Skiing in Schnals
The ski resort of Schnalstaler Gletscher (Senales Glacier) is situated between 2011 and 3212 metres above sea level, which ensures excellent snow conditions for most of the year. It offers 35 km of slopes of varying difficulty, a snow park for freestyle enthusiasts, and a great area for cross-country skiing and winter hiking.
The peaks of the mountains, which overlook the Dolomites, create a unique atmosphere. Modern lifts and excellent infrastructure make this resort the perfect choice for families and advanced skiers alike.
Ötzi's story
Not far from the slopes, in the Tisenjoch Pass, Ötzi, a mummy more than five thousand years old, was discovered in 1991. His body was preserved in a glacier, along with his clothing and equipment, giving scientists a unique insight into the Copper Age.
According to analyses, he was about 45 years old, was 160 cm tall and weighed about 50 kg. His body was found in the Ötztal Alps, where he died in dramatic events.
Scientists have reconstructed his story thanks to the marks on his body and the objects he was carrying. He was probably a hunter or herder, used to the harsh conditions of the mountains. He died from a gunshot wound to the shoulder that hit an artery. There were other wounds on his body, suggesting that he may have been attacked or pursued. His equipment - a copper axe, a bow, arrows, a knife and vessels - was found beside him, indicating his skills and lifestyle.
His death remains a mystery - he may have been the victim of conflict, hunting or flight. Due to his natural freezing in ice, he has become one of the best preserved mummies in the world, providing scientists with invaluable information about life in the Copper Age.
If you decide to visit the area, you can learn more about its story at the Archaeological Museum of Bolzano, where the mummy is on display. The Senales Valley is also home to the Ötzi Archaeopark, an interactive museum that gives you a glimpse into the daily life of our ancestors.
In addition to skiing, in Senales you can enjoy snowshoeing or hiking tours that will take you through the places associated with the Ötzi story. The area will surprise you not only with its natural beauty, but also with its deep connection to history.
