Winter holidays in Merano: wellness, snow and Xmas Markets!
Merano is situated at the mouth of the Val Passiria, Val Venosta, Val d’Ultimo and the Val d’Adige, and can be reached from various directions. This Mediterranean island in the heart of the Alps, offers 300 days of sunshine per year, during which you can enjoy many pleasures, from hikes to pure relaxation in contact with nature. But it is in winter that Merano gives the best: wellness, snow and … Christmas Markets!
With its spa, inaugurated in 2005, Merano has been enriched not only by the presence of a wellness center, but also by a real architectural jewel. The impressive cube of glass and steel, by famous architect Matteo Thun, is the heart of the new spa, situated along the south bank of the Passirio, on the opposite side of the well-known Maso Corto. A place among large, prized trees, picturesque Palm trees and rose gardens, the Parco delle Terme covers an area of 50,000 m², an unparalleled spot, where you can enjoy relax and relaxation in the heart of the city. In addition to the saunas, real highlight of the spa with a 1,250 m² area of relaxation and well-being, the Terme di Merano certainly cannot miss the magical powers of the thermal waters. The mineral waters used for therapeutic purposes, come from Mount San Vigilio, and in the near future the spa will also employ a new source of thermal sulphurous water from a new underground spring.
Winter in Merano is especially skiing and fun on the slopes. A very characteristic village awaits you at the bottom of the Passeier Valley. Plan, this is the name, a family-friendly ski resort – children till 8 years ski for free – right at the foot of the “Altissima”. The ski area also offers two ski lifts for beginners, cross-country trails, as Innerhütt – Außerhütt and Plan – Lazins, as well as plenty of things to do for those who don’t like skiing.
Moreover, the resort Merano 2000 has 40 km of slopes, mostly of medium difficulty, and modern ski lifts. At Merano 2000 you can ski at night, on Friday nights you can test yourself with the well-lit ski slopes and lifts open, in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Pure mountain air, a quiet location and a wealth of slopes characterize the glacier skiing area of Val Senales. In just 6 minutes, the cable car runs from Kurzras up to 3,200 mt, where you will find 35 km of trails including a descent to the Valley 8 km long, 12 modern lifts and fun on snow, safe snow. You can leave your car downstream and move around thanks to a convenient shuttle service.
Finally, one of the largest ice climbing facilities is located in Corvara, in the Passeier Valley. Ice towers, cylinders and walls with heights up to 15 meters are connected by climbing steps. If you fancy thrills, don’t miss it.
In Merano, the upcoming Christmas is celebrated according to tradition, by the set up of distinctive Christmas market. 80 wooden chalets sell ideas for Christmas gifts, but also traditional handicrafts, fabrics or toys. The stalls, decorated with love, offer hot drinks such as vin brulè or tea, along with local pastries such as strudel and krapfen. And then lights, torches and candles, the train and the chocolate factory for the little ones. And low music in the background that makes us enjoy the intense spirit of Christmas.
Photo by f_shields
About the Author
Elena Hey there! My name is Elena and I live in Pavia, where I work as a freelance journalist and Events Coordinator. My personal interests are culture, languages and art. I love travelling and learning about foreign cultures and different lifestyles, and then I like to share my experiences with others writing articles for this blog. My passions drive me forward to live the life of my dreams, and well that’s what I am really good at!
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