At carnival, the guests on the farms in South Tyrol are very close to the action. In many villages across the region there are popular carnival parades that should not be missed. The largest parade is in Tramin on the Wine Route and takes place on Shrove Tuesday in odd numbered years. The main character is Egetmann Hansl, who is about to get married. His wedding coach is accompanied by large, decorated carriages that make a lot of noise through the narrow streets. Different figures and historical professional groups are a fixed part of the wedding party. Particularly striking are the giant snappers – demonic creatures with large wooden beaks. The Egetmann parade in Tramin not only attracts numerous onlookers because of its multitude of peculiar figures, but also because of the elaborate costumes.

Driving out the winter

On Nonsensical Thursday (Women's Carnival) the winter demons are exorcised in Prad am Stilfserjoch. In the colourful Zussl race, young boys in costumes run through the village. They wear a white robe decorated with coloured paper flowers. To draw attention, the Zussln have huge jingles and bells around their waists that make a deafening noise. The Zussl race is accompanied by six grey horses and a farmer's entourage.

A few kilometres up the valley, the winter ends on the first Sunday of Lent. As dusk falls, the Mals disc throwers move to the fireplace on a hill – the backdrop for a light-filled ritual. Palm-sized discs of wood are made to glow on a rod and thrown into the winter sky. Together with traditional rhymes, they are said to drive away the spirits of cold and darkness. At the same time, spring is called upon to show its blooming face. The disc flinging in Mals is one of the oldest Alpine traditions in South Tyrol, which is still alive today.

White weeks

The carnival season is not just traditions and customs, but also nature has a lot to offer. The snow-covered landscape of South Tyrol lures skiers, cross-country skiers, sledgers and winter hikers out into the fresh mountain air. The days are getting longer again and it is not uncommon for the sun to shine down from a deep blue sky. Thanks to their close proximity to slopes, cross-country ski runs and hiking trails, the farms offer the ideal starting point for your winter adventure. The comfortable holiday apartments and rooms are cosily warm. It is quiet and relaxed on the farm – the perfect setting for a winter break that is second to none.