A New Horizon: Ortler Skiarena Rebrands as "South Tyrol Skiarena" with Year-Round Offering

As the final chairs of the winter season come to a halt, a major transformation is beginning in the Italian Alps. Following a landmark meeting the Ortler Skiarena network has officially announced it is rebranding to the South Tyrol Skiarena (Südtirol Skiarena).

The name change signals a massive geographical and strategic shift for the association, which has long been the backbone of winter sports in the western reaches of the province.

Expanding the Map: From West to East

The decision to drop the "Ortler" moniker—a reference to the region’s highest peak—comes after a significant expansion of the network. While the group previously focused on western strongholds like the Schöneben-Haideralm resort, a wave of new members joined in December 2025.

The network now stretches significantly further across the region, incorporating:

• The Wipptal Valley: Bringing in high-altitude slopes near the Brenner Pass.

• The Ahrntal Valley: Adding the northernmost glaciated peaks of South Tyrol.

By adopting the "South Tyrol Skiarena" name, the association aims to better represent its new, diverse membership and provide a unified brand that resonates with international travelers.

Beyond the Snow: The Year-Round Pass

Perhaps the most significant update for locals and frequent visitors is the introduction of a year-round pass. Moving away from a "winter-only" mindset, the South Tyrol Skiarena will now offer a single ticket valid for all seasons.

• Summer Access: The pass will cover cable cars for hikers, mountain bikers, and paragliders.

• Sustainability Goal: By encouraging year-round tourism, the network hopes to stabilize local economies and reduce the environmental pressure of "peak-season" spikes.

"The Ortler name has served us well for decades, but we have outgrown our borders," officials stated during the announcement at Schöneben. "The South Tyrol Skiarena is more than just a name change; it’s a commitment to being a 365-day destination for the entire region."

Existing Ortler Skiarena pass holders will see a seamless transition into the new system. The association has confirmed that the new branding and the year-round pass options will be fully integrated into their digital booking platforms ahead of the summer 2026 season.

For resorts like Schöneben-Haideralm, which serves as a central hub for the network, the move is expected to drive a surge in summer traffic, cementing the region's status as a premier year-round outdoor playground.

The mountains haven't changed, but the way we access them just got a lot bigger.