Val Gardena boasts a centuries-old history in tourism and can connect its strong and fascinating culture with cutting-edge technology and infrastructures, creating an ideal holiday destination for all winter sport lovers. The big novelty for the next winter season will be a state-of-the-art heated 8-seat cable car, the Gran Paradiso, the first of its kind in Italy, which will cover a longer route to also connect to the anticlockwise track of the Sellaronda, linking it to the renowned ’City of Rocks’. The new cable car, besides its functional aspect and comfort, was also developed to deliver a pleasant experience for its users. It’s fitted with beautiful blue-tinted glass which will contribute in giving an even more spectacular view compared to the usual smoky grey used for cable car pods. It will carry up to 2,200 people per hour, cover 1 km and an elevation difference of 231 metres in 3.21 minutes and will be open for business from 4th December.
‘Ladies First’
Val Gardena Active ‘Ladies Special’ is a winter programme dedicated to women who want to spend a holiday in this charming Dolomite valley delving into cultural, cooking, and sportive activities.
‘Ladies Special’ includes various activities with one single common element: relaxation. Every day will see a range of on foot excursions, morning fitness, and cooking classes which will help you relax like you never can back at home.
This programme bursting with events will allow you to discover how much Val Gardena can offer from a natural and cultural perspective.
At the end of an intense day, the centre of the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva Val Gardena are a great destination for an aperitif with friends or some shopping. Every activity of the ‘Ladies Special’ programme varies in price, with discounts for Val Gardena Active partners.
Further information here.
Christmas Valley
Christmas in Val Gardena is somewhat of a tradition, yet more than in any other corner of the world. The three main villages prepare to spend this magical period following their traditions. Selva di Val Gardena is ready to stage ‘Mountain Christmas’. The mountain village is located in the heart of the Dolomites, at the foot of the Sella Massif, it’s the highest village in Val Gardena, resting on the legendary ski-tour ‘Sellaronda’ where skiing means having a blast on over 500 km of slopes.
Even this year, the skiing slopes will be transferred to the traffic-free part of the village between 2 December and 8 January, the track lit up thanks to an uninterrupted strip of light of approximately 350 metres, and 12 small wooden cable car pods where you can sample gingerbread, mulled wine, homemade cakes, artisanal chocolate, and purchase unique gifts for next Christmas.
A swirling array of Christmas decorations and twinkling lights, together with the sweet tunes of Christmas Carols will uplift the spirits of everyone and light that spark of happiness and surprise in the eyes of children. Moreover, the traditional art of sculpting in Val Gardena will be showcased in the beautiful nativity scene exhibition. www.mountain-christmas.com
Ortisei will become a Christmas Village, shrouded in fairy lights. The market will be carefully prepared, steeped in a unique atmosphere where Christmas Carols will ring in the air, and tourists can taste homemade bakes, touch wooden hand carved objects, admire the lights and surroundings, and catch a tempting waft of food and wood which will warm up the atmosphere. A run-up to Christmas bursting with emotions and experiences. The stands sport countless products, all original and authentic, from sculptures, wooden tools, Advent wreaths, lanterns and frames, candles to felt products.
Choirs will perform every day and the mountain horns will fill the valleys, and you can take part in courses to learn how to create traditional wooden Ladin tools or recipes.
Children will also be able to send their letters in a dedicated post box on Piazza Stetteneck, knowing they will reach Father Christmas’ house safe and sound. www.nadelurtijei.it
The Santa Cristina Christmas Market traditionally offers typical products, crafts, and local cooking. Located in a beautiful scenic location at the foot of the Sassolungo and Castel Gardena, it has always delivered a unique atmosphere and plenty of good ideas for Christmas presents.
The varied offer of Tyrolean sweets and specialties will delight the palate of visitors, who can also attend live performances of local wood-carving masters and listen to mountain music and melodies. Every weekend and on festivities, between 10 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. gingerbread biscuits and delicious ‘Spitzbuben’, shortcrust pastry biscuits filled with apricot marmalade, will be taken hot out of the oven. www.mercatino-natale.it
Val Gardena yet again cements its reputation as the ‘Christmas Valley’, offering plenty of events dedicated to the most important celebration of the year.
INFO: Val Gardena
With immediate effect, the area around South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria presents itself under a new name – holiday region Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites. The rising alpine destination, which comprises the quaint villages of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags, chose that name in order to further stress the importance of the world-famous Three Peaks as the area’s landmark. Yet, the primary focus of the tourism experience remains the holiday experience for all senses. Target groups are individual travellers and families, those looking for indulgence or relaxation, and active travellers. The valley welcomes them with a truly unique mix of cultural features and laid-back lifestyle, whether it is during a break at one of the many mountain cabins, or in the cosy atmosphere of a local guest house or restaurant. Guests may choose from a wide range of exciting activities: hiking, mountain climbing and biking in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, water-based treatments in the “Kneipp für mich®” Active Park, and relaxed days on the shores of a lake.
In addition to the Alta Pusteria, the Sesto Dolomites cable cars, too, form part of the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites, making it a perfect winter destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. In the Helm-Croda Rossa skiing region 32 cable cars provide access to snow-filled fun on 93 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes. Five interconnected skiing mountains between South Tyrol and the Veneto plus convenient train connections with the Ski Pustertal Express offer further options, adding up to a total of 200 kilometres of slopes. A wide network of cross-country trails, snowshoeing, winter hiking and many other experiences complement the array of winter sports activities in the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites, while families will enjoy features like gigantic snowmen, Italy’s only free-range herd of reindeers, ice-skating, or tobogganing.
Another romantic affair is a sleigh ride through the snow-covered landscape. Fast at times, then slow, to the rhythmic trudging sound of hooves the horse-drawn sleigh takes passengers to the Lago di Dobbiaco or the Val Fiscalina.
Pic Credits: Ch.Tschurtschenthaler
INFO: Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites
Val Gardena has what some may call an international siren call, as proven by the numerous tourists from all corners of the world and its membership of the ‘Leading Mountain Resorts of the World’, an association which pools all main mountain tourist destinations which offer high-quality holidays.
Besides Val Gardena, Saas Fee (Switzerland), Åre (Sweden), Banff/Lake Louise (Canada), Bariloche (South America) and Queenstown (New Zealand) are also part of this elite group.
In the last years, Val Gardena has received numerous recognitions, including five stars as ‘best skiing area’ by German website skiresort.de, one of the most important in the world for assessing skiing areas. Moreover, famous travel portal Trip Advisor awarded Selva Val Gardena the 6th place out of the top 10 most voted in the annual ‘Travellers Choice Award’ where tourists vote the best holiday destinations, placing just after the city of art par excellence and some beach locations.
Start and end of season offers.
All Dolomiti Superski ski passes (daily and multiday 2-28 days) are free for children up to 8 when purchased with the same type and duration adult ski pass. Even young skiers are entitled to discounts of 30%. If you’re hunting for a bargain, i.e. a beautiful holiday in Val Gardena for a deal, there are very interesting start and end of season offers.
From 25 November to 24 December 2016, the SuperPremière offers will allow you to spend 4 nights with ski pass and rental of equipment for the price of 3. From 18 March to end of the season, the Val Gardena Family Special, many establishments taking part in the initiative, will offer accommodation, ski pass and free hire, as well as special discounts for children. Moreover Val Gardena SuperSun will offer 7 nights for the price of 6 and ski rental for 6 days for the price of 5. Further information at www.valgardena.it.
Highlights – winter sports
Fis Ski World Cup: 16/17 December 2016
Vertical Up 21 January 2017
Skitouring MOVE: 11 March 2017
Sellaronda Skimarathon: 24 March 2017
Südtirol Gardenissima: 01 April 2017
Südtirol Gardenissima KIDS 02 April 2017
Highlights – culture
Christmas Market: 2 December 2016/8 January 2017, S. Cristina
Christmas Village: 1 December 2016/8 January 2017, Ortisei
Mountain Christmas 2 December 2016/8 January 2017, Selva
Snow sculpture competition: 27/30 December 2016, Selva
Ice sculpture competition: 20 January 2017, Ortisei
Rock The Dolomites 12/19 March 2017, Selva.
INFO: Val Gardena
The Organizing Committee of the Ski World Cup is presenting a new and interesting event with VAL GARDENA – GRÖDEN VERTICAL UP.
While each December the world’s best speed specialists thunder down the Saslong from Start to Finish fighting for record times, on January 21st, 2017, endurance specialists will try to achieve the opposite by completing the climb from Finish to Start in the shortest time. It means that they will try to conquer the classic World Cup course uphill from bottom to top as quickly as possible.
There are two options: the long and the short distance. The original course measured 3.5 km and 830 m in altitude difference; the shortened track is 1.986 km long and has an altitude difference of 590 m. The Start is at 1410 m above sea level, the Finish at 2249 and 2000 m, respectively. The maximum gradient is 56%, the average gradient 24.5%.
What’s most interesting about the competition is that there are practically no rules: the choice of materials and equipment is free, as long as the ascent is propelled by one’s own power. Light is provided by head lamps and key sections are additionally lit by standing lights provided by the OC. The ascent lines of both routes are also free of choice.
Men and women will be ranked separately: there is a speed and a backpack category. The Speed Class winner is who is fastest at vertically mastering the Saslong. Ranks 1-6 will be awarded cash prizes. There are also gift certificates and non-cash prizes to be won. The Back-pack Class crowns the participant who clocks the time closest to the average time of all participants. An absolute “entertainment competition”. A maximum of 1500 athletes are allowed at the start.
In addition to the general and category ranking, there are also regional and team rankings. And there is a special prize for whoever reaches the Camel Humps first. Same goes for the athlete who conquers the steepest part (the “spinel” or back) in the shortest amount of time.
Registration begins on October 10th, 2016 at 8:16 PM and closes on January 14th, 2017 at 8:00 pm CET. Late entries at an extra fee accepted at the race office January 21st, 2017 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
VERTICAL UP venues include:
- Hinterstoder (Hannes Trinkl Course) 7.01.2017
- Val Gardena-Gröden (Saslong) 21.01.2017
- Pinzolo-Madonna di Campiglio (Tulot Audi course) 28.01.2017
- Kitzbühel (Streif) 25.02.2017
- Wengen (Lauberhorn) 25.03.2017
INFO: VAL GARDENA – GRÖDEN VERTICAL UP
Val Gardena
Put on your walking shoes and march off: Autumn time is hiking time in South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria. The region features a sheer endless array of sporting highlights like the Dolomites Alpine Week or the Dolomites autumn weeks, within a diverse choice of tours and beautiful views all around the landmark, the Three Peaks. A special highlight is also the “cable car journey to the sunrise”.
For the adventurous: The Dolomites Alpine Week
If the scent of autumn lies in the air, the South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria attracts with numerous travelling packages at its townships Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags. From the 10th to the 24th of September the Dolomites alpine week provides the participants with a one-week activity programme, including hosted mountain hikes and half day hiking tours.
For beginners: The Dolomite autumn weeks
From 24th of September to the 16th of October 2016 guests of the participating accommodations can use numerous mountain railways free of charge to reach various starting points of marvellous hikes/wanderings.
For hiking lovers: Lodge tour to Rifugio Comici, Rifugio Pian di Cengia and Rifugio Locatelli hut
Stamina, perseverance and experience are demanded on the lodge tour to Rifugio Comici, Rifugio Pian di Cengia and Rifugio Locatelli hut. The 17 kilometre takes a minimum of seven hours and provides the hikers from June to October with the nicest view of the surrounding mountains.
For real perseverance junkies: Stoneman Hike Trail
The trekking tour features a 54 kilometre journey through South Tyrol’s Dolomites, on which several stamps at three checkpoints have to be collected. At the end of the tour hikers receive the Stoneman trophy. The starter package costs 39 euros per person.
For romantics: “Cable car journey to the sunrise”
The ride takes place until 15th of September 2016 and offers an unforgettable moment. At the break of sunrise the panoramic cable car Sexten takes visitors up to the 2,050 metres high mountain Monte Elmo/Helm. The ride costs 17,30 euros each.
Photos credits:
1) Consorzio Turistico Alta Pusteria photogruener
2) Drei Zinnen AG C.Tschurtschenthaler
3) Consorzio Turistico Alta Pusteria H.Wisthaler
INFO: Alta Pusteria
Val Gardena (Italy) proves once again that it is not only a pioneer in the ski industry, but also one of the most modern ski areas in the Alps.
For the upcoming winter season 2016/17 the brand new 8-seater chairlift with heated seats will replace the current “Gran Paradiso” skilift on Piz Sella. It will be the first in Italy to boast heated seats!
Moreover, the modern system will have even more to offer in that the route of the new chairlift will be a little longer than previously so that winter sport lovers will have a direct connection not only to the Sellaronda in the counterclockwise (green) direction but also towards Passo Sella and the mystical “City of Stones”.
The new chairlift is a real eye-catcher, for instead of the classic grey, transparent cupolas blue ones have been mounted and they will provide even greater comfort for skiers.
The chairlift will be open from early December 2016.
Technical details of the new chairlift “Gran Paradiso” as produced by Leitner:
- Length: 1005.71 m
- Altitude difference: 231.00 m
- Capacity: 2,200 people / h
- Journey time: 3min 21’
INFO: Val Gardena
Wood carving has a long tradition in Val Gardena. Around the year 1600 some families, during winter time, started carving tools, religious figures and children’s toys in their homes. In the late 18th century, the carving trade became a major branch of the economy. Art schools and vocational colleges were set up, and a modern industry took shape.
The Val Gardena wood carvers introduced new procedures and created an innovative and versatile arts and crafts industry, with levels of workmanship second to none. It is therefore not surprising that one of Val Gardena’s visitor attractions is the world’s largest hand-carved manger in S. Cristina.
If you would like to watch our artists at work there are various demonstrations, or visit our traditional farmers’ and crafts market on 30 August in S. Cristina‘s pedestrian precinct, or how about the unique Val Gardena sculpture fair, UNIKA, between 1 and 4 September 2016?
More information at www.unika.it Judith Sotriffer, a young artist from Ortisei, has a workshop where she carves replicas of traditional wooden toys from the region. The originals, from the 17th century, are on display at the local history museum: www.museumgherdeina.it
INFO: Val Gardena
