Val Gardena Unveils its Wares for Winter 2022/23

26th October 2022

Val Gardena lies in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, where dramatic scenery provides a wonderful winter holiday, set within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. NEW

Val Gardena sits within the Sellaronda – one of the best known ski circuits in the world.

500km of ski slopes
115km of cross country ski trails
30km of winter hiking paths

It has been on the map since hosting the World Ski Championships in 1970.

Val Gardena is made up of the three villages of Ortisei (1,236m), Saint Cristina (1,428m) and Selva Val Gardena (1,563m).

PlanetSKI passed through last winter when we skied the Legendary 8 ski slope adventure, connecting together eight pistes. – Saslong, Cir, Ciampinoi N3, Bravo, Falk, Gardenissima, Longia and Pilat.

PlanetSKI takes on the Legendary 8

The Legendary 8, Val Gardena. Image © PlanetSKI

SNOW GUARANTEE:

Val Gardena claims good snow from 3rd December 2022 through to the end of the season on 11th April 2023 – 98% of the slopes can be covered with artificial snow.

NIGHT LIGHTS:

This coming season, Val Gardena is offering e-bike excursions, sleigh rides, torch-lit walks and snowshoe treks under floodlit slopes between January and April.

Top off an evening with a feast in one of Val Gardena’s Michelin hot spots.

TASTE SENSATION:

Val Gardena has some great alpine restaurants, some of which feature in the Michelin Guide:

Alpenroyal Gourmet * Michelin starred

Mario Porcelli from Puglia combines flavours from his native region with distinct Alpine influences, using sophisticated techniques.

Nives – Michelin recommended

A mountain style dining room with a gastronomic experience, where modern fare is served with regional ingredients.

Suinsom – Michelin recommended

Meaning “at the summit” in local dialect, young chefs at Suinsom serve dishes with a focus on Alpine produce.

Chalet Gerard – Michelin recommended

Overlooking the Sella mountains and Sassolungo peak, skiers can spend hours, enjoying traditional cuisine. Doubling as a guesthouse, this chalet has a sauna, fitness studio and hot tub.

Anna Stuben, Ortisei * Michelin starred

Reimund Brunner creates dishes with a firm focus on local Alpine produce.

The Legendary 8, Val Gardena. Image © PlanetSKI

SLEIGH BELLS RING:

Val Gardena has the longest sleigh run in the Dolomites, where 6km of sledging terrain is offered.

Catch the Ferrari-designed Resciesa gondola from Ortisei to Alpe Resciesca at 2,200m and hop on board for a sleigh ride by day or night.

TIME MACHINE:

Steeped in ancient geological history, where millions of years ago, deep seas gave rise to the mighty Dolomite mountain range, Val Gardena showcases artefacts from a bygone era in the Gherdeina Museum.

Step back in time on a journey starting millions of years ago, delving in to the geology, flora and fauna and archaeology, housing fossils and ancient tools.

Visit the giant Ichthyosauras skeleton, resembling today’s whale species, dating back 240 million years.

FOR WINTER 2022-23:

– Head down the new black slope “La Ria”, starting at the mountain station of the Dantercepies cable car, with a maximum incline of 52%.

– Try the “Pilat” slope, through forests over a length of 4.7km, with an average incline of 34%.

– Speed down the new Zip Line Monte Pana over 1,500m at nearly 100 km/h, 100m above ground.

– Dolomiti Superski has joined the Ikon Pass, giving unlimited access to 47 ski destinations worldwide.

See here for a PlanetSKI report on the move:

Two major European ski areas join the Ikon Pass

Dreaming of the Dolomites with @DolomitSuperski ❄️🎿 Enjoy over 29,000 acres and 450 lifts, plus unique Italian eateries and aprés with the fabulously friendly locals 🥂 pic.twitter.com/xAK9YbAksz
— Ikon Pass (@IkonPass) October 1, 2022