Skiing pleasure South Tyrol

Fancy skiing in the best skiing area of the Dolomites? In Val Gardena skiing becomes a real pleasure. What makes it so special? Is it the marriage of perfect winter sports conditions and excellent South Tyrolean cuisine? Probably. Val Gardena, a South Tyrolean skiing region located in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has received countless awards over the years, and is part of the largest skiing carousel in the world: Dolomiti Superski. Revel in 1,200 km of interconnected slopes, skiing against a breathtaking backdrop using a single ski pass: get ready for plenty of variety and a unique skiing experience – there’s never a dull day in Val Gardena! When it comes to cuisine, South Tyrol isn’t one to disappoint, what with its traditional specialities, the two Michelin restaurants and its outstanding regional wines: perfection doesn’t come easy but Val Gardena has it all. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

In Val Gardena alone there are a good 60 homey family-run huts dotting the ski slopes offering delicious dishes employing regional ingredients accompanied by an aperitif against a unique backdrop: the view of the Dolomites from their sunny terraces. The inhabitants of Val Gardena love this kind of dolce vita from the lofty heights of their mountains: they whiz down the slopes in the morning to then enjoy a tasty ‘ratscherle’ on the terrace with a glass of bubbly, a Spritz Aperol or the local elder flower aperitif, the Hugo. Each hut has its own special offer which ranges from traditional dishes to pasta and upscale cuisine with grilled steaks and seafood. The offer is rounded off by a generous selection of wines, mostly from South Tyrol.

The Sellaronda is an international star. On this ski tour, the mighty mountain massif of the Passo Sella can be skied around in just one day: a good 23 km of downhill slopes, four valleys and three provinces can be reached with just one ski pass. The Sellaronda can be explored clockwise or anticlockwise and is easily mastered by intermediate skiers. In addition to the Sellaronda, the Val Gardena Ronda also offers an outstanding skiing experience. Explore the slopes of the Val Gardena skiing area against the backdrop of the Dolomites, or take out a day to explore the Alpe di Siusi. Some of the highlights are the 10.5 km slope in the Dolomites – the longest one in the area – ‘La Longia’ from Seceda to Ortisei and the Saslong World Cup downhill slope which every year in December becomes the stage for outstanding races featuring the real pros fighting for glory.

The races on the infamous Saslong have been an integral part of the Alpine Ski World Cup since 1969. The downhill race of the 1970 World Ski Championships also took place here. After more than 45 years, the Saslong – named after the Sassolungo (in Ladin: Saslonch), a local mountain, still leads a double life. It‘s a classic stage of the Alpine Ski World Cup and counts among one of the world’s major downhill races. Yet on the other hand, it’s also a popular downhill slope for recreational skiers who visit it from all over the world. Steep and fast, but also broad and featuring a clear view, it has been adapted over the years to the requirements of modern skiing. Nevertheless: the steep slopes in the upper section, the hilly central passage and the icy curves in the ‘Ciaslat’ area and the finishing slope require even experienced skiers to pull out all the stops. You can take up to two minutes or even fifteen to cross the finish line – time doesn’t matter, as everyone who finishes and conquers the Saslong can feel the euphoria of a World Cup winner.

Skiing isn’t everything in Val Gardena: as a year-round destination, the valley is also a paradise for winter hikers. The Val Gardena Active program offers numerous guided tours, day and night, with local mountain guides across the valley‘s beautiful landscape. Explore the Puez Odle Nature Park scrunching under the weight of your snowshoes, tobogganing on the sunny slopes of the Alpe di Siusi, and revel in a spot of sunrise skiing: these are just a few of the highlights that will make your holiday in Val Gardena even more spectacular.
Experience unforgettable moments in the Dolomites with the Val Gardena Active programme!

The early bird catches the worm! Early risers have known this for a long time: the early morning hours are a magical moment which can be fully experienced during the ‘Here Comes the Sun’ event. After an early morning ride on the Dantercepies gondola lift, a romantic sunrise awaits all participants, dipping the surrounding Dolomite peaks in a red hue. Revel in the moment and soak up the untamed energy of the mountain. You can then look forward to a delicious breakfast in the Dantercepies Lounge, where a cup of steaming cappuccino and sweet and hearty delicacies are served. You’ll leave your mark on the freshly groomed slopes as yours will be the first descent of the day. Talk of an unforgettable experience!

• Wann: Mid-January to mid-March Tuesdays, depending on when the sun rises
• Meeting point: Dantercepies – Wolkenstein
• Price: 35-45 € (regardless if the accommodation is a partner of "Val Gardena Active" or not)
• Bookings & information: Sëlva Active Office - Phone +39-0471-777906, email: [email protected], Website: www.valgardena-active.com
• Good to know: Book by 6 p.m. the day before the excursion

Minimum number of participants: 15