Winter Holidays in Italy – Val Gardena: the Ultimate Dolomite Valley

Published by Mountainblog on .

vacanze invernali val gardena


Spending your holidays in Val Gardena
(Italy) means being right in the heart of the Dolomites – among the most beautiful mountains in the world – and enjoying an exclusive range of opportunities all year round.


Nestled within the unspoiled Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Val Gardena offers unforgettable stays even for those looking for activities beyond skiing.

What makes a holiday in this sunny valley so unique is the extraordinary panorama of the stunning South Tyrolean Dolomite peaks, including the valley’s very own symbol – the majestic Sassolungo Group – as well as the Sella Massif. These mountains were once coral atolls, when everything lay beneath the ocean. It is precisely this ancient geological history that makes Val Gardena so special: where there were once deep seas, now rise some of the most beautiful peaks in the Dolomites.

Today, Val Gardena boasts an extensive winter sports area with 500 km of unique ski slopes, modern lifts, 30 km of hiking trails, and 115 km of cross-country tracks. It can be discovered on foot, on skis, by sled – or simply through imagination, admiring the mountains directly from a pool.

With more than 7,000 m² of nature per guest bed, a winter holiday in Val Gardena offers truly one-of-a-kind experiences: from touring the legendary Sellaronda, to the thrilling World Cup runs on the Saslong slope, from gourmet excursions on Seceda to relaxing walks in the Puez-Odle Nature Park.
With over 300 days of sunshine per year, visitors can enjoy spectacular 360° Dolomites views in a truly Alpine atmosphere. Recognized as one of the world’s most tradition-rich mountain regions, the valley also stands out for the modern, multilingual Ladin community, passionate about sports and nature.

The uniqueness of Val Gardena lies in the blend of living legends, endless opportunities for active and relaxing holidays, and a forward-thinking spirit that keeps inspiring innovation.

But Val Gardena is not just about nature and sport — it is also the cradle of South Tyrolean art, and in particular of woodcarving. Since the early 17th century, local artisans have mastered the craft of creating wooden sculptures and objects with exceptional creativity and skill. Even today, woodcarving remains a key economic pillar of the valley, second only to tourism.

Every day, the valley’s stunning natural landscape takes center stage through its three villages — Ortisei (1,236 m), Santa Cristina (1,428 m) and Selva Val Gardena (1,563 m) — delighting visitors with the spectacular Sella Group and the iconic Sassolungo, towering above this Ladin winter sports paradise. With so many sunny days, both adults and children can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this pristine Alpine valley every day.

Booking tip: You can easily plan your winter holiday in Val Gardena in advance by visiting www.valgardena.it

INFO: Val Gardena