Val Gardena Says ‘Benunì Te Gherdëina! Welcome To Val Gardena!’

Val Gardena is in the heart of the Dolomites, among the most beautiful mountains in the world, and offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience when it comes to spending your holidays in the mountains – whatever the season.

News:

• A black slope “La Ria” will open: starting from the mountain station of the Dantercepies cable car, it will wend its way over 310 hm with a maximum incline of 52%: pure adrenaline for expert skiers.
• And ‘Pilat’: The former off-piste downhill stretching across a rocky forest from the Seiser Alm to Ortisei was carefully prepared and developed to become a spectacular downhill slope cutting through a forest, featuring plenty of bends and turns with unique views over the entirety of Val Gardena. Length 4,670 m, HM 778 m, average incline 34%.
• Stewards at the lifts’ valley stations will provide you with all the information and guidance you need. They will also redirect people to avoid creating crowds in front of the lifts.
• From the last winter season onward, Dolomiti Superski will represent Italy joining Ikon Pass, the international ski pass association headquartered in the USA, thus emphasising its ambitions to attract new ski guests from abroad. The Ikon Base Pass grants unlimited access to 47 destinations ski areas around the globe, excluding on blackout days (peak times and certain public holidays), so also Dolomiti Superski (in Europe Kitzbühel and Zermatt). www.ikonpass.com
• The Legendary 8 Skiing galore: welcome to Val Gardena’s skiing area, one of the most traditional in South Tyrol, boasting a diverse variety of slopes of different levels. Every slope has its own history, and we could go as far as saying that it is quite a special one: after all, they were the stage of the 1970 World Ski Championships and therefore witness to an over 100- year-old skiing tradition in the Ladin valley in the Dolomites.Currently, skiers can choose from 79 lift facilities and 175 km of slopes. The ‘Legendary 8’ slopes alone deliver a total of 36 km of slopes, the most beautiful and diverse across all Val Gardena. What do they have in common? They are all well-groomed slopes and offer breathtaking views across the legendary Dolomites mountains. The Legendary 8 are: Saslong: the ‘Legendary slope’; Cir: the ‘Women’s slope’; Ciampinoi N. 3: the ‘Steepest slope’; Bravo: the ‘Romantic slope’; Falk: the ‘First slope’; Gardenissima: the ‘Sensational slope’; La Longia: the “Longest slope’; Pilat: the ‘New slope’ (opens in winter 2022). An App has also been developed which will allow users to collect point and receive a prize. Taking part is easy: all you need is an NFC-enabled smartphone. https://www.valgardena.it/en/holidays-dolomites/dolomites-experiences/detail/the- legendary-8-in-val-gardena/

EVENTS WINTER 2022/23:

• 23.10.-30.10.2022: Tennis Sparkasse Challenger Val Gardena Südtirol
• 20.11.-26.11.2022: Raiffeisen ITF Woman Val Gardena Südtirol
• 02.12.-08.01.2023: Christmas Market at Ortisei “Nadel Urtijëi”
• 05.12.-08.01.2022: Christmas Market at Selva “Mountain Christmas”
• 16.-17.12.2022: FIS Ski World-Cup: Speed races for men
• 11.02.2023: Val Gardena Ski Caching
• 08.03.2022: Dolomites Dirndl Ski Day • 20.- 27.03.2022: Rock the Dolomites
• 25.03.2023: Spring Race Party, Fun-Ski-race from Seceda to Ortisei
• 01.04.2023: “Gardenissima” und 02.04.2023 “Gardenissima Kids”

Surrounded by the wild, lush Puez-Odle Nature Park and boasting the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the valley offers unforgettable holidays even for tourists looking for daily activities besides skiing. What makes a holiday in this sun-kissed valley unique is the breathtaking view of the South Tyrolean Dolomites’ summits and the symbol of the valley, the majestic Sassolungo Group. A long, long time ago, these peaks were nothing more than atolls, and the area was one vast ocean. Val Gardena is so unique precisely because of its ancient, geological history: deep seas have given way to the most beautiful mountains in the Dolomites.

Val Gardena offers plenty of space with its 500 km of unique slopes, cutting-edge lift facilities, 30 km of winter hiking paths and 115 km of cross-country skiing slopes. They can all be explored on foot, on skis, or on a sleigh – or even with your thoughts from the comfort of your hotel’s swimming pool! An abundance of nature – a total of 7,000 m2 per guest, to be precise!

A winter holiday in Val Gardena is all about unique experiences for everyone: guests and visitors will enjoy sporty days on the different slopes of the legendary Sellaronda, whiz down on the notorious Saslong World Cup slope, have a pleasant time exploring their gourmet side on the Seceda or a relaxing hike in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. With over 300 days of sunshine, guests can make the most of the breathtaking 360° Dolomites scenery and an Alpine ambience. Val Gardena is considered one of the world’s most traditional mountain areas and stands out for its unique population. Indeed, the Ladini are known for being modern, sportive, nature lovers, as well as speaking four languages. Val Gardena is so unique because of the unique blend of timeless legends, countless opportunities for active holidays and relaxation, and innovative experiences.

Val Gardena is so unique because it’s a melting pot of myths and legends – which could very well be true –, a great outdoor offer and plenty of opportunities to relax. This and much more is all set against the backdrop of a tourism offer which will amaze guests for its innovative format.

Yet Val Gardena is much, much more than this: it’s the cradle of South Tyrolean art, specifically wood carving. At the start of the 17th century, the locals used their creativity and craftsmanship to create wooden objects and sculptures. To this very day, this art represents an important economic branch for the valley, only second to tourism. The natural landscape of this impressive valley, together with its villages - Ortisei (1,236 metres), S. Cristina (1,428 metres) and Selva Val Gardena (1,563 metres) – takes centre stage every day.

Tourists enthuse about the imposing Sella massif and the unmistakeable Sassolungo which overlook the Ladin winter sports resort from lofty heights, making it a unique location. With plenty of days of sunshine, both adults and children can admire the stunning view of a wild, lush valley every day, home to legendary mountaineer Luis Trenker. Booking tip: you can easily plan a winter holiday in Val Gardena in advance at www.valgardena.it

Active and varied winter holiday in Val Gardena There is more to a successful winter holiday than just snow: 300 days of sunshine, winter sports possibilities for all levels, good accessibility and traffic-free zones make Val Gardena an active and stress-free destination. And not only for skiers! For those looking for a change from the winter slopes they’ll quickly find what they’re looking for in Val Gardena: 115 km of cross-country slopes.

The cross-country skiing centre on Monte Pana above S. Cristina is an insider tip we’re happy to share with you: the altitude guarantees the quality of the 35 km network of cross-country trails which are designed for skate and classic skis. Amateur cross- country skiers will find ideal conditions on the modern, eight-kilometre-long slope leading all the way to the Palusc meadow. But Monte Pana also offers challenging ascents and rapid descents thanks to the connection to the cross-country ski slopes on Alpe di Siusi.

The possibilities are many, as detailed signposts make it possible to change your route at any time and to return to the starting point. The Vallelunga is the ideal destination not only for winter hikers and snowshoe fans but also for cross-country enthusiasts. This valley untouched by man was shaped by Ice Age glaciers, giving nature lovers a wildly romantic, picturesque, high alpine landscape with steep rock faces on both sides of the valley. A beautiful path leads hikers over the Via Crucis, a Station of the Cross consisting of 15 stops, across the ruins of Castel Wolkenstein right to the Vallunga. All stations were carved using coarse Swiss stone pine trunks, representing the world-famous Gardena handicraft. Sleighing fans can look forward to several sleighing rides in Val Gardena, including the longest sleighing slope in the Dolomites.

In just eight minutes, the ultra-modern Resciesa funicular will take you from Ortisei to the Alpe Resciesa at 2,200 metres. This is not only the entrance to the Puez-Odle Nature Park, but also the starting point of the longest sleighing slope in the Dolomites boasting six kilometres. Sleighs can be hired on site at an affordable fee. And, last but not least, the Special Alpine Nights.

This Val Gardena initiative is all about special nights between January and April 2022: cross-county skiing under the moonlight, a snowshoe walk and dinner in a mountain lodge, an evening Fat tire e-bike tour, a sleigh ride at night or a candlelit dinner in a mountain lodge. These are just some of the ideas to spend a truly special night or evening in Val Gardena at the foot of the Dolomites. 500 km of slopes, a connection to the world's largest ski carousel, a new black slope and a new slope from Alpe di Siusi to Ortisei The skiing carousel which has been repeatedly declared the best in the Dolomites and Italy will welcome skiers between 3 December 2022 till 11 April 2023.

In other words, 3 December kicks off the skiing season in famous Val Gardena with easy downhill slopes as well as steeper descents and slopes where the World Cup takes place. In the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi area, which includes the Sellaronda, over 500 perfectly groomed kilometres of slopes await passionate skiers. Val Gardena has been known worldwide as one of the leading winter sports resorts since the World Ski Championships in 1970. The Val Gardena slopes have guaranteed snow until the end of the winter season (11 April 2023) because 98% of the slopes can be covered with artificial snow.

The ‘Ronda’ skiing offers: Sellaronda, Val Gardena Ronda, ‘Culturonda’

1. The legendary Sellaronda is legendary for a reason: 5 hours across 26 km of slopes, both clockwise or anticlockwise, following the orange or green route: the famous Sellaronda circuit circumnavigates the Dolomites’ Sella massif, crossing four Ladin valleys and three Italian provinces (Bolzano, Trento, and Belluno).

2. Besides the Sellaronda, the ‘Val Gardena Ronda’ circuit is one of the most surprising discoveries for skiers in the Dolomites. Both adult and children can spend an unforgettable day and enjoy breathtaking downhills set against the stunning backdrop of the Dolomites. After all, the Gardena Ronda includes all three main villages and the Alpe di Siusi, and so you can start your skiing day from any of the three villages.

3. After having left the ‘Città dei Sassi’ behind and following the signposted directions of the ‘Culturonda’, skiers reach Passo Sella with a breathtaking view over the Sassolungo, the Cinquedita, and the Marmolada, stretching all the way to the Monte Pana, where you can visit the spherical equatorial sundial with a 2-m diameter. Continue on the Saslong B slope to reach Castel Gardena (a summer hunting lodge, known by the name of Fischburg, which was built in a Renaissance style between 1622 and 1641 by Engelhard Dietrich von Wolkenstein- Trostburg). From the Col Raiser (the mountain station hosts a small private museum – paid entrance – with extremely interesting paintings of the Dolomites) you will reach the Alpe di Seceda in the Puez-Odle Nature Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After having admired the 360° view from a dedicated spot just above the Fermeda cable car station, take the ‘La Longia’ slope, the longest in South Tyrol at 10.5 km, and glide down through a canyon, whizzing by the frozen waterfall and the renovated Costamula farmstead.

Val Gardena Active, a guaranteed, fun, all-round experience

The weekly ‘Val Gardena Active’ initiative invites you to actively experience the nature around Val Gardena also in winter and create your very own holiday programme. Torch-lit walks, snowshoe hikes, sleigh rides, sunrise excursions and returning to the valley on a Fat tire e-bike and cooking classes are just some of the special daily experiences on offer, all featuring a local guide across the three valley villages. The highlight is ‘Here comes the sun’: start at 7 in the morning and climb to the Dantercepies Mountain Lounge to admire the sunrise while enjoying a great buffet breakfast. Be the first to return to the valley on your skis on a pristine, untouched slope. Guests at a Val Gardena Active establishment (marked with their own symbol) can enjoy these activities for free or make the most of them thanks to a special discount. www.valgardena-active.com

TOP Dolomites Experience TOP Dolomites Experience –

Winter: 6 special, unique activities you can take part in during the upcoming winter season. These experiences chosen by DOLOMITES Val Gardena take place predominantly on snow – but of course, not all of them are snow-related activities. The first experience is a breathtaking downhill ski on pristine and untouched snow slopes after the snowcats have smoothed everything over in the previous night... ‘Here comes the sun’: be the first to ski on untouched slopes, tracing a turn as broad or narrow as you wish.

Take the first lift ride before opening hours right up to the Dantercepies on Tuesdays, and to the Seceda on Thursdays, where the first rays of sunshine bathe the Sassolungo Group in a magical display of light. A hearty breakfast on the summit rounds off this unique, magical moment. The second experience is ‘The Legendary 8’ (see above).

The third experience is a snowshoe excursion with local Alpine Guides. Experience pure wilderness by diving deep into the natural wonder of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the Ladin culture. Visit the most beautiful and significant places of Val Gardena together with an expert Alpine Guide. The night-time snowshoe excursion is one of those magical moments: go for a brisk walk under a starry sky and enjoy a pleasant evening in a cosy mountain hut.

Another excursion is a torchlit walk. The culture of Val Gardena and the stunningly beautiful natural landscape take centre stage in what can be described as a magical, somewhat romantic experience. Take a step into the unique world and stories of the valley’s craftsmanship on an evening, torchlit excursion on the ‘TROI UNIKA’ Nature and Art trail or during a romantic torchlit walk in Ortisei’s city centre.

And what about the Special Nights?

Experience unique nights, one-of-a-kind moments only to be found in the mountains. Ride a Fat tire e-bike, a sleigh, go for a snowshoe stroll with your winter trekking poles or cross-country ski under the moonlight: the crisp, bracing mountain air, the crunch of the snow as you walk on it, and the silhouette of the imposing mountains’ summits create unforgettable moments set in the fairy-tale world of the Dolomites. And, lastly, an experience for all daredevils and adrenaline lovers: whoosh down the mountain at breakneck speed on the brand-new ‘ZIPLine Monte Pana’ at nearly 100 km/h.

Reach the starting point of the new-fangled zip line from the mountain station of the Mont de Sëura chairlift. Straddle into your safety harness and whizz off at full speed for 1,500 m – an exciting flight at a maximum height of 100 m above ground which, thanks to a unique and innovative system, can also reach a speed of nearly 100 km/h.

Safety and health come first

Even our vast natural landscape cannot stop people from gathering. We have therefore defined guidelines to find alternative solutions and make your winter holiday a relaxing moment surrounded by nature and adventure while still making it as care-free and safe as possible. Keep up to date with the latest rules by visiting https://www.valgardena.it/en/news-val-gardena/detail/with-much-security-into-the-winter-in-val- gardena/

Technology and mountains: new ideas for sustainable mobility

Plan de Gralba is proud to be the home of a world-first by Leitner Ropeways: the Symphony 10 cable car designed by Pininfarina, Ferrari’s design company. The ‘Sassolungo’ cable car now boasts the latest in terms of comfort, safety, and performance. The 10-people cabin boasts plenty more space and a larger entrance area which reduces the stress of hopping on in the first place. The 81 booths with Premium heated Leitner seats can carry up to 3,450 people per hour. Igor Marzola, Director of the Piz Sella cable car, said: ‘The recently installed cable car in the Sassolungo and Sella carousel represents an innovative concept in terms of sustainable mobility.

Thanks to the new facility and the 8-people heated seats in the ‘Gran Paradiso’ chairlift, skiers can reach the Passo Sella in just 25 minutes from Plan de Gralba’s parking area. In other words, today you can easily reach the Passo Sella without a car,’ Magical mountain lodges The perfect skiing area turns into pure, relaxing bliss in the cosy 65 lodges and huts scattered on the slopes across Val Gardena. The lion’s share has been family-run for generations. Every hut offers traditional dishes as well as the most sophisticated of meals, including grilled steaks as well as seafood. The menus are complemented by a generous selection of mostly South Tyrolean wine.

A star-studded menu: Eating well in South Tyrol is easy: local cuisine is based on regional recipes featuring local ingredients bursting with flavour such as Speck, smoked sausages, mouth-watering cheese and ‘pan sech’ a hard, crunchy rye bread. Good food can be found in several traditional restaurants and pizzerias, and even haute cuisine is catered for at Michelin and Gault Millau restaurants. The entire offer stands out for the marriage between Alpine goodness and Mediterranean flair. Outstanding culinary experiences can be found in two places in Val Gardena: the Alpenroyal Grand Hotel, in Selva di Val Gardena, headed by Mario Porcelli, a Michelin chef; and the Anna Stuben at the Hotel Gardena, in Ortisei, with Michelin chef Reimund Brunner. Both chefs interpret and merge the cuisine of the two cultures, obtaining sublimely refined results.

Winter packages: what a bargain! From the start of the season on 3 until 24 December 2022 thanks to the Dolomiti SuperPremière offer, guests booking at least than three nights - including ski pass and equipment - will receive an additional night including ski pass and equipment for free. Book at least six nights and receive two extra nights free! From 7 to 28 January 2023, Val Gardena offers the White Week package with special ski pass and accommodation deals. The Dolomiti Springdays offer is valid between 18 March and 11 April 2023, from 18 to 25 March 2023 7=6 a seven-day stay for the price of six days and six days' ski pass and ski rental for the price of five days at participating establishments. Spring Days 4=3 will then start from 25 March. Val Gardena Family Special offer running between 18 March and 11 April 2023 when booking a one- week holiday: seven nights at the price of six, six days ski pass at the price of five, six days ski hire at the price of five as well as a 10% discount when booking a weekly group ski course for children up to 12.

A family holiday in a winter wonderland

More than 500 ski instructors will teach children to ski in 6 skiing schools boasting several awards – including Selva Val Gardena’s school, which has been repeatedly acknowledged as the best in Italy. After just one week, children will be able to pass the final test in absolute safety and even make it on the podium! In Val Gardena, you can go as far as saying that children are born with the sports’ gene – the extraordinary natural landscape favours sports. The valley is incredibly proud of its countless Olympic and World medals, especially in winter sports.

Never a dull day: various ‘funslopes’, plenty of snow and ‘funparks’ Val Gardena has numerous family-friendly hotels – including the Cavallino Bianco in Ortisei which stands out as having been repeatedly awarded the ‘best family-friendly hotel in the world’ certificate by TripAdvisor – as well as numerous apartments and guesthouses.

Sleeping sweet dreams

This valley of the Dolomites is a holiday destination with over 18,000 beds, predominantly in hotels as well as countless residences and guesthouses, nearly all of which are family-run. That is why guests feel at home even when away from home. There are a good seven 5-star hotels which top the ranking, each with their own special traits. Chalets also offer plenty of space if you want to enjoy an independent holiday leveraging the special comfort of an exclusive residence in the Alps. The valgardena.it website – clear, emotional, personal, and mobile.

Free buses in Val Gardena: You can leave your car at the hotel in Val Gardena: all guests staying at a venue which is a member of the Val Gardena Tourism Bureau can use all buses for free upon presenting the Val Gardena Mobil Card. The Card will be given to guests upon check-in at one of our member hotels.