Val Gardena Resort Overview
Located in the heart of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, Val Gardena is a breathtaking ski resort that reaches an altitude of 2,518m. The resort is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, which boasts a staggering 1,200km of skiable terrain.
Val Gardena, with its traditional Alpine architecture and charming villages, offers a range of comfortable accommodation, including ski-in-ski-out chalets, luxury hotels, and cosy bed and breakfasts. The snow-covered peaks of Val Gardena provide a stunning backdrop throughout the ski season, which typically runs from December to April.
Skiing in Val Gardena
Val Gardena caters to all skiing abilities, offering a mix of beginner-friendly slopes and challenging terrains for the more experienced. The resort is serviced by a comprehensive lift system and provides access to over 175km of pisted terrain.
Beginners will appreciate the gentle, wide slopes found in the resort, such as the Rasciesa and Alpe di Siusi areas. For intermediates, the famous Sella Ronda circuit presents an exciting challenge, encompassing a 26km ski route that offers superb views of the Dolomites.
For advanced skiers, the World Cup downhill run on the Saslong and the Seceda run with its 1,175m vertical drop are not to be missed. For freestyle enthusiasts, there are two snowparks in the resort, the Piz Sella Snowpark and the Alpe di Siusi Snowpark, offering various kickers, rails and boxes.
Is Val Gardena Family-friendly?
Val Gardena is an excellent choice for families. The pedestrianised centre of the resort offers a safe environment for children and the variety of ski-in-ski-out accommodation makes getting on and off the slopes a breeze.
Several child-friendly restaurants and a host of non-skiing activities, including a natural ice-skating rink, a toboggan run and an adventure park, ensure that there’s never a dull moment for the younger ones. Val Gardena also offers discount lift passes for children under the age of 16, making it a cost-effective option for family ski holidays.
Après-Ski Scene in Val Gardena
Val Gardena boasts a lively après-ski scene, with a range of bars and pubs offering everything from cosy, quiet corners to live music and dancing.
The Saltos Pub and Siglu Bar in Selva are popular spots for a post-ski drink, while the Dali Wine Bar offers an extensive wine list. For those looking for nightlife, the Yello’s Après Ski bar in Ortisei is the place to be, with its live music and DJ sets.
Dining in Val Gardena
Whether you’re after gourmet cuisine or hearty mountain food, Val Gardena has something to offer every taste. For a fine dining experience, the Restaurant Aaritz and Restaurant Tublàdel in Selva come highly recommended.
On the slopes, Baita Daniel Hut and Sofie Hut offer delicious, traditional Italian dishes in a rustic setting with panoramic views of the Dolomites. For a quick bite or a relaxing lunch break, try the Seceda Restaurant or the Trattoria Valentini in Ortisei.
How to Get to Val Gardena
The quickest way to reach Val Gardena from the UK is by air. The closest airports are Bolzano Airport (40km), Innsbruck Airport in Austria (120km) and Verona Airport (190km). From these airports, the resort can be reached by bus, taxi or car hire.
Val Gardena Insider Tips
- Savour a glass of local wine at the Vinoteque La Cercia in Ortisei.
- Relax at the Mar Dolomit swimming pool and wellness centre in Ortisei after a day on the slopes.
- Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the picturesque Alpe di Siusi.
- Experience the thrill of night skiing on the illuminated Piz Sella slope.
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