Welcome to South Tyrol – Ridnaun/Ridanna Community of Ratschings/Racines

South Tyrol (Italy)

The unique location on the southern side of the Alps is the reason for South Tyrol's natural and cultural variety. The awarded South Tyrolean wines, the adventure ski resorts, the biathlon centres, the Dolomites and other highlights make South Tyrol a very special place, which can be re-discovered again and again.

The venue is Ridnaun/Ridanna – Community of Ratschings/Racines

The community of Ratschings/Racines is located west of Sterzing/Vipiteno, the main town in the southern Wipptal Valley. This is one of the largest communities in terms of area in South Tyrol and has approximately 4,000 inhabitants.

The Ridnauntal/Val Ridanna Valley rises from Sterzing/Vipiteno (950 m) to the end of the valley near Maiern/Masseria (1,400 m). Life has been characterised by agriculture for many centuries. Today, tourism is one of the most important factors in the local economy. Mining also had an important influence on life in Ridnaun/Ridanna from the 13th century up until 1980, when the mining works for silver, potter's ore and blackjack stopped.

While Ratschings/Racines developed to an attractive winter sports centre with numerous cable car facilities and downhill slopes, Ridnaun/Ridanna made a name for itself in the fields of cross-country skiing and biathlon. Amongst the highlights up to this date we can mention the World Championships in 1993 (substitute venue for Oberhof), the European Championships in 1996, and the Youth World Championships in 2002.

Now, the community of Ratschings/Racines and thereby Ridnaun/Ridanna has been chosen as a venue for the Open European Championships U26 2011 taking place from 21st - 27th of February 2011