Haflinger Horse Sleigh Race and Skijoring in Sarntal

A Winter Tradition in the Sarntal Valley

In the heart of the South Tyrolean winter, the Sarntal Valley (Val Sarentino), a secluded valley north of Bolzano, becomes the stage for one of the most evocative and ancient equestrian events in Trentino-Alto Adige. The Haflinger Pferdeschlittenrennen und Skijöring is the historic race featuring Haflinger horses—a breed named after the nearby village of Hafling (Avelengo) and deeply rooted in the identity of this land. Held in the municipality of Sarntal, the event draws enthusiasts and curious visitors from across the region every year.

Where it Takes Place

The race is hosted at the Rabensteinerhof farm, in the hamlet of Mules/Muls, on the snowy valley floor of Sarntal. Here, on a track carved into the snow, the day's various heats take place before a large crowd that braves the biting valley cold to witness the spectacle. The event is organized by the Sarntal Haflinger Horse Breeders Association, under the umbrella of the South Tyrolean Haflinger Horse Breeders Federation.

The Competitions: Sleighs and Skijoring

The event features two main disciplines, divided into categories based on the age and experience of the horses:

• Sleigh Race (Pferdeschlittenrennen): Haflinger mares, adorned with traditional collars, pull wooden sleighs and must achieve the best time while maintaining a steady trot.
• Skijoring: A skier is pulled at full speed by a galloping horse, a spectacular event that requires perfect coordination between the horse, the rider, and the skier.

Folklore and Atmosphere

Beyond the competition, the day is a true village festival: many drivers wear the traditional costumes typical of the Sarntal Valley, some of the most distinctive in all of South Tyrol. The day concludes with a traditional raffle. The warm atmosphere, the snow, the blonde-maned Haflinger horses, and the alpine backdrop make this event an authentic experience of South Tyrolean culture, far from mass tourism circuits.

The Haflinger Horses

A symbol of South Tyrol, the Haflinger is a sturdy and docile breed, recognizable by its chestnut coat and light mane. The Sarntal sleigh race is one of the moments where this centuries-old breeding tradition is showcased to the public in its most festive and athletic form.