The Val Gardena

The Gardena valley is a 25 km long tributary valley of the Valle Isarco and locates northwest of the majestic summits of the Dolomites, part of the World Heritage sites. It stretches from Ponte Gardena to the Sella Group and the Sella and Gardena mountain passes. The valley - with its Rio Gardena - includes the three municipalities of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena. Furthermore there are the hamlets Roncadizza, Oltretorrente and Bulla which are part of the valley from a geographical and linguistic point of view, but part of the municipality Castelrotto near Alpe di Siusi from an administrative point of view, as well as San Giacomo and Pontives.

Boasting a unique flora and fauna, the Val Gardena is one of the most beautiful and varied holiday resorts in all of Italy. It has a lot to offer in every season: in winter, countless ski slopes and cross country ski runs as well as numerous lift facilities are waiting for you. The Val Gardena skiing area is connected with the Alpe di Siusi skiing area, and together there are part of the Dolomiti Superski ski carousel. Summer promises a special kind of experience to hikers and lovers of nature alike: embark on adventurous trekking tours, take advantage of a rich number of opportunities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, cycling, and enjoy the alpine lakes, mountain huts and high plateaus with fresh mountain air.

The Val Gardena is a place, where breath-taking adventures combine with centuries-old traditions and a rich history. The valley actually boasts three official languages: Ladin (an old Rhaetian language), German and Italian. To preserve and maintain the traditional customs and cultural patrimony is of utmost importance to the inhabitants of the valley. The most important branch of local industry is tourism, but also the wood-carving industry boasts a worldwide reputation. The Gardena valley is also home to a few well-known personalities such as Luis Trenker (alpinist, actor and director), Giorgio Moroder (composer and Oscar prize winner), Isolde Kostner (former alpine ski racer, world champion and Olympic medallist), Peter Runggaldier (former ski racer) or Carolina Kostner (figure skater, world champion and European champion).