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    Italy, Europe

    Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo)

    20km of slopes above medieval Sterzing in South Tyrol, 960-2,120m. Home to Italy's longest toboggan run. Ortler Skiarena pass valid.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    Opens
    6 Dec 2026
    Closes
    29 Mar 2027
    Days open
    113
    Annual snow
    4m
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) rises directly above Sterzing/Vipiteno in the Eisacktal valley of South Tyrol, offering 20km of slopes between 960m and 2,120m across 10 marked runs. The mountain sits on the sunny side of the main Alpine divide, roughly 20km south of the Brenner Pass and 50km from the Austrian border - a position that delivers more winter sunshine than many nearby resorts, with views extending across the Stubai Alps, Zillertal Alps and out to the Dolomites.

    The terrain leans heavily intermediate, with seven of the ten runs graded red and a bias toward open, well-groomed pistes on the upper mountain. A dedicated beginner area with carpet conveyors sits at the gondola top station, and a new funslope added for the 2025-26 season introduces jumps, waves and banked turns for those looking for something beyond standard groomed runs.

    Rosskopf is also home to Italy's longest illuminated and artificially snow-covered toboggan run - a 10km descent dropping 900m of vertical from the gondola mountain station through forest back to the valley base in Sterzing. Singled out by ADAC testing in 2011 as the best toboggan trail in German-speaking Europe, the run operates on Tuesday and Friday nights until midnight.

    The resort is part of two pass networks - the Ortler Skiarena, which connects 15 South Tyrolean ski areas across more than 300km of pistes, and the Wipptal Skiverbund, which links Rosskopf with Ladurns, Ratschings-Jaufen and Kalcher Alm for a combined 50km on one pass. Children aged five and under ski free when accompanied by a paying adult.

    1160m
    Vertical
    10
    Runs
    20 km
    Piste
    4m
    Annual snow
    The Terrain

    10 runs across 20 km of piste

    Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) spreads 10 runs across 20 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 65%, with 3 beginner runs to find your feet and 1 advanced or expert run when you want to push.

    Terrain split
    10
    runs
    10 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner3 runs · 30%
    Intermediate7 runs · 65%
    Advanced1 run · 5%
    Expert0 runs · 0%
    Time it right

    When to visit Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo)

    The 2025-26 season at Rosskopf ran from 5 December 2025 to 6 April 2026, a compact winter window typical of a south-facing mid-altitude South Tyrolean resort. Snowmaking covers 100% of the ski area's slopes, which is the critical factor in maintaining consistent conditions across the 960m base - one of the lower valley bases in the region - and ensuring the toboggan run operates from opening day.

    Average annual snowfall at Rosskopf sits at 3.7 metres, with the upper mountain around 2,100m holding natural snow reliably through February. Snow depth peaks in February, when the upper mountain averages around 85cm. The resort records 59 sunny days per season on average, slightly below the Italian average of 63 but consistent with its exposure on the Eisacktal's eastern ridgeline.

    January and February are the most reliable months for all-mountain conditions, with cold temperatures keeping the groomed red runs in good shape and the beginner zones well covered. The combination of snowmaking coverage and altitude means Rosskopf typically holds serviceable conditions through to early April even in moderate-snow seasons.

    The proximity to Sterzing means the resort suits a short-stay skiing format as much as a dedicated ski week - a morning on the slopes can be combined with an afternoon in the town's medieval streets, which host a well-regarded Christmas market from late November through early January.

    Season 2025 - 2026
    6 Dec 2026
    Opens
    29 Mar 2027
    Closes
    113
    Days open
    4 m
    Annual snow
    Getting there

    Getting to Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo), and where to stay

    Rosskopf sits directly above Sterzing/Vipiteno in the Wipptal (Eisack valley), the natural corridor connecting the Brenner Pass to the rest of South Tyrol. Sterzing is Italy's northernmost town, positioned at 948m at the foot of the pass and less than 20km from the Austrian border. The gondola base station sits a five-minute walk from the town's pedestrian zone, making Rosskopf one of the most walkable ski resorts in South Tyrol.

    Innsbruck is the closest city, approximately 58km north via the A22 Brennero-Modena motorway - around 45 minutes by road. Bolzano is roughly 59km to the south, and the regional hub of Bressanone/Brixen sits 30km down the valley. Milan is accessible in approximately three hours via the A22.

    Rail access is among the best of any ski resort in northern Italy. Sterzing station sits on the main Brenner rail corridor, served by regional trains from both Innsbruck and Bolzano as well as intercity services. The gondola base is a short walk from the station, making a car-free visit straightforward. Neighbouring stations at Gossensass/Colle Isarco (5km) and Freienfeld/Campo di Trens (6km) also connect to the valley bus network.

    Drivers approaching from the north take the A22 motorway from Innsbruck over the Brenner Pass, exiting at Sterzing. From the south, the same motorway connects via Bolzano and Bressanone. Parking is available near the gondola valley station, a short distance from the town centre pedestrian zone.

    Where to stay

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    Hotels and lodges near Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo), powered by Stay22.

    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
    Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law

    Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law

    Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.

    22 July 2026
    South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena

    South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena

    South Tyrol has approved a full rebuild of the Ciampinoi cable car in Selva di Val Gardena, replacing the current 12-person gondola with a 16-person cabin and a new mountain-station restaurant. Capacity is capped at 3,200 people an hour rather than the 3,600 the operator wanted, and 250,000 euros must go toward compensatory measures. No construction or opening date has been set, though the upgrade is partly aimed at clearing bottlenecks before the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships.

    22 July 2026
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    21 July 2026
    La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts

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    21 July 2026
    The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain

    The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain

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    21 July 2026
    Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow

    Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow

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    21 July 2026
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    19 July 2026
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    18 July 2026

    Lift tickets

    10 pass options
    Buy passes ↗

    Single-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Adult Full Day

    €59up to €65 peak

    Full day skiing at Rosskopf Monte Cavallo above historic Sterzing. 20km of family-friendly slopes with modern 10-person gondola just 5 minutes from town center.

    Buy pass
    Youth 13–17

    Youth Full Day

    €47up to €52 peak

    Youth daily ticket for Rosskopf in Sterzing. Family skiing with varied terrain and excellent beginner areas served by modern gondola system.

    Buy pass
    Child 6–12

    Child Full Day

    €35up to €40 peak

    Children's lift ticket at Rosskopf Monte Cavallo. Family-friendly skiing above Sterzing with dedicated beginner areas and moving carpets for learning.

    Buy pass
    Child 0–5

    Child (5 & Under)

    Free

    Free skiing for children 5 and under at Rosskopf when accompanied by paying adult. Complimentary access to family slopes above historic Sterzing.

    Buy pass
    Senior 65–99

    Senior Full Day

    €47up to €52 peak

    Senior lift ticket for Rosskopf with discounted rates. Gentle slopes perfect for mature skiers with convenient gondola access from Sterzing center.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–64

    Gondola Sightseeing Only

    €22up to €26 peak

    Non-skier gondola access to Rosskopf for sightseeing and mountain dining. Spectacular views from sunny terrace at 1860m above Sterzing valley.

    Buy pass

    Half-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Half Day

    €42up to €47 peak

    Half day skiing at Rosskopf starting in the afternoon. Perfect for combining with Sterzing town exploration and shopping in South Tyrol's historic center.

    Buy pass
    Adult 18–64

    Toboggan Run Access

    €20up to €25 peak

    Access to 10km natural toboggan run from Rosskopf mountain station. Artificial snow-making ensures sledding fun from mountain top back to Sterzing valley.

    Buy pass

    Multi-day passes

    Adult 18–64

    Multi-Day (3 Days)

    €165up to €185 peak

    Three-day lift ticket for Rosskopf with savings over daily rates. Extended family skiing above Sterzing with modern lift access and varied terrain.

    Buy pass

    Season passes

    Adult 18–64

    Season Pass

    €580

    Unlimited access to Rosskopf Monte Cavallo all season. Family-friendly skiing above historic Sterzing with convenient town center gondola access.

    Buy pass

    Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) lift tickets & passes

    Opening day for the winter 2025 - 2026 season is scheduled for Dec 6, 2026 (subject to change). Lift tickets at Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) typically go on sale well before the start of the ski season.

    Day passes start from €20, with peak rates up to €65.

    Lift tickets FAQ

    How much does a Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) day pass cost?+
    Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) day passes range from €20 to €65 depending on the date and advance booking.
    Can I buy Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) lift tickets online?+
    Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
    Are there discounts for multi-day passes?+
    Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
    What is included with a Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) lift ticket?+
    Full access to all lifts and trails at Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo), including mountain safety and patrol services.
    What is the difference between Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) lift tickets and ski passes?+
    "Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
    When should I buy Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) lift tickets for the best price?+
    Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
    Does Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) offer group discounts on lift tickets?+
    Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) directly for group booking information and rates.
    How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?+
    Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo).

    More Rosskopf (Monte Cavallo) intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.