Dolomites Val Gardena stretches from the autobahn connecting Italy to Austria, ascending through Selva, before disappearing behind the majestic UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites mountain range.
Apart from a large ski area of its own, the Dolomites Val Gardena resorts of Ortisei, Selva and Santa Cristina provide a gateway to the Sellaronda ski circuit and are part of Dolomiti Superski. A pass which allows access to 12 linked ski areas.
The famous 40km Sellaronda circuit is a delightful ski tour, not particularly challenging, which can be skied fairly easily in a day. Make sure you allow plenty of time for lunch and even more time to admire the scenery. You can ski the Sellaronda in either direction, or both.
Often voted among the most beautiful ski resorts in the World, the Dolomites have awesome rocky profiles and a diverse cultural history. Val Gardena has plenty to offer both the skier and non-skier.
The three villages in the Val Gardena valley have a laid back rustic charm that encourages guests to relax in the majesty of the mountains.
- Selva is the highest village in the shadow of the Sella massif. The accommodation and restaurants are modern and welcoming.
- The sounds of choirs ring out around the sunny village of Saint Cristina. A cultural hot-spot surrounded by meadows.
- The largest is the village of Ortisei, famous for its wooden sculptures and traffic free shopping street.
Val Gardena is one of the Best Ski Resorts for…
Skiing in Dolomites Val Gardena.
Getting There.
As Dolomites Val Gardena is not far from the Austrian border in Northern Italy, hence many guests travel south via the Brenner Pass.
By Plane. Nearest Airports.
Whilst in Italy the easiest international arrival airport is Innsbruck, Austria and then, the onward journey through the Brenner Pass. Budget airlines have flights to most of the ‘nearby’ airports.
- Innsbruck (INN): 120km.
- Verona (VRN): 190km.
- Munich (MUC): 300km.
- Bergamo – Orio al Serio (BGY): 270km.
- Venice – Marco Polo (VCE): 190km.
- Venice – Treviso (TSF): 185km.
- Milan – Mapensa (MXP): 360km.
- Milan – Linate (LIN): 310km.
By Train. Nearest Railway Stations.
There are international train services operated by German Rail (DB), Austrian Rail (OBB) and Italian Rail (Trenitalia) that can take you are far as Bolzano, 40km. Some services also stop at Brixen, 35km and Chiusa 25km.
Freccialink is a service offering a joint train and bus ticket to get you to your final destination in Val Gardena. It also takes care of your luggage.
By Road. Driving, Bus and Transfers.
A regular local bus service operates from Brixen and Bolzano to Val Gardena. Alto Adige Bus and Flixbus operate transfers from most of the airports. You should book these in advance.
Some hotels will organise the final leg of your transfer for you via private or shared taxi shuttle.
Drivers should ensure their car is equipped for the mountainous winter conditions and factor in extra time for the conditions and the volume of traffic on the roads too. The Austrian and Italian motorway networks, as well as the Brenner Pass, are toll roads. Prepaid cards are available for the motorways.
