Niederjochtuifl & Pfoffagonder Tuifl on Snow (Krampus)

Krampus arrive on skis in Val Senales

Every year, at the start of Advent, the Alpin Arena in Senales/Schnals transforms into a high-altitude stage for one of South Tyrol's most evocative events. The Niederjochtuifl and Pfoffagonder Tuifl—the "Tuifl," or devils of alpine tradition—do not just parade through village streets: they descend directly on skis, weaving through the mountain huts and snow-covered slopes of the resort in a spectacle that combines ancient folklore with pure winter adrenaline.

A centuries-old tradition

The figure of the Krampus is deeply rooted in the folklore of the German-speaking Alps: during the Advent season, these devil-like beings, dressed in furs with long claws and horned masks, represent the counterpart to Saint Nicholas. In Val Senales, the tradition is centuries old, though it remained dormant for a long time. In 2015, the Niederjochtuifl association was founded, bringing the custom back to life. The name derives from the Niederjoch (Lower Joch), the mountain pass not far from where Ötzi, the famous mummy of the Similaun preserved in ice, was discovered.

Masks and costumes

Every Tuifl wears a costume of great craftsmanship. The masks are hand-carved from wood by master artisans—such as Josef Schiffmann, who creates about twenty-five per year—and completed with horns and furs. A full costume can cost up to 700 euros and requires many hours of work. The costumes are adorned with large cowbells, which can weigh up to four kilos and fill the valley with an unmistakable roar.

The day in Maso Corto

The event takes place in the basin of Maso Corto/Kurzras, at the foot of the glacier. From the morning, the Tuifl roam the resort, meeting skiers and hikers on the slopes and near the huts. In the afternoon, the tension rises with the main show, animated by fire, followed in the evening by a parade accompanied by music, featuring children in their own handmade masks. The day culminates with fireworks, the sound of cowbells, and the distribution of hot drinks, before the inevitable after-party.

A signature event of South Tyrol

In the heart of Trentino-South Tyrol, in a predominantly German-speaking municipality like Senales/Schnals, the Tuifl on Snow represent much more than a tourist show: they are a living piece of South Tyrolean cultural identity, a bridge between the folk heritage of the alpine valleys and the modernity of a ski resort. An unmissable appointment for those who want to experience the Advent atmosphere in the mountains, amidst tradition, thrills, and snow.