White

Winterwith great slopes

Blossoming

Springfull of herbal diversity

Vibrant

Summerwith plenty of sunshine

Mild

Autumnfull of colour

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Holidays in the Dolomites in all seasons – Sport & leisure in Val Gardena

Skiing in the Dolomiti Superski area, spring awakening on the Alpe di Siusi, mountain biking in the only "Approved Bike Area", hiking in the high mountains, and much more

Snowy
Winter

Ski area Dolomiti Superski

From the beginning of December to mid-April, the Dolomites coat themselves in magical white snow. The village of Santa Cristina is nestled in the middle of this snowy winter paradise and offers active holidaymakers plenty of opportunities to exercise.
The Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area is part of Dolomiti Superski, which is arguably the largest ski area in the world with its 12 ski areas and a total of 1,200 km of slopes. With just one ski pass, visitors can take the Sellaronda, the famous ski circuit around the Sella massif (26 km) or the ski route to Marmolada, the queen of the Dolomites (35 km). In addition, 2 well-groomed snow parks and 3 funslopes are available for snowboarders and freestylers.
Aside from the ski slopes, there are 50 km of cross-country ski trails in Val Gardena and 80 km of cross-country ski trails on the Alpe di Siusi, numerous snowshoe hiking opportunities in the Puez-Odle and Sciliar-Catinaccio Nature Parks and 20 km of tobogganing fun for winter sports enthusiasts. 15 lifts, which are also accessible for pedestrians in winter, allow hikers to take well-marked winter walks. For off-piste skiing and ice climbing, we recommend the local certified mountain guides.

Calculate ski pass price → Buy your ski pass online → Val Gardena Ski Map → Ski slopes map →

Winter highlights:

  • In December Val Gardena is transformed into a snowy Christmas valley. The scent of cinnamon and mulled wine is in the air and a festive glow illuminates the streets. Val Gardena is the home of the mangers and Christmas angels and in Santa Cristina you can admire the largest carved wooden manger in the world. Experience the romantic magical atmosphere at the 3 Christmas markets where you can also purchase typical regional products.
  • In mid-December, the FIS Ski World Cup (Super G and men's downhill) takes place every year on the famous Saslong slope in Val Gardena.
  • The Spring Race Party takes place at the end of March. The entertaining ski race for visitors and locals starts from the Seceda mountain station and ends in the village centre of Ortisei.
  • At the beginning of April, the South Tyrol Gardenissima, the longest giant slalom in the world (6 km), and the South Tyrol Gardenissima Kids (length: 2.5 km) take place.
Surprising
Spring

Holiday for nature lovers

From the beginning of May until the end of June, our mountain meadows become a flourishing magical land, a flowering carpet of thousands of crocuses, pasque flowers, primroses, gentians and Alpine roses - a feast for the eyes for all nature lovers. In particular, the Alpe di Siusi, the largest Alpine pasture in Europe, turns into a true sea of flowers at this time of year. From mid-May until All Saints' Day the Alpe di Siusi can easily be reached by cable car from Ortisei.
Ideal temperatures allow cyclists and mountain bikers to enjoy this season. Val Gardena is the only "Approved Bike Area" in South Tyrol and has been awarded 5 ***** thanks to its perfect conditions for mountain bikers. In addition, photography enthusiasts will find countless photo opportunities for lasting memories of their holiday in the Dolomites.


Spring highlights:

  • In mid-June, two important cycling events take place every year in Val Gardena: the HERO Dolomites, probably the hardest mountain bike marathon in the world and the Sellaronda Bike Day, where the Dolomite passes around the Sella massif are only accessible for cyclists.
  • From the beginning of June, the Val Gardena-Active programme begins: this provides, among other things, the opportunity to explore our dream landscape on foot or by bike with a verified hiking or mountain bike guide.
  • On Corpus Christi and on Sacred Heart Sunday you will have the opportunity to admire our colourful traditional costumes during the church processions.
Wonderful
Summer

Time to hike and climb

In July and August all our mountain peaks are snow-free and it is the ideal season for hiking and climbing in the high mountains of the Dolomites. Countless guided hikes, climbing tours, cycling tours, hikes with explanation of local herbs and sunrise tours are offered daily. 5 outdoor practice climbing areas, the most famous one is the “Città dei Sassi” (Stone City) with sport climbing routes from difficulty 4 to 8c, secured via ferrata routes of different difficulty levels, the Ortisei high ropes course with a 680 m flyline and 180 m zip-line as well as 2 climbing halls and 1 bouldering hall, await climbing enthusiasts in Val Gardena.
Wonderful walking and hiking trails for the whole family, cabin-to-cabin hikes, running trails and Nordic walking routes, as well as mountain bike trails at altitudes between 700-2450 m, bike parks and ‘flowtrails’, inspire athletes of all ages.
21 lifts (6 of which are on the Alpe di Siusi) ensure a comfortable ascent for hikers and bikers during the summer.
Other sports and leisure facilities on offer include: a bowling alley, an ice stadium (also open in summer), a mini football field, an indoor horse riding arena, hydrotherapy facilities, mini golf, tennis courts, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool as well as a public sauna, a slackline park, a trampolining centre, paragliding opportunities, a fishing pond, a fitness centre and organised bus trips, such as the classic tour of the Dolomites.
Not only do the numerous sports facilities in the valley rule out any chance of boredom, there are also many local events on offer. Our traditional costumes, which are among the richest and most beautiful in the Alpine region, can be seen during the many parades.

Hiking map →

Summer highlights:

  • Farmers’ and handicraft market in Santa Cristina every Tuesday evening.
  • The big wine festival of Santa Cristina at the beginning of July.
  • The church feast in Santa Cristina in mid-July.
  • The popular Val Gardena folklore festival at the beginning of August.
  • The big "Unika" art fair in Val Gardena at the end of August.
Golden
Autumn

Holidays for pleasure seekers

From September to All Saints' Day, the season for gourmet lovers as well as art and culture enthusiasts is well underway. The Dolomites offer a rare play of colours known as "Burning Dolomites" during this golden season, because our mountains now glow red in the evening light. Weekly guided sunset walks are offered, where you can experience this unique natural spectacle. The pleasant climate and the reliable autumn weather as well as the incredible panoramic views are ideal for hikers and cyclists.
Art lovers can check out the ART 52 exhibition in Val Gardena. Furthermore, the Museum of Ortisei gives an overview of the wood-carving traditions and geology of Val Gardena. Many valuable hand-carved works can also be admired in our churches.
Gourmet enthusiasts especially love our versatile and varied cuisine, characterised by Ladin and South Tyrolean specialities paired with the finest Mediterranean dishes.


Autumn highlights:

  • Large cattle drive in Vallunga at the beginning of September.
  • A parish fair in San Giacomo and the day after, a large market in Ortisei, at the beginning of October.
  • Festival of the famous local band “Kastelruther Spatzen” (19.5 km from us) in mid-October.
  • The big Grape Festival in Merano (70 km away from us) in mid-October.
  • Early October - mid-November is the season of the new wine tasting, called "Törggelen". Only 15 km away from us in Laion, several typical old farms open their beautiful Tyrolean taverns during this time of the year to offer their guests the opportunity to taste their own products, such as the new wine, “Schlutzkrapfen” (Tyrolean ravioli) and various kinds of dumplings, smoked meat with sauerkraut, chestnuts and homemade doughnuts.
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