TL;DR
The former Ortler Skiarena has rebranded as Südtirol Skiarena, expanding from 15 to 18 ski areas across South Tyrol and introducing a 365-day pass. The network now offers nearly 500 kilometres of terrain and positions itself as a locally focused alternative to Dolomiti Superski.
South Tyrol Consolidates Regional Ski Network Under New Year-Round Model
The Ortler Skiarena has rebranded as the Südtirol Skiarena at the end of the 2025-26 season, expanding from 15 to 18 ski areas and introducing a 365-day pass that works for both winter and summer lift access. The expansion adds three eastern South Tyrol resorts - Ratschings-Jaufen, Speikboden, and Klausberg - bringing the network's total terrain to nearly 500 kilometres across the province, plus partner resorts in Austria and Switzerland.
The rebrand signals more than geographic growth. By switching from a winter-only pass to year-round access and choosing a German rather than Italian name, the network is clearly positioning itself for local and regional skiers rather than international tourists - a deliberate contrast to the larger Dolomiti Superski alliance that dominates South Tyrol's ski market.
Network Structure and Terrain
The Südtirol Skiarena brings together an eclectic mix of ski areas that range from small community hills to glacier skiing. The network includes two glacier areas - Sulden and Schnalstal Glacier - with a peak elevation of 3,250 metres, providing snow reliability and near year-round skiing access. Mid-sized resorts like Meran 2000, Schöneben-Haideralm, and Watles offer modern lift infrastructure and varied terrain, while smaller areas such as Pfelders, Vigiljoch, and Reinswald maintain a quieter, more traditional character.The newly added eastern resorts extend the network's geographic reach across the full width of South Tyrol. Rather than creating a single interconnected ski circus, the model resembles more of a federation - distinct areas operating independently but unified under one pass.
