One of the longest toboggan runs in South Tyrol is located on the Resciesa, high above Ortisei in Val Gardena
Image gallery: Winter hiking path and sledge run Rasciesa
Thanks to the Resciesa Funicular and a short walk through the snow, the starting point of this six-kilometre toboggan run is easily reached. The Rasciesa, or Resciesa High Alp above Ortisei form the border between the Val Gardena and Val di Funes valleys.
From here, a wide view opens up across striking Dolomite peaks such as the massive Sella Group and the Sassolungo Group. We explore the high plateau in winter and combine the walk with a descent on the Resciesa toboggan run. From the village of Ortisei, the funicular railway carries us up to the mountain station. Walking up via the toboggan track is prohibited.
Chalet Resciesa at the top station provides an option for a first break. From there, we follow path no. 35 with very little change in elevation to the Resciesa Mountain Hut. In another 15 minutes, we reach the summit of Resciesa di Fuori (Ausserraschötz) with its prominent crucifix.
Just below the peak stands the Holy Cross Chapel. From the Resciesa Mountain Hut, we then head swiftly down towards the valley on runners - along the only official toboggan run in Val Gardena.
Author: Giacomo Roccabruna
Experienced: January 2018
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- valley station of the Resciesa Funicular in Ortisei (1,292 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 01:30 h
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- Total route length:
- 9,7 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.292 m to 2.281 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +199 m | -999 m
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- Route:
- 3 km resp. 45 minutes (ascent on foot from the Resciesa mountain station to Rasciesa di Fuori) and 6 km resp. 20 minutes (sledge run down into the Val Gardena valley)
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- Signposts:
- no. 35, 10, "Resciesa Dedora"
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- Destination:
- summit of Resciesa di Fuori (2,281 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Chalet Resciesa, Resciesa Mountain Hut (both from December to April)
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Winter hiking path and sledge run Rasciesa
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops. The return journey is made by sledge here - if you walk back, it takes longer. According to Legislative Decree 96/2025, helmets have been mandatory for everyone when tobogganing since the 1st of November 2025: A CE-certified ski helmet (EN 1077) is required. The Resciesa Funicular operates every day in winter from around mid-December to mid-April.
We highly recommend checking the weather conditions in advance and on site before starting your tour. Don't forget to check the current avalanche forecast!
