals!

3. A touch of modernity
Since we are already in the Eggen valley, let’s stay there for a little longer or, even better, let’s head up to 2,096 metres – to the mountain hut Oberholz! With its wide, pointed windows formed like gabled roofs and its niches recalling the traditional Tyrolean Stuben, Oberholz is an architectural masterpiece – very instagrammable! :-) Moreover, skiers and snowboarders will be pampered with culinary delights prepared with fresh and regional ingredients. Those who like pairing their food with a good glass of wine, will enjoy choosing from a well-assorted wine list. In winter, this extraordinary hut can be reached on foot via a well-groomed hiking trail. If you’re not into hiking and only want to go there to admire the spectacular views and architecture or taste the wonderful food, just hop onto the panorama chairlift and get to the hut’s terrace in no time! :-)

4. The all-time Favourite
Set in the heart of the Puez-Odle Nature Park in the wonderful Villnöss valley, the Malga Geisler is one of the most popular mountain huts in the region. Located at 1,996 metres above the sea level, it is the all-time favourite of tourists and locals alike! The hike up here is incredible, both in summer and in winter. The delicious home-made South Tyrolean specialties taste like heaven; the hut also offers a large children's playground and, of course, a breath-taking view of the mountains surrounding the Villnöss valley. Especially in winter, after a snowshoe hike or a toboggan ride down a slope, the magnificent landscape will blow your mind! :-) Speaking of tobogganing: Here's a little tip for you! This place features the longest toboggan run in the Eisacktal valley – with as many as 6 kilometres of downhill fun. By the way, the hut also provides a rental service, so you can save yourself the trouble of dragging the toboggan uphill!

5. A taste of tradition
Finally, let me take you to the famous Tauferer Ahrntal valley, a very popular winter sports destination not only among skiers, but also among those who enjoy cross-country skiing, tobogganing and ski touring. Are you looking forward to a refreshing and well-earned break? Here’s my tip for you: the Enzian hut! This Alpine hut is set right on the slopes of the award-winning Speikboden ski area, which has become a crowd-puller because of its marvellous landscape – and not only in winter! The Enzian hut is equally, if not more, popular among visitors, with its typical, cosy chalet atmosphere just like you've always pictured it. Good vibes and a cheerful mood are guaranteed!

Of course, there are many other South Tyrolean Alpine huts that are worth a visit, for example also in the Ladin valleys like the Gröden or Gader valley. Hopefully my tips will help you collect unforgettable memories in the mountains of South Tyrol. And it’s obviously always a good idea to ask the private host you’re staying with! :-)

Have a wonderful, fun and relaxed time in the snow of south Tyrol – whether skiing or not! :-)

With heartfelt greetings,

Sabine