In recent decades, Ridnaun/Ridanna has evolved from a special secret ski get-away known only to insiders in the cross country scene to become an internationally acclaimed and popular cross-country and biathlon center. Many major events successfully held in Ridnaun / Ridanna have contributed to its sterling reputation, such as the IBU U26 European Championship and the IBU Cup in Biathlon.
Yet Ridnaun/Ridanna is a superb resort area not only on account of such major events. For vacationers, it's much more important that they find excellent conditions and an ideal infrastructure throughout the season.
Cross-country skiing tips around Ridnaun, Ratschings, Sterzing
Ratschings/Racines and Ridnaun/Ridanna score well with regards to guaranteed snow, too: The trails are located at altitudes of 1,000 to 1,800 meters above sea-level, so you're assured of natural snow for pure skiing pleasure. Against the imposing backdrop of the three-thousand-meter-high peaks of the Alps, there are routes for all requirements: There are light to moderate well-prepared cross-country routes, including the 12-km-long valley trail through the Ratschings/Racines Valley as well as the 16-km-long panoramic Platschjoch high-altitude trail. The Ridnaun/Ridanna Valley circular track in the beautiful and sunny upper section of the valley is 25 kilometers long. In addition to the two classic tracks there is also a skating track. You can undertake 3 to 25-km-long roundtrips and can choose different routes (from "easy" to "difficult"), depending upon your tastes. In addition, the course offers a very selective racing course.
Cross-country skiing for your health
Cross-country skiing is a healthy, natural, and environmentally friendly alternative to mass tourism in alpine skiing, with all its hustle and bustle. What's more, it is becoming more and more fashionable. With cross-country skiing, the risk of injury far lower than in traditional downhill skiing, and the whole body is more uniformly stressed while being given a real work-out. In addition to the professional race, Ridnaun / Ridanna therefore also organizes every year the "Jäger" biathlon and the big popular cross-country race for a wide field of competitors.