Two protected natural parks surround the area of Merano and Environs. To the north lies the Texelgruppe Nature Park, and to the west the Val d'Ultimo stretches as far as the entrance to the Stilfserjoch National Park. Ski mountaineering enthusiasts can choose from an entire network of routes set in pristine nature, with numerous mountain peaks to explore.
The routes are varied as the landscape itself, with some of the most fascinating ski mountaineering routes in South Tyrol/Südtirol leading between the summits of Val Passiria/Passeiertal Valley in the untouched Val d'Ultimo/Ultental Valley, as well as along the steep slopes of Val Senales/Schnalstal Valley. The Hohe Weisse mountain in Passeiertal, the Laugenspitze peak on Gampenpass mountain pass, and the Similaun mountain in Schnalstal Valley are just a few of the possible climbs in the area. The latter route also forms part of the guided Oetzi Glacier Tour.
Between January and the end of April is considered the best period for ski touring in South Tyrol.