Ski Italy

Val Gardena is a 25 km long valley made by the river Rio Gardena, which has it’s beginning at Passo Sella, flows near small towns Selva Gardena ( Wolkenstein )1563 m , S. Cristina ( St. Christina ) 1428 m and Ortisei ( St. Ulrich ) 1236 m and finally goes into the river Isarco at Ponte Gardena. The majority of population speak Ladino (Ladin) officially recognized in Italy language spoken in provinces of Bolzano and Belluno. The whole region Alto Adige has both Italian and Austrian Ausburg history, hence three official names of the valley:
Italian: Val Gardena ,German: Gröden and Ladin: Gherdëina.
The valley is surrounded by the groups of the mountains, Alpe di Siusi, the symbol of the valley: spectacular Sassolungo, Sella Group, and the emblem of South Tyrol : Sciliar Massif.
Popular both during the summer and winter the area of Val Gardena won many of pools commenced by the Italian magazines like ‘OGGI’ or ‘GENTE’, for the most attractive mountain resort.

With neighbouring Alpe di Susi the Gardena Valley forms one ski area of total 175 km of runs. The underground funicular railway ‘Ronda Express’
which goes under S.Cristina, connects the ski area Col Raiser/Secëda with the beginning of Sella Ronda at Sochers/Ciampinoi, that gives the direct access to the rest of ‘Dolomiti Superski’ slopes.

175 km of runs
ca. 159 km have also artificial snow support ( cannons ).
the highest run point : 2518 m
the lowest run point: 1200 m

The total number of cross country slopes is also enormous: 115 km
the runs for cross-country skiing are:
Selva: Vallunga 12 km
S. Cristina: Monte Pana 37 km
Ortisei: Passo Pinei 4 km
Alpe di Siusi: Alpe di Siusi 60 km

The valley is also a paradise for snowboarders, for them prepared are:

* Boarder Cross at Passo Sella
* Boarder Cross in the area Comici/Piz Sella
* Natural Half Pipe at the ski lift Sotsaslong;
* Half Pipe on Alpe di Siusi ( Laurin)
* Fun Park for children on Alpe di Siusi (Euro)

The other traditional activities are horse open-sledge drives and tobogganning , also there is a special run prepared for night tobogganning.

Tags: dolomites, resorts, val gardena