Krampus in Val Senales 2026: Tuifl on the slopes

Val Senales – Horns and fur-clad figures appear among skiers, accompanied by the roar of heavy bells. On Sunday, December 6, 2026, the Krampus figures in Val Senales return to the slopes: around 30 Tuifl roam Alpin Arena Schnals, the glacier ski area at the head of the valley, from 11. A DJ warm-up from 16.30 and the Krampus show at 17.45 round out the programme.

Where can you encounter the Krampus figures in Val Senales?

From 11, around 30 Krampus figures roam the ski area between glacier and valley. If you are on the slopes on Saint Nicholas Day, you may meet them in the middle of your ski day. Instead of a single evening appearance, the festivities begin in the morning.

The figures stand out from afar: curved horns, thick fur and masks with distorted faces. Heavy bells clang with every step. These encounters with skiers and visitors are part of the announced programme and bring an old Advent custom into the snowy landscape.

The event brings together two sides of a winter day in South Tyrol: glacier skiing and Saint Nicholas Day traditions. Behind the masks are two groups who keep this custom alive in their home communities.

DJ warm-up from 16.30, Krampus show at 17.45

In the late afternoon, the programme shifts from encounters in the ski area to a shared celebration. The DJ music warm-up begins at 16.30. It leads into the Krampus appearance, scheduled for 17.45 .

The show focuses on the masks, elaborate costumes and sound of heavy bells. What surprises skiers between runs during the day becomes a shared performance in the evening. If the show is your main interest, 17.45 is the key time to plan around.

The event falls on Saint Nicholas Day, in the middle of South Tyrol’s Advent season. Find more events in the Event Calendar for Italy; for a longer Advent stay, see our overview of Original South Tyrolean Christmas markets Orientation.

Niederjoch Tuifl and Pfoffagonder Tuifl shape the day

Taking part are the Niederjoch Tuifl, the Krampus group from Val Senales, and the Pfoffagonder Tuifl from Castelbello in Val Venosta. Together they create the encounters on the slopes and the evening programme. In Val Senales, the Krampus figures are called ‘Tuifl’, meaning devils.

The local Krampus association was founded in 2015 and revived the custom in the valley. According to the press release, its origins go back more than 600 years. The figures are part of Alpine Advent traditions and are traditionally linked to celebrations honouring Saint Nicholas.

The name Niederjoch Tuifl refers to Niederjoch, a mountain pass near the place where Ötzi was found. The Copper Age mummy is closely associated with this mountain region. The group’s name thus draws on a place in its own Alpine surroundings.

What goes into the Krampus masks?

Experienced carvers make the masks by hand, often using Swiss stone pine. It takes many hours to turn the wood into a face with sharp teeth, furrows and a grimace. Every mask is different.

Large horns and fur costumes complete the figures. Heavy bells provide their distinctive sound and make the Krampus figures’ movements audible. The effect comes from the interplay of carving, costume and noise.

The faces are deliberately frightening. Look closely at the masks and you can also see the differences in craftsmanship: eyes, teeth and facial features give each figure its own expression.

Skiing in December: more slopes opening

The winter season is already under way at Alpin Arena. According to the announcement of 4 November, the Gletschersee slope is open and Hintereis is next. Finail, the valley run and Teufelsegg are then due to open.

For the 28 November 2026 full operation of the ski area is planned. Krampus Day follows just over a week later. Check which lifts and slopes are actually open on your visiting day on the official Alpin Arena Schnals website. Current ski pass offers are listed there too.

Information for your visit

Alpin Arena is in Maso Corto at the end of Val Senales. For questions about Krampus Day, contact the team on +39 0473 662171 or by email at [email protected]. The Val Senales tourism association can be reached at +39 0473 679 148 as well as [email protected] reachable.

The announcement does not state an admission price or end time. Before travelling, ask Alpin Arena directly which tickets you need for your visit. Three key times are already known: Krampus figures from 11, DJ warm-up from 16.30 and the show at 17.45.