Skiing Val Gardena. Open the left menu of Val Gardena
Skiing characteristics of the resort Val Gardena (VAL GARDENA) Italy, Dolomites
Height difference: 1060-2518 m
Val Gardena is a fabulously beautiful valley with a width of more than 15 km. It is clearly visible when descending from the Brener Pass on the way from Bolzano. A landmark can serve as an unusual shape peak called Sassolungo (Sassolungo), which in Italian means "long stone". At night, illuminated by powerful spotlights, it is a fantastic sight.
The 1970 Alpine Skiing World Cup dramatically increased the popularity of the resorts of the Gardena Valley and contributed to the fact that competitions of the most high level.
According to experts, Val Gardena - best part Sella Ronda. Here are the longest pistes, the largest elevation changes, excellent pistes maintenance. Snow cannons are constantly working.
Val Gardena - perfect place just for riding skiing, as there are more than 175 km of trails of a wide variety of trails, for almost every taste.
Nearest airports: Verona (190 km) and Innsbruck (120 km), Milan (300 km), Venice (250 km), Munich (300 km). nearest railroad station- Bolzano (40 km).
Three in Val Gardena resort towns: Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva. In each of them, a cheerful resort life is seething: bars, restaurants are open, discos are noisy, fashion stores are waiting for buyers. Val Gardena is an old Austrian land that became part of the Italian state after the First World War. Therefore, Austrian flavor and Italian temperament are combined here. The names of streets and towns are still written in two languages, and the indigenous people speak a peculiar dialect that is difficult to understand even for those who know Italian and German.
Every town has own zones skiing and access to the Sella Ronda. In Selva and Santa Cristina you can go skiing, that is, the beloved "ski-in, ski-out", skiing from the door of the hotel, has been realized by many.
Ortisei (1236 m)- old and very beautiful city located in the gentle part of the valley. There are many trails for cross-country skiing, trails for hiking in picturesque surroundings. In Ortisei there is a small local ski area Alpe di Siusi, the lift to the slopes of Sella Ronda is located in neighboring Santa Cristina, it can be reached by skibus or skis.
Santa Cristina (1466 m)- a small town with cute houses and good hotels. The World Cup stages are held here every year. This resort is suitable for couples or groups of skiers with different skiing experience. From Santa Cristina direct access to the Sella Ronda.
Selva (1564) or in German Wolkenstein (Wolkenstein) - the largest town in the valley. His merit is best location regarding routes. Almost every hotel can be skied down. From the Selva there is direct access to the Sella Ronda. From Selva, you can quickly and comfortably reach the most remote slopes of the Val Gardena.
The resorts of Santa Cristina and Selva are interconnected by a system of lifts, a ski bus (ski-bus) runs regularly to Ortisei.
Sella Ronda (Sells Ronda)- "round the world" or as it is also called "dolomite carousel" - this is a huge skiing region around the Sella mountain range. 600 km of slopes connected by a chain of ski lifts, skiing from beginners to pros. A unique opportunity, without taking off your skis, to ride along the slopes of the resorts of Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Arabba. Circular route - about 40 km (piste + lifts) one way clockwise or counterclockwise. An experienced skier can make a round-the-world trip in about three hours.
Characteristics of the ski slopes in the resort of Val Gardena
For confident skiers the world championship track descending from the top of Ciampioni (Ciampioni, 2254 m) to the town of Selva is suitable. The track is maintained in excellent condition. We also recommend an excellent descent from the same Ciampioni peak, but already to Santa Cristina.
For ski lovers we advise you to run Seceda (Seceda, 2518 m) - Col Raiser (Col Raiser, 2103 m). After a snowfall, it is an endless snow field.
For intermediate skiers Val Gardena has a lot of pistes. Due to the convenience of the location and the efficiency of skiing (skiing time to the time of ascent), we recommend four pistes ending in Selva and Santa Cristina and starting at Ciampioni (3 pistes) and Dantercepies (1 piste). The first two pistes, going respectively to the right and left of the top of Ciampioni (when viewed from top to bottom), are similar. These are winding and high-speed descents with hard snow and steep drops, passing mainly through the forest zone. The rightmost one (leading to Plan) is simpler. The track, located almost under the funicular Val Gardena - Chiampioni in some places can claim the role of "black". The most interesting is the third route, descending to Santa Cristina. On this track, the stages of the World Cup are constantly held. skiing, and that's it. The track is very interesting for advanced and experienced skiers, although, contrary to the markings, it is more "dark red" than black.
A simpler, but no less interesting track Danterchepies - Selva. It has a smaller slope than the ones described above, but it is longer and wider, which makes it possible for a good, high-speed descent. One drawback is that this is the only track on this section of the Sella-Ronda, so big number skiers on the slopes and ski lifts in the high season are not uncommon.
Very interesting opportunities for skiers of an intermediate level of skill, the Seceda - Col Raiser slopes are offered. The only, but no less valuable red run, located directly under the Seceda chair lift - Kol Raiser will give an unforgettable experience to fans of downhill, giant slalom and pure carving. Large width, good snow and a smooth, but sufficient slope, interspersed with small steep "steps", allows you to "cut" arcs of almost any radius on this slope, easily controlling the speed.
For beginners trails are scattered on all slopes. Very interesting place for beginners, the Seceda Circus - Kol-Raiser. More experienced skiers are also advised to take a day or two to ski these slopes. This skiing area is a huge circus located between Seceda - Col Raiser. Trails for beginners are concentrated on the right (when viewed from top to bottom) part of the circus. Most of the trails are long and from the very top (Cuca Cucasattel) you can go down to the village itself. All the tracks of the circus have a southern exposure, so those who like to combine business with pleasure (sunbathe and ride) will get maximum pleasure here. In accordance with the terrain, the slope of all trails is quite flat, without significant steep sections. Few, but convenient and well located lifts allow beginners and advanced skiers to easily "improve their skills", gradually increasing the difficulty of the slopes (from blue to red) or "straightening" the steep sections. Snow quality is very good on all slopes. Skiers tired of the abundance of sun can go down the steep slope of Seceda. There, along the bottom of a narrow valley leading to the Ortisei, there is a ski "road" along which it is very pleasant to rush with a breeze to the village itself. The descent along this route will leave unforgettable impression, since it is laid through the forest and there are very few skiers on it. Although, in the beginning, this route may seem difficult for beginners.
Ski pass prices in Val Gardena
Tourists staying in Val Gardena hotels can buy two types of subscription:
1. Subscription to the lifts of the Dolomiti-Superski ski area (Dolomiti-Super-Ski pass), it includes all the resorts of the Dolomiti-Superski region, 12 resorts, incl. Sella Ronda ski area: Val di Fassa / Carezza, Val Gardena/ Alpe di Siuse, Alta Badia, Arabba / Marmolada, Val di Fiemme / Obereggen, Cortina d'Ampezzo, San Martino di Castrozza / Passo Rolle, Plan de Corones, Alta Pusteria, Valle Isarco, Tre Valli, Civetta .
2. Subscription to the lifts of the Val Gardena valley (Ski pass VAL GARDENA), including all the resorts of the Val Gardena Selva, Santa Cristina, Ortizei / Alpe di Siusi.
Estimated cost of a ski pass in Val Gardena (Ski pass VAL GARDENA), prices per person in euros
| Season | High season | Season | Start of the season | ||||||
|
24.12 - 07.01 05.02 - 17.03 |
08.01 - 04.02 18.03 - 15.04 |
26.11 - 23.12 | |||||||
| Adult | Juniors** | Seniors* | Adult | Juniors** | Seniors* | Adult | Juniors** | Seniors* | |
| 6 days | 223 | 156 | 200 | 196 | 137 | 176 | 178 | 125 | 160 |
| 7 days | 236 | 165 | 212 | 208 | 145 | 187 | 189 | 132 | 170 |
| 10 days | 317 | 222 | 285 | 279 | 195 | 251 | 254 | 177 | 228 |
| 11 days | 341 | 239 | 307 | 300 | 210 | 270 | 273 | 191 | 246 |
| 12 days | 353 | 232 | 318 | 311 | 218 | 280 | |||
Children from 3 to 8 years old (date of birth after 11/26/2003) receive a free ski-pass (free ski pass), subject to the purchase of a ski pass by an adult.
* Seniors - adults with a date of birth before 11/26/1946
** Juniors - children born after 11/26/1995
Discounts on ski passes are provided strictly in the presence of a document certifying the date of birth (passport).
The approximate cost of renting ski equipment in the resort of Val Gardena, prices in euros
| Equipment rental cost | ||||||
| Rental period | Adult | Child (height up to 119 cm) | Child (height from 120 to 140 cm) | |||
| Type of equipment | Skis | Snowboard | Skis | Snowboard | Skis | Snowboard |
| 6 days | 55 | 62 | 28 | 62 | 33 | 62 |
| 13 days | 110 | 124 | 56 | 124 | 66 | 124 |
Approximate cost of classes in the ski school and kindergarten in Val Gardena, prices in euros
| Ski school fees | |||||
| Education | Group lessons | Individual sessions | |||
| Adult | Child (3-12 years old) | ||||
| Seasons | High* | Short** | High* | Short** | |
| Skis | 150 | 120 | 160 | 150 | 48 U/hour |
| Snowboard | 155 | 150 | 155 | 150 | 48 U/hour |
High season* 24.12 - 09.01, 31.01 - 13.03
Low season** 10.01 - 30.01, 14.03 until the end of the season
Children are taken to the ski school - from 3 years old, for children from 2 to 3 years old, there is a ski kindergarten.
The approximate cost of a visit for 5 days: half a day in a kindergarten with a teacher, lunch and training at a ski school - 190 euros.
Hotels in Val Gardena
The Gardena Valley is considered the most expensive of all the valleys in Dolomites overlooking the Sella Ronda. The Garden has a lot of chic expensive hotels 4 * and 4 * super and even 5 * hotels, which is very rare for alpine resorts.
But there are also quite budget 3 * hotels, apartments for families with children, for large companies. Please note that in Russia, of all the ski resorts in Italy, it is the hotels of the Gardena Valley that are sold first of all. So you need to worry about ordering a tour, especially during the New Year and Christmas holidays, in advance.
Sports, recreation, entertainment and excursions in Val Gardena
The most sporting resort in the region is Selva Gardena. In Selva there is a sports center, a tennis center "TENNIS CENTER - GMA", a fitness center, a squash court, Ice Palace STADIUM PR ANIVES (www.pranives.com). For lovers of extreme sports - paragliding, ice climbing, as well as a shooting range, 50 km of hiking trails.
Santa Cristina has a fitness center, skating rink, ice climbing, paragliding school, tandem flights and snowshoe hikes.
In Ortisei - indoor aqua complex Mar Dolomiti with a swimming pool ("MAR DOLOMIT" Ortisei - San Ulrich, www.mardolomit.com),
which is famous for its water procedures(pool, sauna, bathhouse, inhalation baths, detoxification baths, hay sauna).
For cross-country skiers, the region offers 98 km of trails, for snowboarders - a fun park, half-pipes, boarder cross.
The resorts of Val Gardena are full of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops. Good fashion stores are located in Ortisei. Specialized ski shops and souvenir shops are open in Selva and Santa Cristina. Selva is famous for its large selection of inexpensive, but high-quality restaurants. Here you can find good places for every budget.
In the local museum of local lore, you can get acquainted with the history of the valley, see the products of local craftsmen, and, above all, carved wooden sculptures.
We also recommend visiting the ancient Fishburg Castle in Santa Cristina, built in the 17th century. Those who love educational tourism will not be bored in Santa Cristina and Ortisei: there is a folk theater and a library, local history evenings and concerts are held. Art lovers will be interested in the gallery in Selva.
Those who like to have fun on vacation should stay in Ortisei, where there are quite a lot of opportunities for this - establishments work until late.
In the resorts of Val Gardena you will be offered guaranteed group tours(with an accompanying and Russian-speaking guide) to Verona, Venice, Bolzano.
Interesting events, competitions and holidays in the Gardena Valley:
World Cup Santa Cristina
For almost forty years, the sports calendar of the Alpine Skiing World Cup stages has included a stage taking place in Val Gardena on the already legendary Ciampioni track, which finishes in the town of Santa Cristina. Holding competitions of such a high level is the visiting card of the resort and an additional advantage for those who have chosen it as their place. winter holiday.
SELLA RONDA ski marathon
Another sporting event that has become the hallmark of the Dolomites and attracts many spectators is the night ski marathon around the Sella Ronda massif. Skiers face a difficult task in difficult conditions as quickly as possible to overcome the circular route that unites the resorts of Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arraba and Val di Fassa. Unique competitions are held once a year, the start and finish of the participants in Selva Garden.
Mon, 15/02/2016 - 17:05 - yulianna8500 +762
Val Gardena(Val Gardena) - perhaps the most interesting for amateurs winter views sports and real aces, the region, which is part of a vast ski area(Dolomiti Superski), an alliance of shaded resorts in South Tyrol.
Val Gardena offers skiers and freestylers, in addition to its breathtaking natural landscapes, excellent skiing trails located on the Ortisei plateau, near Santa Cristina and Selva, as well as the opportunity to go on an interesting ski safari in the neighboring valleys. Here you will have almost limitless possibilities: about 500 km of high-mountain slopes, interconnected, await you!
Gorgeous Dolomites at sunset!
How to get to Val Gardena?
By plane
Nearest airports
Malpensa - 365 km.
Val Gardena
By car
From North: take the A22 motorway via Innsbruck - Brennero - Chiusa.
From South From the A22 motorway via - Bolzano - Chiusa.
Departure for Chiusa - Val Gardena, from there in 20 minutes you can drive to Ortisei, and then to San Cristina and Selva.
By bus
Routes:
Bolzano - Chiusa - Val Gardena
Bressanone - Chiusa - Val Gardena
And also to the resorts there are shuttles from the above-mentioned airports.
Ortisei
Where to stay in Val Gardena?
Hotel Antares - Via Meisules 193, 39048 Selva di Val Gardena, Italy
Hotel Antares is located in the picturesque mountain area of Selva Gardena, 100 meters from the Dolomiti Superski ski slopes. The hotel has a spa center and an indoor pool.
Decorated in a typical Tyrolean and Alpine style, the Antares' rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a minibar. The rooms have work desks and coffee machines for making coffee and tea.
Antares Hotel's restaurant serves a rich breakfast buffet, à la carte dinners and buffet snacks.
IN wellness center there is a sauna, Turkish bath and hot tub. The fitness center is equipped with new Technogym equipment. The Antares Hotel also provides free parking and ski storage.
The staff is available around the clock. During the day there are various activities and excursions, and in the evenings typical Tyrolean entertainment programs. Guests can walk around the city center located nearby.
Funicular from Campitello di Fassa
Panorama Residence Gran Tublá - Str. Scurciá 35, 39046 Ortisei, Italy
Surrounded by a large garden overlooking the Sella and Sassolungo Mountains, Panorama Residence Gran Tublà is 300 meters from the center of Ortisei. It offers a free garage and ski storage. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Panorama Residence Gran Tublá's apartments feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave and hob, an LCD TV with satellite channels, and a fridge-freezer. Most apartments offer views of the Dolomites. Some apartments are located in the hotel's annex, just 70 meters from the main building.
In winter, the ski bus stops in front of the hotel and goes to the Seceda ski lift. IN summer time guests can swim in the heated swimming pool.
This is our guests' favorite part of Ortisei, according to independent reviews.
Hotel Fanes - Via Daunei 17, 39048 Selva di Val Gardena, Italy
Hotel Fanes is a 2-minute walk from the center of Selva di Val Gardena and offers elegant rooms with free toiletries. Wi-Fi and parking are free on site.
Carpeted rooms come with an LCD TV and a bathroom with a hairdryer. Some rooms have a balcony overlooking the Dolomites.
A sweet and savory buffet breakfast is served each morning at Fanes Hotel. For dinner, the hotel's restaurant serves Italian and international cuisine.
Distance to nearest bus stop is 300 meters. The hotel is also a 5-minute drive from the Pütz-Geisler Nature Park and 40 km from Bolzano.
This is our guests' favorite part of Selva di Val Gardena, according to independent reviews.
Looking for accommodation where the staff speaks Russian? Then this is a great choice for you.
Saslong
Residence Boè - Strada Paul 40 (check-in: Via Meisules 195, Selva di Val Gardena), 39047 Santa Cristina Val Gardena, Italy
Set in the center of Santa Cristina, this hotel offers panoramic views of Val Gardena and the Monte Pana waterfalls. Parking and ski storage are provided free of charge.
In all studios and apartments of Residence Boè has a fully equipped kitchenette and Alpine-style wooden furniture. The windows offer mountain views. Some rooms have a balcony.
IN winter time The free public ski buses stop 200 meters from the Boè. ski slope Saslong is 1 km away.
The A22 motorway is 25 km away. Bolzano is a 50-minute drive.
Val Gardena. "Blue" track
general information
The valley - or Valle - Gardena extends northwest of and 120 km from Innsbruck, the main city of Tyrol. These places for a long time - until 1918 - were included in the Kingdom of Austria, so do not be surprised that everything Austrian prevails here: German language, German mentality and Austrian cuisine.
Val Gardena has a length of just over 20 kilometers, "leaning" on mountain range Sella, in the south of which rises the peak of Sassolungo (3.181 m), a symbol of the area.
Access to the valley is possible from a narrow gorge, stretching from a height of 470 m to 1200 m, then Val Gardena constantly changes its shape, either expanding or narrowing. Landscapes here are not enough to say picturesque, the beauty of which is complemented by the purest river with numerous rapids - Grodnerbach. Val Gardena ends with another small magnificent valley of Vallunga, where natural Park Poise-Audle.
Ski resorts in Val Gardena
There are three resort towns in Val Gardena: Ortisei, the largest village, located at an altitude of 1236 m above sea level, Santa Cristina, lying at an altitude of 1428 m, and Selva-Wolkenstein (1563 m).
The resort of Ortisei was chosen by the unanimous decision of the tourists who visited here, as an ideal place for family vacation with kids. There are many cozy hotels, spas, good shops and restaurants serving national Tyrolean cuisine. You can get to the funiculars from the center of the town in just a 5-minute walk, from other areas of Ortisei, a ski bus runs to the ski lifts.
Santa Cristina is a very small village where experienced skiers flock to. To the east of Santa Cristina are stations for gondola lifts and the Ronda Express.
Santa Cristina
There are many good four-star hotels, boarding houses and apartments for about 8,000 beds.
Note: there are no free ski buses in Val Gardena: a weekly pass for buses that run around the resorts costs 6 euros.
Selva Gardena
Pros and cons of staying in Val Gardena
"Pro"
Huge area for skiing
Good system of functional funiculars
"First try" opportunity for beginners (Seiser Alm Plateau)
Opportunity to go on a ski safari
splendid nature
"Contra"
A lot of skiers on the slopes in the high season
Correspondingly long queues for lifts
Enough high prices for accommodation and service
Saslong. Men's World Jumping Championship
Trails of Val Gardena
The ski area of Val Gardena, with a length of about 175 kilometers, is divided into 4 sectors: the Seiser Alm plateau ("blue" and easy "red-2 slopes), the Seceda - Col Raiser area, the Dantercepies sector and the area leading to the Sella Ronda route.
"Black" slopes for experts
In Val Gardena, near Santa Cristina, the famous "black" slope "Saslong A" starts, 3.5 km long, with an average slope of 24.5%, full of steep turns, where competitions for the Alpine Ski World Cup are held. Thanks to this slope, Val Gardena is included in the "Club Five", an association of ski resorts with the most difficult sports routes.
Val Gardena. Saslong A
Another well-known descent "Saslong B", "red", with interesting segments, passing through many beautiful places Val Gardena, like, for example, Fishburg Castle.
Two other excellent slopes for professionals are located on the slopes of Mont de Seura: here you can ski without bumping into other skiers endlessly.
"Red" slopes for trained skiers
For experienced skiers, Val Gardena seems like a real paradise: For the most common category of skiers in Val Garte, who ski not for the first time - both children and adults - they feel great on the "red-blue" pistes in Piz Sella, Plan de Gralba, the slopes in the Selva with Dantercepies (the latter are very busy with skiers), wide and sunny pistes in the Seceda sector.
By the way, at the end of March - beginning of April, Gardenissima slalom competitions are held on the tracks of the sector, in which everyone can participate.
"Blue" slopes for beginners
The Seiser Alm plateau is a paradise for beginners who feel at their best here. The bright, spacious, sunny slopes of the high plateau are the best for training sessions, which very young skiers are very happy about. And for those who are skiing for the first time in their lives, we recommend trampling around in the "arena", which is located directly at Ortisei.
Santa Cristina's main training ground is above the village on Monte Pana, and in the Selva, beginners ride on a gentle slope with Dantercepies.
Ski safari
Hours of skiing or ski safaris are Val Gardena's strong point: 480 kilometers of interconnected pistes and a single system of lifts allow you to make interesting trips, every day along new routes, in the fantastic scenery of the Dolomites.
Freeriders in the Dolomites
Freeride and snowboarding
Riding off-piste in Val Gardena is not particularly accepted: there are not enough wide and steep slopes here, on the slopes the movement of freeriders is limited by avalanche barriers.
Snowboarders are also not very interested here, although there is an easy track for boardercross on the slope of Piz Sella.
A good park for snowboarding is located in the nearby Val di Fassa.
Thinkstock PhotosItalian ski resort Val Gardena - real paradise for all fans of winter holidays. This beautiful snow-covered valley lies in the northwest of the majestic Dolomites. Val Gardena offers its guests a wide range of pistes and excellent service. Both beginners and advanced athletes feel comfortable here. If you are just learning the basics of skiing, then the gentle slopes in the Selva and Passo Sella areas (right side of the peak) are at your service. Intermediate skiers train in the areas of Alpe di Suisi, Seceda and on a long track stretching from Dantercepies to Selva. And professionals with rapture "recklessly" on difficult descents in the area of peak Ciampinoi. Holidays in Val Gardena will also appeal to snowboarders. For these fans of extreme sports, there are many tracks equipped, including fan parks in the Laurin and Secada areas.
Val Gardena - resort with developed infrastructure. And rest here is not limited to some sports pleasures. An interesting excursion program awaits you at the Italian resort, a huge choice national restaurants, rich evening leisure. In other words, Val Gardena is a “winter wonderland”, where every day is bright and fun.
Note: For those who plan to purchase tours to Val Gardena, keep in mind that the ski season in the region opens in early December and ends in mid-April. During this period there is a lot of snow and good weather.
Traditions and customs
Val Gardena has rich history and original culture. Until the beginning of the 20th century, the region was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so the German language, along with Italian, is still "in use" here. And on the streets you can hear the melodic Ladin speech (the language of the indigenous people - Ladins).
Be sure to check out the local museum of local lore, where you can get acquainted with the history of the valley, see carved sculptures by local craftsmen, as well as national costumes, the beauty and originality of which inspire modern fashion designers. Of considerable interest to tourists are the ancient alpine buildings built more than 500 years ago.
Entertainment and sports
Val Gardena has ultra-modern sport complexes with indoor pools and equipped skating rinks. Other activities include cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing, snow motorcycle riding and much more.
Ski info
Elevation differences: 1060-2518 m. Lifts, total: 79, rope tows - 44, chairlifts 27, cabin - 4, funiculars - 4. Tracks, total: 175 km, blue - 53 km, red - 105 km, black 17 km. Season duration: December - April. Cross-country ski trails: 98 km. Val Gardena Guide: www.valgardena.it
Ski schools
Apres-ski
The evening can be spent in an elegant restaurant, pub or disco. Good fashion shops can be found in the town of Ortisei, and specialized ski shops and souvenir shops can be visited in Selva Gardena and Santa Cristina.
For children
In Santa Cristina there is a kindergarten from 6 months 48 c.u. (6 hours + lunch), ski school from 4 years old - 45 c.u. (6 hours + lunch) own training ground. In Ortisei, a kindergarten operates from a year old - the cost is 48 USD (6 hours + lunch), a ski school from 4 years old - 45 USD. (6 hours + lunch) own training ground. In Selva - a ski school from 4 years old 45 c.u. (6 hours + lunch) own training ground.
Resorts of Val Gardena:
Ortisei
Popular resort Italy - Ortisei is sometimes also called St. Ulrich. The name has remained since the times when these territories belonged to Austria. Now it is part of the Italian Dolomites, a place where several European cultures have intermingled, where nature is amazing, and high-class tourist services annually attract visitors from all over the world to Ortisei.
Val Gardena lies in the heart of the Dolomites in Italy (province of South Tyrol) and is very popular among skiers. The main advantages of this ski region are amazing mountain views, cozy villages and endless opportunities for skiing and ski safari: almost 200 km of slopes plus convenient access to the Sella Rondo circular route and neighboring areas. In total, in total, almost one and a half thousand kilometers of slopes are available to vacationers, interconnected by lifts and ski buses.
Business card
Until the end of the First World War, Val Gardena was part of Austria-Hungary, as a result of which the German language is even more common here than Italian. The local population also speaks Ladin, so everyone geographical names And settlements valleys have 2-3 names. For example, the village of Ortisei in Italian sounds like Ortisei, in German it is called St. Ulrich, and in Ladin - Urtijёi.
Trails, slopes, lifts
In Italy's Val Gardena, there are three winter resorts: the village of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena.
From Ortisei, it is easy to get to the Alpe Di Siusi area, excellent for relaxing skiing and learning, and Seceda & Col Raises, which will be of interest to more experienced skiers (here, in particular, is the longest slope in the region - the 10-kilometer La Longia).
From the village of Santa Cristina, located in the center of the valley, you can easily reach the already mentioned Seceda & Col Raises area, as well as Monte Pana (beginner area) and Ciampinoi, where the most difficult and famous slopes of Val Gardena are concentrated, including the Saslong "black" slope, where the World Cup stage in giant slalom and downhill is held.
The lift to Ciampioni also starts from the Selva. In addition, there is direct access from the Selva to the Plan de Gralba ski area, where blue and green slopes predominate, and Dantercepies with training slopes, where locals hold classes. ski schools.
In addition, the famous Italian round-the-world route, the Sella Ronda, runs through the Val Gardena valley: you can go around it or go through it to the slopes of the neighboring valleys - Val di Fassa, Alta Badia and Arabba Marmolada.
Entertainment and active recreation
Val Gardena has illuminated pistes for night skiing, fun parks, cross-country ski runs, ski kindergartens and ski schools. In addition, the local villages are perfectly prepared for rest after skiing.
So, in Ortisei, the Mar Dolomiti water center is equipped with a swimming pool, saunas and spas. Santa Cristina has a small museum and a 16th century castle, outdoor ice rink and a paragliding school. Selva has a sports center, Tennis Center GMA, Stadium PR Anives, extreme sports- paragliding, rock climbing, winter hiking, etc. In addition, this village has the largest number of entertainment facilities - in the evenings there are pubs, a shooting gallery, sports bars, discos, bowling, etc.
Local cuisine and wines
The restaurants of Val Gardena will introduce their guests to the best traditions of Tyrolean and Ladin cuisine, rich in meat dishes, as well as pizza, spaghetti and risotto, typical of all Italy. The choice of establishments is also quite wide: there are restaurants in every village, many of them are located at hotels - and there are also mountain huts on the slopes where you can have lunch while skiing.
Where to stay
Many hotels in Ortisei, which is considered a family resort, are geared towards quality rest with kids. There are very few hotels in the fabulous Santa Cristina - but here you can properly relax in a quiet and cozy atmosphere. In Selva, the liveliest village of the valley, the range of hotels is the most diverse - from modest 2 * hotels to expensive comfortable chalets with spacious rooms, restaurants, wellness centers and swimming pools. In particular, here is the Sporthotel Alpenroyalp Gourmet & Relax 5 *, which has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best hotels in the Italian Alps.
The Val Gardena ski resort is located in Italy, in a picturesque valley among the Dolomites. This famous place, which attracts avid skiers and tourists. Here is the peak of an unusual shape, which is called Sassolungo, which is on Italian sounds like "long stone".
Val Gardena (Val Gardena, Italy) attracts thousands of tourists every year. He was repeatedly awarded the title of "most best resort Italian Alps", so you should definitely go there. And we will tell you about how to get there, what to visit and what to try in this publication.
Spa towns of Val Gardena
If you are wondering what Val Gardena is like, this is what you need. There are many wonderful opportunities to have a great vacation. In the valley you can settle in one of the small towns - Selva Gardena, Santa Cristina and Ortisei.
Santa Cristina is located at an altitude of 1466 meters. This is a small city that hosts the World Cup at some stages every year. Selva Gardena is considered to be the most sporty. Here, tourists can go down to almost any hotel without taking off their skis. In addition, there are many interesting trails for both beginners and winter sports enthusiasts. Ortisei is located at an altitude of 1236 meters. It is good to relax in the village with the family, because it has many restaurants, entertainment complexes that are suitable for spending time with children. From the central part of Val Gardena, you can walk to the ski lift in just five to ten minutes.
History and population of Val Gardena
Many in Italy and abroad know the ski resort of Val Gardena. Where is this place located? Where tourists come from all over the world.
Back in the 70s of the last century, Val Gardena became the venue for the world championship in skiing, so the World Cup is still held here at some stages. If you see with your own eyes the mighty peaks and their slopes, then in any case you will want to go down the track. And it doesn't matter whether you are a beginner or a professional in this business. Nothing can replace a healthy adrenaline rush. In Val Gardena, both ordinary amateurs and novice skiers, as well as those who have been involved in this sport for a long time, can ski.
Until 1918, the valley was classified as an Austrian possession, but after the end of the First World War, it became Italian property. Despite this, local traditions have survived to this day, and the local population is difficult to strictly attribute to Austria or Italy.
The ski resort Val Gardena is located in the ethnographic region of Tyrol, and culture local residents quite different from both Italian and Austrian. Since the city traditionally belongs to one of the oldest and famous resorts in the Dolomites, the locals have long adapted to the constant neighborhood of tourists. Due to this, the locals have long developed a unique hospitality and cordiality. They speak here in the Tyrolean dialect, which can be described as a mixture of Italian and German. All signs and signs in the towns of Selva Gardena, Santa Cristina and Ortisei are made simultaneously in two languages - Italian, official state language, and German, the use of which has long been fixed since Austrian times.
What to do in Val Gardena?
What about the Val Gardena itself? The ski resort is located in the valley of the same name, the length of which reaches twenty kilometers. If you are not a big fan of skiing, but are not indifferent to mountain peaks, then you will also have something to do in Val Gardena. This resort is very popular among climbers. Equipment for rent, the help of experienced instructors - all this will help you to learn the basics of climbing art safely and with great interest. For skiers, there are several special tracks where you can make classic runs. How to do in a ski resort without a skating rink? Figure skating on a large ice area is also an advantage of the resort. Fans of extreme sports and beautiful scenery will enjoy paragliding and paragliding. Ortisei is also equipped with a large aqua complex for lovers aquatic species sports.
Holiday season
In a nutshell, we tried to describe what the resort of Val Gardena (Italy) is. Holidays at the resort are best to start, of course, in the winter. It starts at the end of December and closes at the beginning of January. This is about winter activities. In addition, you can come to the valley in summer, relax in the mountains from the heat and enjoy the freshness of the alpine air. The endless expanse of green meadows, forests, deep and crystal clear mountain lakes attracts many tourists even in summer, when mountain valleys you can ride a bike or take a walk with an old friend.
How to get to Val Gardena?
Val Gardena (Italy) is a popular ski resort, and it will not be difficult for you to get to it. Closest to Val Gardena are located such big cities like Bolzano (at a distance of 40 kilometers) and Innsbruck (110 kilometers), on the territory of which there are international airports. If you prefer to travel by train, then you need the railway line Verona - Brennero - Innsbruck - Munich. Your stop is Brunico station, just thirteen kilometers from the resort. In both cases, both from the plane and from the train, you can get to the final destination of the trip by bus or go to Autobahn 22 and catch a car there.
Local kitchen
And so we got - in front of us is the ski resort of Val Gardena. Reviews about this place refer not only to the wonderful alpine expanses and features of the resort itself, but also to the local Tyrolean flavor. This is not to mention the excellent Tyrolean cuisine. Tyrolean and Latin folk recipes rich in meat dishes will captivate lovers of sophistication and unusual food. In addition, where, if not in Val Gardena, in a resort located on the Italian side of the Alps, to eat traditional Italian dishes - pizza and spaghetti? There are places to eat in the valley. Each of the three villages has restaurants, and there are also similar establishments in every hotel. Well, don't be afraid if you get hungry while skiing - there are many special huts on the mountain slopes of the valley where you can have a hearty meal between winter sports.
Where to stay?
If you are interested in what hotels there are in a place like Val Gardena (Val Gardena, Italy, ski resort), then we will try to say a few words about them. And now let's talk a little more about hotels in the valley. This will help you decide where to stop. As already noted, there are three small towns in the valley - Selva Gardene, Santa Cristina and Ortisei. Each of them has several hotels, and they differ from each other. The Panorama Residence Gran Tublà hotel in Ortisei is perfect for families with children. It is specially equipped for a family resort, there are several special programs for children, where and for whom to leave them, and so on. Selva Gardena, which is the largest and liveliest town in the valley, has several hotels. At the same time, the choice is quite wide and depends only on your pocket - whether you stay in a two-star hotel (for example, Villa Seceda), or prefer a five-star one (Hotel Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort). The latter more than once over the past decades has been recognized as the most best hotel throughout the Italian Alps. Santa Cristina is the smallest of the villages, but also the coziest. You should stop here if you want to fully enjoy the atmosphere of Alpine silence and Tyrolean hospitality. And many tourists recommend first of all to pay attention to a good a budget option- mini-hotel Bed and Breakfast Iman.
What to do with a child in Val Gardena?
For a child, more than for an adult, travel should bring new knowledge and vivid memories. Especially so that the trip to the Italian Alps does not pass for your child just like that, clubs and special ski schools for children are organized. What are the clubs in the valley and what do they teach?
- Verdebello - located in Ortisei. The age of children is from four years old, this is primarily a summer program for a child. Here, trained educators conduct excursions and walks through the forests of the Alps, the program also includes fishing, swimming, barbecue; there are special circles of manual labor for children.
- Mickey Mountain Club is a club in Selva Gardena. The age of the children is from four to eleven years old. An exciting pastime awaits your child here with the construction of huts in the forest, treasure hunting, fishing, excursions to alpine farms, sports games and many other interesting things. Do not be surprised if the vacation for the child was much more interesting and lively than for you!
- Junior Club in the same town is designed for teenagers up to eighteen years old.
Ski schools
A few words should be said about ski schools. In total, in all three towns of the valley there are five ski schools, where professionals will teach both adults and children the basics of skiing. If you didn't like this business before, now is the time to change your mind!
Ski slopes
In principle, this is the basic information that the average vacationer heading to Val Gardena should know. Review ski resort in Italy, however, it cannot do without a more professional consideration of the features of the ski slopes, which is necessary for people who are not only involved in skiing at a professional level.
What suits athletes better than a professional track for the world championship in skiing? It descends from Mount Chiampioni (more than two kilometers) and stretches towards the Selva. Skiers with an intermediate level have the opportunity to try out a large number of slopes. Some lead from Ciampioni, some from the summit of Danterchepies. At the same time, they from Ciampioni pass mainly through the forest area, they are very winding and dangerous for beginners. The route from the second mountain, also leading to the Selva, is simpler - both the slope is smaller and the space is cleaner. The sites for beginners are located along the slopes of the entire valley. Of particular interest to beginner skiers is, of course, the Seceda Kol-Raiser circus. This unusual skiing area attracts even professionals, although it is intended primarily for beginners.
What else do tourists do in Val Gardena?
With skiing, everything is now also clear. But what else can you do in winter in Val Gardena? An ice-skating rink, a toboggan run and, in the summertime, all the possibilities for mountain activities, from climbing to cycling and walking, are at your disposal. In Val Gardena you are sure to find something to your liking at any time of the year!