Ridanna Valley Racines-Giovo

The ski area offers 28 km of alpine ski slopes, extending from the 1,200-metre valley station to the 2,150-metre upper station served by the panoramic gondola. The relatively high elevations and its location near the main Alpine ridge contribute to reliable snow conditions, supported by a programmed snowmaking system.

The area is served by 7 modern, fast lifts. The eight-seater Racines-Giovo gondola, almost two kilometres long, departs from the base, while comfortable chairlifts operate in the upper area, including the modern eight-seater Enzian and several six-seaters. The compact lift layout makes it easy to move between the various sectors and normally keeps waiting times to a minimum.

Most of the runs are of intermediate difficulty: wide, well-groomed slopes with consistent gradients that make Racines particularly suitable for intermediate skiers and families already able to ski red runs. The Enzian, Saxner, Wasserfalleralm and Rinneralm areas offer a mix of smooth, scenic runs, while the Blosegg descent and the forest trails lead back to the valley floor.

Beginners can use the ski school area and the Abrahamwiese drag lift, near the gondola departure station, as well as some easy runs higher up. More experienced skiers will find a smaller ski area that is nevertheless not lacking in challenging sections: the Rinneralm Profi, the famous “Kanal” in the Kalcheralm area and the training slopes offer steeper gradients and terrain suited to sporty skiing.

Next to the Enzian chairlift is the Racines Funpark, complemented by a Funslope designed also for those trying jumps, banked turns and snow features for the first time. The Kalcheralm area also has a giant slalom course with timing, one of the ski area’s distinctive attractions.

Racines is therefore a good choice especially for families, groups with different abilities and intermediate skiers, who can explore the entire area without making long transfers. Very experienced skiers may find the number of genuinely difficult runs limited, but they can appreciate the quality of the grooming, the efficient lifts and the opportunity to repeat descents quickly.

Alternatives to alpine skiing include the Platschjoch high-altitude loop, a 14-km cross-country skiing route rated from intermediate to difficult, and the toboggan run that descends for around 4 km and more than 500 metres of vertical drop from the gondola’s upper station to the valley. The offering is rounded out by winter walks, snowshoe excursions and mountain huts located along the slopes.

In summer, the gondola provides convenient access to the pastures at 2,150 metres, the starting point for hikes to mountain huts, high-altitude lakes and panoramic peaks. The BergerlebnisWelt, with nature-themed play areas and a Kneipp trail, makes the mountain appealing to families as well; nearby attractions also include the spectacular Stanghe Gorge, mountain-bike trails and the mining heritage of the Ridanna Valley.