The eco-friendly way to enjoy a holiday
Nature is our greatest asset. It is a precious habitat for both humans and other animals – a place where we can catch our breath and find our way back to ourselves. And this is exactly what we endeavour to protect, here in the Gitschberg Jochtal Ski & Holiday Area and everywhere in South Tyrol. “How?” you may ask. By managing valuable resources conscientiously, promoting green transport, strengthening local economic cycles and preserving our landscape. Sustainability, however, goes beyond ecological measures to also include economic and social factors, and we strive to protect our cultural heritage, as well as our natural environment.
Supporting us in this effort is the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) – a real beacon for us, promoting sustainable tourism internationally. Every year, tourist businesses and destinations undergo rigorous checks to prove their compliance across four areas: sustainable management, socio-economic sustainability, cultural sustainability and environmental sustainability. By choosing GSTC-certified establishments, you can enjoy your holiday safe in the knowledge that you’ve made a climate-friendly choice.
Sustainable accommodation
Accommodation establishments that have been awarded the South Tyrolean Sustainability Label meet specific criteria depending on their level of commitment – the more criteria they meet, the higher the level they reach according to the Label’s 3-tier model, confirming their commitment to sustainability. The criteria are based on those set forth by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Location and directions
The Gitschberg Jochtal Ski & Holiday Area is located between the Eisacktal valley and the Pustertal valley, in an idyllic landscape dotted with chocolate-box villages. We really care about future generations being able to enjoy this wonderful natural area too, which is why we recommend choosing eco-friendly, sustainable means of transport, such as trains or buses.
Respect the Mountain
Respect the Mountain is a project aimed at visitors, locals and tourism professionals in the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is designed to raise awareness and promote a mindful and responsible approach not just when out in the mountains, but in everyday life as well, starting with a focus on waste and drinking water.
The project is sponsored by IDM South Tyrol, the Department of Nature, Landscape and Environmental Development of the Province of Bozen, and the Agency for the Environment and Climate Protection of the Province of Bozen, with the support of the Ökoinstitut Südtirol-Alto Adige and local tourism associations. To achieve its goal, the project focuses on two key areas:
The water flowing from our taps is of high drinking quality, and is a valuable but limited resource. The Respect the Mountain project aims to raise awareness and encourage its responsible use. A small but effective contribution towards protecting this precious resource is made by the sustainable, multi-purpose water bottles available at the tourist offices in Mühlbach, Rodeneck and Terenten, as well as at the ticket offices in Vals and Meransen. There are numerous refill stations available in the municipalities of Mühlbach, Terenten, Rodeneck and Vintl, which are regularly checked for water safety and quality. Click here to see the latest drinking water tests report.
You can find out more about the high quality of drinking water in South Tyrol here.
The best waste is no waste. And when waste cannot be avoided, it’s best to pick it up and dispose of it properly. The Respect the Mountain project promotes waste prevention through forward planning and encourages visitors to take home whatever waste they produce while in the mountains. The motto is clear: “What goes with me to the mountain, also comes back home with me so I can dispose of it properly.”
Pack sustainability in your rucksack: choose reusable bottles (thermos flasks keep foods and drinks cold or warm – we recommend filter bottles if you’re in pasture areas), use lunch boxes for your food and repurpose them as litter containers (or even as makeshift chopping boards). By choosing unprocessed seasonal, locally sourced foods, such as nuts or homemade snacks, rather than packaged energy bars, you can avoid unnecessary waste. You can also use a bag to take any waste back with you after your mountain pursuits. These are all small but significant steps towards a more eco-conscious way of holidaying!
PS: Lunch boxes are available at the tourist offices in Mühlbach, Rodeneck and Terenten, as well as at the ticket offices in Vals and Meransen.
Important information for dog owners: please use signposted dog toilets and always collect your dog’s waste, as contamination of meadows and fields endangers the health of both humans and animals. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Please be considerate of other guests, and make sure you comply with applicable regulations when out on a mountain tour with your dog, especially when visiting cattle pastures, taking care that your pet does not get overexcited or overwhelmed. Please note that muzzles are compulsory on all public transport and lift facilities across South Tyrol.
Rules of conduct and safety in the mountains
When you venture out in the mountains, being considerate and well prepared is key. Stay on the marked trails, keep an eye on the weather and treat nature with respect. A well-planned itinerary and the right equipment can go a long way towards ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience in our mountains.
Summertime mountain safety
Wintertime mountain safety
For an accessible holiday
Founded in 2004, Südtirol für alle/Alto Adige Per Tutti (South Tyrol for everyone) is the official online portal for accessible tourism in South Tyrol, providing reliable information on barrier-free access to tourist destinations and attractions. The portal is developed and managed by independent L, a centre of excellence for digital accessibility based in Meran.
To provide detailed and reliable information to people with disabilities, tour operators and service providers, the team at Südtirol für alle/Alto Adige Per Tutti conduct comprehensive on-site surveys throughout South Tyrol. Their assessments are based on the IG-VAE method (Informazione Garantita per la Valutazione dell’Accessibilità per le proprie Esigenze, i.e. guaranteed information for assessing accessibility based on one’s requirements), which makes it possible to individually evaluate the accessibility and usability of facilities and infrastructures – so that nothing gets in the way of wheelchair users enjoying a relaxing holiday.
Accommodation establishments are checked for accessibility based on specific criteria and rated with up to 5 smileys depending on their level of accessibility. Please click here for an overview of all certified establishments.
The Gitschberg Jochtal resort was also assessed for accessibility in February 2024. You can read the report written by monoskier Hans-Peter Schraffl here.
Skiing meets vision: sustainability on and off the slopes
The Gitschberg Jochtal ski resort promotes sustainability through specific measures designed to ensure environmentally friendly operation in the long term:
A photovoltaic system with an output of 578 kWp covers the resort’s energy requirements; in the summertime, facilities run exclusively on solar energy.
The photovoltaic energy produced is used almost entirely on site for self-consumption, making us less dependent on external power sources.
We reduce electricity consumption though efficiency-boosting measures and a smart snowmaking policy which includes, for example, a minimum temperature threshold.
We have replaced conventional devices with direct-drive mechanisms that increase technical and energy efficiency and reduce the need for maintenance, making skiing more sustainable.
We have a partnership with the municipal authorities and district heating plant of Vals, with a view to securing the area’s energy supply and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
We are partnering up with Kronplatz Seilbahnen GmbH and 3 Zinnen AG to set up an electricity sales unit – joining forces to make skiing more sustainable.
By carpooling and organising shuttle services, we are reducing individual journeys to the workplace.
We use energy-efficient LED lamps that last longer as well as consuming less electricity.
Our ticketing system is designed to reduce plastic waste through recyclable or digital tickets.
To reduce paper waste, tickets for the lift facilities are now digital instead of printed – another step towards environmentally friendly skiing!
We collaborate with Dolomiti Superski to reuse chip cards so as to reduce plastic waste.
Rules of conduct are in place to ensure safety on all slopes in the Gitschberg ski area.
Please check the avalanche bulletin before embarking on any off-piste pursuit.
The Gitschberg Jochtal ski resort was inspected for accessibility in February 2024. Click here for the report and more details.
South Tyrol – an inspiring cultural destination
There’s more to South Tyrol than just spectacular landscapes and nature experiences: your holiday is also a wonderful opportunity to deep dive into the local culture and history. We have collected a list of cultural tips to help you get to know our customs, traditions and folklore up close – a rich heritage and cultural diversity we value and endeavour to preserve.
By following these rules during your cultural trips, you will help us preserve the sites and ensure safety for all:
Opening hours: Some cultural sites, such as churches, castles and the Mühlbacher Klause fortress, are only accessible at certain times. Please check the opening hours.
Be considerate: Please treat the cultural sights and assets with respect – avoid touching any exhibits and be considerate of the historical value of the sites. Please dispose of any waste in the designated bins and help to keep the cultural sites clean.
Safety: Visitors enter cultural sites at their own risk. Please watch out for uneven steps or surfaces, do not climb on walls and do not lean on railings or parapets.
Personal items: Carrying large rucksacks and sharp, wet or bulky items into cultural sites is not permitted.
Food and drink: Eating, drinking and smoking are prohibited in churches, at Castle Rodenegg and in the Mühlbacher Klause fortress.
Pets: With the exception of assistance dogs, pets are not allowed inside churches.
Children: Minors are under the responsibility of their parents or legal guardians. Please supervise your children at all times. Running and pushing are not permitted at cultural sites. When visiting as a group or school class, please make sure the children under your care behave appropriately at all times.
Photos and videos: Taking photos and filming are generally permitted, unless otherwise indicated.
South Tyrol has a rich heritage of customs and traditions, which are passionately preserved and upheld by local association. These include:
Traditional South Tyrolean folk dancers clap their hands on their calves and shoes to accordion music, wearing traditional attire such as Lederhosen or Dirndl.
In the past, shepherds used whip cracking as a tool for communicating over long distances while working on the vast Alpine pastures. A Goasl whip consists of a stick, a leather cord and a cracker called Schmitzel. The swift, skilled swinging of the Goasl whip produces a loud crack, which is carried even further by the echo.
A staple of South Tyrolean tradition, brass bands of wind and percussion are found in almost every village, including here in the Gitschberg Jochtal area. They typically perform at festivals and parades wearing traditional attire.
Schützen associations are at the core of social and community life and contribute to preserving South Tyrol’s cultural identity and religious traditions.
A highlight in many South Tyrolean mountain villages, the parade of the cattle being brought back to the valley from the summer pastures is an important part of Alpine culture, as well as an event that attracts visitors from near and far. On this occasion, cows, sheep and goats parade through the village wearing elaborate decorations, and everyone celebrates their safe return from the mountains.
The term Scheller comes from the metal bells traditionally used for herding cattle. The Scheller are the shepherds that take a customary walk through the village and visit local farms, ringing their bells, to celebrate the good outcome of the summer season a few days before the cattle are driven back home from the mountain pastures.
Here in South Tyrol, patronal festivals are called Kirchtage: they are held once a year to celebrate each village’s patron saint – expect a joyful mix of local fare, musical entertainment and high spirits.
The traditional Pfunderer Kirchtag festival always takes place on the fourth weekend after Easter and attracts visitors from the valley and beyond. The Kirchtagsbaum tree represents the key highlight – a tradition shared with only a few other villages. The higher the Kirchtagsbaum tree that is erected, the prouder the village. At the top of the tree sits the Kirschta-Michl, a straw doll sporting a white shirt and a hat and holding a wine bottle.
This is a tradition rooted in the rural background of Pfunders. At nightfall on All Saints’ Day, citizens portraying the Krapfenbetteln of bygone days go door to door souling for Krapfen doughnuts and other foods and drinks.
An important part of the Pfunders traditional Tracht attire, this hat is painstakingly hand-woven from rye stalk plaits of 19 metres in length, and embellished with a peacock feather.
The St. Nicholas parade usually takes place on 5 December, when St. Nicholas and a group of angels and Krampus demons walk through the villages, rewarding the good children and punishing the naughty ones.
Every three years, 19 amateur actors gather in the clubhouse in Terenten for a traditional St. Nicholas event. From there, they make their way to the local farms dressed up as historical figures, ready to perform a humorous play in the cosy Stuben parlours.
Every June, on the night of the summer solstice, the South Tyrolean mountains come alight with impressive bonfires to commemorate the vow of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1796, when the Tyrolean insurgents were victorious against Napoleon’s troops.
Religious processions are common events in South Tyrol. They are held on Catholic festivals such as Corpus Christi – with the involvement of the various local associations.
’s Schmelzpfandl is a culinary festival designed to honour Terenten’s local flour-making tradition, sharing traditional dishes and recipes with the public at a series of dedicated events.
EU countries
Non-EU countries
Customs clearance for export
Customs clearance for import
Local products
Fresh. Local. Authentic.
We firmly believe that local is the way to go. Many of the delicacies you can taste here in our holiday area are produced locally, with love, patience and respect for authenticity. Fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, honey, wine and many other specialities tell the story of our farms and alpine pastures. A story written by people who know the meaning of quality.
When you buy local products, you show your love of nature, your appreciation for the work our farmers do, and your support for a sustainable future. Short transport routes help to protect the climate, strengthen the local economy and preserve the diversity of our cultural landscape.
Choose foods the origin of which you know and you can trust, and taste the difference!
An insider tip: visit the farmers’ market in Mühlbach or Terenten. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere, have a chat with the locals, shop and discover what makes our land so special – genuine, unadulterated quality straight from the farm.
Every year, in spring and autumn, the South Tyrolean Alpine Tastes festival offers you the chance to explore local flavours: over a period of several weeks, the huts and farm taverns located along the most beautiful hiking trails serve special dishes prepared with fresh produce. A wonderful experience that delights all the senses.
How climate change impacts tourism
Climate change is altering everything, from nature to society and the economy, including here in the Gitschberg Jochtal holiday area. Tourist activities that are heavily dependent on the weather and natural landscape, such as skiing, hiking and cycling, are especially affected. Extreme weather events and the rising temperatures caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions are jeopardising our access to these activities. Additionally, infrastructure such as ski lifts and Alpine huts are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their exposed locations.
Since 1980, the average temperature has risen by around 2°C, resulting in fewer days of frost, earlier thaws and shorter winter seasons. While artificial snowmaking can guarantee the coveted snow at least in part, it significantly increases water and energy consumption in a scenario where water supply is also becoming increasingly challenging.
Based on forecasts, winter tourism is set to decline in the long term, while summer tourism will gain momentum – a trend that is already evident, with rising overnight stays during the summer months. To future-proof our holiday area, we need to adapt through sustainable strategies.
Adapting for a sustainable future
Targeted measures in the Gitschberg Jochtal Ski and Holiday Area
Contribute your ideas for sustainability!
Do you have any suggestions on how we can make tourism more sustainable? Whether it’s small tweaks or a big vision, every idea counts.
Let’s shape the future together!
Send an email to info@gitschberg-jochtal.com with the subject line “Green Ideas” and share your ideas!