Val Gardena - the wide picturesque valley of South Tyrol, located in the northwest of the Dolomites - an excellent mountain range with the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to experienced tourists, it is Val Gardena that is the most attractive valley of Sella Ronda, a circular ski route with a total length of 500 km. The valley itself offers 175 km of tracks of breathtaking beauty.
Val Gardena offers its guests many opportunities for entertainment. Among them you can choose the most suitable: winter excursions, freestyle, hockey, paragliding, figure skating, rock climbing, cross-country skiing, sledding and much more. A variety of outdoor activities attract tourists from all over the world.
The resort includes three small towns with well-developed infrastructure - Ortisei (1236 m), Santa Cristina (1428 m) and Selva (1563 m).
Ortisei - the largest of them, is a great place for families with children. There are many restaurants, spas, various hotels and shops. The first lift is only 10 minutes walk.
Santa Cristina is the smallest resort town of the valley. It is very cozy and there is no noise.
Selva is a fairly popular resort due to its good location to the Sella Ronda mountain route, where many routes start. Has a developed tourism infrastructure.
Val Gardena used to be part of Austria-Hungary, so they speak German with more pleasure than Italian. As for the local population of Val Gardena, it is very hospitable and sincere. Local people speak a rare Ladin language, which is already more than 2000 years old! Definitely you should talk to them.
Val Gardena hosts the annual Alpine Skiing World Championships. Interestingly, all the action takes place on the steep Saslong track. Having at least a little courage - you can also feel the taste of victory by going down this famous track.
Val Gardena Valley is part of the Sella Ronda Circular Route, which includes 500 km of ski slopes. It is here that every year international competitions in slalom - downhill among men are held.
Val Gardena is part of the Dolomiti Superski association - an incredibly beautiful ski area from 16 ski regions. A particular advantage is the ability to ride on all 1,200 km of Dolomiti Superski slopes in a single ski pass. And 450 ski lifts will take you to the very best peaks of the Dolomites with a breeze. Having been in the resort of Alta Bedia, you are guaranteed to get the maximum pleasure from outdoor activities!
Val Gardena - this is a fabulously beautiful valley with a length of more than 15 kilometers at the foot of the mountain Sassolungo ("Long Stone"), which includes three resort towns - Ortisei, Santa cristina (1,466 m.) And Selva Gardena (1563 m.).
Resort Description
All tracks are connected by a continuous network of slopes and lifts with heights from 2518 to 1563 m. Therefore, you can go from one skiing area to another without taking off your skis. Through Passo Garden you can easily get to the neighboring Alta Badia zone (altitude - 2138-1433 m., 39 lifts) with resorts Colfosco and Corvara.
The height of the Val Gorden itself is about 1563 m., There are 77 lifts, 175 km. tracks, discos, bars, restaurant, shops, skating rinks and pools. Ortisei has an indoor tennis and squash center, as well as a riding school and a local history museum, most of which is dedicated to the art of local wood carving. Nearby is the picturesque Renaissance castle Fischburg (XVII century.).
How to get to Val Gardena?
The closest to the spa valley are the airports of Bolzano (40 km), Innsbruck (110 km), Verona (200 km).
Railway stations on the Verona - Brennero - Innsbruck - Munich line: Ponte Gardena (German Waidbrook) - 13 km, Bressanone (German Brixen) - 31 km, Bolzano - 40 km.
One of the most beautiful ski resorts located in the Dolomites is the Val Gardena ski resort, which consists of three resort towns: Selva di Val Gardena, Santa Cristina and Ortisei.
Looking at the political map of Italy, you can see that the Val Gardena ski resort is located in the north-eastern part of the country.
Val Gardena Resort has several advantages over many other resorts, namely:
- the total length of the routes is about 175 km;
- availability of sports tracks;
- the availability of special tracks for beginners;
- ample opportunities of ski safari;
- large ski area;
- high quality tracks;
- the resort has the most powerful and modern equipment for the production of artificial snow in Europe;
- modern system of lifts.
You will learn more about Val Gardena from the video:
Resort Hotels
The resort has a developed infrastructure, many hotels, pensions, etc., which in total allows you to accommodate about 8000 vacationers at the same time.
Hotels in Val Garden are both three-star and five-star. The living conditions are very pleasant and comfortable in all hotels.
Most of them are located near the ski lift.
The most popular hotels are:
- Gardena Grodnerhof Gourmet & Spa 5 *;
- Adler Dolomiti SPA & Sport Resort 5 *;
- Biancaneve Family & Design 4 * and others.
Val Gardena hotels are mainly located near ski lifts
How to get there
It should be noted that the resort of Val Gardena is slightly remote from the nearest cities. In order to get to Val Gardena, you must overcome the distance of 120 km from Innsbruck, where the nearest airport is located, either from Bolzano - 40 km, or from Verona - 190 km (the airport is located) by bus or by car.
Resort towns
Looking at the map of Val Gardena, you can see that the resort includes three towns.
The largest of these is Ortisei, which has many shops, restaurants, hotels, etc. Its population is about five thousand people.
The town of Ortisei is the largest among the cities of the resort of Val Gardena
The city belongs to the largest ski alliance in the world “Dolomiti Superski”.
The distance from the center of Ortisei to the nearest ski lift is 10 minutes. walk. You should stay in this city if you come to rest with your family as a whole.
If you are engaged in skiing or snowboarding at a professional level, you should stay in other towns of Val Gardena - in Santa Crista or Selva di Val Gardena. Both cities are located in the center of the valley.
Santa Crista is more suitable for professionals
Through them are the best tracks.
The features of these towns are a quiet calm atmosphere, the most favorable for people who love peace and quiet, as well as professional ski slopes and the opportunity to start a many-hour ski trip to the nearest regions.
If you arrived on vacation in one of these towns without equipment, do not be upset. In local stores you can buy all the necessary equipment and equipment or rent it. There are skiing, snowboards, thermal underwear and other goods on sale.
Climate
Val Gardena ski resort is located in the temperate alpine climate. It is characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The minimum air temperature is -20 ° C in winter, and the maximum - + 30 ° C in summer.
The average air temperature in summer is + 15 ° C, and in winter -5 ° C.
The weather in Val Gardena changes dramatically and in November frosts begin.Humidity is not high in winter, so even severe frosts are very easily tolerated.
Downhill and downhill
The most popular areas, with a huge number of different tracks, are:
- "Alpe di Siusi" - The most popular area among most tourists. In this area there are many tracks of various difficulty levels, as well as a large number of different lifts. Both a beginner and an amateur will be able to ride in it;
- "Sella Ronda" - The zone is most popular among professional skiers, on which there is a circular route with a total length of 40 km.
- Self-confident skiers should try their hand at passing trails that begin in Ciampioni or Danterchepies and end in Santa Cristina and Selva respectively;
- And lovers of snow-white landscapes and virgin lands should ride on run Szeched running at an altitude of 2518 m.
Schemes of pistes and lifts of Val Gardena can be taken for free at points of sale of subscriptions (ski passes).
If you decide to go on a ski tour to Val Gardena, then you probably will not regret it. You can have a good rest here both in the company of friends and in the family circle.
A large number of hotels and pensions in Val Gardena will allow you to choose a room to your liking and pocket, and a wide selection of ski slopes of varying difficulty will allow skiing for beginners as well as professionals.
Most tourists who visited the Val Gardena ski resort give only positive reviews.
Arriving in Val Gardena you seem to find yourself in a fairy tale. These are not just beautiful words, but the feelings of those who first appeared in this valley. Having descended from the Brenner Pass, the peak of Sassolungo will appear before you - this is a sure sign that you are almost there.
In this valley, many speak German, and signposts are presented in two versions: German and Italian. This is due to the fact that in the 19th century these places belonged to Austria-Hungary. The locals are ladins, they speak Ladin among themselves, but can also be explained in Italian and German, therefore, communication problems never arise.
More budget, but no less active and comfortable rest is offered to you by Russian ski resorts. Abzakovo is one of the most popular resorts in the Ural Mountains. The beauty of nature and the variety of tracks annually attract many tourists there. It is noteworthy that Abzakovo operates year-round ... You will find out more information.
On the map of Italy, Val Gardena looks very tiny, but once you are here, you begin to understand how big a part of the country it is, thanks to the traditions, the beauty of nature and the attitude of local residents to tourists.
basic information
Location
Val Gardena ski resort in Italy is located in the northwestern part of the famous Dolomites, in the Alto Adige district. By the way, there is another Italian popular throughout Europe.
How to get to Val Gardena
The nearest airports to the valley are located in Verona (about 190 kilometers) and Innsbruck (about 120 kilometers). Most preferred will be by train to Bolzano, and from there by bus, directly to the destination.
Weather season
Already in early November, heavy and regular snowfalls begin. The temperature in November tends to minus points. The winter months are the coldest in Val Gardena - the temperature drops to minus 20 degrees.
The skiing season begins in December and lasts until the end of April.
Trails, slopes, lifts
Most of those arriving in Val Gardena are sure to spend some time on the Sella Ronda circular route - this is 26 kilometers of slopes. To do this, ski-pass “Dolomita Superski” is required. There are three ski areas in Val Gardena:
- Ortisei is the largest village located at an altitude of 1236 meters;
- Santa Cristina Val Gardena is a small village located at an altitude of 1426 meters;
- Selva di Val Gardena (Italy) is the most popular village among vacationers, located at an altitude of 1526 meters.
Santa Cristina provides the opportunity to ride on tracks with a total length of 175 kilometers, many of which are illuminated at night. On the territory of this ski area there are 83 lifts that can deliver up to 109 thousand people per hour to the top. The longest descent is 8 kilometers. The flat routes are 24 kilometers long.
Ski pass prices (indicated in euros)
| Duration, days | Adults | Children |
| Low season | ||
| 1 | 38 | 27 |
| 6 | 194 | 136 |
| Average season | ||
| 1 | 42 | 29 |
| 6 | 213 | 149 |
| 13 | 370 | 259 |
| High season | ||
| 1 | 48 | 34 |
| 6 | 242 | 170 |
| 13 | 420 | 294 |
Accommodation, other activities, après-ski, attractions
Numerous hotels in Val Gardena, chalet-style cottages, hostels, apartments Val Gardena allow you to feel comfortable. Some of the best hotels are:
- Adler (Ortisei);
- La Perla - somewhat removed from the city, but is one of the most beautiful hotels in Val Gardena;
- Villa Luise - known for its excellent panoramic views.
Hotels in Selva Val Gardena are also surprising in their diversity. One of the hotels, Acadia, is located right on one of the slopes and offers its visitors, in addition to accommodation, a restaurant, SPA salon and a free sauna. The number and location of hotels will help determine the map of Selva Val Gardena.
Apre-ski in Val Gardena starts in about three hours. We recommend that you visit the Cuca Bar & Restaurant, which offers wonderful views of the peak of Sassolungo.
For families with children, visit Swiss. There are several levels of tracks of varying difficulty. For beginners and children there are special preparatory courses and walks with instructors. In Zermatt, you can not worry about your child - he will not be bored and is under reliable supervision.
If you want to really have fun, visit the Luiskeller bar in Selva Gardena. Here you will meet a real Austrian anthem, a large amount of beer and schnapps. I must say that Val Gardena is extremely rich in excellent restaurants, both on the slopes and at the foot.
In between skating, you can visit the thermal complex with 11 saunas and baths, which is located in Ortisei. The local wine cellar located in Selva Val Gardena, as well as the wine cellar in Ortisei, are extremely popular. An unforgettable experience can be obtained by visiting the nearby Castle of Fischburg, built in the 18th century.
Hiking, horse riding, indoor tennis courts, squash, bowling and billiards await you in Val Gardena. Do not forget to visit the snowboard park in Piz-Sella, which has a track for border cross-country and a whole gallery of figures.
Italy ski resorts
Val Gardena
Val Gardena: about the resort
Do not try to find the town of Val Gardena on the map - it is not. As in other resorts in the Dolomiti Superski region, Val Gardena (or Greden in German) is the name of the ski region that combines the three resorts. Val Gardena is located in the center of South Tyrol, before this part belonged to Austria, and this is felt literally in everything. The local population speaks three languages \u200b\u200bfluently: Italian and German - the official languages \u200b\u200bof South Tyrol (Alto Adige), and even the rare Ladin - native to the local population. Many villages and names in the Val Gardena Valley and neighboring valleys often have two, and sometimes even three names, often unlike each other. Ortisei in Italian sounds like Ortisei, in German St. Ulrich, and in Ladin's Urtijei. Only about 25 thousand people speak the Ladin language (it belongs to the Romansh and is considered one of the endangered), and often each region has its own dialects. For many centuries, the mountainous regions of Trentino have been isolated from the outside world, traditions and crafts are still strong in local villages. In many Dolomite villages, wood carving and lace weaving are held in high esteem, while the locals themselves are distinguished by friendliness and hospitality.
Val Gardena is one of the most popular places in the heart of the Dolomites. This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, located along the famous Sella Ronda roundabout. All the main towns of the region offer a good selection of accommodation options. International competitions are held annually in Val Gardena, including the legendary alpine skiing World Cup on the Saslong.
pros
- Large selection of accommodation options
- Magnificent scenery
- Good track preparation
- Many opportunities for children
- Good restaurants
Minuses
- Slopes and lifts are often crowded
- Fairly high price level
- A few long tracks for beginners
- Not too lively nightlife
- Ski-in ski out options are limited
Val Gardena: how to get there
The nearest international airport is Bolzano - 40 km. Innsbruck Airport is 120 km away, and Verona Airport is 190 km away. It takes more than 3.5 hours (316 km) to drive from Munich.By train to Val Gardena you can get through Brunico in the Kronplatz region (16 km from the resort), then by bus. From Milan, the train runs 5 times a day, the journey takes 3.5 hours, with a change in Verona. The closest to the motorway is the village of Ortisei.
Bus schedule - http://www.sii.bz.it, taxi order - http://www.taxiautosella.it.
Val Gardena: facts and routes
Ski Area - 1060-2518 mTotal length of tracks - 175 km
blue - 35%
red - 55%
black - 10%
Lifts:
Gondolas - 2, cabs - 7, chair - 43, tow-tows - 30
Season:
The first lifts open in November, a full season: early December - early / mid April
Val Gardena: ski passes
Skipass Dolomiti SuperskiFor 6 days:
265-294 euros for adults, 185-206 euros for children over 8 years old.
Children under 8 years of age ride for free when purchasing a ski pass by one of their closest relatives.
Discounts are also provided for skiers over 65 years old. At the beginning and end of the season discounts and special offers. The ski pass is valid in all 12 valleys of the Superski Dolomites (a total of 1,200 km of pistes at various resorts, but not all of them are fully connected).
Application for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad) and Android (webcams, news, events, weather, snow, lifts, maps and schemes, photos and videos, reference information):. The application is free.
Val Gardena: prices
Rental of equipment for 6 days - 160-180 eurosClasses in groups (5 days for 3 hours) - from 250 euros
Individual lessons with an instructor - from 47 euros / hour
Visit to the aquacenter - 8.5 euros
Visit to the ice palace - 6 euros
Sella Ronda
Sella Ronda is one of the most beautiful ski safari routes in Italy and possibly in the Alps, passing through the Ladin valleys (Val Gardena), Alta Badia (Alta Badia), Val di Fassa (Val di Fassa) and Arabba (Arabba). On this route, you can drive about 40 km clockwise (indicated in orange on the route diagram) or green (on the map in green), of which about 23 km are ski slopes. Sella Ronda is suitable for intermediate skiers. It is believed that the “orange” route is somewhat more complicated than the “green” one.
Val Gardena: where to ride
Val Gardena is a former Austrian possession that became part of Italy after World War I. The influence of Italy and Austria was blended in local culture and cuisine. Val Gardena consists of three resort towns: Ortisei (Ortisei, 1235 m), Santa cristina (Santa Cristina, 1,466 m) and Selva Gardena (Selva Gardena, 1563 m). Ortisei well suited for families with children, the resort has many hotels with wellness centers, a good selection of restaurants and shops. Santa cristina - the most compact resort in the region, there are few hotels in this town, but they are good. Selva Gardena or, in German, Wolkenstein is a good option for those who want to ride on more difficult routes and travel to neighboring regions. In Selva (it is also called Selva di Val Gardena) there are many good hotels, it is easy to find apartments, this is the most lively of the resorts of Val Gardena.
Val Gardena is famous for the quality and variety of tracks. From the upper station of Piz Cella, you can go to the black road towards Selva or go to the Sellajoch (2240 \u200b\u200bm) and above Plan de Galba (1780 m). The most difficult black track is the long and winding descent to Selva Gardena from the top of Ciampioni (2254 m). From the same peak, but from the eastern side, a shorter and less winding, but also very difficult black track runs down to Santa Cristina. For lovers of difficult descents, it is recommended that the area Piz Cella - Monte de Seura (2115 m) with interesting red slopes that pass through the forest at the bottom. Some red tracks in little snow can have quite complex black areas. The traditional Sella Ronda itinerary may seem too boring for experienced skiers, but pay attention to the black and red pistes in Porta Vescovo nad Arabba. For those who like to ride between trees, it is worth paying attention to Piz la Ila: the slope under the gondola to La Villa (this is the Alta Badia region) is quite long and steep. For beginners, the Alpe di Siusi area is more suitable, for strong skiers it may be interesting to test their speed in a special area.
The long and wide trails between Santa Cristina and Ortisei are well suited for beginner skiers and snowboarders. A gondola from Ortisei lifts to the main ski area towards Monte Piz (2109 m). The resorts of Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena are connected by a system of lifts, and a ski bus runs regularly from Selva to Ortisei.
At the height of the season in Val Gardena, virgin snow is being rolled out rather quickly. But if you wish and some effort you can find incredibly beautiful routes for freeriding. In particular, climbing the Sass Pordoi cabin to the mark of 2950 m, you can go a little north, walking to the Boe hut (2873 m, it is usually closed in winter). From here begins the picturesque Val Mezdi ("midday valley", so named for the fact that only at that time the sun penetrates into it). A little gloomy, but defiantly beautiful cliffs, pristine snow, narrow canyons - the route requires good command of the equipment and it is advisable to go along with a guide. From the top of the routes, an incredible view of the resorts below lies.
Val Gardena: Apres-ski
Tyrol and Ladin cuisine reign in the restaurants of Val Gardena, with a clear predominance of meat dishes (although good fish can also be found in hotel restaurants). In Selva, many good restaurants are located at the hotels. Tyrol, Dorfer, Nives, Mignon are popular, serving traditional dishes from South Tyrol. Each of the good hotels has its own bars and restaurants. An excellent gastronomic restaurant is open at the Alpenroyal Grand Hotel. The charming Anna Stuben restaurant is famous for its cuisine and pleasant atmosphere, noted by the Michelin guide. Most guests choose accommodation with half board, and the food in most hotels is tasty and plentiful, so do not redo your forces. At the height of the season (Christmas and New Year, school holidays, February) in the most popular restaurants it is better to book a table in advance, otherwise you will not get into it.
To eat or dine in the mountains is also not a problem in Val Gardena, because you are in Italy. Most mountain huts and restaurants offer Tyrolean, Ladin and Italian cuisine, there are several excellent fish restaurants (in particular, Vallongia). Traditional lunch - various soups, polenta with mushrooms and other additives, and, of course, all kinds of pasta. Full list of mountain restaurants -
Good fashion stores are located in Ortisei, prices are more consistent with luxury resorts. During the season, the resorts of the valley host many interesting events. In December, the World Cup in Alpine Skiing takes place in Santa Cristina - a very spectacular and interesting event that gathers thousands of fans.
Val Gardena: not only skiing
The valley towns have indoor pools, ice rinks and wellness centers. In Ortisei you can play tennis and squash. In the evening, you can sit in a cafe, in a restaurant or look at a disco. Specialized ski shops and souvenir shops are open in Selva and Santa Cristina. In the museum of local lore you can get acquainted with the history of the valley, see old household items, carved wooden sculptures. It is worth visiting the old castle of Fischburg in Santa Cristina, built in the XVII century. There are many luxury hotels in the valley, many of them with excellent wellness centers. In Ortisei, the Mar Dolomiti water center has a large swimming pool, a complex of cascades, saunas and a wellness complex. Alpin Garden Wellness Resort It has a luxurious Wellness & Spa Cleopatra complex with an area of \u200b\u200bmore than 1000 square meters with pools, several jacuzzis, various saunas and a beauty center. The complex also has a fitness center with panoramic views of the dolomite rock of Sassolungo. In the village of Selva Gardena, is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Alps, repeatedly recognized as the best ski and spa hotel in Italy - Sporthotel Alpenroyalp Gourmet & Relax. One of The Leading Hotels of the World, it offers a modern spa and a wide range of treatments.
Val Gardena: with children
The resort has a kindergarten with a ski school. A large children's sector at the foot of the mountain is located in Ortisei. Mickey Mountain Club, located in Selva, is designed for children from 4 to 12 years old and offers a varied program. Junior Club, designed for teens from 11 to 18 years old, is located in Selva. In addition to skiing itself, the family offers a wide range of entertainment: special programs, snowshoeing, dog and horse cart rides, toboggan runs and skating rinks - be prepared for the fact that most ski instructors do not speak Russian (Italian, German and, less commonly - English - local standard).- When planning a trip to Sella Ronda or to other, remote valleys, carefully study the working hours of the lifts. "Stuck" in a neighboring or not quite neighboring valley is an expensive pleasure: skiing between resorts is much faster than on the road, and a taxi ride can cost a pretty penny.
- Avoid riding Sella Ronda during peak periods, otherwise you can spend a lot of time in lines.