In the midst of the spectacular mountain scenery of the Italian Dolomites lies the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski region, which enjoys international popularity. Not least because of the fabulous winter sports on offer. The Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area includes the Alpe di Siusi, which is the largest high Alpine pasture in Europe, and impresses with a total of 175 kilometres of pistes, plenty of sunshine, charming ski resorts and a wide range of winter activities. It is also considered the most child-friendly ski area in South Tyrol. SnowTrex is enthusiastic about this alpine winter dream and presents 10 good reasons for skiing in Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi.
1. 175 kilometres of slopes for every level
Snow lovers will certainly not be bored in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area. In addition to an impressive 175 kilometres of pistes, the winter sports area in the Dolomites boasts a variety of slopes at altitudes ranging from 1,236 m to 2,518 m. There is the right descent for every sports enthusiast. Beginners can try out 52 kilometres of blue pistes, while advanced skiers and experts can put their skills to the test on 105 kilometres of red and 18 kilometres of black pistes. The infamous Saslong World Cup piste, which lies below the Sassolungo, is particularly popular. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts have the opportunity to get a taste of professional skiing on the rapid descent and the famous “Camel Hump”. Afterwards, cosy ski huts at the edge of the piste provide a well-deserved lunch break. If the selection of pistes in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area is not enough, the “Dolomiti Superski” ski pass offers a total of 1,200 kilometres of slopes and other varied skiing experiences. Incidentally, thanks to the enormous expanse of the area, the pistes are rarely overcrowded, even at peak times, let alone long waiting times and freezing feet at the ski lifts.
2. Great family friendliness
The Val Gardena/Alpe Siusi ski area is particularly suitable for families. With child safety features in the lifts, a large number of children’s areas, several fun parks and funslopes as well as timed runs that are predestined for children, the Seiser Alm ski area is known as the most family-friendly in the whole of South Tyrol. There are ski schools for young and old and the witch Nix is out and about on the piste giving valuable safety tips. The right accommodation for the whole family can be found in the SnowTrex programme. At the Hotel Salegg, for example, customers benefit from a large discount for children, while the Parc Hotel Miramonti offers a children’s playroom with video games as well as the opportunity to play table football and billiards. If you prefer to cook for yourself, every snow-loving family will also find a place in our cosy flats.
3. Safe from snow and sun
Winter sports enthusiasts skiing on the Seiser Alm should pack sunglasses as well as sun cream. Sun and bright daylight are the order of the day here. The sun shines almost 300 days a year in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area and 90 of these days can be allocated to the winter months in Val Gardena/Gröden. The east-west orientation of the ski area allows winter sports enthusiasts to enjoy sunny descents at any time of the day and, given the right weather conditions, provides an unusually large amount of snow throughout the year. What’s more, the excellent altitude of up to 2,518 metres means that this fresh snow stays put. This means hardly any snow cannons, but plenty of fresh and powder snow. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the sunny spots on the sun terraces of the numerous huts until April and take in the breathtaking views of the Seiser Alm and the Sella massif.
4. Charming ski resorts
In addition to first-class pistes and impressive panoramas from numerous viewing platforms, the ski resorts are also a charming and recognisable feature of the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area. Both the villages of Val Gardena and the huts of the Alpe di Siusi impress winter sports fans with their traditional character and give skiing and snowboarding fans another reason to take a break in the Italian Dolomites.
Val Gardena is dominated by one of the most spectacular mountain backdrops in the Alps and is characterised by sunny valleys and slopes as well as steep rock faces. The valley is divided into the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena, which are characterised by their excellent cuisine, varied leisure activities and numerous après-ski options. After a successful day on the slopes, party-goers can round off the evening in huts, bars or discos and enjoy a mulled wine or two.
The village of Ortisei is situated at an altitude of 1,236 m and is defined by its picturesque village centre, which is characterised by cobblestones and traditional houses. Here, urban character is combined with alpine charm. The town also impresses with its lively pedestrianised streets, small shops and various museums. The cosy alleyways invite you to stroll and linger in the local cafés. Ortisei is also known as the “cultural pearl” and is the most traditional village in the entire Val Gardena, as in addition to welcoming restaurants and a direct lift connection to the ski and hiking areas, the cosy little village also boasts traditional handicrafts, particularly in the field of woodcutting.
The geographical centre of Val Gardena is the village of Santa Cristina at an altitude of 1,428 metres. Situated on the sunny side, the municipality is characterised above all by the striking cliffs of the Sassolungo. If you want to try your hand at alpine skiing here, you have the opportunity to test your skills on the world-famous Saslong World Cup downhill run in the centre of the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area. Away from the slopes, S. Cristina also impresses with its modern hotels and rustic farmhouses, which preserve the original charm of the village and create a very special holiday feeling, especially for families with children.
One of the leading tourist resorts in the entire Alpine region forms the valley end of the popular Val Gardena ski region. Situated at an altitude of 1,563 metres, the sporty village of Selva Gardena is particularly popular with winter sports enthusiasts thanks to its unique location. If there is enough snow, it is usually possible to ski down to your accommodation. This is due to Selva’s favourable location at the foot of the Sella massif. High-quality culinary restaurants ensure a cosy end to an eventful day. Après-ski enthusiasts will also get their money’s worth, as several bars and discos invite you to drink and dance until the early hours of the morning.
Val Gardena is also home to the largest high alpine pasture in Europe. The Seiser Alm stretches between the imposing peaks of the Langkofel, Plattkofel, Goldknopf, Puflatsch and Schlern at altitudes of 1,060 metres to 2,245 metres. In front of the impressive panorama of the Dolomites, the varied pistes of the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area criss-cross the mountain trails and offer a unique winter sports experience. Together with Val Gardena/Gröden, the ski paradise comprises a total of 175 kilometres of pistes. In addition, activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoe tours offer visitors unrivalled insights into the mountain formations of the Italian Dolomites. Pretty farmhouses and imposing church towers exude their original charm and uniquely complement the picture of the paradisiacal mountain landscape.
5. Breathtaking panorama
Winter sports enthusiasts travelling to the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area should always have their cameras to hand, as the peaks and mountain ridges of the Italian Dolomites, which are well worth seeing, form incomparable panoramas and unique backdrops. In addition to the Sella Group (3,152 m) and the Sassolungo (3,181 m), the striking outline of the Sciliar with the Santner and Euringer peaks in front of it is particularly worth seeing. At the foot of South Tyrol’s landmark is the Alpe di Siusi, characterised by traditional farmhouses, which is another recognisable feature of the Val Gardena/Alpe Siusi ski area in addition to the fantastic mountain scenery. A constant stream of new perspectives on the mighty mountains, the landscape and the charming ski resorts tempt you to stop, linger and marvel, allowing landscape and snow lovers to immerse themselves in a whole new world.
6. Top cross-country skiing areas
Breathtaking views, sun and snow as far as the eye can see. What could be better than gliding along a cross-country ski trail and being enchanted by the incomparable beauty of the Dolomites? The Seiser Alm is one of the top cross-country skiing areas in South Tyrol. National teams from Norway, Canada, Italy and the USA find their way to Europe’s largest high alpine pasture every year. With a choice of more than 80 kilometres of trails, there is something for everyone – whether you are a fan of the classic technique or a skating enthusiast. Beginners can also try out the Ritsch practice trail, for example, and then practise the technique they have learnt on the slightly ascending Möser circular trail.
7. Fun winter activities
Don’t fancy skiing or snowboarding? That’s no problem at all in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area, because in addition to a large selection of well-groomed pistes, the winter world in Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi is characterised by numerous fun winter activities. Anyone who has always wanted to try paragliding can enjoy the view over the Dolomite peaks here in the cold season. A padded protective suit protects even frostbite from the cold, so that every adventurer can enjoy and marvel. Families can also go ice skating against a spectacular backdrop or enjoy the view while tobogganing. A climbing hall, a riding stable, swimming pools and a tennis centre are just four more options that families can enjoy outside the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area. In addition to activities for young and old, culture lovers will also find plenty of entertainment. Music festivals, concerts and art exhibitions make the hearts of culture-loving holidaymakers beat faster. Woodcarving workshops and arts and crafts shops add further variety to the off-piste programme. The churches, castle ruins and the Ladin Museum are also definitely worth a visit.
8. Best snow park in Italy
Winter sports enthusiasts who want to take a break from the piste and let off steam on kickers, rails and obstacles have the opportunity to visit the many different snow parks in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area. In addition to kickers, rails, boxes, snow tunnels and ramps, there are also fun surprises hidden in the snow that provide plenty of variety. The snow park in Alpe di Siusi is officially recognised as the best snow park in Italy and one of the three best in the world, meaning that Italian and international professional freestylers visit the snow park to train. But beginners also get their money’s worth. They will find easy obstacles on the so-called easy line and can try out the medium line when they feel a little more confident. With kickers, rails and various obstacles, the medium line is the longest freestyle line in Europe.
9. Winter hiking paradise
The ski area and the surrounding region also offer a unique programme for winter hiking enthusiasts. Snowshoe tours by moonlight in particular are an absolute highlight and should definitely be on the agenda for hiking enthusiasts. In total, the well-developed and prepared winter hiking trail network stretches over 60 kilometres and is constantly checked for avalanche safety. A further 50 kilometres of trails can also be explored on snowshoes. Beginners are advised to only enter the open terrain with a mountain guide, as unknown narrow paths and deep snow passages pose a great danger to inexperienced hikers. With or without a mountain guide, one thing is certain: trudging through fresh powder snow, following the tracks of animals and leaving your own tracks in the snow is a wonderful experience and makes for an unforgettable winter holiday.
10. Sellaronda, the most famous ski safari in the Alps
The absolute highlight for many ski and snowboard enthusiasts in Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi is the famous “Sellaronda” ski circuit. With modern lifts, the“Dolomiti Superskipass” gives snow enthusiasts the opportunity to ski all the way around the Sella massif and cover 26 kilometres of slopes in one day. The ski tour runs right through the Dolomite mountain range and leads past four Dolomite passes and through four valleys, always surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. During the route, the variety of pistes and the many kilometres of pistes covered create a true natural spectacle, giving winter sports enthusiasts a unique view of the various mountain formations. The Sellaronda is guaranteed by snow cannons both on the southern slopes and in the valley, so snow enthusiasts can be sure that the ski circuit is skiable.
FAQ about skiing in Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi
How many kilometres of slopes does the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area have?
The Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area has 175 kilometres of pistes. These are divided into 52 kilometres of blue pistes, 105 kilometres of red pistes and 18 kilometres of black pistes, so there is a suitable challenge for every skier and snowboarder.
How high is the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area?
The Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area lies between 1,236 metres and 2,518 metres above sea level. It is located in the heart of the Italian Dolomites and offers visitors unique panoramic views thanks to its top location.
Which ski resorts belong to the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area?
The Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area is located in the centre of the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi region. While Val Gardena is divided into the three villages of Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva Gardena, Alpe di Siusi lies at an altitude of between 1,060 and 2,245 metres and borders directly on the peaks of Sassolungo and Sassopiatto, Goldknopf, Bullaccia and Sciliar
What activities are possible in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi region?
In addition to paragliding, ice skating and tobogganing, winter sports enthusiasts also have the opportunity to visit a riding centre, a climbing hall or a swimming pool. For culture lovers, there is the opportunity to be inspired by music festivals, concerts and art exhibitions.
How reliable is the snow in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area?
Thanks to its good altitude and east-west location, the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area not only benefits from a good amount of snow, but also from plenty of sunshine. But even when the snow conditions are less than ideal, snow cannons ensure that the pistes are skiable.
Where is the Sellaronda located?
The Sellaronda circles the Sella massif and leads past four Dolomite passes as well as Dolomite valleys and offers a panoramic view of the unique rock formations.
How long is the Sellaronda?
With a length of 26 kilometres of pistes, the Sellaronda is a unique downhill experience that can be enjoyed by skiers with some fitness and the basic technique.
How long does it take to ski the Sellaronda?
The 26-kilometre circuit of the Sella massif can be completed by professionals within an hour and a half. However, beginners and families with children should plan at least half a day’s skiing to be on the safe side.
Which ski pass do I need for the Sellaronda?
With the Dolomiti Superskipass, winter sports enthusiasts have access to around 1,200 kilometres of pistes and also the opportunity to ski the famous “Sellaronda” ski circuit with a length of 26 km.
How many kilometres of cross-country ski trails are there in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area?
In the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area and the surrounding area, cross-country skiing fans have around 80 kilometres of trails to choose from. Cross-country skiers with a wide range of interests and skill levels are guaranteed to find the right trail for them here.
