Finally, I was able to try the cross-country ski trail of Fischleintal, starting from Sexten, in Pustertal. Once again, Sudtirol gave me a day of high-level skiing, in a wonderful panorama.

Cross-country skiing in Fischleintal, South Tyrol

In recent summers, the Sesto/Sexten Valley has been the scene of some of my memorable climbs on the peaks and via ferratas of this area of ​​the Dolomites.

But I had never had the opportunity to come here in winter. On Sunday, February 16, 2025, I finally realized a dream that had been chasing me for a long time: cross-country skiing in Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal. This valley is very special in summer: at its entrance, it is characterized by sparse larch woods under which very green meadows stretch, cultivated for hay. Continuing, the valley floor develops nestled between the series of mountains that lead to the Drei Zinnen, to the South East, and the Croda dei Toni, the Popera, the Cima Undici and the Croda Rossa di Sesto (Sexten Rotwand) to the South and South East. In winter, the spectacle of the woods, meadows and rocky walls covered in snow is no less fascinating. Some sections of the cross-country ski trail offer really poetic atmospheres.

But let's describe our day, and the ski route.

We started from Sesto, and conveniently parked the car at the Sexten sports center (see our track above). The cross-country ski trail from Innichen runs right to the side (West) of the parking lot. After putting on our boots and skis, we immediately took the trail in a southerly direction.

The trail does not present any particular technical difficulties. There are no extreme climbs or descents, nor challenging tight curves. However, it has a constant climb, with an average gradient (5-10%), along the entire route, which does not give respite, and after a few kms, it can be tiring. Every now and then it is worth stopping, catching your breath, contemplating the beautiful panorama, and recovering your energy.

From Sexten, it took me 1.5 hours to cover the almost 6 kms that lead to the point of the valley, just beyond the Rifugio di Fondo Valle (a possible and excellent place to stop and have a bite to eat), where the valley forks and climbs steeply to the Comici or Locatelli Huts. Here, the slope reverses direction, and the beautiful descent back begins, which is much quicker. But before starting the descent, it is a must to stop and contemplate the scenery around: the gentle snowy plain of the valley floor is surrounded by fir and larch forests, laden with snow, beyond which rise the vertical walls that lead to the peaks. If you are lucky enough to ski on a beautiful sunny day, the contrast between the blue sky, the reddish rock faces, and the dazzling white of the snow cover is enchanting. It took me half an hour to get back to Sexten.

The day ticket, bought along the way, costs 16 euros (2025). You can buy it online, by scanning the QR Code on the panels located at some points along the route (there is one near the Sexten sports center parking lot), or at the ticket offices in villages.

Enjoy your skking. Fabio