Santa Cristina Resort Overview
Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Santa Cristina is a charming Italian ski resort in the Val Gardena Valley. With its idyllic mountain village setting, Santa Cristina offers a blend of traditional alpine charm and modern amenities. The village sits at 1,428m, with the highest ski lift reaching 2,519m.
The resort offers varied accommodation options, from luxury hotels and cosy guesthouses to self-catered apartments and mountain huts, most of which offer ski-in-ski-out access. The ski season typically runs from December to early April, and with access to the expansive Dolomiti Superski area, there’s no shortage of snow-covered slopes to explore.
Skiing in Santa Cristina
Santa Cristina is a skier’s paradise with 175km of pisted terrain to explore. The resort offers skiing opportunities for all abilities, with a range of beginner, intermediate and advanced slopes.
For beginners, there are gentle slopes and nursery areas to help you find your ski legs. Intermediate skiers will enjoy the wide variety of blue and red runs, with plenty of opportunities to explore the wider Sella Ronda circuit. Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the World Cup Downhill run on the Saslong slope, or explore the extensive off-piste opportunities in the area.
Santa Cristina is also a popular destination for snowboarders, with several snow parks and a half-pipe to test your skills. If cross-country skiing is more your style, you’ll find over 30km of trails to explore.
Is Santa Cristina Family-friendly?
With its relaxed atmosphere, wide range of ski slopes and plenty of non-ski activities, Santa Cristina is a fantastic choice for a family ski holiday. The pedestrianised centre of the village is safe for children, and there’s a good selection of family-friendly accommodation options.
Off the slopes, families can enjoy tobogganing, ice skating, indoor climbing and even a visit to the local deer park.
Après-Ski Scene in Santa Cristina
Santa Cristina offers a laid-back après-ski scene, with a selection of bars and pubs where you can relax after a day on the slopes. For a lively atmosphere, head to Yello’s Music Pub, a popular spot for live music and DJ sets. If you’re after a more relaxed vibe, try La Stua, a cosy bar with a great selection of wines and cocktails.
Dining in Santa Cristina
When it comes to dining, Santa Cristina doesn’t disappoint. The resort is home to a range of eateries, from rustic mountain huts to gourmet restaurants. For a taste of local cuisine, try the traditional Ladin dishes at La Tambra or the fine dining experience at La Gourmet. For pizza lovers, Pizzeria L’Fana is a must-visit.
How to Get to Santa Cristina
The closest airports to Santa Cristina are Bolzano (45km), Innsbruck (120km) and Verona (190km). Transfers from these airports are straightforward, with car hire, taxis and shuttle services available. Alternatively, the resort can be reached by train, with the closest station in Bressanone/Brixen, and then a bus or taxi to the resort.
Santa Cristina Insider Tips
- Enjoy the spectacular views of the Dolomites from the top of the Col Raiser gondola.
- Try snowshoeing for a different way to explore the stunning mountain scenery.
- Don’t miss the weekly ski show, a spectacular display of skiing and snowboarding skills, complete with a torchlight procession and fireworks.
- Visit the local deer park, a magical experience for all ages.
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