Carezza and its black slopes
Ex-World Cup star Florian Eisath presents the more-challenging aspects of this fabulous ski area - promising both excitement and scenic beauty.
"The fascination never ends here," says Florian Eisath while fastening his bindings for one last tour in the romantic twilight. In the background towers the impressive massif of the legendary Rose Garden, immersed in a rosy glow. We enjoy the warming rays of the setting sun before it dips below the horizon. Florian shoves off with elan and begins curving down the slope towards the Frommer Alm. He loves the many-facetted loveliness of the König Laurin route extending from the mountain station of the König Laurin gondola-type cableway (opened in 2021). Initially, it's quite steep. Anyone observing Florian will quickly note that he is entirely in his element here. It's no accident that the best skier that the Eggen Valley has produced is now CEO of the Carezza Ski Area. Rather, it's all part of a clear strategy. The development of the Carezza Ski Area bears the obvious handwriting of this former World Cup athlete. Here in the Dolomites, against the fantastic backdrop of the Latemar and the Rose Garden, it is thus assured that even ambitious skiers will find much to intrigue them. "If you want to really exploit the vast potential of modern carving, you have to first possess more than a modicum of skill and ability," explains Florian. But the pistes are always wide and perfectly groomed. "This guarantees a level of safety and enjoyment for every skier with the necessary prowess." About 15% (by kilometer) of the pistes in Carezza are listed as "black" and hence offer the desired excitement and speed. Florian is happy to show us the special features of the black slopes – and explains why he just can't get enough of them.
Pra di Tori, slope number 54
Starting altitude: 2,055 meters, altitude differential: 293 meters, length: 1,580 meters
Situated against the backdrop of the magnificent Latemar, the Pra di Tori slope celebrated its inauguration in 2008. This represented the first step in the expansion and modernization of the Carezza Ski Area. The Hubertus aerial tram connected the ski area to the Karer Pass; from there, one can take a four-seater chairlift up to an elevation of 2,055 meters above sea-level.
„The snow conditions are always optimal on the north slope“
In the meantime, the most-accomplished athletes flock to the Pra di Tori slope every December to compete in the Snowboard World Cup – and if you attend the famed Carezza Snow Night, you'll be able to watch the local ski instructors as they put on a fantastic show and showcase their abilities. The best thing about the slope, according to Florian: "It starts out really steep and then flattens out a little before you get to the steepest segment – you can have a lot of fun playing with the contours," explains the former world-class skier. In December and January, the Pra di Tori shows its best side especially in the hours of early morning when the first slanting rays of sunshine hit the slopes. And the view from the chairlift mountain station of the incomparable Rose Garden can't be beat. But the perfect snow you find here is not reserved only for high-powered skiers. Those sports enthusiasts who prefer it a little less dramatic are free to circle around it and instead take the relatively easy red slope into the valley.
Paolina, slopes number 44 and 45
Starting altitude: 2,314 meters, altitude differential: 499 meters, length: 2,400 meters
"The Paolina slope is as much a part of the Carezza Ski Area as the König Laurin is of the Rose Garden," says Florian in describing the "classic" among the black routes in Carezza, which has been around since the grand opening in the winter of 1950/51. "Everyone taking the four-seat chairlift up here has simply got to look back and enjoy this view," explains Florian: "The view here of the Rose Garden is awesome." Among the black slopes in Carezza, the Paolina piste is perhaps the most popular. That's probably because it enjoys the most sunshine and since it's not as steep as the slopes at the Cologne Hut. Especially for the first few meters, the grade is just a few percent less – that can be the decisive difference for less-practiced skiers. "And the upper portion is simply heavenly," adds Florian.
At about the midway station – where less-practiced skiers can exit – the Paolina slope levels off somewhat and forks. If you keep to the left, you'll come back to the chairlift or the Hubertus aerial tram which will whisk you away to the Karer Pass. But if you turn to the right, you'll arrive at the Tschein Lift, from where you can proceed to the König Laurin gondola-type cableway which will take you up to the Cologne Hut and the Laurin Lounge. Once there, you can enjoy splendid cuisine or continue on for further skiing challenges.
König Laurin, slope number 21
Starting altitude: 2,314 meters, altitude differential: 314 meters, length: 1500 meters
"This is the most-spectacular slope in the entire ski area," says Florian after exiting the aerial tram at the highest point of Carezza, at 2,314 meters above sea-level. The mountain station here features a unique architectural design and thus seemingly melts into the mountain side. A short connecting piste takes one to the edge where beginners will gasp in amazement and practiced skiers lick their chops in anticipation. Skiers choosing the "classic" of the two downhill routes beneath the Cologne Hut will encounter an impressive and perfectly groomed slope offering an extreme experience. It's extremely steep. And extremely beautiful. "It's a chance to handle fantastic turns," says Florian enthusiastically. Even after the midway station where the piste turns to red, you can continue at high speed. From here on out, it's not as steep – but the fact that the segment extending down to the Frommer Alm is frequently used by expert skiers actually says it all.
„This is the most-spectacular slope in the entire ski area“
Tierser Piste, slope number 20
Höhe am Start 2314 m, Höhenunterschied 567 m, 3150 m
When standing up at the edge and deciding in favor of the right-hand piste, you should prepare yourself mentally for "the greatest challenge" which the ski area has to offer: "It is the longest segment of the slope, and even practiced skiers will have to contend with constant physical demands," says Florian. You can play with the terrain – the first portion of which is quite steep, features exciting transitions, and continues posing challenges all the way down to the Frommer Alm. "If you have a firm grasp of technique and are in good shape, you can really enjoy every moment of this piste." That's how Florian characterizes the "Tierser Downhill," as it is fondly called. And although the almost 600 meters of altitude differential are highly appealing to skilled skiers, even less-practiced skiers can appreciate the ski area's diversity and natural beauty – as is the case throughout Carezza: Just step out of the König Laurin gondola-type cableway at the midway station, take the connecting piste to the Messner Pass Hut, and then continue along the red-marked segment - which gradually levels off - towards the Frommer Alm. For an especially awesome experience, why not ski this route in the waning light of the setting sun? A glance up to the glowing splendor of the Rose Garden is all it takes to grasp why Florian says, "Every single day here is full of new fascination!"
