Where “our” pros
most like to train
With long running and hiking routes in summer and varied ski slopes in winter, Merano 2000 boasts the perfect conditions for effective outdoor training and a wide range of experiences in nature. Omar Visintin, Andreas Reiterer and Peter Kienzl share this view. The three exceptional athletes have not only an especially close relationship to “their” skiing and hiking region beneath the Ifinger, but also a joint favourite when it comes to the question of their favourite place there...
OMAR VISINTIN
Age: 33 years
Sport: Snowboard Cross
His greatest successes: Medals in the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, 6 World Cup victories, 5-time World Cup silver, 5-time World Cup bronze, 5 top-3 placings in the World Cup Overall, World Championship silver in the team competition, World Championship bronze in the single competition, 6 medals at the Italian Championships
"For me, Outdoor Experience Merano 2000 means… all-year-round sporting adventures. Be it with a snowboard or touring skis in winter or climbing on the Via ferrata Heini Holzer or a leisurely walk or cycle ride in summer – I can get my fill of action whatever the season here, as well as enjoying the natural surroundings at my leisure. The ideal balance to my rigorous racing calendar.
My favourite place in Merano 2000 is… definitely more than one. On the one hand there are the many different ski slopes, which act as both training venues and free time fun for me. On the other hand there are hikes on the Picco Ivigna in summer – preferably starting from the Kuhleiten Hut. The perfect route for switching off and recharging your batteries."
ANDREAS REITERER
Age: 30 years
Sport: Trail running, mountain running
His greatest successes: 2-time Italian champion in trail running (2021 + 2020), 1st place in the Grossglockner Trail 2021, Stelvio Marathon 2018, Rosengarten Sky Marathon, South Tyrol Ultra Skyrace, Maddalene Sky Marathon, Brixen Dolomites Marathon, 3rd place 2021 UTCT 100km in South Africa
"For me, Outdoor Experience Merano 2000 means...perfect training conditions right outside my front door. The altitude and varied terrain with many steep as well as flat, fast sections, are absolutely ideal for me as a trail runner. And although I have known the area since I was a child, I never get bored of it. In summer I like to jump on my bike, and in winter there is no better place for a long back-country skiing trip.
My favourite place in Merano 2000 is… the Grande Picco Ivigna. A challenging mountain with a unique view from the summit, which requires a certain amount of fitness and technique, particularly the final ascent. Anyone who suffers from vertigo should go for the Piccolo Picco Ivigna instead. My personal highlight was the 2020 Ifinger Challenge, where I set myself the goal of running all the way up the Piccolo Picco Ivigna. I have the support of the villagers, who cheered me on loudly, to thank for the fact that I ultimately achieved it in a time of 1 hr 40 min."
Age: 33 years
Sport: Snowboard Cross
His greatest successes: Medals in the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, 6 World Cup victories, 5-time World Cup silver, 5-time World Cup bronze, 5 top-3 placings in the World Cup Overall, World Championship silver in the team competition, World Championship bronze in the single competition, 6 medals at the Italian Championships
"For me, Outdoor Experience Merano 2000 means… all-year-round sporting adventures. Be it with a snowboard or touring skis in winter or climbing on the Via ferrata Heini Holzer or a leisurely walk or cycle ride in summer – I can get my fill of action whatever the season here, as well as enjoying the natural surroundings at my leisure. The ideal balance to my rigorous racing calendar.
My favourite place in Merano 2000 is… definitely more than one. On the one hand there are the many different ski slopes, which act as both training venues and free time fun for me. On the other hand there are hikes on the Picco Ivigna in summer – preferably starting from the Kuhleiten Hut. The perfect route for switching off and recharging your batteries."
ANDREAS REITERER
Age: 30 years
Sport: Trail running, mountain running
His greatest successes: 2-time Italian champion in trail running (2021 + 2020), 1st place in the Grossglockner Trail 2021, Stelvio Marathon 2018, Rosengarten Sky Marathon, South Tyrol Ultra Skyrace, Maddalene Sky Marathon, Brixen Dolomites Marathon, 3rd place 2021 UTCT 100km in South Africa
"For me, Outdoor Experience Merano 2000 means...perfect training conditions right outside my front door. The altitude and varied terrain with many steep as well as flat, fast sections, are absolutely ideal for me as a trail runner. And although I have known the area since I was a child, I never get bored of it. In summer I like to jump on my bike, and in winter there is no better place for a long back-country skiing trip.
My favourite place in Merano 2000 is… the Grande Picco Ivigna. A challenging mountain with a unique view from the summit, which requires a certain amount of fitness and technique, particularly the final ascent. Anyone who suffers from vertigo should go for the Piccolo Picco Ivigna instead. My personal highlight was the 2020 Ifinger Challenge, where I set myself the goal of running all the way up the Piccolo Picco Ivigna. I have the support of the villagers, who cheered me on loudly, to thank for the fact that I ultimately achieved it in a time of 1 hr 40 min."
PETER KIENZL
Age: 47 years
Sport: Ultra Trail
His greatest successes: 2-time winner of the Trans Gran Canaria 360º, 4K Alpine Endurance Trail 350 km, bronze in the Tor des Geants 330 km, Swiss Alpine 210 km, 2-time winner of the S1 Trail della Bora 170 km, gold in the SwissPeaks Trail 2021
"For me, Outdoor Experience Merano 2000 means… home. I am incredibly lucky to live where other people come on holiday. The expansive Merano 2000 hiking and skiing resort is just a stone’s throw away from my home, which means that the best training routes are, so to speak, just outside my front door.
My favourite place in Merano 2000 is… the place where the sun shines for longest in Hafling: the summit of the Grande Picco Ivigna. Incidentally, for me the loveliest ascent there is via the south-west ridge. A mix of via ferrata and easy alpine scrambling, which leads directly up to the distinctive summit. Technically very nice and scenically unique."
Age: 47 years
Sport: Ultra Trail
His greatest successes: 2-time winner of the Trans Gran Canaria 360º, 4K Alpine Endurance Trail 350 km, bronze in the Tor des Geants 330 km, Swiss Alpine 210 km, 2-time winner of the S1 Trail della Bora 170 km, gold in the SwissPeaks Trail 2021
"For me, Outdoor Experience Merano 2000 means… home. I am incredibly lucky to live where other people come on holiday. The expansive Merano 2000 hiking and skiing resort is just a stone’s throw away from my home, which means that the best training routes are, so to speak, just outside my front door.
My favourite place in Merano 2000 is… the place where the sun shines for longest in Hafling: the summit of the Grande Picco Ivigna. Incidentally, for me the loveliest ascent there is via the south-west ridge. A mix of via ferrata and easy alpine scrambling, which leads directly up to the distinctive summit. Technically very nice and scenically unique."
IVIGNA MAGAZINE, pag. 24-29, Tourist office Hafling - Vöran - Meran 2000
