While elsewhere it’s still summer, the numbers have already been assigned at the glacier ski area in Val Senales. At Alpin Arena Senales, World Cup stars, youth teams and national teams start their ski training camps from mid-September to prepare for the racing season.

But do you know what makes us so attractive for ski race camps? Find it out!

A head start for professionals

A clear advantage: glacier skiing in the Alps begins much earlier than skiing in most other regions. From mid-September, the glacier slopes on the Giogo Alto, at over 3,000 metres above sea level, are ideal for ski race camps. While other resorts are still waiting for the first snow, World Cup athletes are already completing their first runs here. Skiing in Val Senales guarantees snow reliability, consistent top conditions and noticeable training effects – especially in technical disciplines like slalom or giant slalom, where rhythm, speed, and precision are essential. Athletes who begin their ski training camps early, gain valuable experiences and build confidence for the upcoming season.

Ideal conditions

The training conditions at Alpin Arena Senales are perfectly customized to the needs of elite athletes. At the glacier ski area Val Senales, around 40 different training runs are available, adapted to various disciplines and skill levels. One highlight is the Leo Gurschler slope, 550 metres long, with a 60% gradient and a vertical drop of 200 metres – it’s a paradise for professionals and ideal for giant slalom training sessions. All slopes must be booked in advance, eliminating waiting times during your ski training camp. This way, teams can train highly efficiently, as is required at World Cup level. Daily grooming by our experienced team ensures consistent conditions – from the course to the snow quality.

It's these advantages that make glacier skiing in the Alps the first choice in pre-season preparation for many national teams.

From bed to the slope

At the glacier ski area Val Senales, everything works in perfect harmony – short distances, modern facilities, and perfect organization. Right on the glacier, the Glacier Hotel Grawand sits at 3,212 metres. At the highest hotel in Europe, the training day begins right outside the door – athlete-friendly meals included.

Alternatively, for those attending ski race camps, the Smart Hotel Firn in Madonna di Senales is available. ¾ board with a three-course dinner and the use of the indoor pool, sauna and steam bath are included.

Altitude training with impact

The ideal snow conditions at over 3,000 metres are not the only reason to train here. The altitude itself provides a significant performance boost. Altitude training has been shown to enhance red blood cell production, thereby increasing oxygen uptake and endurance. This effect lasts for several weeks after the stay, making it ideal for preparing for an intense season. Many athletes combine technique and endurance sessions with altitude training, taking full advantage of the unique conditions when glacier skiing in the Alps in Val Senales. But it's not just skiers who benefit – biathletes, swimmers, and cross-country skiers also choose Val Senales for their altitude training. For those seeking not just good snow, but a noticeable performance boost when glacier skiing in the Alps, the high altitude offers a clear advantage.

A meeting point for the international elite

The list of teams that regularly hold ski training camps at the glacier ski area Val Senales reads like the Who’s Who of skiing. Among the international elite teams are the German Ski Association (DSV), the Italian Ski Federation (FISI), Swiss Ski, the US Ski Team, as well as national teams from Slovakia, Japan, Canada, and Norway. In addition to the teams, numerous world-class athletes, such as Mikaela Shiffrin, Petra Vlhová, and Federica Brignone, are also frequent visitors to Val Senales. What draws them all to the glacier ski area in Val Senales is good infrastructure, reliable snow conditions and undisturbed quiet far away from cameras and crowds. The only things that count are training and team spirit.

The Alpin Arena Senales is a training centre built entirely around the needs of professional athletes. Our ski race camps begin as early as mid-September – with well-maintained, reserved training slopes for different disciplines. Add that to our accommodation options directly on the glacier or down in the valley, as well as the benefits of altitude training at over 3,000 metres, which leads to noticeable performance gains. International top teams regularly use these perks to optimally prepare for the season.

Here you can book your slope for your ski training camp at the Val Senales ski resort and your accommodation.
Even if you’re not a pro, we are happy to welcome you on our glacier slopes and in our hotels after the start of the regular season! You too will benefit from the high mountain air and grow beyond your limits.