Val Gardena

Europe Ski and Snowboard Destinations, Italy Ski Resorts

About Val Gardena

If your ideal ski vacation includes vast terrain to explore, family-friendly amenities both on and off the slopes, and a vibrant, culturally rich village, Val Gardena is the perfect destination. Val Gardena is among Europe’s best places to enjoy a traditional après-ski thanks to its wide open, sunny vistas and many alpine restaurants. This UNESCO World Natural Heritage site is renowned for its stunning landscapes, featuring majestic massifs like the Sassolungo and Sella, as well as the serene Alpine meadows of Puez-Odle Nature Park.

Val Gardena is a ski resort with several distinct areas: Selva/Wolkenstein, Santa Cristina and Ortisei/St. Ulrich. The resort is connected with the Dolomiti Superski area and the nearby Alpe di Siusi, making it a great location for skiers and snowboarders looking to mix it up every day and explore new terrain and different areas. All Val Gardena’s ski areas are a bit lower, between 3,900 feet and 5,500 feet in altitude, but the surrounding ski areas and off-piste areas average about 8,000 feet, ensuring that good snow conditions are nearly certain on a Val Gardena ski vacation.

This valley is world-famous for hosting high-profile events like the Alpine Ski World Cup. With over 100 miles of interconnected trails and more than 80 ski lifts, skiers and snowboarders of all levels can enjoy terrain perfectly matched to their abilities, from gentle slopes to the most challenging runs. Cross-country skiers will be pleased with the region’s 71 miles of trails. The town of Val Gardena is about 13 miles long and runs from west to east from the narrow entrance to the valley at Ponte Gardena up to Passo Gardena and Passo Sella, at the northeast of the "Südtirol" Dolomites. Val Gardena is easily accessible, since it’s well connected via train with the rest of Italy and the larger Northern Europe region.

5 best things about Val Gardena according to our Mountain Travel Experts

UNESCO World Heritage Site: The DolomitesDolomiti SuperskiSella RondaFIS Ski World CupRich, Ladin culture

MOUNTAIN STATS

Number of runs: 181

Beginner runs: 30%
Advanced runs: 10%
Intermediate runs: 60%
Expert runs: 0%

Skiable acres: 4,700

Base elevation: 4,692 ft
Summit elevation: 8,530 ft
Vertical drop: 4,100 ft

Average snowfall: 150"
Terrain park: NO

Where to stay in Val Gardena

Experts' Pick

Diamant Spa Resort

Experts' Pick

Mountain Design Hotel Eden Selva

Experts' Pick

Mountain Spa Resort Albion

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Val Gardena Trail Maps

How to get to Val Gardena

Reaching Val Gardena in the Dolomites is straightforward and convenient if you’re arriving via Bolzano Airport (BZO), the nearest airport about 25 miles away. Other options include Innsbruck Airport and Verona Airport, 75 miles and 115 miles away respectively. From Bolzano Airport, you can take a bus, taxi or rent a car for a direct transfer to the valley.

Getting around

Thanks to the extensive public transport network and modern lifts, getting around Val Gardena is simple and sustainable. With the free Val Gardena Mobil Card, available to guests at participating accommodations, you can enjoy unlimited access to local buses and ski bus services, allowing you to explore the area without needing a car. The region's efficient ski lifts and cable cars make hopping from one slope to another effortless, ensuring a stress-free and eco-friendly winter holiday.

Skiing in Val Gardena

As host of the annual Saslong Classic—a men’s World Cup downhill race—since 1969, experts are guaranteed some steep runs on a Val Gardena ski vacation. The Saslong course is among the five “classic” men’s downhill races, which include Kitzbuhel’s Hahnenkamm, Garmisch-Partenkirchen Kandahar and Wengen’s Lauberhorn. Beginner skiers should note: just because Val Gardena hosts a world-class race, doesn’t mean that you should shy away. Thirty percent of Val Gardena’s terrain is designated as beginner. Like the rest of Dolomiti Superski, Val Gardena is an intermediate skier and snowboarder’s paradise—with 60 percent of the terrain labeled blue or red.

Beginner Skiing in Val Gardena, Italy

Ready to conquer your first slopes? Val Gardena is a beginner’s paradise with stunning views of the Dolomites and a variety of easy terrain to kickstart your skiing journey. In St. Ulrich and Wolkenstein, you’ll find plenty of short practice lifts and gentle slopes that are perfect for those first wobbly turns. For an even bigger playground, hop on the gondola from St. Ulrich to Seiser Alm, Europe’s largest alpine pasture, offering wide, forgiving pistes where you can refine your technique. Monte Pana in St. Christina is another top spot for beginners—quiet, less crowded, and ideal for mastering those initial moves.

Once you’re feeling more confident, try out Col Raiser, where some red-marked runs offer a bit of a challenge but are totally manageable if you’ve got some practice under your belt. And if you need a little extra guidance, the local ski schools are ready to help you glide with confidence. With such a fantastic range of beginner-friendly options, Val Gardena scores a perfect 10 for newbies!

Expert Skiing in Val Gardena, Italy

Val Gardena isn’t just about jaw-dropping views of the Sella Group and Langkofel; it’s a playground for advanced skiers looking for a real challenge. With over 62 miles of red-marked runs and nearly 12 miles of black, the terrain here promises excitement at every turn. Some red runs here might be blue elsewhere, so expect some serious thrills. Don’t miss the legendary Saslong, a staple of the Ski World Cup, or the epic 6.2-mile descent from Seceda. And with the Dolomiti Superski Pass, you’re not just limited to Val Gardena—explore 745.65 miles of piste across multiple nearby resorts, including Arabba/Marmolada and Alta Badia. For advanced skiers, Val Gardena earns gold!

Ski Schools & Tours

Val Gardena is a premier destination for skiers of all abilities, with top-tier ski schools in the picturesque villages of Selva, S. Cristina, and Ortisei. Whether you're just starting out or looking to polish your skills, each village offers a renowned ski school with seasoned instructors ready to elevate your experience. From group lessons to private sessions, these schools cover everything from skiing and snowboarding to telemark and cross-country. Plus, with easy access to ski rentals and guided tours, you'll be perfectly set to explore the breathtaking Dolomiti Superski region with insider expertise.

Family vacations in Val Gardena

Val Gardena is the ultimate family-friendly winter destination in the stunning Dolomites, perfect for creating lasting memories with your loved ones. This Italian valley offers a variety of activities tailored for families, ensuring that both kids and adults have a blast. The region’s family-friendly ski slopes on the Alpe di Siusi provide gentle, spacious runs ideal for young skiers and beginners. For added fun, kids can explore exciting snow parks like those on Monte Pana and Furdenan, where they’ll find obstacle courses, tunnels, and even snow tubing. Accommodations in Val Gardena cater specifically to families, featuring child-friendly hotels with playrooms, ski courses, and professional childcare, allowing parents to relax or hit the more challenging slopes. Many hotels are conveniently located near ski lifts and offer easy access to winter sports facilities.

Useful links

Top Christmas Markets Near Ski Resorts in the Alps

Two weeks in Dolomiti Superski: Here's What I Learned

The Ultimate Guide to a Dolomites Ski Safari

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