Winter in Val Gardena

Val Gardena - snow paradise in the mountains

Winter in Val Gardena means one thing above all: hit the slopes! Dolomiti Superski comprises 15 ski areas, making it one of the largest ski destinations in the world. Here you can also enjoy cross-country skiing, snowboarding and practice freestyle and freeride. Moreover, Val Gardena is the ideal destination for those who love ice skating, ice climbing, snowshoeing and winter hiking.

Skiing holiday in Val Gardena

Experience perfect slopes and unforgettable landscapes

Skiing holiday in Val Gardena Experience perfect slopes and unforgettable landscapes

Val Gardena, which has been awarded several times as the best ski area in the Dolomites, is the perfect destination for skiers who love variety and want to get to know a ski area that offers attractive slopes for families with children as well as for experts who want to put themselves to the test.

Pure winter experience

Cross-country skiingon perfect trails in Val Gardena

Pure winter experience Cross-country skiingon perfect trails in Val Gardena

Val Gardena is undoubtedly a paradise for cross-country skiing. Being the birthplace of several Olympic champions and with no less than three different ski areas for every level of difficulty, fans of this sport will immediately feel at home enjoying the Dolomites.

The Dolomiti Nordic Ski pass gives access to no less than 9 cross-country skiing areas throughout South Tyrol, with over 900 kilometres of perfectly groomed trails.

The cross-country trails in Val Gardena are located in three different villages:

  • Vallunga (Selva): The trails run through the Puez-Odles nature park, surrounded by spectacular mountains and unspoilt nature. From the parking space it is only a five-minute walk to the biathlon training centre run by the Selva ski school, where you can also hire equipment and request a guide.
  • Monte Pana (S. Cristina): this area offers various tracks. There are ski slopes and restaurants next to it. You can leave your car in the large car park, and then simply follow the signs to the cross-country ski centre right next to the giant jumps. Equipment and a guide are available on site.

  • Alpe di Siusi (Ortisei): Take the cable car from Ortisei to Europe's largest high plateau - the Alpe di Siusi. Next to the mountain station there is a cross-country ski centre, where you can find guides, equipment and all kinds of information. The breathtaking landscape of the Alpe, dominated by the Sassolungo and the Sciliar, provides the perfect backdrop.

Excursions ...

Experience the breathtaking winter landscape

Excursions ... Experience the breathtaking winter landscape

In Val Gardena there are also numerous hiking trails in winter that lead through the breathtaking mountain world of the Dolomites and are suitable for trekking enthusiasts and walkers alike. During your winter holiday in Val Gardena you will be surrounded by an untouched snowy landscape and spectacular peaks and can enjoy delicious South Tyrolean specialities in the numerous mountain huts.

Thanks to the lifts in Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva Gardena, the most beautiful routes of the valley are easily accessible in winter. And best of all: with the ski pass you have unrestricted access to all the lifts and can thus easily reach the most beautiful viewpoints.

Winter hikes

Discover the untouched nature off the slopes

Winter hikes Discover the untouched nature off the slopes

From Monte Pana to Saltria: This 14 km long hike takes us from Monte Pana, near S. Cristina to the snow-covered Alpe di Siusi. This easy tour through the forest impresses with a magnificient panorama of the Dolomites glistening in the sun: the Sasso Piatto, the Denti di Terrarossa and the Sciliar form a wonderful landscape frame.

Excursion to the Firenze Hut: this easy walk from Daunëi to the Firenze hut is perfect to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Puez Odle Nature Park. Although many people choose to do this hike with snowshoes, it can also be tackled with just a pair of good shoes given that the snow is well groomed.

Hiking in Vallunga: A particularly easy hike awaits in this beautiful valley, which lies just above Selva. The trail leads along gentle slopes, first to the San Silvestro Chapel and then, after about an hour's walk, to Pra da Rí, the final spot of the hike. The way back is along the same route

Winter holidays in Val Gardena

Tobogganing, ice skating, snowshoe hiking and more

Winter holidays in Val Gardena Tobogganing, ice skating, snowshoe hiking and more

Val Gardena is not only a winter sports paradise for skiers and snowboarders, but also offers numerous activities for families who want to enjoy their winter holiday together.

  • The whole family can enjoy the fun of tobogganing on the specially prepared toboggan runs. The toboggan runs in Val Gardena are suitable for all ages and offer an exciting experience for young and old.
     
  • Another highlight for families are snowshoe hikes. Explore the wintry landscape away from the slopes and experience the snowy nature in a very special way. There are special snowshoe hikes for families where an experienced guide leads the group through nature.
  • Hockey and figure skating are also among the most popular activities in Val Gardena/Gröden, as the highly successful HC Gherdëina team and former No. 1 figure skater Carolina Kostner can attest. The ice rinks in Ortisei and Selva Gardena are open to everyone and offer a fun way to engage in winter sports.

  • Last but not least, there are also numerous possibilities for indoor activities in Val Gardena. The swimming pool and sauna in Ortisei offer relaxation and recreation after an active day in the snow. The Gherdëina Museum in Ortisei is also a great destination for families to learn more about the history and culture of the region.

So there are enough activities for families in Val Gardena to make your winter holiday an unforgettable experience.

Ice and indoor climbing

Experience thrills and adventures in the mountain world

Ice and indoor climbing Experience thrills and adventures in the mountain world

There is more to Val Gardena than just skiing. This is proven by the ice sculptures that decorate the village centre of Ortisei every winter. Dare to take to the ice yourself and climb up frozen waterfalls with experienced alpinists, for example at the "Busc de Bleje". This activity is suitable for beginners as well as advanced climbers.

Val Gardena also offers various possibilities for indoor climbing: every village has a climbing gym. The on in Nives in the centre of Selva Gardena, the bouldering hall at the Tennis Center in Roncadizza (Ortisei) or the climbing wall at the Iman Center in S. Cristina. All of them offer a perfect opportunity for a climbing experience even during bad weather or to prepare for a high mountain excursion in the Dolomites

Cycling in the snow

Fatbike tours

Cycling in the snow Fatbike tours

Cycling enthusiasts will also be satisfied during the winter months with unmissable guided fat-bike tours. Pedal-assisted electric fat-bikes can also be rented at certain points of sale. So bike fans can exhilarating rides on snow-covered slopes and expanses even in winter, with the comfort of wide wheels and the help of electric motors.

Eat, drink, enjoy

Culinary highlights in Val Gardena

Eat, drink, enjoy Culinary highlights in Val Gardena

The gastronomic specialities of Val Gardena are the result of a tradition handed down from generation to generation. In the past, the farmers of the Ladin valleys had limited ingredients at their disposal, mostly of their own production. Nowadays, modernisation and an expanded product range make it possible to combine time-honoured recipes with unique flavours.

In Val Gardena typical dishessuch as Crafucins (Schlutzkrapfen, ravioli stuffed with spinach) or Puessl (Apple Schmarren, a sweet chopped omelette) are still served in the valley's houses and restaurants. Also recommended are classic dumplings (canederli), gnocchi and Gröstl, a rotisserie of meat and potatoes. For dessert a slice of Tëurta de furmenton, made from buckwheat, sugar, starch, yeast and eggs. Bon appetit! - or bon apetit!, as said in Val Gardena.

As a snack, South Tyrolean bacon is also a must, accompanied by crispy Schüttelbrot and grey (Graukäse) or alpine cheese, radishes, chives, and pickled gherkins to garnish: ideal for a beautiful day in the mountains!

Pure culture in Val Gardena

Discover the history and traditions of the valley

The heart of Ladin tradition and culture is certainly its language, Val Gardena Ladin, which is the oldest in the Alpine region and dates back to the period of Roman presence in this area. The Val Gardena people are proud of their tradition and culture. The preservation of the language as well as the tradition and culture of Val Gardena is supported by television programmes, a radio station and various publications in Ladin.

The Val Gardena inhabitants are faithful to the old traditions. The various festivities, processions and other celebrations are celebrated in the Ladin valleys according to ancient customs and reflect the magic and splendor of times gone by. The Val Gardena traditional costumes, , are among the most beautiful in the whole of the Alps and can be admired during special occasions, such as processions or wedding ceremonies.

Worthy of note is the art of wood carvings. In the beginning it was mainly to pass tome during the long, cold winters, but as the centuries went by the skills of the local artists improved more and more and soon Val Gardena became one of the world's most sought-after producers of wood carvings, especially sacred art. Today countless churches and private collectors proudly display Gardena sculptures.

 

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