The South Tyrol Ice Sculpture Festival in January

Just in time for World Snow Day, which in 2025 falls on Sunday 19 January, the International Ice Sculpture Festival will be returning to the picturesque San Vigilio di Marebbe. The event, now in its 34th edition, will be held from 15-17 January 2025 in San Vigilio and from 20-22 January 2025 in San Candido. During the event, 30 artists from all over the world will be competing with saws, shovels, barbed wire - and of course, mounds of snow. In the most picturesque corners of the South Tyrolean town, at an altitude of 1285 m in freezing temperatures that at this time of year range from 0° to -8°, you can admire giant cubes of snow, pressed and frozen with water, from which the 10 groups of participants will be creating unique sculptures.

The proximity to the Plan de Corones ski area makes this a perfect destination for sports lovers, with over 100 km of slopes to enjoy. The local ski schools will be helping novices take their first steps on the snow, while more experienced skiers are given tips on how to improve their technique. Each school offers personalised lessons, from alpine skiing to snowboarding, tobogganing, telemark and cross-country skiing.

If snow sports aren't your thing, then you can enjoy a relaxing snow walk or the wonderful snowshoeing trails in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park.

The characteristic old town, with its traditional Ladin houses, is also worth a visit. Don't miss the cathedral with its baroque façade, the Gothic bell tower and the Renaissance high altar carved in wood; and the castle of Ras, where you can still see the original battlements on the top floor. All in all, San Vigilio di Marebbe offers you the perfect opportunity to get away from everything and enjoy a wonderful holiday.

Ice is also the main attraction in San Candido, which is hosting the International Ice Sculpture Festival just a few days after San Vigilio. You can even admire the artists' works in the evening, thanks to the specially planned lighting system. The sculptures will remain on display until they melt in springtime.

In the heart of Alta Pusteria, at an altitude of 1,175 metres, this charming South Tyrolean town is about 20 km from Lake Braies: a must-see if you are in the area.

San Candido lends itself perfectly to a snowy holiday, thanks to the 3 Peaks Dolomite ski area and its 115 km of slopes with options for all ability levels.You can choose to ski the slopes or speed down the toboggan runs, all in a natural UNESCO heritage site. Take advantage of the convenient ski lifts, which include a modern 10-seat cable car, and keep the kids happy with the many attractions in the area, including the village of gnomes on Mount Baranci.