The valley of Val Gardena is located in Northern Italy, in the Dolomites of South Tyrol. The area is divided into 3 resorts, all in the radius of 8km between them, and features the towns of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena.
Val Gardena has a rich tradition of hosting some of the best international winter sports events, such as the Alpine Ski World Cup, and because of its close proximity to the Dolomiti SuperSki area and the nearby Alpe Di Suisi, it is no wonder why this area is considered to be a true paradise for winter sports lovers of all levels.
From the picturesque village of Selva Gardena, there is easy accessibility via lift and piste, to the Sella Ronda skiing carousel, which grants you entrance to the ski resorts of Alta Badia, Val Di Fassa and Arabba Marmolada, thus resorting to a one of a kind skiing experience.
An important highlight of Val Gardena, worth mentioning is that it is home to one of the longest ski slopes in South Tyrol, the La Longia, which stretches over 10km in length and has an elevation of 1273m.
The highest town of the Val Gardena valley is Selva, with an altitude of approximately 1563m. Its stunning location never seizes to amaze as it is situated in the heart of the Dolomites, between the Sassolungo and the Puez mountains at the foot of the impressive Sella group.
On the other hand, Ortisei is the biggest town out of the three and is considered to be the prettiest with a unique charm to it. Surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks of the Dolomites, and with a lively cobblestoned-lined pedestrian zone featuring many different shops, bars and restaurants, it is the perfect place to enjoy the romantic and welcoming atmosphere that the town exudes.
In the valley of Val Gardena you will find many options for après entertainment since there are venues located throughout the three main towns. The most popular out of all is Selva Gardena which has the liveliest atmosphere out of the three.
Located directly on the Sella Ronda circle, in the center of Selva, you will find La Stua bar-restaurant. You will immediately feel at home as there is a welcoming atmosphere and you can take a break from a busy day on the slopes whilst enjoying a delicious combination of local tradition and Italian cuisine.
Locally known as the number 1 party location in the Alps, at Luislkeller bar in the center of Selva, you can enjoy a unique party experience with flavorful drinks and tasty snacks all accompanied by great music and live DJ sets.
For a more upscale dining experience, a visit to the Michelin star restaurant, Anna Stuben, located in the Hotel Gardena in Ortisei, will satisfy even the most demanding palates with its imaginatively prepared delicacies.
In the valley of Val Gardena, you will find many ski schools in the towns of Selva, Ortisei and Santa Cristina where you can learn all the necessities around skiing. The Alpe Di Siusi skiing area is preferred by many novice skiers and families as there are many green and blue slopes. In Selva Gardena and Monte Pana there are also many practice lifts and many wide, easy slopes on Plan De Gralba.
Intermediates will probably enjoy their time the most whilst visiting one of the towns of Val Gardena. More timid blue runs are mostly above Ortisei and include the Plan De Gralba and the Alpe Di Siusi. The best red and black pistes are located around Mont De Seura, and more specifically the Ciampinoi, Dantercepies and Piz Sella runs.
The choice of challenging routes is varied and most of them offer a thrilling experience to ski experts. For those who seek a challenge, Val Gardena has its own World Cup piste, the Saslong, which is approximately 3,4km in length and with an elevation difference of 839m. Another challenging route is located in Santa Cristina, which runs from the top of the Ciampinoi gondola and it is where the Mens World Cup run is. Lastly, the pro skiers will surely appreciate the challenge that the Marmolada glacier has to offer – a high-alpine downhill run that covers the Forcella del Sassolungo through the Langkofelkar to Monte Pana.
Snowboarders who choose the Val Gardena valley for their winter holidays will be happy to discover many fully equipped snow parks catering to the needs of everyone regardless of their level. At Piz Sella, near Selva Gardena, you will find the Sassolungo snowpark and funpark, both easily accessible by chairlifts. Recommended for families, beginners and boardercross experts. Located directly on the Sella Ronda and with easy access from the Risaccia I and II lifts, the Funslope Selva offers many challenging obstacles guaranteeing a fun time for all ages. In Santa Cristina, on Monte Pana, you will find a kid’s fun park featuring many facilities such as rope tows, a racetrack, tunnels and even a cave. Perfect for families. For a full day of fun, a visit to Furdenan snowpark in Ortisei will not disappoint. Fully equipped with many games, obstacles and the highlight of the park – a “big air bag”- practice your jumps and tricks over and over again, without the risk of getting hurt!
Day pass for Val Gardena – Alpe Di Suisi ski area – 2022-2023 winter season:
Adults:69€
Junior up to 16y: 48€
Senior: 62€
Day pass for Dolomiti ski area (12 areas) – 2022-2023 winter season:
Adults: 74€
Junior up to 16y: 52€
Senior: 67€
Elevation between 1236m and 2518m. / Resort height: Selva: 1563m / Ortisei: 1236m
Day pass for Val Gardena – Alpe Di Suisi ski area – 2022-2023 winter season:
Adults:69€
Junior up to 16y: 48€
Senior: 62€
Day pass for Dolomiti ski area (12 areas) – 2022-2023 winter season:
Adults: 74€
Junior up to 16y: 52€
Senior: 67€
Nearest airports:
→ Innsbruck airport: 116km/ ~1.40h by car
→ Milan (Malpensa airport): 456km / ~4.10h by car
→ Munich airport: 313km/ ~3.30h by car
Towns worth visiting:
→ Trentino: 95.8km /1.30~ h by car
→ Bolzano: 39.3km / ~50m by car
→ Old mills and Bulla rose garden
→Ortisei Adventure park
→ Forcella del Sassolungo telecabin
→The Sundial of Monte Pana
WINTER ACTIVITIES
→ Skiing
→ Snowboarding
→ Cross country skiing
→ Snowshoeing
→Snowshoe hiking
→ Tobogganing
→ Ice skating
→Dog sledding
→Wellness & spa facilities
