Worldwide Ski Resorts • Italy • Val Gardena
Overview
Val Gardena is part of Italy’s impressive Sella Ronda ski region around the Gruppa Sella in the Dolomite Mountains. The main village in the area is Selva, which is a ribbon development at the start of the valley and which is nearly linked to its neighbouring village of Santa Christina. It has a traditional Tyrolean feel about it and boasts some very attractive regional architecture. It is situated in a beautiful spot below the mountain, although it lies at the side of the busy road and traffic can be a nuisance. It is very much a family resort with a good choice of accommodation ranging from catered chalets, hotels of every degree of comfort and plenty of self catering apartments. The village has plenty of excellent, reasonably priced restaurants that specialise in both regional Italian and Austrian food.
Profile
The resort stands at 1565m and is conveniently placed for the entire Sella Ronda circuit that provides 395 km of pistes and which is served by 186 lifts. The snow record is relatively good and there is extensive snow making facilities that ensure skiing is possible except in the very worst of seasons. Experts may find the slopes ordinary, although there are some brilliant blacks. There are also some good marked unpisted runs to play on.
Off piste skiing is limited due to the frequency of the sheer drops, but those who wish to hire a guide will find some very interesting countryside. Intermediates have the whole circuit to enjoy. There is a wealth of intermediate slopes to suit all skill levels, ranging from easy reds to comfortable blues that provide great confidence boosting runs. Cross country skiers have 98 km of trails at their disposal that will take them through some of the most wonderfully scenic countryside in the region, especially at the Vallunga-Langental valley. Novices have first class nursery slopes, but have to be prepared to travel to the progression slopes that are some distance from the village. Ski schools are generally of a good standard and child care facilities are adequate, but English is not the most common language.
Mountain Information
The Sella Ronda is ideal for intermediate skiers of all standards. The entire circuit, in either direction, is manageable in a day with plenty of easy slopes that are clearly marked. Experts will find that the best slopes for them are located at Arabba and that blacks and tricky reds reds at Porta Vescovo leading back towards Arabba are well worth a try.
Basic intermediate skiers should visit the area around Dantercepies while the more advanced and confident skiers will relish the long run down to Selva from the Dantercepies and the red run that goes down from Passo Padon. Intermediates of average ability should not miss the moderately difficult red Cucasettel and the cruising runs in the Alta Badia area. The number and quality of the mountain restaurants are famous in this area. As well as being plentiful, they compete with one another for atmosphere and excellence. You could spend a very enjoyable holiday exploring the lunch venues.
Apres Ski
Considering the somewhat dispersed nature of the resort, the après ski scene at Selva and its neighbouring villages is first class. La Stua is one of the most popular spots when coming off the slopes, closely rivalled by the Piz Seteur on the Plan de Gralba with its impromptu table dancing girls. Down in the village, the British favour the Stella disco, while the Laurinkellerand the Luislkeller are well worth a visit.
Italian Resort Guide
Resort Information • Val Gardena
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Resort Height | 1382m |
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Top Station | 2823m |
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Bottom Station | 1382m |
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Vertical Descent | 1330m |
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Drag Lifts | 11 |
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Chair Lifts | 11 |
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High Capacity | 0 |
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Opening Dates | Dec - April |
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Rating Expert | 4 |
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Rating Intermediate | 8 |
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Rating Beginner | 5 |
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Apres Ski Rating | 8 |
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Snow Reliability | 7 |
