Expert Advice
Val Gardena
Prior to World War I, these towns were actually part of Austria, hence the Tyrolean identity here. Both Italian and German are spoken here, as well as Ladino, a Latin dialect specific to Val Gardena. Selva and St Cristina have now nearly grown into one larger town in the
valley bottom while Ortisei remains the beating heart of the valley. All are linked into the Sella Ronda and boast several fast lifts from
the valley floor, meaning wherever you are staying in the resort, you
are never far from a lift to take you into the mountains. Val Gardena boasts some beautiful pistes against the backdrop of the
Sella Massif, ranging from wide open runs above the tree-line to pretty
little enclosed cruises back towards resort.
Selva
Selva is one of the three villages lying in the valley known as ‘Val Gardena’. It is the highest at an altitude of 1563m & actually lies on the famous ‘Sella Ronda’ circuit. You will see many skiers crossing the road in both directions as they complete the amazing 26km day long tour. It is also a good base from which to do a day trip to Cortina.
When you read about the Dolomites, you soon come across references to a number of famous valleys - Val Gardena is the most famous as a winter sports destination, regularly hosting world cup downhill races & for its tradition of wood carving, it includes the villages of St Cristina & Ortisei.
Selva itself is a fairly small town that thrives during the winter months from the skiers both staying there & passing through each day. It is popular with the British who enjoy the local après-ski in the cosy bars dotted around the resort. The bus service is regular & efficient - running up & down the valley floor throughout the day, connecting to St Cristina & Ortisei.
Ortisei
Ortisei is the capital of the Val Gardena valley & lies at an altitude of roughly 1200m, right at the foot of the Siusi Alps, below the woods of Rasciesa. There is a lively historic centre in what is essentially a modern town with a bustling centre. It is known principally as an ideal destination for winter tourism with ski slopes which are easily reached thanks to a number of nearby lifts - stay at the Hotel Genziana & you simply walk 100m around the corner to the escalator that takes you straight to the base of the slopes & the Val d’Anna gondola.
Ortisei is a good place to stay for both skiers & non-skiers due to the number of things to see & do in the town itself. It has many shops - both for everyday shopping but also craft shops linked to an age old tradition of wood sculpture, designer & fashion labels, excellent restaurants, bars, historic buildings & churches.
The bus service is regular & efficient - running up & down the valley floor throughout the day, connecting to Selva & St Cristina.
St Cristina
Lying in between Selva & Ortisei is the smaller, more village like hamlet of St Cristina. It touches Selva at its northern end & lies at 1428m.
It’s a good base for keen skiers as there are a number of runs coming back to the village and the ‘Val Gardena Ronda Express’ is just down the hill.
There is a smaller choice of après-ski venues compared to its neighbours - but plenty to keep most people happily occupied. That said, the Hotel Wolkenstein is at the heart of this village, with it’s lively bars and friendly welcome for all you’re not likely to want anything else.
Please note:Ski helmets are compulsory for children and are included when children pre book ski hire.