Val Gardena

Val Gardena / Selva Ski Area

Passo Gardena and Passo Sella above Selva are Val Gardena's gateways into the larger Sella Ronda circuit. But there is plenty of skiing in Val Gardena itself: about 175km of ski slopes split into more than 170 different runs, accessed by about 80 lifts. And what the area excels in is perfectly groomed red runs curling through woods and lined with snow cannons to guarantee sufficient snow.

Val Gardena's three ski resorts - Selva, Santa Cristina and Ortisei - each have separate sectors, and some of the sectors are shared between more than one resort.

Dantercepies (Selva)

At the foot of Dantercepies are lots of drag lifts and blue runs, which are used as nursery slopes by beginners. Higher up, the Dantercepies slopes are more typical of Val Gardena: steepish red runs twisting through trees. Two of the runs - La Ria and Cir are graded black - but they are only a little steeper than the surrounding reds. Cir is one of Val Gardena's 'Legendary 8' slopes, as it has wonderful views and ends near the steep cliffs that guard the entrance to the Vallunga valley where the cross-country ski circuit is. These and all the runs heading back to Selva are west facing so at their best in the afternoon. On the far side of the Dantercepies ridge are an east-facing red and blue run: both have quite a steep start but become much gentler as they leave Val Gardena heading over the Passo Gardena into Alta Badias on the Sella Ronda clockwise orange route to Colfosco. 

Plan de Gralba, Piz Seteur and Piz Sella (Selva)

With mostly south-east facing runs for all standards, this area is too often used merely as a conduit to get to Mont de Seura (see below) or the Sella Ronda clockwise green circuit. It is one of the most novice-friendly areas, with a rare concentration of blue runs around the Gran Paradiso and Comici 1 chair lifts. But you don't have to stray too far from this mini 'sector within a sector' to find testing red runs and even blacks like Paprika and Sella. The red slope Falk is another of the Legendary 8, because it was the first piste that opened in Val Gardena, and its south-facing orientation and tree-lined sides makes it a great run to ski in poor light.   

Ciampinoi (Selva and S. Cristina)

There are no blue runs on north-facing Ciampinoi, just reds and blacks, so this is no area for novices or less confident skiers. Both of its black runs are Legendary 8 slopes. Saslong heads down to Santa Cristina and is perhaps the most famous run in the valley because it is the course for the annual Val Gardena World Cup downhill race each year. By black run standards it's actually quite mild if you take it at normal speed but there are a few tricky patches. Ciampinoi No 3 shares the same start as Saslong then veers off through the trees heading straight down to Selva. 

Monte Pana (S. Cristina).

At an altitude of 1667m, Monte Pana is home to San Cristina's nursery slopes and its Nordic ski area, both of which are excellent. It also serves as a gateway to Mont de Seura and a departure point for a bus that goes to Seiser Alm/Alp di Siusi.

Mont de Seura (S. Cristina)

A small, north-facing, ski sector squeezed between Monte Pana and Sassolungo's towering cliffs, Mont de Seura only has 3 runs – Alpha (black), Bravo (red) and Charly (red). What it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality.  Bravo is another Legendary 8 slope because of its  lovely views and dramatic setting. Alpha is slightly steeper, and Charly is the longest of the three, and provides the vital connection to the bottom of the Saslong slope above Santa Cristina.

 Col Raiser and Seceda (S. Cristina and Ortisei)

Col Raiser and Seceda are on the north side of S Cristina and Ortisei so are south-facing and often sunny. The base lift station in Santa Cristina is at Plan da Tieja and is connected by an underground funicular railway to the Saslong gondola so there is no need to walk through the village if coming from Ciampinoi. In Ortisei, you have to walk across the town – a 15 minute trudge in ski boots. Seceda (2518m) and its minor summit at Col Raiser (2105m) do not have many pistes but they tend to be long and beautiful. Longia, the red run down to Ortisei, is the most famous as it's 10km long and includes a stretch through a narrow canyon in the woods. Gardenissima, the descent down to Santa Cristina (partly red, partly blue) is 'only' 6km long. Both are quite rightly members of Val Gardena's Legendary 8 slopes. And both have very good mountain restaurants lining the runs.

Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm (Ortisei)

From the south side of Ortisei a big gondola takes skiers into the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), a group of high meadows arranged in a huge bowl. It's perfect for easy family skiing (there are several ski-in, ski-out hotels set high on the slopes) and frequently deserted. The pleasure lies in the stunning views and happy cruising. There are lifts to all points of the compass, and the area is criss-crossed with red and blue runs, though in truth there's very little an early intermediate would be troubled by, except La Pilat, a relatively new red slope created in 2022, which is the long, twisty and sometimes narrow descent down from the bowl to Ortisei which has steep sections, so less confident skiers should come down in the gondola. The area can also be accessed by by ski bus from Santa Cristina via Monte Pana.

La Sella Ronda

This intermediate circuit encircling the Sella massif, connects Val Gardena with Val di Fassa, Alta Badia and Arabba. It can be followed in a clockwise (orange signs) or anti-clockwise (green signs) direction. Clockwise is normally quicker and has more interesting terrain for good skiers, although most of the runs are short blue pistes or easy-cruising reds. The green clockwise route is easier but you still have to be able to ski a red run, so beginners and nervous novices should not attempt the circuit in either direction.

A determined, experienced skier can get around the circuit in under three and a half hours if they rush around it and don't experience any lift queues. But there is not much fun in doing that and there are likely to be some lift queues (the slopes on the circuit are noticeably more crowded than the slopes off it) so it's best to allow a full day, which also allows time for lunch, and there are a lot of good mountain restaurants on or near the circuit, as well as those in the resorts it passes through. 

If something goes wrong, you can probably get a taxi home from one of the other ski areas as there's a road that also goes around the massif, but there is no bus service. And if lifts suddenly have to close because of a fierce blizzard, the road may also be unsafe, so keep an eye on the noticeboards at the major lift stations which warn of potential problems.

Opinions divide on whether going around the full circuit, let alone doing it twice so you can experience both the clockwise and anticlockwise routes, is worthwhile. Critics point out that most of your time is actually spent on lifts and many of the pistes are not particularly exciting and sometimes crowded. Supporters say they like the ever-changing but always beautiful mountain scenery as you circle the Sella massif, and the sense of achievement from going so far on skis in a single day.

Regardless of your views on skiing the actual circuit, the Sella Ronda undeniably opens up a lot of skiing and provides some contrasting experiences to Val Gardena. Blue run enthusiasts, who are not particularly well served in Val Gardena, will welcome the chance to ski into Alta Badia which is blue run heaven. Black run fans, if they leave early and ski fast, can reach Arabba with enough time to explore the black runs on Porta Vescovo or the long red run that tumbles down the 3200m Marmolada glacier which has a vertical drop of more than 1500m.

Val Gardena Ski Lifts & Lift Passes

The Val Gardena ski lift system is reasonably up to date across the region and some of the recent on-mountain investment has improved the Sella Ronda circuit anit-clockwise, making it now equally good in both directions.

Val Gardena Ski Lifts & Lift Queues

Val Gardena has about 80 lifts. On normal days, queues are rare, except for in the morning at the main lifts leaving the resorts and going up the mountain. However the ski area is noticeably busier on weekends and at peak holiday periods.

Val Gardena Ski Passes

There are three passes:

Dolomiti Superski

This entitles you to ski virtually every slope in the Dolomites including all of Val Gardena and all the Sella Ronda ski areas.  It also covers Cortina so entitles you to ski the 'hidden valley' of Langazuoi on the border of Alta Badia and Cortina (a long expedition for experienced competent skiers but worth it for the views) although it does not cover you for the tow behind a horse-drawn sledge which you need at the end of this run which is extra but not expensive.

For prices and online purchasing see the Dolomiti Superski Website

Val Gardena local area pass

This covers you for all the skiing above Selva, Santa Cristina and Ortisei (including Alpe di Siusi/Seiser) but not outside the Val Gardena valley so it does not enable you to go around the Sella Ronda. Buses between the Val Gardena villages are not included in this pass but they are free if you present a Val Gardena Mobil pass which are given to guests by most hotels.

For prices and online purchasing see the official Val Gardena website  

Beginners Lift Passes 

Absolute beginners who are going to be confined to the nursery slopes for the first few days can buy tokens entitling them to 10 rides on a nursery slope lift.

Val Gardena / Selva Beginner Skiing

Selva, Santa Cristina and Ortisei all have good nursery slopes, but there are not many blue runs for novices to move onto except at Alpe di Siusi above Ortisei at the bottom of the valley, and between Piz Seteur and Piz Sella above Plan de Gralba at the very top of the valley. 

Beginner Skiing in Selva (Wolkenstein)

Extensive nursery slopes are centered around the Nives lift on the north-eastern edge of town, near the bottom of Dantercepies. Once beginners are ready to move on, the best place to go to are the blue runs between Piz Seteur and Piz Sella above Plan de Gralba. After this, if they want a change of scene they should go by bus to Alpe de Siusi above Ortisei - see below.

Beginner skiing in Santa Cristina (St Christina)

There is one nursery slope near the top of the resort close to Plan da Tieja. The main nursery slopes however are at Monte Pana on the other side of the valley. This is an excellent nursery area with several slopes of different length and gradient, but you do need to get to it, either by bus or by riding the chairlift at the south-western edge of the resort, and there is no easy run back to the resort, so beginners have to return by bus. Once beginners have graduated from the nursery slopes, there are very few blue runs near Santa Cristina so they should go by bus to Alpe di Siusi above Ortisei which is much more beginner-friendly.

Beginner skiing on Ortisei (St Ulrich)

Ortisei has the best skiing for beginners in Val Gardena. In good snow conditions the nursery slopes on the southern edge of town are excellent, but in warm conditions these will get slushy as they are very low (1236m) and might even be closed. However there are plenty of gentle blue runs on Alpe de Siusi (Seiser Alm). This whole area has very few steep slopes so is a perfect area for novices to improve, tackling first the blue slopes then the reds which are only slightly harder. And once they have done 3 or 4 red runs on Alpe di Siusi they will be ready for La Longia, the beautiful 10km long red slope that comes down from Seceda on the other side of Ortisei. Allow plenty of time because it is a very long run and make full use of the mountain restaurants along its side to take breaks in. 

Ski Schools & Ski Lessons in Val Gardena

Looking for private or group ski lessons in Selva and the rest of Val Gardena? Ultimate-Ski and partner CheckYeti work with leading ski schools and ski instructors in over 350 ski resorts throughout Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Let us help you choose the right ski school or instructor for you, and book online

Compare ski lessons and prices at ski schools
Qualified and experienced ski instructors and guides
Choose the best ski school and the right classes for you
500+ ski destinations, 6,000+ offers, 24,000+ ski school reviews
Confirm availability and pre-book online 
In partnership with CheckYeti

Book Ski School Lessons Online Now >>>

Val Gardena / Selva Intermediate Skiing

Val Gardena has excellent red runs which twist and turn through woods, so they are fun to ski even in poor visibility. And the Sella Ronda is one of the world's largest ski areas with 500km of piste, and almost all of it is intermediate-friendly blue and red runs.

It's the bigger skiing picture - great mountain huts with excellent food and on-mountain après-ski, stunning views, and charming villages at the end of the day - as well as extensive and well groomed slopes with great snow-making that make Val Gardena and the wider Sella Ronda area special. And it's not short of mileage either. In fact there's really nothing that the region lacks for intermediate skiers: it's all good, with few no-go areas. None of the major routes are broken by tricky sections requiring advanced skiing skills and in a place where you'll want to explore far and wide it's comforting to know that all corners of the region will be within your capability.

La Sella Ronda

The 26km Sella Ronda circuit is great for intermediates with very few tough slopes as you circumnavigate the large collection of mountains known as the Sella Group. It's not the kind of adventure you should lose sleep over: there are signposts at every junction, colour-coded according to your direction (orange for clockwise and green for anti clockwise). The whole circuit is within reach of most intermediates, but if in doubt of your ability (you must be able to ski red runs) then choose the green anti-clockwise circuit as it's slightly easier. The main challenge is the sheer distance. Once you approach Arabba, you're only half way around and there are no shortcuts, so start early and keep the inevitable pit-stops brief to ensure you make the last lift home.

Selva

Selva is surrounded by red runs that are accurately graded because they will occasionally test intermediates but seldom scare them. Its pistes are usually lined by trees which makes them easier to ski in poor visibility, and they are immaculately groomed every night, so big moguls are virtually unknown. There are plenty of snow cannons which guarantee good  snow cover unless the weather has been unseasonably warm or you come here in late Spring. Most of the runs are north-facing too which helps the snow, although Dantercepies is west-facing so is best skied in the afternoon, whilst the runs around Plan de Gralba, such as Falk (one of the 'Legendary 8' highlights) are south-east facing and are best skied in the morning, or when its so overcast that any glimmer of light is appreciated. Confident intermediates should also try some of the black runs like Cir and Paprika which are steeper but not by much.

Santa Christina

Ciampinoi and Mont de Seura

Saslong, Val Gardena's most famous ski slope where the World Cup Downhill race is held every year, is graded black. but if taken at normal speed, with care taken over its trickier sections, it's within reach of most confident intermediates. 

Before trying Saslong however, intermediates should tackle Bravo on Mont Seura, which is a red run and a fellow member of the 'Legendary 8'. If you can ski not only Bravo but also Charly (red) and Alpha (black - but not a very steep one) which are all close together, you are ready for Saslong. 

Seceda and Col Raiser

Though the base stations to north and south of Santa Cristina are now linked by underground train, the Col Raiser and Seceda area still feels miles apart from the rest of the valley, with distant views to the Gruppo Sella and across to Sassolungo. The skiing is wide open up top, with a wonderful rolling meandering descent before you meet the woods. You can ski all the way back to Santa Cristina on Gardenissima - a red run that is one of the Legendary 8. Then head back up to Seceda to ski La Longia, the 10km long red run that takes you to Ortisei, and another one of the Legendary 8. There are no bail-out options as it twists and turns through forests and canyons, but it's not very steep, and the views are amazing.  There are also lots of good mountain restaurants along its path.

Ortisei and Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm)

As good for intermediates as for beginners, there's a lot of skiing here and a fabulous sense of moving through the landscape. Though the vertical is limited to around 500m unless you include Pilat (see below), it feels like much more, with several sustained runs taking in a mix of open, wide piste and broad swathes through forested hillsides.

Pilat, the twisty red slope that comes down from Alpe di Siusi back into Otisei, is another Legendary 8 slope and a fantastic run for confident intermediates. Large parts of it could be graded blue but there are steep narrow sections too, so treat it with respect, and try to concentrate on the run rather than the wonderful views (not easy).

Val Gardena / Selva Advanced & Off-Piste Skiing

There’s no disguising the intermediate nature of Val Gardena's and Sella Ronda's piste skiing. There are a few challenges on piste, but advanced skiers have to search for them. Similarly there are even fewer off-piste descents and you will need a guide to locate them and get you down them safely..

Val Gardena: Selva, Santa Cristina and Alpe di Siusi

The Ciampinoi/Saslong area between Selva and Santa Cristina has the toughest on piste skiing, including the men's downhill run 'Saslong' with its famous camel humps which gives 800 vertical metres of descent down to Santa Cristina. Even as it snakes down through the woods, Saslong is quite wide, and the inside track is usually the steepest, so there are certainly challenges if you look for them.

Ciampinoi No 3 shares the same mild start as Saslong, but then veers off towards Selva, and is just as steep if not steeper than the world cup downhill course. Like Saslong it's also north-facing so snow quality is usually excellent.

Cir and La Ria on Dantercepies are mostly west-facing so the snow quality is rarely so good. They are less steep but still good fun.

Paprika and Sella above Plan de Gralba have interesting patches, as does Alpha on Mont de Seura which is used by teams training for Grand Slalom races.

Conventional wisdom says don't bother going anywhere near the Alpe di Siusi, except to rendezvous with a group of beginner friends for lunch. But it's a special place with a sense of skiing the way it used to be, and from the top of the Punta d'Oro (Goldknopf) lift there's an excellent auto-timed speed-ski track on which to test yourself: anything under 90kph and you need to wax your skis better, eat a bigger breakfast and try a bit harder.

Sella Ronda

Though the main Sella Ronda route is easy, you really must ski it if you come to the area, and several tougher diversions are worthwhile: the black and red runs at Porta Vescovo above Arabba are the main highlight and there is good 'between the piste' skiing here; visit the Refugio Vallon above Corvara, set in a natural amphitheatre of rock, with a black run to return to the circuit; the main lift above Colfosco, and on to Forcelles; Piz la Ila, beneath the gondola down to La Villa - this one takes you off the circuit by several lifts but gives a long, consistently steep. north-facing descent through the trees.

Off-Piste Freeride

There is very little off-piste you can do without a guide. But there are some classic itineraries that you can do with one. Some require climbing.

Passo Pordoi: Val Mezdi, This is the most famous. Basically you ski across the Gruppo del Sella, strating at Saas Pordoi above Canazei and ending up in Colfosco. Requires quite a lot of climbing.

Passo Pordoi: Val Lasties. Again from Saas Pordoi but this time you end up at Lupo Bianco

Passo Pordoi: Forcella Pordoi. This one goes via the Forcella refuge.

Marmolada Glacier: There is only one red piste down from Marmolada, But there is off-piste too if you have a guide because there are plenty of crevasses. The only problem is that it's reached via Arabba,which is a long way from Selva. Only feasible for good skiers with a very early start and minimal pit-stops along the way.

Val Gardena Boarding & Freestyle

Boarders will find the flatter linking sections on the Sella Ronda are slow going, and though there are enough boarder-friendly lifts to allow you to avoid the drag lifts, you should head for the park if that's your thing. There's Boarder Cross at Passo Sella (off Grohmann-Cavazes chairlift) and at Comici/Piz Sella; a natural Half Pipe from the Sotsaslong skilift; a Half Pipe on Alpe di Siusi (Laurin chairlift); and a Fun Park for children on Alpe di Siusi (Euro chairlift).

Val Gardena Off-Piste Freeride

Mountain guides can show experienced freeriders the famous Val Mezdi off-piste itinerary that cuts straight through the Gruppo Sella massif.

The Val Mezdi cuts through the centre of the Gruppo Sella, beginning from the airy Sass Pordoi cable car station (2950m) in Val di Fassa, which is about an hour away from Selva and easy to reach using the Sella Ronda green anti-clockwise route. From the cable car station you head north, first skating, then climbing on foot and traversing to reach the (closed in winter) Boe hut (2873m) and the entrance to the Val Mezdi ('midday valley', so-called because that's the only time the sun reaches into it).

The lack of sun combined with the steep north facing aspect mean that snow conditions are usually good in this huge, vertical-sided rocky canyon. Once you're through the narrow entry point, it's wide enough for there to be multiple routes down and a chance to find fresh snow long after the last fall. 

The classic Val Mezdi finishes in Alta Badia near Colfosco. Other more serious descents are also possible from the same starting point, with the great advantage of solitude  and a sense of the wildness of this massif, high above the neatly organised villages that lie in the valleys below.

Mountain guides in Val Gardena might also be able to arrange off-piste skiing on the 3200m Marmolada near Arabba, but this requires an early start as it is on the far side of the Sella Ronda from Selva.

Val Gardena Mountain Restaurants

The abundance of mountain restaurants and huts in Val Gardena is matched by the universally high quality of the food and drink including specialities of the region and fine Italian wines.

Despite extensive sun decks for use in good weather, many of the restaurants get very busy at lunchtime, so book or at least turn up either side of the main lunchtime period to be sure of getting a table. This is particularly true for strategically positioned places on the Sella Ronda circuit. Elsewhere, particularly in low season, there should be no problem.

Many of the mountain restaurants on the long list below are charming family-run places that are hard to leave, whether after a coffee, long lunch or après-ski drink. Fortunately some of them also provide cosy rooms so you don't have to go at the end of the day; they're ideal for groups making tours of the area without a fixed base.

Five of the best Mountain Restaurants in Val Gardena

Baita Curona

Located near the top of La Longia on Seceda above Santa Cristina and Ortisei. Very small with only three tables inside, and a few more on the terrace outside. Italian, Tyrolian and Ladin specialities. Thought to have the best homemade Lasagna in the Alps. Medium price. See:  https://www.curona.it/  

Rif. Emilio Comici 

Located near the top of Piz Sella above Plan de Gralba. High class Italian cooking at its best and famous for its fish dishes. High price. See:  https://www.rifugiocomici.com/ 

Baita Sofie / Sophie's Hut

Located near the top of Gardenissima on Seceda, above Santa Cristina. Excellent Wine-Cellar and the owner makes makes his own prize winning gin. High Price. See:  http://www.seceda.com/   

Baita Saslonch

Located in between Ciampinoi No 3 and Saslong (but also accessible from the nearby red run) on Ciampinoi above Selva and Santa Cristina. Famous for its Tyrolean and Ladin specialities. Medium price. see: https://www.saslonch.com/  

Baita Ciadinat

Located just off Ciampinoi No 6, the red run coming down from Ciampinoi to Plan de Gralba . Authentic South Tyrolean cooking in an atmospheric hut that dates back to 1857 with great views. See: http://www.ciadinat.it/#mountainhut 

Other good Mountain Restaurants

Selva and Santa Cristina South Side 

Vallongia Hut - Tel: +39 0471 794071 / Email: [email protected]

Maria al Sass Pordoi Hut - Tel: +39 0462 601178

Restaurant Piz Sella - Tel: +39 0471 794115 / Email: [email protected]

Restaurant - Hut Dantercëpies - Tel: +39 0471 795222

Federico Augusto Hut - Tel: +39 0462 764919

Baita Gran Paradiso - Tel: +39 0471 795248

Self Service Restaurant Ciampinoi  - Tel: +39 0471 792104

F.Cavazza Pisciadu Hut - Tel: +39 0471 836292

Refuge - Hut Panorama - Tel: +39 0471 795372

Salei Hut - Tel: +39 0462 602300 / Email: [email protected]

Piz Setëur Hut - Tel: +39 335 6139112 / Email: [email protected]

Restaurant - Refuge Passo Sella  - Tel:  0471 795136 / Email: [email protected]

Rasciesa/Seceda (Santa Cristina North Side and Orisei North Side)

Restaurant - Refuge Col Raiser - Tel: +39 0471 796302 / Email: [email protected]

Nëidia Hut - Tel: +39 0471 793346

Restaurant - Pizzeria Seceda (top station) - Tel: +39 335 1255501

Sangon Hut - Tel: +39 339 5737568

Restaurant - Hut Rasciesa - Tel: +39 0471 796174 / Email: [email protected]

Odles Hut - Tel: +39 338 2005571 / Email: [email protected]

Sofie Hut - Tel: +39 335 5271240 / Email: [email protected]

Refuge - Hut Trojer - Tel: +39 339 8212373

Daniel Hut - Tel: +39 335 6482660 / Email: [email protected]

Mastle Hut - Tel: +39 339 8313483 / Email: [email protected]

Cuca Hut - Tel: +39 335 8060345 / Email: [email protected]

Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm (Ortisei south side)

Zallinger Hut - Tel: +39 0471 727947

Restaurant - Baita Mont Seuc (top station) - Tel: +39 0471 727881 / Email: [email protected]

Sanon Hut - Tel: +39 0471 727002 / Email: [email protected]

Arnika Hut - Tel: +39 0471 727812

Saltria Hut - Tel: +39 0471 727966

Williams Hut - Tel: +39 0471 727899

Schgaguler Hut - Tel: +39 0471 727005

Tirler Hut - Tel: +39 0471 727927

Contriner Hut - Tel: +39 339 5223054

Molignon Hut - Tel: +39 0471 727912

Val Gardena Villages

No question; the villages throughout the Val Gardena area are strikingly situated.

Though similar in their south Tirolean ambience and architecture, there's a distinct feel to each of them, even within the same valley. The Val Gardena villages - three of them within an eight kilometre stretch - are thorough-going resorts, while elsewhere on the Sella Ronda it's easier to forget that you're at the foot of a major ski domain.

Discounted ski hire in Val Gardena /Sella Ronda Resorts

• • ALPINRESORTS.com works with several ski hire shops in Selva, S. Cristina and other parts of the Val Gardena, and can secure you savings of up to 50% if you book online
  • SKISET have outlets in all the main Val Gradena resorts, and have agreed to give Ultimate-Ski readers discounts of up to 50% if they book online in advance. You also save time when you arrive in the resort because the equient you reserved will be fully prepared and waiting for you. You can check locations. equipment available and discounts currently on offer here.

Selva Gardena - Wolkenstein 1563 m

Located at the T-Junction where the Gardena valley joins the Sella Ronda, Selva offers skiers an almost unlimited choice of pistes. Selva is more than just a ski base, though, with real mountain charm, and a strong Ladin cultural heritage: you can't move for traditional woodcarvings, and, extending this theme, there are substantial snow/ice carvings in the small open area just off the main drag. To the north of the main road that runs near the river through town is the majority of the accommodation, while the older hotels, shops and restaurants, as well as lift station car parking, line the road itself. 

Santa Cristina - St. Christina 1428 m

Halfway between Selva and Ortisei, the smallest of the main Val Gardena resorts is also the quietest and the best placed for skiers who want to focus on the Gardena valley. Though further from the Sella Ronda circuit than Selva, it's no chore to reach: just two lifts then a long red run down to either Plan de Gralba (green, anti-clockwise circuit) or Selva (orange clockwise circuit) although advanced skiers can also ski into Selva on Ciampinoi No 3, which is a steep black. Santa Cristina also offers skiing on Col Raiser and Seceda to the north of the resort, and also on Monte Pana and Mont de Seura. 

Ortisei - St. Ulrich 1236 m

The first main ski resort you reach on approaching the area from the west, Ortisei is more of a mountain town than a a ski resort, although its development across the steep south-facing slopes above the river make it a rather spread-out base. The pedestrianised centre is the place to be, for evening strolls, browsing shops and drinking coffee; there's a strong traditional feel around the old church and a sense that you might be in deepest Austria rather than Italy. Further up the hill, there are plenty of high quality lodgings, but they're sufficiently distant from the centre to make half-board the only real option, even if you've got a car - the streets are narrow, winding and not driver-friendly. The lifts stations accessing Alpe di Siusi and Seceda are about 500m apart which is a long walk in ski boots.

Val Gardena Tourist Offices

Tourist Office Selva Gardena
39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 213
Tel:  +39 0471 777900
Email: [email protected]

Tourist Office Santa Cristina
39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Str. Chemun 9
Tel:  +39 0471 777800
Email: [email protected]

Tourist Office Ortisei
39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Rezia 1
Tel:  +39 0471 777600
Email: [email protected]

Tourist Office Val Gardena
39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Dursan 80/c
Tel:  +39 0471 777777
Email: [email protected]

Val Gardena Apres Ski Bars & Restaurants

Selva is the liveliest resort for apres-ski, but all the resorts have a good reputation for classy fine dining. There are not any night clubs but the apres ski bars have live and recorded music and stay open till late at night at weekends and  other holiday times.

Val Gardena Apres Ski Bars

Mountain huts with booming sound systems and girls, wearing less than the weather conditions would appear to dictate, dancing on outdoor tables; plastic igloos featuring similar attractions back in town; and as essential as the infrastructure, a largely German clientele, for whom a ski holiday is as much about partying in ski boots as skiing downhill in them. Many of Val Gardena's busiest apres ski bars also open until late at night, or even into the morning at weekends

One of the best examples is Piz Seteur, at Plan de Gralba: go-go girls most afternoons and a jolly apres-ski scene, whatever the weather. It is in a key position to catch skiers after their Sella Ronda circuit, or simply to stop by at the end of a day's skiing above Selva. Beware that there's still a reasonable ski back to Selva after you've finished carousing.

Bar La Stua (Selva)  https://www.la-stua.com/apresski-wolkenstein/index.html

Luislkeller (Selva)  https://www.luislkeller.com/

Apresski Snowbar (Santa Cristina)  https://www.apresvalgardena.it/

Winebar  Enoteca La Cërcia (Ortisei)   https://www.cercia.it/

Val Gardena Restaurants

Many of the visitors to Val Gardena opt for half-board in comfortable hotels serving excellent food, and reserve their eating out for on-mountain blow-outs that leave them almost unable to ski in the afternoon.Though a good option, it means they miss out on one of the strengths of the region: a range of quality restaurants that reflect more than just the regional 'south Tirolean cuisine with a hint of Italy'.

Lifestyle and gastronomy in Val Gardena is truly Italian, but with a Tyrolean or Ladin flavour. Chill out and relax during the day or after skiing on sunny terraces and enjoy real coffee with home-made Italian ice cream and pastries. An exceptionally good range of restaurants offers a choice of international, Mediterranean and local dishes as well as appetizing pizza from wood ovens, pasta dishes and home-made Tyrolean specialities including "Schlutzkrapfen" (spinach ravioli) and a choice of delicious wines.

It's not just the obvious pizzerias, but less clichéd versions of Italian cooking too, with a lot of home-cooking thrown into the mix. One of the many good things you'll find is great value, even though many of these restaurants are in the mid-upper quality bracket.

Many of the restaurants listed here are also bars, and some are also based in hotels, reflecting the Italian influence on nightlife that revolves around eating and drinking more than committed beer-drinking, with restaurants serving as a meeting point for people who appreciate good cuisine.

Some of the restaurants listed are open only in the evening and a minority may be closed on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Selva Gardena Restaurants

Gourmet Restaurants that have won Michelin Stars

Suinsom at the Hotel Tyrol, Selva. https://www.tyrolhotel.it/en/suinsom.htm

Le Stuben, Alpenroyal Gourmet, Selva. https://www.alpenroyal.com/en/hotel-restaurant-le-stuben.asp

Anna Stuben, Ortisei. https://www.relaischateaux.com/gb/italy/restaurant/anna-stuben-alto-adige-ortisei-val-gardena-dolomiti

Other Restaurants

Kristiania, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Raiser 2, Tel:  +39 0471 792047
Speckkeller, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 300, Tel:  +39 0471 794657
Val, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Val 2, Tel:  +39 0471 795467
Bellavista, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 168, Tel:  +39 0471 795232
Antares, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 195, Tel: +39 0471 795400
Tyrol, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Puez 12, Tel: +39 0471 774100
Armin's Grillstube, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 161, Tel: +39 0471 795347
Else, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Ciampinei 42, Tel: +39 0471 795273
Laurinkeller, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 278, Tel:  +39 0471 795059
Gran Baita, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 145, Tel: +39 0471 795210
La Pineta, 39048 Selva Gardena - La Selva 39, Tel: +39 0471 795004
Olympia, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Nives 41, Tel: +39 0471 795145
Meisules, 39048 Selva Gardena - Plan de Gralba 29, Tel: +39 0471 795200
Scoiattolo, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Dantercëpies 34, Tel: +39 0471 795202
Freina, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Frëina 23, Tel: +39 0471 795110
Dorfer, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Cir 5, Tel: +39 0471 795204
Nives, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 151, Tel: +39 0471 795167
Des Alpes Stuben, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 157, Tel: +39 0471 772700
Jägerheim, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Raiser 61, Tel: +39 0471 792116
Oswald, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 140, Tel: +39 0471 771111
Florian, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Ruacia 25, Tel: +39 0471 792040
Posta al Cervo, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Mëisules 116, Tel: +39 0471 795174
Casa Alpina Plan, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Plan 45, Tel: +39 0471 795165
Europa, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Nives 50, Tel: +39 0471 795157
Plazola, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Col da Lech 98, Tel: +39 0471 795172
Miravalle, 39048 Selva Gardena - Str. Dantercepies 51, Tel: +39 0471 795166
Gerard, 39048 Selva Gardena - Plan de Gralba 36, Tel: +39 0471 795274
Val Pudra, 39048 Selva Gardena - Paln de Gralba 15, Tel: +39 0471 794015
Pozzamanigoni , 39048 Selva Gardena - La Sëlva, Tel: +39 0471 794138
Chalet Gerard (Passo Gardena) https://www.chalet-gerard.com/en/

St. Christina Restaurants

Charme Hotel Uridl, 39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Str. Chemun 43, Tel: +39 0471 793215
Cendevaves, 39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Str. Pana 44, Tel: +39 0471 792062
Bistro Susi, 39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Str. Dursan 45, Tel: +39 0471 793703
Sporthotel Monte Pana, 39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Str. Pana 45, Tel: +39 0471 793600
Alpenhotel Plaza, 39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Str. Cisles 5, Tel: +39 0471 793463
Marina, 39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Str. Dursan 42, Tel: +39 0471 796603
La Tambra, 39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Str. Dursan 13, Tel: +39 0471 790063

Ortisei Restaurants

Pontives, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Pontives 36, Tel: +39 0471 797091
Mar Dolomit, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Promenade 2, Tel: +39 0471 797352
Sureghes, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Setil 5, Tel: +39 0471 796256
Grien, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Mureda 178, Tel: +39 0471 796340
Genziana Enzian, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Rezia 111, Tel: +39 0471 796246
Antica Osteria Traube (founded 1779), 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Rezia 51, Tel: +39 0471 796265La Rosticceria Sotriffer, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Rezia 38, Tel: +39 335 6174467
Stella - Stern, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Gardena 83, Tel: +39 0471 654165
Pizzeria Saskia, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Purger 71, Tel: +39 0471 796576
Cosmea, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Setil 1, Tel: +39 0471 796464
Orlo del Bosco, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Furdenan 9, Tel: +39 0471 796385
Concordia, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Roma 41, Tel: +39 0471 796276
Tubladel, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Trebinger 22, Tel: +39 0471 796879
Vedl Mulin, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Piazza S.Antonio 142, Tel: +39 0471 796089
La Cort, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Pineies 18, Tel: +39 0471 796488
Stua Catores, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Sacun 47, Tel: +39 0471 796682
Croce d'oro, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Socrep 49, Tel: +39 0471 797041
Bräuhaus, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - S. Pietro in Valle 17, Tel: +39 0471 798099
Cascade, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Promenade 1/1, Tel: +39 0471 786465
Dolomiti Madonna, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Rezia 276, Tel: +39 0471 796207
Cësa da Four, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Plaza San Durich 4, Tel: +39 335 8218030
Anna Stuben nel Hotel Gardena, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Videlong 3, Tel: +39 0471 793615
Sporthotel Platz, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Bulla 12, Tel: +39 0471 796935
Mesavia, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Bulla 14, Tel: +39 0471 796299
Rodes, 39046 Ortisei - St. Ulrich - Str. Digon 10, Tel: +39 0471 796108

Val Gardena Other Activities

Magnificent spa hotels, excellent gastronomy and exceptional winter walking amid spectacular mountain scenery , makes Val Gardena one of the best places in the Alps for non-skiers to take a winter holiday.

Cross-country skiing and winter walking in Val Gardena

Val Gardena is exceptional for cross-country skiers and walkers. The Vallunga in Selva, the Monte Pana in S. Cristina and the Alpe di Siusi add up to over 98 km of cross-country ski runs.

Selva Gardena - Vallunga: 12 km of trails lead from the Carabinieri Sports Centre to the end of the valley. There is a cross-country Ski School and a ski hire at the start of the trail.

Santa Cristina - Monte Pana: An easy 3km cross-country track, medium 6km and 8km tracks and an 8km route to Alpe di Siusi

Ortisei : There's a 1 km long practice trail on the Minert field, at the eastern end of the promenade. On the Pinëi Saddle (5 km from Ortisei on the road to Castelrotto) there is a 5 km long cross-country trail for beginners and advanced skiers.

On the Alpe di Siusi there are over 60 km of prepared trails.

Tobogganing in Val Gardena

From the top station of the Rasciesa funicular near Seceda above Ortisei, a 6km prepared toboggan run descends to the valley. It's supposed to be the longest in the Alps.

Monte Pana Zip Line (Santa Cristina)

Speeds of up to 100kmh are possible.

Ice Skating (Santa Cristina)

A small artificial rink is created on the tennis courts near the bottom of the resort.

The old Val Gardena Railway Tunnel (Santa Cristina)

Head towards the church in Santa Cristina, then look for the elementary school. Nearby is the entrance to the tunnel of the railway built by the Austro-Hungarian empire (using prisoners of war as slave labour) in the First World War, that has been turned into a small museum. The promenade above the centre of the village is also part of the old track. 

Horse-drawn sleigh rides in Val Gardena

From the centre of Selva Gardena and the mountain station of the Alpe di Siusi cabin lift.

Tourist Office Information

Val GardenaTourist Office
39047 S. Cristina - St. Christina - Dursan 80
Tel:  +39 0471 777777
Email: [email protected]