Ski resorts in Italy
Val Gardena

Val Gardena: about the resort

Do not try to find the town of Val Gardena on the map - it is not. Like other resorts in the Dolomiti Superski region, Val Gardena (or Gröden in German) is the name of a ski region that unites three resorts. Val Gardena is located in the center of South Tyrol, earlier this part belonged to Austria, and you can feel it literally in everything. The local population speaks three languages ​​fluently: Italian and German - the official languages ​​of South Tyrol (Alto Adige), and even a rare Ladin - native to the local population. Many villages and names in the Val Gardena and neighboring valleys often have two, and sometimes three, names, often dissimilar to each other. Ortisei in Italian sounds like Ortisei, in German St. Ulrich, and in Ladin Urtijei. The Ladin language (it belongs to the Romansh and is considered one of the endangered ones) is spoken by only about 25 thousand people, and often each region has its own dialects. For centuries, the mountainous regions of Trentino have been isolated from the outside world, and the local villages still have a strong tradition and craftsmanship. In many Dolomite villages, woodcarving and lace weaving are held in high esteem, and themselves locals are distinguished by their friendliness and hospitality.

Val Gardena is one of the most popular destinations in the heart of the Dolomites. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, located along the famous Sella Ronda circular route. All major towns in the region offer a good range of accommodation options. Val Gardena hosts annual international competitions, including the legendary Alpine Skiing World Cup on the Saslong track.

pros
- Large selection of accommodation options
- Magnificent scenery
- Good preparation of the tracks
- Many possibilities for children
- Good restaurants

Minuses
- Slopes and lifts are often crowded
- Sufficiently high level of prices
- Few long runs for beginners
- Not too busy nightlife
- Ski-in ski out opportunities are limited

How to Get to Val Gardena

The nearest international airport is Bolzano - 40 km. Innsbruck Airport is 120 km away, and Verona Airport is 190 km away. Traveling by car from Munich takes more than 3.5 hours (316 km).

By train, Val Gardena can be reached via 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 tracks

Ski area - 1060-2518 m
Total length of tracks - 175 km
blue - 35%
red - 55%
black - 10%

Lifts:
Gondolas - 2, cabins - 7, chairlifts - 43, drag - 30

Season:
First lifts open in November, full season: early December - early / mid April

Ski passes in Val Gardena

Dolomiti Superski skipass
For 6 days:
265-294 euros for adults, 185-206 euros for children over 8 years old.

Children under 8 years old ride for free when purchasing a ski pass by one of the next of kin.
There are also discounts for skiers over 65 years old. Discounts and special offers are available at the beginning and end of the season. The lift pass is valid in all 12 valleys of the Dolomiti Superski region (in total, this is 1200 km of slopes in 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 diagrams, photos and videos, reference information):. The app is free.

Val Gardena: prices

Equipment rental for 6 days - 160-180 euros
Classes in groups (5 days for 3 hours) - from 250 euros
Individual lessons with an instructor - from 47 euros / hour
Visit to the aquatic center - 8.5 euros
Visiting the ice palace - 6 euros

Sella Ronda

Sella Ronda - 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 (marked in orange on the piste map) or against it (marked in green on the map), 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 difficult than the "green" one.

Val Gardena: Where to Ride

Val Gardena is a former Austrian possession that became part of Italy after the First World War, the influence of Italy and Austria in a bizarre way mixed in the local culture and cuisine. Val Gardena consists of three spa towns: Ortisei(Ortisei, 1235 m), Santa cristina(Santa Cristina, 1466 m) and Selva Gardena(Selva Gardena, 1563 m). Ortisei good 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 not many hotels in this town, but they are good. Selva Gardena or, in German, Wolkenstein is a good option for those who want to ski on more difficult trails and travel to neighboring regions. In Selva (also called Selva di Val Gardena) there are many good hotels, it is easy to find apartments, this is the busiest of the Val Gardena resorts.

Val Gardena is renowned for the quality and variety of pistes. From the Piz Cella upper station, you can take the black trail towards Selva, or take the Sellajoch trails (2240 ​​m) and the trails above Plan de Galba (1780 m). The most difficult black trail is the long and winding descent to Selva Gardena from the summit of Ciampioni (2254 m). From the same peak, but from the eastern side, a shorter and less winding, but also very difficult black track descends into Santa Cristina. For lovers of difficult slopes, it is the Piz Cella - Monte de Seura area (2115 m) with interesting red slopes that pass through the forest in the lower part is recommended. Some red trails in little snowy weather can have rather difficult black sections. The traditional Sella Ronda trail may seem boring to experienced skiers, but the black and red trails at Porta Vescovo above Arabba are worth a look. 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 already the Alta Badia region) is quite long and steep. For beginners, the Alpe di Siusi area is more suitable, strong skiers there may be curious to test their speed on a special section.

The long and wide pistes between Santa Cristina and Ortisei are well suited for beginner skiers and snowboarders. A gondola from Ortisei takes you to the main ski area to Monte Piz (2109 m). The resorts of Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena are connected by a system of lifts, from Selva to Ortisei there is a regular ski-bus.

In the high season in Val Gardena, virgin soil is rolled out quickly enough. But with the desire and some effort, you can find incredibly beautiful routes for freeriding. In particular, having climbed on the Sass Pordoi cabin to the elevation of 2950 m, you can walk a little to the north, on foot moving to the Boe hut (2873 m, in winter it is usually closed). From here begins the picturesque Val Mezdi ("midday valley", so named for the fact that only at this time the sun penetrates into it). A bit gloomy, but defiantly beautiful cliffs, untouched snow, narrow canyons - the route requires a good command of the technique and it is advisable to take it with a guide. From the top of the route, there is an incredible view of the resorts lying below.

Val Gardena: Apres-ski

In the restaurants of Val Gardena, Tyrolean and Ladin cuisine reigns supreme, 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 South Tyrol dishes. Each of the good hotels has its own bars and restaurants. An excellent gastronomic restaurant operates in the Alpenroyal Grand Hotel. The charming Anna Stuben restaurant is renowned for its cuisine and pleasant atmosphere, as noted by a Michelin guide. Most of the guests choose accommodation with half board, and the food in most hotels is tasty and plentiful, so do not overextend yourself. High 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.

Having a snack or a hearty lunch in the mountains is also not a problem in Val Gardena, because you are in Italy. Most of the mountain huts and restaurants offer Tyrolean, Ladin and Italian cuisine, and there are some excellent fish restaurants (notably Vallongia). Traditional lunch - various soups, polenta with mushrooms and other additives, and, of course, all kinds of pasta. A complete list of mountain restaurants -

Quite good fashion stores are located in Ortisei, prices are more in line with the elite resorts. During the season, many interesting events take place in the resorts of the valley. In December, Santa Cristina hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup stage - a very entertaining and interesting event that gathers thousands of fans.

Val Gardena: more than skiing

The valley towns have indoor pools, ice rinks and wellness centers. You can play tennis and squash in Ortisei. In the evening you can sit in a cafe, in a restaurant or drop by a disco. In Selva and Santa Cristina, there are specialized ski shops and souvenir shops. In the local history museum you can get acquainted with the history of the valley, see old household items, carved wooden sculptures. It is worth visiting the ancient Fishburg Castle in Santa Cristina, built in the 17th century. There are many luxury hotels in the valley, many with excellent wellness centers. In Ortisei, there is the Mar Dolomiti aqua center with a large swimming pool, a complex of cascades, saunas and a wellness complex. Alpin Garden Wellness Resort has a luxurious Wellness & Spa Cleopatra complex with an area of ​​over 1000 square meters with swimming pools, several jacuzzis, various saunas and a beauty center. The complex also features a fitness center with panoramic views of the Sassolungo Dolomite Rock. In the village of Selva Gardena, there is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Alps, which has been repeatedly recognized as the best ski and spa hotel in Italy - Sporthotel Alpenroyalp Gourmet & Relax. It is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and offers a state-of-the-art 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. The Mickey Mountain Club, located in Selva, is for children from 4 to 12 years old and offers a varied program. The Junior Club, designed for teenagers from 11 to 18 years old, is located in Selva. In addition to skiing, the family is offered a large selection of entertainment: special programs, snowshoeing, dog and horse sledding, toboggan runs and skating rinks - Be prepared for the fact that most of the ski instructors do not speak Russian (Italian, German, etc.) less often - English - the local standard).
- When planning your trip to Sella Ronda or to other, remote valleys, carefully study the opening hours of the lifts. Getting 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 trip can cost a pretty penny.
- Avoid riding the Sella Ronda during peak periods, otherwise you can spend a lot of time in queues.

Valley Val Gardena is located in the Dolomites and lies among the mountain ranges with the highest points of Sassolungo, Sella, Chir and Shiliar, the length of the valley is 15 kilometers. Many skiers start their acquaintance with the Italian alpine slopes from here.

The geographical location of the Val Gardena resort is South Tyrol, at the junction of the borders of Italy, Germany and Austria. This ski area consists of three centers:

• Selva located at an altitude of 1,563 m above sea level;
• Santa Cristina- 1428 m;
• Ortisei- 1236 m.

The tracks are 175 km long. The highest peak is Sassolungo (3181 m).

Val Gardena - ski resort ideal for families. This part of the Alps has rather gentle slopes and a lot of entertainment, therefore the resort is considered a region perfectly suited for recreation during winter holidays. Kids under the age of eight can ride and use the lifts for free. Most of the children's tracks in the zone Alpe di Siusi where there is a park adapted for young snowboarders.

Val Gardena has cross-country skiing trails. In the vicinity of Santa Cristina, there is a ski track tens of kilometers away from the picturesque town of Monte Pana.

All slopes of the Val Gardena resort, regardless of the degree of difficulty, are perfectly prepared for the descent. Feedback from tourists confirms that the ski lift system at the resort is modern, the instructors are highly professional, and if necessary, snow cannons work. The picture is completed by picturesque surroundings, unspoiled towns and alpine villages, and an amazing view of the Dolomites.

How to get there?

The Val Gardena resort is located 40 km from Bolzano, 300 km from Milan, 250 from Venice, 700 km from Rome, and 120 km from the Austrian Innsbruck. These cities have airports.

The most convenient way to get to Val Gardena is from Bolzano from where buses leave every hour, which will take you to the address in just 60 minutes. Bus line 350 runs through the city of Bressanone, line 170 runs through Castelrotto, line 471 connects the resort with the Dolomite passes. From the surrounding towns to Val Gardena, you can get there at night, during the hot ski season, buses run until 2.30, in summer up to 0.30, the price of one trip is € 2.50, a night ticket for several trips is € 4.

If you arrived in Verona, first you need to take the train to Ponte Gardena (German Waidbruck), and then take the 350 line bus to Val Gardena. The entire journey will take just over two hours and cost between € 10.85 and € 14.35 (train) and € 2.5 (bus). You can take a train to Bolzano, and then by bus to Selva.

During the ski season, when the influx of tourists begins, there are direct bus routes from the airports. Innsbruck, Bergamo and Verona... A one-way ticket costs € 25, a round-trip ticket costs € 39; tickets are not required for children under 5 years old.

Ski passes in Val Gardena are paid. It is better to buy tickets in advance in terminals at a train station or transport stops, in a hotel or in a tourist center. There are quite enough points of sale of season tickets, there you can also take a map of the resort, schemes of lifts and tracks for free. A resort pass for one day costs € 3, for a week - € 7, for a season - € 35, children can travel for free.

Val Gardena climate

The resort is located in an area with a temperate alpine climate, characterized by warm summers and relatively cold winters. In summer, the average air temperature is about + 15 ° C, but the nights are cool, and during the day the air can warm up to + 30 ° C. The weather is unstable during the summer months, especially in August. Autumn can be rainy, but snow often falls in early November, especially on mountain peaks.

In November, frosty weather sets in and the snow on the tracks does not melt anymore. In winter, the Italian Alps can surprise you with 20-degree frosts at night, but this phenomenon is not common. Usually, the night temperature in winter does not drop below -7 ° C, and during the day it is often about 0 ° C. Air humidity in the Alps is low, so frosts are easily tolerated.

Trails and lifts

• An extensive and not boring area "Alpe di Siusi", which is chosen by many tourists. Kilometers of well-equipped slopes of various difficulty levels, lifts (chairs, gondolas, tows) are mandatory components of a modern ski resort.

• For those who decided to test their alpine skis on the famous Sella Ronde, you need to get by ski-bus to Santa Cristina or Selva Gardena. It is known that the vast majority of skiers come to the Dolomites precisely in order to visit Sella ronda... 600 kilometers of magnificent pistes, which are connected by a system of lifts, can be used by both pros and novice skiers. The entire circular route stretches for 40 km. Experienced skiers pass the Around the World in three hours.

• For skiers who feel confident on the track, the slopes on which the World Championship took place are suitable: Ciampioni - Selva or Ciampioni - Santa Cristina. The tracks are in excellent condition.
• For those who like to explore the virgin lands, we advise you to go through the run Secheda(2518 m) - Count Raiser(2103 m). Walking through the huge snow-white is impressive.

• For those who are confidently skiing, but do not consider themselves an ace, we recommend paying attention to three slopes with Chiampioni, and one of Danterchepies that end in Santa Cristine and Selve.

Ski passes

Having been to ski resorts at least once, they understand how important it is to take care of the purchase of a ski pass in a timely manner - a pass to the ski lifts. Optimal ski pass for Val Gardena- six days. Ski pass prices depend on the season. Subscription price for adults:

• high season - € 216;
• low - € 190;
• at the beginning of the season - € 173.

If a child under 8 years old is riding with you, he will be able to go to the lift for free if one of the parents has a ski pass.

Teenagers under sixteen years old pay a subscription:

• high season - € 151;
• low season - € 133;
• at the beginning of the season - € 121.

People of respected age or seniors, in Val Gardena's terminology, will pay:

• high season - € 194;
• low season - € 171;
• at the beginning of the season - € 155.

Buying a ski pass for 6 days or more helps to save a lot, for comparison, a one-day pass costs for an adult:

• high season - € 46;
• low season - € 42;
• at the beginning of the season - € 37.

Ortisei

The Germans call this city Sankt Ulrich... Nice town located in the flattest part of the valley (1236 m). Ortisei is home to only 5.5 thousand people. It looks like a fairytale town with puppet streets, hotels, apartments, workshops and restaurants.

There are cross-country skiing trails, walking paths and colorful surroundings that take beautiful landscape photos. For a change, you can go to the museum with wooden sculptures.

There are two ski schools in Ortisei with 80 ski instructors and 20 snowboard instructors. There is a children's ski school, a kindergarten for kids from two years old. The organizers did not forget about the children's ski area and two lifts for the youngest skiers.

The city has an ice rink, a school for beginner ski jumpers, you can go to the pool or fitness center, play tennis or squash. Ortisei is home to the largest Aquacenter in the Dolomites.

Staying at the resort will not seem monotonous to anyone, everyone will find here entertainment to their liking: restaurants, discos, bars, a cinema, shops with funny souvenirs, shops selling sports equipment.

Santa Cristina Valgardena

This picturesque alpine village nestles at an altitude of 1428 m. To the right of it is Ortisei, on the left - Selva Gardena... The Italians reasonably claim that the local landscapes are "mildly romantic". They are right - Santa Cristina is a secluded and charming place.

The 37 km of pistes will delight skiers in Santa Cristina Valgardena, who can take one of the two lifts to Monte Pana, a plateau with gentle and easy slopes ideal for beginners. For the pros, there is the famous cup slope Sassolungo... He is like Ciampinoi, he finishes in the Val Gardena. These tracks are of the "black" category, that is, of increased difficulty. Another area available for skiing is Seceda... This place is very popular with middlings who enjoy skating on a wide plateau drenched in the sun.

Selva Gardena

In German this city is called Wolkenstein... It is the busiest and largest of the Val Gardena towns. A very good option for those who like difficult tracks.

From the station Piz cella there is access to the black trail in Selva di Val Gardena. You can get to the highway Sellajoch to an altitude of 2240 m and a track that starts above Plan de galba at an elevation of 1780 m. Difficult, long and winding track paved with Ciampioni in Selva Gardena. A slightly simpler track from the same point leads to Santa Cristina.

Fans of slopes of increased difficulty will find trails for themselves in the area Piz cella-monte de seura... In their lower part, the slopes cross the forest. With light snow cover, black areas appear on these red trails. For confident skiers, there are trails in Porta vescovo... Those who like to ride among the trees should pay attention to the slope Piz la Ila to La Villa - steep and long. Beginners should pay attention to Alpe di Siusi, and experienced skiers will be able to test themselves for speed on one of the special sections.

There is a child in Selva Mickey mountain club and Junior Club for teenagers. You can safely come here with the whole family, no one will be bored in Selva: entertainment programs, sledding trips, toboggan runs and skating rinks - there is plenty to choose from.

• Most of the instructors do not speak Russian. The languages ​​used are German, Italian and English.
• Going on Sella ronda to the "round the world", study the hours of the lifts, think about how to get back, otherwise you will have to go to the hotel by taxi, which is very expensive.

• If you don't want to stand in long lines, opt for off-peak hours to descend the Sella Ronda.
• During the high season, ski buses run in 10-15 minutes, out of season - less often.
• Parking at the lifts is paid - € 5 per day.

It's definitely worth a trip to Val Gardena at least once - the prices here are not too high, the place is wonderful, the food is delicious, there are trails for everyone. Just keep in mind that this resort is not one of the highest in the mountains, the snow can melt in March, so do not delay the trip.

Vladimir Izvarin

Tom Janson:

“I was in Val Gardena with three homies: a seasoned snowboarder, consolidating last year's skills as a snowboarder and a skier. And I am a beginner snowboarder. The mountains of beauty are mesmerizing, the views of Ortisei and the Alpe di Suissi are unmatched.

The ski areas seemed difficult to me, even experienced skiers and snowboarders find that some of the tracks are not easy. Having surveyed a large area Dolomiti Super Ski, decided that it was better to stay closer to Selva. There are several cool red runs, and the blue ones are not bad at all, albeit very shallow. Strained inaccurate map of the tracks, although they are almost everywhere far from perfect. The après-ski was quite satisfying - there were a couple of decent restaurants and bars nearby. This is quite enough for us, we did not strive to anneal to the stupor.

In general, I like Val Gardena. I will certainly go there again. "

Georgy, Novosibirsk

“Val Gardena is the most mediocre skiing region I know of. Lifts in incredible numbers, all messed up, inconveniently communicated. We were "pleased" by the blue tracks, which suddenly turn red and just as unexpectedly - green. Therefore, there are constant traffic jams on the slopes, and the condition of the track is not the best. There are only a few long and uniform trails throughout the region. True, there are some decent snow parks. For those who enjoy nature, this place is quite suitable. And for the descent - it is doubtful. "

When planning a winter trip to ski resorts in Spain, pay attention to. This resort is considered one of the best in the Italian Alps. Both beginners and professionals can ride here. Magnificent trails and many lifts are what you need for the conquerors of the snow-covered slopes.

The Cervinia ski resort is very popular among Europeans. Here you can not only ride on the slopes of varying degrees of difficulty, but also pay tribute to the magnificent mountain landscapes. Read more about the resort.

Victor, Moscow

“Last year, for the first time, I took out my six-year-old granddaughter with the specific purpose of“ putting ”her on skis. I didn’t think too much with a choice, I stopped at the Alpe de Suis. A lot of offers from instructors for groups and individuals different cost: about 60 CHF per day with meals up to 58 CHF per hour of private lessons. They brought the children's skis presented for the New Year with them, and took unpretentious amateur skis for themselves at the rental point for 12 euros a day.

Despite his very unconvincing skill, he undertook to teach on his own: after all, it is not professionalism that is important, but communication and relaxation with the baby. I fiddled with her until I drop! Marvelous Beautiful places, wonderful air! The week of mutual perseverance was not in vain: the child is not afraid of skiing, in any case. "

Alla, Moscow

“Every year we try to get out to Ortisei with a small company. Been here more than once. I noticed that the place is chosen immediately and then does not change: "from good to good ...", as they say. It is difficult to consider us athletes, we devote no more than 2-3 hours a day to skiing. The rest of the time is for the soul!

The resort of Ortisei has a surprisingly romantic atmosphere. You can just walk along the streets, occasionally stopping by wonderful shops, restaurants, bars, etc. I was in the pool every day - a Moscow habit. There is a sauna, tennis, even a golf course! Everything is in place, comfortable and beautiful. "

Val Gardena from A to Z: map of hotels and ski areas, slopes and tracks, lifts and ski passes. Bright photos and videos. Reviews of tourists-skiers about Val Gardena.

• Tours for the New Year to italy
• Last Minute Tours to italy

Val Gardena is a valley more than 15 km wide with a large selection of quality trails. The skiing season here lasts from early December to mid-April. The resort includes three towns with well-developed infrastructure - Ortisei (Ortisei, 1236 m), Santa Cristina (St. Cristina, 1428 m) and Selva (Selva, 1563 m).

Entertainment and attractions

The resort infrastructure in Val Gardena is well developed: there are many attractions, discos, bars, cozy restaurants, fashionable shops, indoor ice rinks and swimming pools.

Provided for guests and cultural leisure - Italy, after all. You should start acquaintance with the historical heritage of the region with the Museum of Local Lore (website with English version). Among its exhibits: ancient archaeological finds, fossilized reptiles, old wooden toys, centuries-old sculptures and canvases.

The woodcarvers are on display at the Art 52 permanent exhibition (website with English version). You can admire the masterpieces of sculpture and painting in art gallery Unika (website with English version).

There are many beautiful temples in the Dolomites, for example, the parish church in Ortisei. This magnificent Baroque building impresses with its striking interior and exterior decoration. Tourists love to ride to ancient medieval castles, more precisely, to their ruins. The most visited castles are Volkenstein and Fishburg.

In summer, the breathtaking panoramas of the blooming Alps attract travelers no less than the icy slopes and snow-covered fir trees. Tourists are encouraged to go hiking, fishing, horse riding, mountain climbing, rafting, parachuting or cycling.

7 things to do in Val Gardena

1. Take a 40-kilometer walk along the famous "Dolomite Carousel" - Selle Ronda.
2. Go to a restaurant for observation deck and forget about food, admiring the most beautiful mountains in the world.
3. Learn at least one trampoline trick in a snow park.
4. Capture your descent with an action cam to show off to your friends.
5. Practice mountaineering and want to conquer Everest.
6. Capture dozens of shades of famous pink sunsets.
7. Arrange the most grandiose après-ski, because the parties of Val Gardena allow it.

Val Gardena for children

Val Gardena is great for families. The range of winter entertainment for children is naturally wide - they go here not only skiing, but also snowboarding, sledging, ice skating. There are also mountaineering centers in the resort.

In the sports schools of Val Gardena, even those who have barely learned to walk are put on skis.

A special 6-kilometer trail has been opened for a dashing toboggan run in Ortisei. The ascent is carried out from the Rasciesa station. Skating rinks are everywhere - even in hotels and restaurants. The most popular sites are the skating rink at the Iman Sports Center in Santa Cristina and the Pranives (website with English version) in Selva.

The theme of sports entertainment is continued by the Mar Dolomit aqua center (website), however, from the entertainment here there is only a swimming pool, there are no attractions. In summer, little ones will be delighted with the PanaRaida obstacle trail, where you will find fascinating labyrinths, a tunnel with elves and a giant forest swing.

Middle-aged children and adults should visit Col de Flam Adventure Park (website

Cloudy, rain, thunderstorm

15 ° С during the day+11 ° С at night

Overcast, rain

7 ° С during the day+6 ° С at night

The climatic conditions in the local valleys are almost always ideal - the air is clean and not too humid, the sun is generous and soft, the snow is fluffy, and there are no severe frosts. The ski season lasts from December to April, the resort is very popular in new year holidays... Entertainment prices are high these weeks, but an unforgettable experience is guaranteed - Italians know how to have fun, and they have almost no equal in creating fireworks.

In summer, the inhabitants of Italy escape from the exhausting heat of the city in the mountains, because the air in Val Gardena is fresh and the temperatures are moderate.

Ski characteristics of the VAL GARDENA resort Italy, Dolomites

Height difference: 1060-2518 m

Val Gardena Is a fabulously beautiful valley more than 15 km wide. It is clearly visible when descending from the Brener Pass on the way from Bolzano. An unusual-shaped peak called Sassolungo, which in Italian means "long stone", can serve as a reference point. At night, illuminated by powerful floodlights, it is a fantastic sight.
The 1970 World Ski Championships dramatically increased the popularity of the Gardena Valley resorts and contributed to the fact that competitions of the highest level began to be held here every year.
According to experts, Val Gardena - the best part Sella Ronda. It has the longest trails, the largest elevation differences, and excellent trail service. Snow cannons are constantly working.
Val Gardena is the ideal place for downhill skiing, as there are over 175 km of pistes 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). The nearest train station is Bolzano (40 km).

Val Gardena has three spa towns: Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva. In each of them, a cheerful resort life is raging: bars, restaurants are open, discos are noisy, fashionable shops are waiting for customers. 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 natives speak a peculiar dialect that is difficult to understand even for those who know Italian and German.
Each town has its own ski area and access to Sella Ronda. In Selva and Santa Cristina, you can go downhill on skis, that is, many people have implemented their favorite "ski-in, ski-out", skiing from the door of the hotel.

Ortisei (1236 m)- old and very beautiful city located in the flat part of the valley. There are many cross-country skiing trails and hiking trails in the picturesque surroundings. Ortisei has a small local ski area called Alpe di Siusi, the lift to the Sella Ronda slopes is located in neighboring Santa Cristina and can be reached by ski bus or ski.
Santa Cristina (1466 m)- a small town with nice houses and good hotels. The stages of the World Cup are held here annually. This resort is suitable for couples or groups of skiers with different skiing experiences. From Santa Cristina, direct access to Sella Ronda.
Selva (1564) or in German Wolkenstein is the largest town in the valley. His dignity is best location regarding the tracks. You can ski down to almost every hotel. From Selva, there is a direct exit to Sella Ronda. From Selva you can quickly and conveniently reach the most remote trails of the Val Gardena.
The resorts of Santa Cristina and Selva are connected by a system of lifts; a ski bus (ski-bus) runs regularly to Ortisei.

Sells Ronda- "around the world" or as it is also called "dolomite roundabout" - this is a huge skiing region around mountain range Sella. 600 km of trails connected by a chain of lifts, skiing from beginner to pro. A unique opportunity, without taking off your skis, to ride the slopes of the resorts of Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, Alta Badia and Arabba. Circular route - about 40 km (tracks + 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 track of the world championship, descending from the top of Ciampioni (2254 m) to the town of Selva, is suitable. The track is in excellent condition. We also recommend an excellent descent from the same peak of Ciampioni, but to Santa Cristina.
For fans of virgin skiing We recommend running Seceda (2518 m) - Col Raiser (2103 m). After a snowfall, it looks like an endless snowy field.
For intermediate skiers there are a lot of trails in Val Gardena. For the convenience of location and efficiency of skiing (skiing time to ascent time), we recommend four tracks ending in Selva and Santa Cristina and starting at Ciampioni (3 tracks) and Dantercepies (1 track). The first two trails, going, respectively, to the right and left of the Ciampioni summit (when viewed from top to bottom), are similar. These are winding and downhill slopes 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 cable car Val Gardena - Ciampioni in some places can claim the role of "black". The most interesting is the third trail going down to Santa Cristina. On this track, the stages of the Alpine Skiing World Cup are constantly held, and that says it all. The track is very interesting for advanced and experienced skiers, although, contrary to the markings, it is more "dark red" rather than black.
A simpler, but no less interesting track Danterchepies - Selva. Its slope is less than that described above, but it is longer and wider, which makes it possible to have a good, downhill descent. One drawback is that it is the only piste on this stretch of Sella-Ronda, so a large number of skiers on the piste and the lift during high season is not uncommon.
Very interesting opportunities for intermediate skiers are offered by the Seceda - Col Raiser slopes. The only, but no less valuable, red trail located directly under the Secheda chairlift - Kol-Raiser will give an unforgettable experience to fans of downhill skiing, giant slalom and pure carving. Large width, good snow and a smooth but sufficient incline, interspersed with small steep "steps", allows you to "cut" on this slope of almost any radius, easily controlling the speed.
For beginners tracks are scattered on all slopes. A very interesting place for beginners is the Seched circus - Kol-Raiser. For more experienced skiers, we also recommend taking a day or two to ski on these slopes. This ski area is a huge circus located between Seceda - Col Raiser. The trails for beginners are concentrated in the right (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 circus tracks are exposed to the south, so those who like to combine business with pleasure (sunbathing and skiing) will get maximum pleasure here. In accordance with the terrain, the slopes of all pistes are fairly 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" steep sections. Snow quality - very good on all slopes Tired of the sun, skiers can descend the steep slope of Seceda. There, along the bottom of a narrow valley leading to Ortisei, there is a ski "road" along which it is very pleasant to rush with the breeze to the village itself. The descent along this trail will leave an unforgettable impression, as it is laid through the forest and there are very few skiers on it. Although, in the beginning, this track may seem daunting for beginners.

Val Gardena ski pass prices

Tourists staying in Val Gardena hotels can buy two types of passes:

1. Subscription to the ski lifts of the Dolomiti-Super-Ski pass, it includes all resorts in the Dolomiti Superski region, 12 resorts, incl. ski region Sella Ronda: 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. Ski pass VAL GARDENA, including all resorts of the Val Gardena Valley Selva, Santa Cristina, Ortizei / Alpe di Siusi.

Estimated cost of ski pass VAL GARDENA, prices per person in EUR

Season	High season			Season			The beginning 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 if there is 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 (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

The approximate cost of classes in a ski school and kindergarten in Val Gardena, prices in euros

The cost of classes in a ski school
Education	Group lessons				Individual sessions
	Adult		Child (3-12 years old)
Seasons	High*	Short**	High*	Short**
Skis	150	120	160	150	48 E / hour
Snowboard	155	150	155	150	48 E / 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 a ski school - from 3 years old, for children from 2 to 3 years old, there is a ski kindergarten.
The approximate cost of visiting 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 the Dolomites overlooking Sella Ronda. Gardena has a lot of luxury luxury hotels 4 * and 4 * super and even 5 * hotels, which is a rarity 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 Gardena Valley hotels that are primarily sold. So, you need to worry about booking a tour, especially for the period of New Year and Christmas holidays, in advance.

Sports, recreation, entertainment and excursions in Val Gardena
The most sports 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, an ice rink "STADIUM PR ANIVES" (www.pranives.com). For fans of extreme sports - paragliding, ice climbing, as well as a shooting range, 50 km of hiking trails.
Santa Cristina has a fitness center, ice rink, ice climbing, paragliding school, tandem flights and snowshoeing.
In Ortisei - an indoor aqua complex Mar Dolomiti with a swimming pool ("MAR DOLOMIT" Ortisei - San Ulrich, www.mardolomit.com),
which is famous for its water treatments (swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, inhalation baths, baths for removing toxins, hay sauna).
For fans of cross-country skiing, the region offers 98 km of slopes, for snowboarders - a fan park, half-pipes, border cross.
Val Gardena resorts are full of restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shops. Good trendy shops are located in Ortisei. In Selva and Santa Cristina, there are specialized ski shops and souvenir shops. Selva is famous for its large selection of inexpensive but high quality restaurants. Here you can find good establishments 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 old Fishburg Castle in Santa Cristina, built in the 17th century. Santa Cristina and Ortisei will not be boring for those who love educational tourism: there is a folk theater and a library, local history evenings and concerts are held. Fans of painting 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 few opportunities for this - the establishments are open until late.
At the resorts of Val Gardena, you will be offered guaranteed group excursions (with an accompanying and Russian-speaking guide) to Verona, Venice, Bolzano.

Interesting events, competitions and celebrations 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 a visiting card of the resort and an additional advantage for those who have chosen it as a winter holiday destination.
Ski marathon SELLA RONDA
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 challenge 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.

One of best places For winter holidays in Italy, the Val Gardena ski resort is considered, which is part of the largest ski region in the world - the Dolomiti Superski. Therefore, there are simply plenty of opportunities for skiing here: many excellent trails that will appeal to both beginners and professional skiers and snowboarders. The beautiful slopes are complemented by picturesque mountain landscapes, good weather and excellent infrastructure. This is a great place to relax with the whole family or with friends.

Val Gardena is a fabulously beautiful valley surrounded by the mountain peaks of the Dolomites. Therefore, it is a pleasure to relax here: mesmerizing views, many excellent hotels, restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues. The Val Gardena resort has everything you need to enjoy all the pleasures of a winter holiday.

By the way. Val Gardena has been awarded several times as the most picturesque ski resort in the world.

Distances to Val Gardena

• - 120 km
• Verona hotels - 190 km
• - 300 km
• - 365 km

How to get there

• By bus from Munich bus station to Ortisei, then by taxi
• By train to the train station in Bolzano, Bressanone and Chiusa, from where there are regular buses to Val Gardena almost every hour
• By car, the best way to reach Val Gardena is via the A22 motorway. From the north you need to go in the direction of Innsbruck-Brennero-Chiusa, from the south towards Verona-Trento-Bolzano

Resort characteristics

Ski slopes and lifts

Val Gardena is part of the largest ski region in the world - the Dolomiti Superski. It unites 12 resorts with a length of 1220 kilometers of trails, where more than 450 lifts operate. Therefore, having paid for a single pass, vacationers will be able to ski between the following regions: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Kronplatz, Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, Val di Fassa, Alta Pusteria, Val di Fiemme , Obereggen, San Martino di Castrozza, Passo Rolle and Valle Isarco.

Ski area Val Gardena consists of three resorts, connected by a large network of lifts:

• Ortisei, located at an altitude of 1236 meters, is the largest village in the valley. From here you can climb to the Seceda ski area, where there are many red trails running through very picturesque places. Also from Ortisei you can get to the Alpe di Siusi plateau, which is ideal for beginners and children. The descent from the Secheda massif is especially popular here. Skiing in this region is quite calm and ideal for those who are first time skiing or snowboarding
• Santa Cristina, located at an altitude of 1,428 meters, boasts 37 kilometers of trails. It is the smallest of the three towns, but despite this, it is the center of the resort and a link between the other two areas. Here vacationers are waiting for the perfect snow cover, therefore, it is in this place on the Saslong track that the stages of the World Cup in Alpine Skiing are held. Santa Cristina has many interesting trails that will please more experienced snowboarders and skiers alike. Descent from the summit of Ciampioni to Santa Cristina is especially popular with extreme lovers.
• Selva Gardena, located at an altitude of 1536 meters. This is one of the most popular places in the valley, from where it is most convenient to get to the neighboring regions. There is a very interesting track Danterchepies-Selva

Val Gardena lift prices

				Low season (07.01.2015-31.01.2015, 15.03.2015-12.04.2015), €
	Adults		Retirees	Adults		Retirees

Dolomiti Superski lift prices

	High season (22.12.2014-06.01.2015, 01.02.2015-14.03.2015), €			Low season (07.01.2015-31.01.2015, 15.03.2015-15.04.2015), €
	Adults		Retirees	Adults		Retirees

Ski school and equipment rental

To conquer the peaks of the resort, it is not at all necessary to carry heavy equipment and inventory, because the resort has more than 30 shops where you can rent equipment. You can view the entire list of stores, addresses and phone numbers on the website.

Vacationers who cannot ski and snowboard or want to improve their skills can visit one of the ski schools. Here, experienced instructors will help you improve the level or teach you how to ride from scratch. You can view the entire list of schools, addresses and phone numbers on the website.

Ski school tuition fees

Equipment rental cost

Hotels and cottages

For a comfortable skiing in the resort of Val Gardena, you can choose to stay in numerous hotels, chalets and apartments in any of the resort towns:

• Ortisei is good for families with children, the resort has many hotels with wellness centers. The best hotel in the region is the Gardena Grödnerhof, which offers panoramic views of the Dolomites. It offers spacious rooms with a TV. The hotel has an award-winning restaurant and spa with indoor swimming pool and sauna
• Santa Cristina is a very calm village with small houses and excellent hotels. It is an ideal place for couples and parents with children. The most popular accommodation option is Soval Apartments, located a 6-minute walk from the Monte Pana ski lift. The apartments are decorated in a modern Alpine style with wooden furniture. They feature a seating area, a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a balcony with mountain views.
• Selva Gardena is the largest town in the valley. Accommodation in it is very comfortable: you can go down to almost any hotel without taking off your skis, because the slopes go directly to the door. Here is the largest concentration of the most luxurious hotels. One of the best hotels in the village is the four-star Hotel Laurin Small & Charming, located next to the Ciampina cable car. It offers ski storage, ski equipment rental, a well-equipped fitness center with pool and gym, and free parking and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers free bike rental and a restaurant serving Italian and Tyrolean cuisine.

Restaurants and cafes

There are many restaurants and cafes in almost all resort areas, with different price categories. The restaurants in Val Gardena are dominated by Tyrolean and Ladin cuisine, with a clear predominance of meat dishes. But for fish lovers, delicious dishes from fresh seafood brought from the coast will be made to order. The most popular restaurants in the resort include:

• Baita Ciadinat Hutte restaurant located in Selva Garden. It is a small, family-run establishment serving traditional food. Here visitors will find a gorgeous view of the mountains, a cozy interior and a warm welcome. The institution has an excellent combination of price and quality.
• Tubladel restaurant located in Ortisei. This is one of the most popular places in the resort, so it is better to book a table in advance. The restaurant is a small establishment serving both local and international dishes. You should definitely try potato soup in a container made of bread. It is especially convenient that many waiters speak Russian. The average bill here will be around 70 €
• Baita Cuca Hutte restaurant located in Santa Cristina. This is an excellent institution for couples with children, because there are all conditions for the kids to feel comfortable. Here visitors are greeted by the cheerful hostess Esther, who creates a pleasant atmosphere. This place will delight you with excellent food, friendly service and unusual interior

Attractions and entertainment

The resort infrastructure in Val Gardena is quite developed. It offers vacationers nightclubs, discos, bars, cozy restaurants, trendy shops, tennis courts, indoor skating rinks, swimming pools and much more. Nobody will be bored here for sure. Each village will have something to do and where to go:

• Selva Gardena is home to many places for sports lovers: fitness center, tennis courts, swimming pools, squash court, ice rink and shooting range. There is also a small gallery in the village.
• Santa Cristina is home to a fitness center, skating rink and paragliding school. Fans of active sports will be able to do: ice climbing, tandem flights and snowshoeing. Here you can also go shopping and visit the ancient Fishburg castle, built in the XVII
• In Ortisei, there is an indoor aqua complex Mar Dolomiti, where guests can use a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and inhalation baths. Many shops are concentrated here, where a lot of interesting things are sold. Also in Ortisei there is a local history museum, where you can see wood sculptures made by local craftsmen and get acquainted with the rich history of the valley.