Val Gardena Ski Resort

Val Gardena is a stunning valley nestled in the Dolomite Alps, located in the Italian province of South Tyrol (Provincia autonoma di Bolzano, also known as South Tyrol), at the crossroads of Italy, Austria, and Germany.

Within this valley lies one of the most popular ski resorts, part of the Dolomiti Superski region, renowned for its captivating landscapes and well-equipped slopes.

Reaching the resort is convenient from other Italian cities (via federal highways) as well as major European cities (Munich, Nice, Zurich, Vienna) via highways.

Val Gardena offers more than just downhill skiing—visitors can enjoy activities such as mountaineering, horseback riding, shopping, and indulging in local spa centers with rejuvenating treatments. The local restaurants and clubs also deserve special mention. The wide range of entertainment options propels the resort region into Italy’s most sought-after destinations.

About the Resort in Val Gardena

Val Gardena is where skiing enthusiasts initiate their exploration of alpine resorts. This is quite understandable as the slopes are top-notch and are supported by an intricate network of lifts connecting them. The valley boasts around 175 kilometers of distinct slopes, with roughly one-third tailored for beginners, about 60% for intermediate skiers with some experience, and approximately 10% for experts.

• Also read: Tips for Winter Travel in Italy

When looking at Val Gardena on the map, it’s evident that the valley is divided into three resort areas. This division enables guests to choose accommodations in proximity to the slopes that align with their interests and skiing abilities. The resort region features 82 lifts that connect the inner resorts into a unified network, including access to the Sella Ronda (a circular route encircling the Sella mountain range). Val Gardena can cater to any traveler’s leisure needs, even those not fond of winter sports, with luxurious restaurants, shops, boutiques, and excursions to local landmarks.

Description and General Characteristics of Val Gardena

Val Gardena is the name of the valley where three major residential areas are located:

1. Selva di Val Gardena, situated at an elevation of 1563 meters (5128 feet).
2. Slightly lower at 1428 meters (4688 feet) is the small village of Santa Cristina Valgardena.
3. Closest to the base of the Alps at 1236 meters (4055 feet) is the Ortisei district.

Each commune possesses its unique character, and the experience of staying in each differs slightly. Therefore, before choosing accommodation, it’s worth understanding these distinctions.

Selva di Val Gardena

Selva di Val Gardena, often referred to as Selva, is considered the liveliest and most popular resort in the Val Gardena valley. Much of this is owed to its high elevation and proximity to the renowned Sellaronda ski circuit. Vacationers utilize its slopes and lifts to access the most interesting runs of the Dolomiti Superski region.

However, the ski areas affiliated with the resort can surprise even the most skilled skiers. The resort comprises three skiing zones:

1. Dantercepies, at an elevation of 2300 meters (7546 feet)
2. Plan de Gralba, at 1800 meters (5906 feet)
3. Ciampinoi, at 2254 meters (7395 feet), which adjoins the Santa Cristina resort.

Selva also hosts the largest number of hotels, restaurants, and clubs. This area is particularly popular among young people who enjoy discos and partying until the early hours.

Ortisei

Ortisei is the second-largest settlement in the valley. Unlike Selva, nightlife here is not as developed, and there are fewer tourists. Consequently, Ortisei is perfect for family vacations. The slopes associated with the village are primarily “red” and “blue,” with plenty of sections suitable for beginner skiers. The resort area consists of three skiing zones:

1. Val Furnes
2. Seiser Alm
3. Alpe di Siusi.

Santa Cristina

Santa Cristina is the smallest and coziest resort in Val Gardena, resulting in significantly fewer tourists compared to Ortisei and especially Selva di Val Gardena.

The resort is ideal for a peaceful family vacation. Santa Cristina is situated practically at the center of the region, making it easy for visitors to reach the most popular slopes. The resort consists of three skiing zones:

1. Monte Pana, located on the plateau of the same name at an elevation of 1636 meters (5367 feet)
2. Seceda, at 2518 meters (8261 feet)
3. Col Raiser, at 2103 meters (6897 feet), which is close to the Val Furnes area affiliated with Ortisei.

Rest and Recreation in Val Gardena

Val Gardena Valley offers a diverse range of leisure options for tourists – 175 kilometers (109 miles) of slopes allow visitors to enjoy picturesque views of the Dolomite Alps. The numerous restaurants will impress with their delectable dishes, while the abundance of shops and boutiques featuring renowned brands will pleasantly surprise shopping enthusiasts.

It is not for nothing that Val Gardena is considered one of the most comfortable resorts in the Dolomites Superski region – any vacationer will find entertainment to their liking.

Winter Sports Activities

Within the boundaries of Val Gardena, there are 51 slopes catering to a wide range of skiers, including trails suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. Snowboard enthusiasts will appreciate the snow park and fun park, complete with halfpipes. Additionally, the resort region offers several indoor ice rinks.

For Novice Skiers

For athletes just beginning to grasp the fundamentals of alpine skiing, the Seiser Alm area, located near Ortisei, is particularly well-suited. Most of the slopes here are labeled as “red,” but in reality, they are more accessible “blue” routes on the expansive high-mountain slopes of the plateau. The altitude difference on the Seiser Alm slopes is no more than 300 meters (984 feet), and the downhill lengths range from 600 to 2500 meters (1969 to 8202 feet). One of the most popular routes for beginners on Seiser Alm is the Skitour Hexen (Witches’ Ski Tour), also known as “Tour Babayaga,” which is especially enjoyable for children. However, those without any skiing experience who are just starting to acquaint themselves with alpine skiing should first try out the training area in Ortisei.

In Santa Cristina, there is also a dedicated training “ground,” incorporated within Monte Pana. This area features a collection of easy slopes marked in blue. The slopes are served by four T-bar lifts. A small descent, designed for novice training, is also available within the village itself, in its upper part.

In Selva di Val Gardena, beginner skiers primarily favor the Dantercepies area, which is serviced by seven T-bar lifts. Five of them serve the gentler part of the area, while the rest lead to steeper slopes. The conditions for tourists starting to learn alpine skiing in Dantercepies are acceptable but not ideal – this is because a significant number of more advanced skiers, descending from mountain peaks, as well as freeriders, pass through the skiing area.

It’s worth mentioning separately that there are numerous ski schools for skiers of all ages within the resort region – Sci Emotions, Ski & Snowboard School Saslong, and Ski & Snowboard School Ortisei in Ortisei; Top Ski School & Rental EA7, Snowboard & Skischool 2000, and Ski & Snowboardschool Selva Gardena in Selva di Val Gardena; and Ski & Snowboard School S. Cristina in Santa Cristina.

Children’s mini clubs are also operational – in Selva and Santa Cristina, they run from 09:00 to 16:00, and in Ortisei, from 10:30 to 13:30 (and until 16:00 on Thursdays).

For children as young as one year old, there is a children’s ski school in Santa Cristina, offering five full days of instruction for 190 euros.

For Experienced Skiers

Skiers with higher levels of proficiency should consider visiting Ortisei and Selva. The majority of the slopes at these resorts are marked as blue and red, with some black slopes that experienced athletes can tackle. These areas offer numerous scenic forested trails, such as the 10-kilometer La Longia, which descends from the Seceda area to the town of Ortisei. Renowned among skiers are the descents from Ciampinoi (the descent to Selva is the slope where the World Cup alpine ski championship takes place), Dantercepies, and Sella peak.

The descent from Ciampinoi to Plan de Gralba is particularly popular, with slightly fewer people on the descent from Ciampinoi to Santa Cristina. The descents from Dantercepies are usually quite crowded, so experienced skiers opt for the longer trail leading to Langental.

The Alpe di Siusi area is also well-regarded, primarily consisting of red and blue slopes (with a total length of about 60 km, 29 km of red and 30 km of blue, and one black slope). Alpe di Siusi is serviced by 23 lifts, and there aren’t as many skiers here compared to Dantercepies.

Most popular among athletes residing in Ortisei and Santa Cristina is the Seceda sector. It delights skiers with wide slopes that have a fairly steep gradient at the upper sections and small elevation changes towards the end. Several short forested trails are present on the southeastern slope of Col Raiser. Every year in early April, the well-known Gardenissima competition takes place, and participation is completely free (though a ski pass is, of course, required). The race covers a 6-kilometer trail that descends from the Seceda ridge and ends in Santa Cristina.

For Experts

Skiers with substantial skiing experience who consider themselves professionals should take a look at the renowned “black” Saslong A slope, stretching from Ciampinoi to Santa Cristina.

This is a challenging slope where the World Cup alpine ski competition is held annually, specifically the speed downhill race. The slope is approximately 3,500 meters long, with a maximum gradient of 57% and an average of 21%. The slope features the famous “Camel Hump” element, known among professional skiers—if a skier doesn’t reduce speed before it, they could be launched off the slope for 50-70 meters!

Equally intriguing is Saslong B. This slope is also “black,” but slightly longer and includes more sections where skiers can build up speed.

Don’t overlook the two magnificent descents from Ciampinoi to Selva. The first, a “black” descent, follows the same path as Saslong but ends with a “corridor” through the forest. The other, marked in red, traverses a narrow pass between sheer cliffs, descending into the Val Gardena valley with graceful turns.

For Freeriders

Freeriding (off-piste) in Val Gardena isn’t particularly popular. This might be due to the relatively limited number of steep slopes that aren’t groomed, or perhaps local freeriders find ample diversity on the equipped slopes of the valley— who knows? Nevertheless, some spots for freeriding in Val Gardena are quite well-known. Foremost among these is the Seceda area.

Venturing away from the marked trails, you can discover open slopes leading down to the base of the 4-chairlift station.

Unfortunately, it’s best to do this within a couple of days after a snowfall, as the snow surface later becomes covered with an icy crust, making skiing less enjoyable. However, once the crust solidifies, you can take scenic walks on it. A similar situation applies to the Seiser Alm slope. The snow crust lasts a bit longer in the Punta d’Oro sector, but its slopes are too gentle for rapid skiing.

Ski Safaris

Val Gardena and the Sella Ronda offer numerous options for ski safaris (extended ski trips without repeating slopes that have already been taken). The combined length of all interconnected resorts is over 480 kilometers, and the network of lifts allows skiers to save time, avoid repetitive routes, and relish new breathtaking vistas every day.

The most popular route unfolds like this: from Ciampinoi, descend Saslong B to Santa Cristina, then use lifts to return to Ciampinoi, followed by a 4-kilometer descent to Selva. Afterward, descend to Plan de Gralba (exercise caution as a “black” slope, used by skiers at high speeds, crosses here). Here, you should reach the gondola lift and enter the Dantercepies sector, from where you can descend back to Selva on an uncomplicated “red” slope. If you still have energy, you can ascend Ciampinoi again and conquer the descent to Plan de Gralba, then take the funicular to Piz Sella, and continue the descent to Monte Pana via Sassolungo… In short, local trails enable you to choose an uncharted route every day and revel in the beauty of the Alpine scenery.

For Snowboarders

Val Gardena is primarily renowned as a ski resort, yet it also offers excellent conditions for snowboarders.

The Piz Sella Snow Park, situated at an elevation of 2158 meters (7087 feet) at the foot of Sassolungo in the southern end of the valley, is a prime spot.

The park underwent modernization in 2012, introducing several new jumps and a boardercross with a spiraled tunnel. Additionally, Seiser Alm features a small halfpipe. Snowboarders holding the Dolomiti Superski pass can explore another, much larger and well-equipped snow park, known as Passo Sella, in the Col Rodella area.

Mountaineering

Val Gardena is a true paradise for mountaineers. The local alpine routes allow climbers to test their skills and tackle challenging peaks like Piz Gralba (2974 meters / 9760 feet), Piz Miara (2965 meters / 9724 feet), and Piz Beguz (2972 meters / 9761 feet).

Among the most popular routes for seasoned climbers are The Pössnecker-Route, The Brigata Tridentina, and The Oskar-Schuster-Track.

For those not yet ready to ascend the nearly three-kilometer peaks of Val Gardena, numerous climbing parks and rock walls are available:

• Città dei Sassi (“City of Rocks”), also known as Chitta dei Sassi, near Plan de Gralba, offers 29 routes of difficulty level 4, 24 routes of level 5c, 75 routes ranging between 6a and 6c, and 13 routes with a difficulty of 7a. There are also 16 bouldering routes.
• Frea, reachable via SS243 from Plan de Gralba, features 4 routes of level 4, 11 routes between 5a and 5b, 37 routes ranging from 6a to 6c, and 21 routes with a 7a difficulty.
• Bernardi, a small park located between Selva di Val Gardena and Plan de Gralba near SS242, offers 5 routes of difficulty 6B-6C and 7 routes of class 7a-7b.
• Traumpfeiler, situated close to Plan de Gralba below SS243, has 4 routes of 6a, 32 routes ranging from 6a to 6c, 19 routes from 7a to 7c, and 4 trail routes of 8a.
• La Cava, above Ortisei and in proximity to SS242, presents 6 routes of 5c, 18 routes between 6a and 6c, 9 routes from 7a to 7c, and 3 challenging routes of 8a.

Ski Passes

The prices of ski passes primarily depend on when you’re planning your trip during the year and the age of the pass holder. The most optimal choice is the weekly ski pass. For adults, it ranges from $224 to $280 to $252 euros (respectively, off-season, peak season, and low season). For children (up to 16 years old), it’s $157 to $196 to $176, and for seniors (skiers over 65 years old), it’s $202 to $252 to $227. You can find the current prices for 2017 and 2018 ski passes in Val Gardena on the website www.dolomitisuperski.com. The Val Gardena ski pass also comes with a trail map.

Remember that these are prices for ski passes in the Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi area. A weekly ski pass that allows you to access the slopes of the entire Dolomiti Superski region will cost slightly more: for adults, it’s $243 to $304 to $274, for children, it’s $170 to $213 to $192, and for senior skiers, it’s $219 to $274 to $246 euros.

Apres-Ski

Apres-ski in Val Gardena starts after lunch (around three o’clock), when skiers tired from the morning skiing gather in restaurants and bars for a snack. Most people can be found in the eateries near the slopes. Special attention should be given to Pauli and Chalet Restaurant Rasciesa (notably featuring a snow-made bar counter) in Ortisei, as well as Juac, Saslonch, and Gran Paradiso on the mountain slopes of Selva. The resort boasts around 50 different cafes throughout.

In Ortisei, the popular spots include Dolomiti Madonna, Pontives, and Mont Seuc (classic-style restaurants with fine cuisine), La Rosticceria Sotriffer, Tubladel, and Val D’Anna (excellent restaurants with a distinct individual touch, a delight for those who appreciate creative dishes), and the cozy Terrazza and Mar Dolomit (the latter is adjacent to the thermal complex of the same name, including 11 baths and saunas, indoor pools with warm water and hydro massage, costing from $11.3).

Selva is the heart of apres-ski, with most of the valley’s restaurants belonging to this area. Families with children should visit Ingloo, Pra Valentini for a romantic evening, and those who prefer classic eateries will enjoy La Bula, L Mulinè, and Olympia. Visitors who relish the bar atmosphere and lively fun reminiscent of Austrian resorts should drop by Luiskeller and Kronestube.

In Santa Cristina, you’ll find classic restaurants like Ruacia De Sot and L Fudle, as well as budget-friendly cafe-pizzerias like Pizzeria Da Bruno and Da Peppi. Noteworthy is the local steakhouse Residence, Restaurant & Steakhouse La Tambra. Most establishments are situated on the central Via Durzan (a street that’s part of the federal road SS242).

Apart from the various restaurants and cafes, Val Gardena offers a tradition of European ski resorts: branded shopping. There are over 50 clothing stores for this purpose. Showcase your style at Val Gardena’s nightclubs: Umbrella (the largest nightclub that goes until morning) and Disco Dancing Dali.

The valley also hosts a tennis court, fitness centers, wellness centers, bowling, billiards, numerous saunas, baths, and spa salons—in short, everything you need for a complete and enjoyable vacation.

Val Gardena in Summer

During the summer in Val Gardena, there are plenty of activities to keep you engaged. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy high-altitude bike rides along the network of over 30 diverse cycling routes. These routes span more than 1000 kilometers with altitude changes of up to 1750 meters. The resort offers six mountain biking schools, bike rentals, and protective gear. Many of these routes are suitable for both independent exploration and guided tours.

The picturesque expanses of Val Gardena can also be explored on horseback. Renting a horse typically costs around $75 per hour, while pony rides for children are available at approximately $45 per hour. You can rent horses from one of three equestrian schools located in Santa Cristina, Ortisei, and Selva. Instructors at these schools assist newcomers in mastering horse riding basics and maintaining balance in the saddle.

For an adrenaline rush, consider paragliding or taking a helicopter flight over the mountains. The five-star Alpenroyal Grand Hotel even boasts its own helipad! Paragliding in Val Gardena has been a sensation since 1986, with the region being an Italian pioneer of free flight. If you’re not an experienced paraglider and have concerns about your skills, you can opt for a tandem flight with an instructor.

Adventurers can also indulge in geocaching, a self-guided treasure hunt for hidden “caches” scattered throughout the resort area. By registering on the website www.geocaching.com, you can obtain GPS coordinates for the first cache location, where a clue to the next location is hidden.

Attractions in Val Gardena

After enjoying sports and culinary delights in Val Gardena, tourists can immerse themselves in its cultural and historical attractions. Castles, museums, monuments, churches, memorials, and ancient water mills are among the numerous sites to explore.

Castle Castel Gardena

Castle Castel Gardena (Fischburg-Castel Gardena), located in Santa Cristina, was constructed in 1641 under the command of one of the Counts of Wolkenstein.

Its original name, “Fischburg,” translates to “Fish Castle.” This name stems from the fact that the castle’s owner ordered the creation of many small ponds in the vicinity, where the Count of Wolkenstein bred trout. Unfortunately, regular tours of the interior of the castle are not offered, as it is privately owned by Baron Franketti. However, during the summer’s annual ValgardenaMusika music festival, concerts are held inside the castle. Nearby, you’ll find the small Bergkapelle chapel, open for anyone interested in visiting.

Wolkenstein Castle

Wolkenstein Castle, an ancient watchtower, was built in the 13th century between the Val Gardena and Alta Badia valleys.

During the 16th century, the castle was seized by the Venetians and subsequently fell into disuse, leading to gradual deterioration. At present, the best-preserved portions of the castle are its northern walls, situated at an elevation of 1600 meters.

Trostburg Castle

Trostburg Castle, the oldest castle in the Val Gardena region, with its first mention dating back to 1173.

The ownership of the castle complex at the time of its construction is not entirely clear, but from the 14th to the 20th century, it belonged to the ancient Italian von Wolkenstein-Trostburg family. Thanks to the efforts of the Südtiroler Burgeninstitut association, the structure was restored and made accessible to tourists in 1977.

Historical Museum of Val Gardena

The Museum de Gherdëina, located at Via Rezia 83 in Ortisei, narrates the history of the resort region to visitors. Notable exhibits include extensive displays of archaeological finds, various items of local art, locally crafted artifacts, and fossils. An exhibit of wood carving also deserves attention—it has been a hallmark of Val Gardena’s culture since 1600.

Sun Clocks

Enormous sun clocks, situated in a vast Alpine meadow in Alpe Juac, near Selva Val Gardena, were designed by renowned architect Roland Moroder. There is no direct road to the clocks, but a footpath allows tourists to reach this attraction from Selva in approximately half an hour.

St. Ulrich Church

St. Ulrich Church (Chiesa Ortisei – Kirche St. Ulrich) is located in Ortisei at Via Stufan, 1, near the Adler Hotel.

Construction of the church began in 1793 and lasted three years. The church showcases late Baroque style and is adorned with numerous frescoes and paintings, including works by Ludwig, Josef, and Rudolf Moroder (one of the paintings present in the church received a gold medal at the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris).

St. Anthony’s Church

St. Anthony’s Church (Chiesa di Sant’Antonio) is also situated in Ortisei, on a square dedicated to the same saint. The church’s first mention dates back to 1430. However, the original church did not survive to the present day and was rebuilt in 1676. The church, representative of Romanesque style, underwent its final restoration in 1959. The central painting depicts St. Anthony, kneeling before the Virgin Mary and Jesus, and was created by Swiss artist Paul Devaudan.

San Giacomo Church

The exquisite San Giacomo Church (Chiesa Di San Giacomo) is situated between Ortisei and the Gröden Valley, along the mountain trail Troi Paiàn. Access to this trail can be gained by walking along Str. Sacun from Ortisei.

Reaching the church is possible only on foot, taking about an hour’s walk from the city center. While the exact construction date of the church remains unknown, it’s believed that the cornerstone was laid in the year 1181. Initially built in the Romanesque style, the church underwent multiple restorations, incorporating elements of Baroque and Gothic frescoes into its ensemble.

Weather in Val Gardena

The warmest months in Val Gardena are considered to be July and August, with daytime temperatures reaching up to 70°F (21°C) and dropping to 43°F (6°C) at night. The coldest month is January, yet even then, temperatures only dip to 27°F (-3°C) during the day and as low as 14°F (-10°C) at night. The sunniest months are July and August (averaging around 24-25 sunny days per month), while the cloudiest months are January and February (around 10-13 days of cloud cover).

Hotels in Val Gardena

The accommodations in the Val Gardena region are sure to delight every traveler – offering a range of options to suit various tastes and budgets.

In Selva di Val Gardena, you can find hotels that cater to those who enjoy lively evening entertainment – the town is quite bustling, and many hotels are situated near clubs, bars, and discos.

For a more tranquil experience, it’s best to book a room in hotels located in Ortisei or Santa Cristina Val Gardena. Most hotels here communicate in English, Italian, and German.

3-Star Hotels

Val Gardena boasts over a hundred three-star hotels, offering a wide range of services at fairly reasonable (by Dolomiti Superski region standards) prices. Many of these lodging options are conveniently situated close to popular ski slopes. We’ve selected the best-rated options based on tourist reviews.

Hotel Cristallo

Cristallo Hotel is situated in Santa Cristina, less than half a kilometer from the main ski lifts. Guests can enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast, take a dip in the indoor pool, or relax in the sauna. The hotel’s first floor houses a Tyrolean cuisine restaurant.

Sporthotel Platz

The 3-star Sporthotel Platz is situated in the wooded area of Bulla, not far from Ortisei. Guests can enjoy a small wellness center with massage, sauna, and pools. A special complimentary bus (for hotel guests) departs every 30 minutes to the resort’s ski lifts. The sport hotel is also equipped with a children’s playground and its own tennis court. During high season, the minimum reservation period is one week. Breakfast is served on a special terrace with mountain views. The hotel also features a Tyrolean tavern for relaxation after an active day.

4 Stars

Val Gardena offers 55 4-star hotels. Their prices are slightly higher than those of 3-star hotels, but this is justified by the higher quality service, convenient hotel locations, and comfortable rooms.

Hotel Interski

The 4-star Hotel Interski in Santa Cristina Val Gardena is located near the A10 highway. The SPA center, free for guests, includes a pool, sauna, hydro-massage, indoor pools, and various health treatments. The hotel’s restaurant specializes mainly in South Tyrolean cuisine.

Hotel Antares

The 4-star Hotel Antares is considered one of the best in Selva. The hotel provides guests with rooms featuring minibars, coffee machines, and satellite TV. There’s also a SPA center, fitness room, pools, and various wellness procedures. The Antares is only a hundred meters away from the Dolomiti Superski slopes.

Vitalpina Hotel Dosses

The Vitalpina Dosses Hotel is located in Santa Cristina at Strada Dursan 115, close to the SS242 highway passing through the town. It’s situated in a 14th-century building, and guests can explore the resort’s history in the library. Like many other hotels of its class, Vitalpina Dosses offers a private wellness center, hydro-massage baths, saunas, and pools. Guests are treated to a hearty continental buffet breakfast in the morning.

5 Stars

Val Gardena boasts 6 5-star hotels, offering guests top-quality service, comfortable rooms, and a wealth of additional amenities. Most of these hotels have their own ski buses, transporting guests to the most popular slopes.

Alpenroyal Grand Hotel Gourmet & Spa

The Alpenroyal Hotel is one of the most luxurious 5-star options in Ortisei. Guests can expect excellent service and numerous included amenities such as a SPA center, fitness room, indoor pools, and a delightful Italian buffet-style breakfast. Naturally, the hotel provides a dedicated ski bus.

Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof

The Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel is known among visitors as the most lavish accommodation option in Val Gardena. Guests can relish exquisite Italian cuisine in the restaurant (which has won numerous prestigious awards), and a traditional continental breakfast is served on a special terrace in the morning. The rooms are equipped with minibars, satellite TV, and small safes for valuables. Guests can also enjoy free access to the SPA center, saunas, pools, and wellness treatments.

Apartments and B&Bs

In addition to the traditional hotels, Val Gardena offers over 140 accommodation options in apartments or Bed & Breakfast establishments. These provide a comfortable stay at a significantly lower cost. Many of the apartments are situated in the central part of the communities, within walking distance of major grocery stores and ski bus stops.

Villa Seceda

Villa Seceda is a choice for those seeking a restful stay while saving money on hotel rooms. These apartments come equipped with all the necessities for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen, bathroom, and television. Hearty breakfasts of meat and cheese, paired with eggs and jam-filled pastries, are served each morning. During the ski season, a bus to the skiing area stops nearby.

Panorama Residence Apartments Gran Tublá

The Gran Tublá Residence in Val Gardena is a convenient option for travelers who wish to avoid the high costs of hotel rooms while still enjoying a comfortable stay. Here, guests can find cozy rooms with a kitchen (featuring a stove and refrigerator), a shower, and a television.

Getting to Val Gardena

Distances to Val Gardena from some major European cities (when traveling by car via the shortest route):

• From Milan – 320 km (199 miles);
• From Verona – 195 km (121 miles);
• From Bolzano – 40 km (25 miles);
• From Munich – 276 km (171 miles).

Getting to the valley is possible through various means – by train, plane, booking a transfer, or renting a car. Buses also operate from many major cities to Val Gardena.

By Train

The nearest railway stations to Val Gardena are along the Verona-Munich line that passes through Innsbruck:

• From Ponte Gardena – about 8 miles
• From Bressanone – about 19 miles
• From Bolzano – 25 miles

An open Schengen visa allows you to visit Val Gardena, for example, on your way from Rome to Munich. In this case, you can take a train from Rome to Verona, which departs from Termini station, and then travel from Verona to Val Gardena by train to Bolzano. From there, you can easily reach the resort using buses, taxis, or a rented car.

• See instructions: How to Buy a Train Ticket in Italy Without Intermediaries

By Bus

During the high season, there are direct transfers from the airports of nearby cities – Verona, Innsbruck, and Bergamo (ticket cost: 25 euros). Regular routes are also available from Bolzano (departing hourly), Ponte Gardena, and Bressanone (Line 350 through Chiusa). From nearby towns, you can reach the valley for just 2.5 euros, or a taxi will cost you around 17-19 euros. Bus Line 471 allows you to reach Val Gardena from the Dolomiti Superski passes.

By Plane

Val Gardena itself doesn’t have an airport, but there are airports in nearby cities. During the season, it’s easy to reach the resort from these airports using bus transfers.

• Bolzano Airport (Airport Bolzano Dolomiti) – 25 miles
• Innsbruck Airport (Kranebitten) – 68 miles
• Verona Airport (Valerio Catullo) – 127 miles

Direct flights to Innsbruck are popular among travelers visiting Val Gardena.

By Car

Reaching the resort by car is easiest via the A22 highway. From the north, you can drive from Bologna, Verona, and Bolzano; from the south, from Innsbruck. The route from Germany (Munich, Nuremberg) follows federal road number 8, then E45 to Innsbruck. From neighboring ski resorts, roads SS242 and SS243 can take you to Val Gardena from Val di Fassa and Alta Badia.

Finding a cost-effective car rental option is possible on our auto.italy4.me service.

Our Opinion about Val Gardena

Val Gardena in winter is a favorite destination for skiers and climbers from around the world. The resort region offers a wide range of opportunities for leisure and entertainment, regardless of preferences. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the wonderful slopes of Val Gardena and Dolomiti Superski. Climbers can tackle challenging mountain routes and climbing parks, while horse riding enthusiasts can take walks along scenic mountain trails in autumn and summer. Tours to Val Gardena will undoubtedly bring you a wealth of experiences and become an unforgettable event in your life!