Meran 2000 – skiing, sledding and hiking above the Merano area

Merano. Meran 2000 is the ski and hiking area above the town. The 2026/27 winter season is scheduled from 27 November 2026 to 29 March 2027. The operator lists around 40 kilometres of ski runs. Even without skis, you can go winter hiking from Piffing or ride the Alpin Bob rail toboggan if it is operating.

You can reach Piffing by the large cable car from Naif or the gondola from Falzeben near Hafling. Both end in the same area. Your choice of valley station determines how you get up and where your day ends. In summer, Piffing is a starting point for hikes across mountain pastures and up to the passes.

Naif or Falzeben – which is the better starting point?

Naif is the direct valley station from Merano . According to the operator, the large cable car takes around seven minutes to reach the top. Parking at the Naif valley station is free, according to the cable car operator. Parking at Falzeben near Hafling costs a fee. You can reach both valley stations by bus. Check the timetable for your day of travel and the right stop. Route 225 connects Merano with Hafling and, on some services, with Falzeben.

Falzeben is a good choice if you want to finish there after sledding or start walking beside the forest. The large cable car from Naif is easier if you want to return to town after your mountain day. Both routes lead to Piffing. If people in your group have different plans, you can arrange to meet there for lunch.

Skiing, sledding or winter hiking?

Around 40 kilometres of ski runs are spread across several areas. Beginners should start on the designated practice slopes. More experienced skiers can explore the higher runs if they are open. If you arrive late, check how long remains until the last lift back to your chosen starting point before buying a ticket.

The natural sledding run leads towards Falzeben. It differs from the Alpin Bob, which runs on rails and returns to the starting area near Piffing. Current track conditions matter for the snow sledding run. According to the operator, sleds can be rented in Falzeben and at Piffing. The live status page shows whether the runs are open.

On foot, you can hike towards Waidmannalm when conditions allow. From 24 December 2026, the operator offers guided winter hikes on selected days. One tour starts in Falzeben and follows paths 14 and 18A. Winter hiking trails can be icy. Choose your route according to daylight, conditions and your fitness.

Summer at Meran 2000 – from the mountain pasture to Kreuzjöchl

In summer, the walk from Falzeben to Piffing is a straightforward starting route. The official hiking map gives 2.7 kilometres and around 350 metres of ascent. If you want to skip the climb, take the lift up and decide on your route at the top. Plan your return before stopping at a mountain hut. Even in summer, the lifts stop running in the late afternoon.

For a longer day, consider the route via Naifjoch and Waidmannalm to the Meraner Hütte and Kreuzjöchl. The operator describes a return via Maiser Alm and Moschwaldalm to Falzeben. The full circuit takes longer than the stated time for the outward leg. Allow for breaks and check which lifts are operating during your season.

Which excursions go well with a day in the mountains?

If you are staying in town, you can alternate a day in the mountains with a quieter day in Terme Merano . For another view of the valley, consider Scena/Schenna and its Waalweg trail. If winter hiking is your main reason for visiting, Vigiljoch above Lana is another destination with its own operating schedule.

For Meran 2000 itself, the most important decision is the one you make in the morning. Choose the access point you will need for the return journey too, and check which lifts are open. That keeps the day flexible if visibility worsens or you want to stay longer at a mountain pasture.