Vigiljoch (Vigilio) Ski Area

At the northeast edge of Mount Vigilio, behind the Seehofer Heath, is a small natural lake, a veritable idyll nestled into the forest landscape of the pedestrian-only high plateau. The locals call it Schwarze Lacke (lit: black pond) because the deep forest lake is dark in summer and covered with many water lilies. Wild tales and legends have grown up around the small lake.

In winter, the surface of Schwarze Lacke is frozen. The romantic mountain lake thus offers excellent conditions for ice skating during the cold season. Schwarze Lacke is reachable on foot from the summit station of the cable car (expect about 1.5 hours) or via chair lift (expect about 20 minutes). Anyone who plans to skate at Mount S. Vigilio should combine the trip with a lovely circuit hike and a stop at Seespitz Inn, which is known for its homemade pies.

Information:
Ice skating and ice curling from December to February
Rentals of ice skates and ice sticks
Gasthof Seespitz
T +39 0473 562955

Mount S. Vigilio, the local mountain of Lana and Marlengo (Marling), is particularly striking for its special geographical characteristics. The pedestrian-only mountain is accessible only by cable car, making this relatively flat plateau a hiker's paradise, absolutely ideal for winter hikes and snowshoeing through the pristine countryside. Despite its proximity to the town of Merano (Meran) and the fact that it is easily accessible by cable car, snowshoe hikers can enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature to the fullest. Here, it’s as if time stood still.

Snowshoe Hike to Naturnser Alm
The starting point is the summit station of the Mount S. Vigilio chair lift (1,814 m). The road goes slightly downhill to the west, towards Jocher Tavern, and leads between the inn and S. Vigilio Church over to the actual Joch (notch) or saddle, west of the chapel. Trail No. 9, which is marked red and white, runs southwest through the pine forest. Continue following signs for No. 9.

The descent is towards the northwest, towards Naturnser Alm (1,922 m). Under the eaves, there is a table and a bench where you can eat a well-deserved snack out of the backpack; then follow trail markings, first No. 30 and then No. 9, towards the east and back to the mountain station of the chairlift.

Snowshoes can be rented at the valley station of the cable car for a fee (please note: limited availability – no poles).