Santa Caterina is situated in a valley basin at an altitude of 1.738 m above sea level at the foot of the Ortles-Cevedale mountain group, set in a protected area of the Stelvio National Park. S. Caterina was already known in the 19th century as a spa bath location, thanks to its ferruginous water springs.

It was the ideal holiday place for health treatments. There were also excursions on foot or a ride on a donkey’s back to the Forni Hotel to admire the mighty Forni glacier. Soon after the war, Santa Caterina became one of the most well-known alpine resorts.

The real entry on to the mountain tourist locality scene came about at the beginning of the 1960s, when thanks to the first ski lift, alpine skiing became possible along with cross-country skiing which had already been used as a means of transport.

Over the years, S. Caterina has changed from a small mountain pasture area to a complete sports tourist resort with hotels, residences, holiday homes, alpine refuges, all in continual expansion so as to always be among the best known tourist centres for both summer and winter holidays.

Santa Caterina in Winter
Santa Caterina is a “white paradise” where the blue sky and the white snow make a grand winter scene.

Ski lifts that go to an altitude of 2700 metres with slopes always perfectly covered in snow, thanks also to a modern programmed snow installation system, skiing can be assured from December to April.

The 10 km cross-country track winds through thick coniferous woodlands amidst a fairy-tale landscape with both tourist and competitive trails.

The well-organized ski schools of alpine skiing and cross-country skiing are a reference point for tourists who want to approach the snow for the first time or for those who want to improve their techniques or simply find friendship among the ski instructors and coaches who can help to enjoy the time spent on the snow.

The small tranquil village of Santa Caterina with hardly any traffic is the ideal place for a family holiday.

There is a Mini-club available for young children with supervisors, a reserved area fitted out with a small baby skilift and amusing games on the snow.

On the snow slopes of Santa Caterina, great athletes have become first class ski champions like Deborah Compagnoni, the greatest undisputed champion of Italian alpine skiing, also the famous downhill skier Pietro Vitalini, and many other sportsmen who find Santa Caterina ideal for training and competitive practice. All the women’s alpine ski races for the World Championships 2005 will be held in Santa Caterina on the new “Edelweiss” slope.