Breathtaking views. Unspoiled nature. The perfect setting for connoisseurs and more. Whether you are a winter sports enthusiast or tobogganing with the whole family, Val Pusteria is without doubt the perfect place.
We are near Bolzano and right here, entering the Dolomites, you will find the best ski infrastructure that makes South Tyrol a winter paradise:
Plan de Corones with its snow-covered trails, Antholz with its routes for professionals and Monte Cavallo with South Tyrol’s longest toboggan runs for the whole family.
Cross-country skiing and biathlon are particularly popular here, attracting thousands of sportsmen and women from all over the world every year. Antholz itself will host the biathlon competitions of the XXV Olympic Winter Games in 2026.
Biathlon and cross-country skiing explained
But what is Biathlon? It is a winter sport, belonging to the group of Nordic skiing, which includes 2 specialties: cross-country skiing and, in succession, rifle shooting. Adrenaline and concentration at maximum power. The cross-country skiing session provides a path that goes from 2 to 4 km, interspersed at each turn by a shooting session: a series of 50 meters, with 10 shots available. 5 per session. The targets are of 2 types: 5 of 4 cm in the shooting from the ground and 5 of 11 cm standing. In other words, 5 tangerines and 5 apples to hit. For each missed target, a penalty. Easy to say, less so to do.
Everyone knows what cross-country skiing is or has seen it at least once a race on TV.
Few, however, know its origins. Just think that cross-country skiing was born as a way for Nordic people to move on the snow. Someone, in order to obtain speed in hunting, began to put barks and intertwined branches on their feet in order to reach deer and bison. The evolution of this rudimentary technique ended up becoming one of the most popular sports in the world, as well as an Olympic discipline.
It is divided into two styles:
- The classic step, which takes place within tracks previously beaten by a snowcat, is ideal for beginners.
- The skated step, on a free track, is reserved for professionals.
First steps
You will first need to equip yourself: good ski underwear, sweaters, and breathable jackets that can bring the sweat outside and avoid a cold.
Skis come in different types and for different purposes: we recommend that you go to a specialized store for a non-rash choice.
The same goes for poles. These can vary in length: for the classic style, they are usually chosen as long as the armpit area. Once you have bought them, all you need are well-fitting gloves for a good grip and you are ready!
Let’s start.
The diagonal step technique is the most recommended to start. It works a bit like walking, with one foot in front of the other, dividing the movement into 2 parts: a propulsion phase to push forward and a glide phase to maintain speed.
In the propulsion phase: the front part of the foot must grip the snow and push, transferring then the weight on the other leg to start the slide. The glide phase is instead a phase of maintenance of the momentum obtained in the propulsion phase, Every time you push yourself forward you will have to push on the pole opposite to the pushing foot. Even at an amateur level, cross-country skiing is a sport that activates the whole body, with the muscles moving more in fluency than in power. Perfect for the cardiovascular system and for toning.
January events
If you’re a fan or I’ve intrigued you enough, here are January’s must-see events.
From 20 to 23 January, Anterselva is ready to relive an incredible event: the biathlon world cup. After 2 years without an audience, this time open to all holders of the super green pass.
And also at the end of January, the Ski World Cup will stop in Schladming, Austria.
Finally, on January 25, the women’s Giant Slalom World Cup will be held on the Plan de Corones. There is something for everyone and we invite you not to miss these great moments of sport.
We will be there. You can experience them with us in our hotels.
The Falkensteiner Family Resort Lido, the Falkensteiner Hotel Kronplatz, the Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Antholz and the Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming in Austria are the perfect places to enjoy these incredible events in comfort and, why not, to experience the sporting world at first hand.
