Val Gardena: First 8-seater chairlift with heated seats in Italy

Published by Mountainblog on 08/11/2016.

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

Crafts In The Valley Of The Woodcarvers

Published by Mountainblog on 07/25/2016.

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

Val Gardena Active – Outdoor Activities In Val Gardena

Published by Mountainblog on 06/27/2016.

Val Gardena has tours for all hiking enthusiasts, whether classic pleasure walks, hill runs or challenging climbing ventures.

In our programme, Val Gardena Active, you will find your perfect outing: experience the beautiful Val Gardena landscape with a guided tour in the Puez-Geisler nature reserve, a walk at sunrise with some wildlife watching, a mountain bike adventure or a culinary tour of mountain huts.

We also offer a Kids Active programme from June to September. For children, the Dolomites are a treasure trove of adventures. They can test their courage at the highwire adventure course, follow the UNESCO trail or discover some magic herbs.

More information: Val Gardena Active

Gardena: Where Language, Tradition and Culture
Come Together

Published by Mountainblog on 06/21/2016.

In recent years, Val Gardena has developed into a holiday resort with lifestyle character while at the same time maintaining the traditional culture, language and charm of a mountain village. In Ortisei, but also elsewhere, shopping streets, pedestrianised areas in the centre with boutiques, speciality restaurants, vinotheques and art galleries invite you on a voyage of discovery.

The Photoacademy Val Gardena is a completely new event this year. It will take place between 3 and 11 September 2016, and the event focuses on finding the perfect shooting angle. Participants can learn the basics of fine art photography a nature photography with South Tyrolean experts during a series of workshops. The details and expert tricks are delivered by famous photographer Daniel Ernst. The works of art can be admired at the vernissage in Selva Val Gardena,S. Cristina and Ortisei. At the end of the week the winners of the photo competition will be announced and awarded for the ‘Best Val Gardena Poster’.

Many summer events feature culinary delights: the “Sëira dl vin” in S. Cristina on 8 July 2016 is a celebration of wine – on the red carpet. Another food event is the Val Gardena Sky Dinner on 13 July 2016, an exclusive candlelit dinner in the gondolas of the “Mont Sëuc” cable car. Traditional Val Gardena dresses are at the centre of festivities like “Gardena in costume” on 7 August 2016 in Selva. Gourmets as well as lovers of art and tradition will flock to S. Cristina. A further highlight is the “Aperitif Urtijëi” between 17 July 2016 and 28 August 2016 when Ortisei’s five “Fine Dine” restaurants serve traditional South Tyrol fare in the village’s pedestrian precinct.

Val Gardena’s events calendar also features a number of musical highlights. Fans of classical music will enjoy ValgardenaMusika, a series of events from July to September 2016. This consists of six classical concerts in various Val Gardena venues, www.jmgconcert.it.

Those preferring music out in the open can enjoy a unique open-air concert at the foot of Sassolungo on 26 June 2016. The South Tyrol Jazz Festival makes a stopover at the Comici Hut in Selva Val Gardena. Finally, following the traditional snow festival on 17 August 2016 in Selva will whet everyone’s appetite for the coming winter season – “Winter is on its way!”

INFO: Val Gardena

Excursions and Climbing Festival
in Val Gardena

Published by Mountainblog on 06/13/2016.

Mountain fanatics will enjoy many events and activities this summer. One example is the “Curona de Gherdëina“, a 5-day trekking tour from Passo Gardena via Bamberg Hut and Alpe di Siusi – Europe’s largest alpine pasture – to Ortisei, then returning via the largely flat Innerraschötzer Alm back to Passo Gardena. From 30 June to 3 July and from 15 – 18 September 2016 this trekking experience is offered as a guided group tour.

Alpine climbing is also on offered during the ‘MOVE – Feel the Dolomites’ Climbing Festival: beginners will be taught in outdoor camps how to climb between 24 and 31 July 2016. Advanced climbers will receive tips from experts on how to improbe their stamina and technique. On top of that, outdoor brands will be offering their new collection and climbing material for a test run. www.move-dolomites.it
Those interested in other, more challenging hikes will find many experienced guides to accompany them.

GPS data for mountain and hiking tours are available for downloading on a dedicated website: www.dolomitesalpine.it

INFO: Val Gardena

HERO Bike Festival: 16 and 19 June 2016

Published by Mountainblog on 06/06/2016.

Reinhold Messner described the Dolomites as the “most beautiful mountains in the world“. Mountain bikers will also feel at ease and can experience magnificent scenery, a variety of touring opportunities, excursions through the wild and romantic Langental or biking trips to the “City of Stones”.

The best-known tours of the Dolomites include Sella Ronda, unmissable because of its spectacular scenery. Crossing four Dolomite passes requires physical fitness, but the riders are rewarded with spectacular views over Sella group and Marmolada.

The HERO Bike Festival will take place between 16 and 19 June 2016 and is packed with races, events, concerts, glamour and discussions, and around 5,000 bikers from 50 countries are expected to arrive. It will be a HERO GREEN EVENT, which means it fulfills sustainability criteria which the province of South Tyrol demands from all events in the area. The new generation of bikers sprints head on 17 June 2016 with the HERO Kids. The professional bikers wait until the following day to cross the start line of the famous HERO South Tyrol Dolomites. Amateur bikers will take to the roads on 19 June 2016: every biker is welcome on the Sellaronda Bike Day. In fact, four Dolomite passes will be traffic-free on this day. Don’t worry if you can’t be there that day, as the Sellaronda Bike Day returns on 11 September 2016 during the EcoDolomites Weekend at the E-Bike-Festival.

Descriptions and GPS data for all bike and trekking routes are available for downloading at www.mtb-dolomites.com

INFO: Val Gardena

Lots Of Fun And Friendly Prices: Val Gardena Family Weeks

Published by Mountainblog on 06/03/2016.

Fotoshooting Wandern Familie und Hütten 2013

Great and small adventures – such as discovering the rock crystal cave at the foot of Langkofel which featured in the legend of “Gardeno” and the beautiful “Selladilla” – make Val Gardena the ideal family holiday location throughout the summer.

During the Val Gardena children’s weeks we welcome youngsters and their families with a weekend programme filled with surprises and exciting adventures. From 11 June to 1 July 2016, we are offering a number of animation programmes, climbing courses, barbecues and children’s parties. The best thing is: families staying for seven days or longer can enjoy special discounts for children, e.g. free accommodation for children under 8 years in their parents’ bedroom.

More information and booking details at www.valgardena.it. The Val Gardena Active programme also offers a large choice of tailor-made activities.

INFO: Val Gardena

Dolomites Horse Show in Italy, in Selva Val Gardena 29.06 – 03.07.2016

Published by Mountainblog on 05/30/2016.

For the very first time the prestigious Dolomites Horse Show event will be held in the beautiful Vallunga – the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE location of the Puez-Odle Nature Park will be an ideal setting for the arrival of the international jet-set.

This outstanding event will take place in the Carabinieri Alpine Training Centre, it offering sport and holiday in one of Italy’s most famous tourism destinations. The event is being coordinated by the undergraduate in economics, Alex Delazer, he a horse-lover from an early age and now an international rider himself.

Val Gardena offers an ideal location for the Dolomites Horse Show, it providing sporting activity and glamorous style in a party atmosphere. Througout the event here will be the opportunity to both horseride and find time to relax and enjoy the mountain life to the full – and then there are all the holiday opportunities which Val Gardena has. When the idea to organise the event came about I thought about my home town Selva immediately, it known throughout the world for its landscape and breathtaking mountain peaks. Thanks to the help and support of the local authorities and the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor themselves, as well as the contribution made by the Tourism Association, we have been able to take the event project forward.” These the words of Alex Delazer. The event will have two competitions: a CSI reserved to professional horseriders and a CSI foe young riders and amateurs.

The top 70 riders and horses in the world will be invited to take part in the competitions in the CSI, including a Grand Prix valid for Olympic qualification, this latter spectacle taking place on Sunday 3 July, the final day of 4 days racing. Among those taking part are well-known riders such as Giulia Martinengo Marquet, Italian Ladies Champion in 2015, the Belgian Philippe Le Jeune, World Champion at Lexington, and from Holland Gerco Schröder, silver medal winner in the last Olympics in London.

In the CSI 1 * young talents from the world of showjumping will compete and the amateurs will have the privilege of competing in the same conditions as the best of the world’s riders.

Programme:

Wednesday 29 June 2016

Vet check 15h to 19h

THURSDAY 30 June 2016

Race 1 – 1,15 m, from 09h to 11:00h

Race 2 – 1,25 / 1,30 m, from 11h to 13h

Race 3 – 1,35 / 1,40 m, from 13h to 15h

Vet check, from 15h to 19h

FRIDAY 1 July 2016

Race 4 – 1,15 m, from 09h to 11h

Race 5 – 1,25 / 1,30 m, from 11h to 13h

Race 6 – 1,35 / 1,40 m, from 13h to 15h

Race 7 – 1,45 m, from 15h to 17h

Race 8 – 1,50 m, from 17h to 19h

SATURDAY 2 July 2016

Race 9 – 1,15m, from 10h to 12h

Race 10 – 1,25 / 1,30 m, from 12h to 14h

Gara 11 – 1,50 / 1,55 m, from 14h to 16h

SUNDAY 3 July 2016

Gara 12 – 1,50m. from 9h to 11h

Race 13 – GP 1,40 m, from 11h to 13h

Race 14 – Grand Prix 1,60 m, from 14h to 17h

* Programme subject to change

INFO: Selva Val Gardena
Dolomites Horse Show

Südtirol Gardenissima: Getting The Best From The World’s Longest Giant Slalom

Published by Mountainblog on 03/15/2016.

Super G skis, the right head and eye protection, curved poles and fluoro wax: technical advice on getting the most from an Alpine skiing race as tough as the Südtirol Gardenissima which marks the close of the Val Gardena skiing season on April 2.

There is now less than a month to go to April 2 and that means that the Südtirol Gardenissima and the end of the Val Gardena skiing season are both getting seriously close. Any training you can do now has to be honed to perfection. Having worked so hard to lay the foundations for success throughout the winter, you’ll need to arrive at the start line of this long slalom with the very best of specialist equipment.

Super G skis for a giant slalom to remember
Anyone that breathes the intoxicating air of the Dolomites all year round and has grown up with the Südtirol Gardenissima will advise you to avoid giant slalom skis and instead go for Super G versions because the extra seconds you might shave off in the first stretch of the giant slalom can easily be lost in the final one where what you really need is improved glide. So the perfect solution is Junior Super G skis of between 190 cm and 195 cm. They have enough flex to play on the bends and a 28 – 34-metre radius – in other words, you’ll be able to tackle the Südtirol Gardenissima’s big curves beautifully.

Ski with your head
Another pivotal factor in such a long, challenging race is taking care of your head, absolutely essential if you’re to hang in there for six kilometres. If you want to ski in absolute safety, then you’ll need an approved yet aerodynamic helmet, possibly fibreglass. Do not go for helmets with an incorporated visor. Vision-wise, we don’t recommend using sunglasses. It’s better to opt for aerodynamic goggles with mid-light coloured or, better still, polarised lens to give you a clear view even in the final stretch where the light dims because of the surrounding woods. You’ll also be exhausted by then and that can play nasty tricks on you so every little helps.

Curved poles and fluoro wax
The length of the run and the incredible physical toll it will take can mean you’ll be feeling a little out of it and so even the tiniest detail can really be vital to your performance. That includes using curved ski poles which you’ll be able to keep close to your body, thereby avoiding knocking against the gates. Lastly, there will be spring weather on April 2 and seasoned skiers recommend a high performance fluoro wax: 100% fluoro is best – apply three layers after rubbing it well with granular snow.

INFO: Südtirol Gardenissima

End of Season Events in Val Gardena: Races, Events and Concerts Fun, and Sport.

Published by Mountainblog on 02/08/2016.

There’s never a dull day in Val Gardena (ITALY): even at the end of the winter season.

Save the following dates: the Spring Race Party, an obstacle ski race from Monte Seceda to the centre of Ortisei, on 19 March between 1.15 pm and 9 pm. Head to Piazza S. Antonio for more fun with Dj Simon and Dj Ondy. Tasty local food and beverages to be served during the evening.
Rock the Dolomites, a musical event featuring Val Gardena rock-pop band, the Pëufla, on Sunday 20 March at 3 pm at the Ciampac.
The big freestyle show on Monday 21 at 9.30 pm at the Campo Frëina di Selva Gardena: an exciting freestyle show and mulled wine for everyone!
Move 24h on Saturday 26 March from Ortisei, a guided, two-day ski mountaineering excursion.
Easter concert in the parish church of S. Cristina on Sunday 27 March from 8.30 pm.

Südtirol Gardenissima: 20th edition of the Südtirol Gardenissima on Saturday 2 April from 8 am. The longest giant slalom in the world (6 km) is a much-awaited event in the valley, attracting countless registrations (around 650) which include both amateurs and professional skiers. The event attracts also quite a large crowd. Legends such as Isolde Kostner, Peter Runggaldier, Peter Fill and Maria Rosa Quario have also been known to participate. Südtirol Gardenissima KIDS on Sunday 3 April at 9 am. A giant slalom race (2 km) for the champions of tomorrow born between 2002 and 2009.

Enrolments are open: www.gardenissima.eu
Val Gardena

Places