Here’s everything you need to know about the famous black slopes of Kronplatz: the legendary Black Five!
The Kronplatz ski area is renowned for hosting the notorious “Black Five”: five black slopes that are a challenge for the most experienced skiers! A new black slope, Sorega, opened in 2023, which we explored for you.
Here is everything you need to know about this slope and the famous Black Five at Kronplatz!
In Italy, there are a number of renowned slopes for skiers, including Saslong in Val Gardena, Gran Risa in Val Badia, and Bellunese on Marmolada. In addition, the Kronplatz ski area is home to the famous Black Five, five challenging black runs that provide an exciting challenge for experienced skiers. Some of these slopes are also the site of world-class racing competitions. In one day you can put yourself to the test and follow a course that will allow you to tackle these five black runs one after the other.If you are a fan of skiing or snowboarding, this is the challenge for you!
In this article you will find all the details about the Black Five at Kronplatz, useful information about their characteristics, and we will answer common questions, such as “what is the slope of Piculin?”
❄️Low budget: Residence Alpenrose
❄️❄️Medium budget: Chalets Almdorf Haidenberg ⭐Trip To Try Choice
❄️❄️❄️ No limits: Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus
⛄ All the hotels near Kronplatz
The Sylvester slope is No. 1 in the ski area and is a long black slope that runs from the top of Kronplatz, or the Panettone for friends, to the valley lifts located in Reischach, near Bruneck.
With a length of almost 5 km, it is (in our opinion) the most fun slope of the Black Five because the gradient is not exaggerated and the track has several counter slopes and curves that will allow you to “play” with your skis. In fact, skiing on the right or left side of Sylvester is almost like skiing two completely different slopes.It will provide you with a long and enjoyable ski run.
The initial part of the Sylvester, which is about 1 km long, is the widest and has some very steep sections, although it is flanked by a wider run that is classified as red, thus of medium difficulty. Thereafter, the trail narrows as it passes through the forest, with a more moderate gradient. The most challenging section is located about halfway down the track, where there is a series of counter-slope turns (but the track is still wide). The last part of the track, reached after a short but steep final section, is easier and joins the blue runs at the bottom.
Halfway up the slope, you can ascend to the top with the middle station of the main lift “Kronplatz 1+2,” which starts in Reischach and leads to the top of Kronplatz.
The ideal time to tackle this slope is in the late morning and during lunch, as it is on the north slope and therefore less exposed to the sun. In the early morning, the slope may have icy sections, while in the afternoon it is in shade, resulting in reduced visibility. Sylvester is directly accessible via the “Kronplatz 1+2” gondola lift.
View from the top of Sylvester slope
The Hernegg slope, identified with the number 4, represents the counterpart of the Sylvester: while the former descends along the north slope tracing a wide curve on the right side of the wall, the Hernegg is on the same slope and draws an exactly mirror curve. However, unlike the former, the Hernegg is distinguished by the absence of narrowing, keeping consistently very wide and with few bends (there is only one but…enough is enough!).
The initial part of the slope is similar to Sylvester’s, with a considerable width and flanked by a red slope, ending at the middle station of the Gipfelbahn lift, which connects the summit with the Percha valley station.
After this point, the most challenging section of Hernegg begins, with a very pronounced counter-slope curve sloping to the left. This is definitely the first challenging point of the track and where you will have to be careful (if you stay to the right it will be much easier than on the left-hand track inside the curves and almost vertical). After that, the track becomes fairly straight, with sections of considerable incline alternating with easier sections, until you reach the last wall, which is the point with the steepest incline. After this point, the trail becomes less steep and smoother until the lower section.
With a length of just over 5 km, the Hernegg is as exposed as the Sylvester. Therefore, we recommend that you tackle this slope from mid-morning until after lunch to avoid reduced visibility and a surface that is too hard or icy.
The Hernegg slope is accessible via the “Kronplatz 1+2” gondola lift.
Sylvester slope
Hernegg slope
Hernegg slope
The Arena Pre da Peres slope, marked number 32R, is the shortest of the Black Five slopes at Kronplatz, with a length of less than 1 km, but no less challenging. Located on the slopes of Piz da Peres, opposite Kronplatz, the course is straight, so much so that the valley lifts are clearly visible from the summit. The Pre da Peres Arena is very wide, but has a considerable incline.
Generally, the slope is divided into two zones: one dedicated to non-competitive skiers and the other intended for the training of professional athletes. The slope of the Arena Pre da Peres is close to 60 percent: basically a short but intense descent that we recommend you take without interruption.
The slope also has a red alternative, of medium difficulty, which allows you to avoid the steepest section and reconnects with Arena Pre da Peres halfway down. With exposure similar to Hernegg and Sylvester, lighting is limited, and shade is soon cast. Therefore, the ideal time to go down this slope is from mid-morning onwards.
The Arena Pre da Peres slope is especially dear to super athlete Manuela Mölgg, whom we had the pleasure of meeting right here. In addition, it is one of the tracks used for European ski races. Access to Pre da Peres is via the “Pre da Peres” cable car.
The Erta slope, numbered as 40, is renowned for hosting World Cup ski races, usually at the end of January. Despite its short length, approximately 1.6 km, this slope has all the requirements to be considered one of the most beautiful black runs in our mountains. Characterized by width and sudden changes in gradient, it will test your reflexes!
The final section of the slope consists of a long wall and is definitely the most challenging section, with a gradient of more than 60%. Located in the area of San Vigilio di Marebbe, the slope descends from Piz de Plaies to the village. It also features a black variant called Sorega, built in 2023.
Due to its exposure, the Erta slope is well lit, with good visibility for most of the day. To reach the Erta slope, you can use the “Pedagà” gondola lift.
Here we come to the last of the Black Five and certainly the most feared and the most challenging. Piculin is slope No. 45 in the Kronplatz ski area and is about 2 km long.
But let’s come to the question that many skiers ask: “what is the slope of the Piculin?”
The answer may vary slightly depending on the snow conditions each year, but we can confirm that Piculin has reached a maximum slope gradient of 78%, placing it at the top of the steepest slopes in Europe.
The main challenge is to deal with this slope in the first wall, which comes after a narrow but shallow initial section. Needless to say, when you get to this point you will see several skiers waiting at the top of the wall, studying the trajectory to tackle this breathtaking course. Our advice is to stop at the top of the wall and study first the trajectory you want to follow and start at a time when there are few people and go along the wall without stopping. In fact, it is virtually impossible to stop in this section, as well as extremely dangerous.
After this section, a section of slope of moderate difficulty follows, leading to the last part of the route, which is characterized by significant gradients. The ideal time to tackle the Piculin is in the morning, as in the afternoon the snowpack begins to deteriorate and this slope should be tackled in the best possible conditions.
Access to Piculin is via the “Piculin” gondola lift.
On the wall of Piculin slope
Arena Pre da Peres slope
Erta and Sorega slopes
If we wanted to compare the Black Five in terms of length and slope, here is what we can summarize:
Sylvester length: 4950 m
Hernegg length: 5100 m
Arena Pre da Peres length: 866 m
Length Erta: 1610 m
Piculin Length: 2000 m
Maximum slope Sylvester: 60%
Maximum slope Hernegg: 68%
Maximum slope Arena Pre da Peres: 57%
Maximum slope Erta: 61%
Maximum slope Piculin: 78%
Tackling the Black Five tour in one day is certainly an exciting challenge. Here are some tips on how to best plan this adventure.
First, we recommend that you plan the tour on a sunny day with good visibility and preferably on a weekday to avoid the risk of encountering too many people.
The starting and finishing point for this tour is the summit of Kronplatz. The first of the Black Five to be tackled is the Arena Pre da Peres. To reach it, you must descend down the Furcia 9 slope, a wide and easy blue slope that will allow you to warm up and lead you to the foot of the “Pre da Peres” lift. Watch out for a fork in the road at the end of runway 9 and turn left to follow the correct direction, avoiding the “Ruis” lift that would take you back to the top of Panettone.
Once at the top, you will face the short but challenging Pre da Peres, descending down the left side. At the end of this descent, you will find the sign to continue towards San Vigilio. To reach San Vigilio, you will initially have to ride the Col Toron, of medium difficulty, followed by the Miara, a long blue slope that will take you to the village of San Vigilio di Marebbe.
After arriving at the end of the slope, take the “Skitrans Bronta” lift that will go through the village of San Vigilio di Marebbe and take you to the foot of Piz de Plaies. Then get on the “Pedagà” lift, which will take you to Piz de Plaies, the starting point of the track of the second of the Black Five: the fearsome Piculin.
Once you have tackled the Piculin, it will be time to ascend on the “Piculin” lift, which will take you back to the top of Piz de Plaies. From here, descend to San Vigilio along the Erta, one of the World Cup runs. When you reach the valley, turn back with the “Skitrans Bronta” and take two lifts next: the “Miara” gondola and the “Col Toron.”
One point where it is easy to get lost is at the end of the descent from Col Toron. You will have to do a short final stretch of the Pre da Peres to reach the “Costa” chairlift. Once you have descended, take the short stretch already done along Furcia 9 and turn right at the fork to get to the “Ruis” lift, which will take you back to the top of Kronplatz.
From here, push a little to reach the top of the Sylvester slope, for us the most fun of the Black Five. After the 5 km descent, the last challenge is the Hernegg slope. Going up with the “Kronplatz 1+2” lift, you will find yourself back at the top of Hernegg, ready for your last challenge!
On the top of Piz de Plaies
We would like to preface that the following considerations are based solely on our personal opinion and taste, but we would like to share some thoughts. For us, the best slope among the Black Five is Sylvester. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is a very “skiable” slope: despite its high difficulty, it does not have dizzying walls, allowing you to really have fun and to ski smoothly. The presence of counter slopes is the main feature of this slope, making it fun if tackled with the right technique. In addition, its length maximizes your skiing time.
Another slope that we really appreciate is the Erta, thanks to its width. The first half of the slope is quite accessible, although it has fast changes of slope, while the last section, although steep, is wide, allowing one to comfortably choose one’s trajectory.
Piculin undoubtedly presents a challenge and a “trophy” for level skiers to conquer, but its high gradient limits the true enjoyment of skiing. Thoughts while descending down its wall are often dominated by the desire to overcome the challenge more than by the sheer pleasure of skiing.
We hope this article has been comprehensive in understanding the characteristics of the Black Five and the differences between one slope and another! If you are an experienced skier, this is the challenge for you. We wish you exciting skiing and as always…trip to try!
As travellers, we only recommend products we really believe in. Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Thank you for supporting us and helping us to continue to share our adventures and high quality content!
© Trip To Try - This website idea comes from Barbara and Riccardo and their love for travel to bring home new amazing experience from other cultures and beautiful places around the world. We hope you enjoy our site and our style!
Feel free to Contact Us to share with us your opinion and suggestion!
Privacy - Sitemap
