In Val Gardena everything is ready for the new winter season!

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The skiing season in the Dolomites’ and Italy’s best skiing area, crowned as such on numerous occasions, starts on 5 December and ends at Easter on 14 April 2020.

 

Pleasant hills as well as steep slopes, including the ones featured during the World Cup, pepper the landscape of the skiing carousel, where skiers start whizzing down the slopes from 5 December. In the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi skiing area, which includes the Sellaronda, more than 500 perfectly groomed kilometres of slopes await passionate skiers.

The region in and around Val Gardena counts some famous slopes among the ones found in its network: take the worldfamous Sellaronda for example, a 40-kilometer ski excursion around the Sella massif, which leads through four Ladin valleys and three Italian regions, attracts numerous visitors. It offers unlimited skiing and snowboarding fun for all levels, always against the backdrop of stunning views over the Dolomites; moreover, it’s connected to the world‘s largest ski carousel via the Dolomiti Superski lift network.

 

The Saslong, on the other hand, is an alpine slope legend: what with its 3.4 kilometres and 839 metres of elevation gain, it turns into the venue of one of the most important downhill races in the international Ski World Cup circus shortly before Christmas every year. But the view of the Passo Sella is also a breathtaking one: nestled between the Sella massif in the south with its bizarre rock faces and the Cir peaks in the north, you can enjoy the fantastic view of the valley and the Sassolungo on the other side of the valley.

 

Whoever wants to combine winter sports with pleasant skiing sessions and physical well-being can do so in the Col Raiser/Seceda area featuring spacious and wide slopes. There are a good 16 mountain huts – out of 65 in the whole Val Gardena skiing area, which will charm skiers with their traditional character and cosy interiors – tourists can stop at to enjoy culinary delicacies and for a bit of a break out on the sunny terraces. What better complement than traditional South Tyrolean specialities such as Schlutzkrapfen, a range of different dumplings and sensationally good cheese as well as delicious desserts. You won’t find any fast food here!

You can easily plan your winter holiday in Val Gardena at www.valgardena.it – see you on the slopes!

INFO: Val Gardena

Magic autumn holiday in the Palagroup.

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Good news for trekking lovers: the summer season is not over!

In the Pale di San Martino – the widest group of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there is still time to experience hiking thanks to lifts and mountain huts being open during the following weekends: 28-29 September, 5-6 and 12-13 October. A great opportunity to see the magic autumn’s colors experiencing trekking at high altitude immersed in the Natural Park Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino, taking the lifts Tognola, leading to Alpe Tognola (2000m), or the lifts Colverde-Rosetta taking to the Pala Plateau (2600m).

In the Pale di San Martino, during the weekends until the 13th October, you will also find open mountain huts: Rifugio Rosetta, Rifugio Pradidali, Rifugio Velo della Madonna, Rifugio Mulaz and Rifugio Treviso Canali Huts will let you feel the magic atmosphere of mountain huts and let you taste local, typical food.

During the weekends you will find special events dedicated to the mountains and free shuttle buses to Val Venegia and Val Canali will be available.

Moreover downhill lovers can still try the San Martino Bike Arena using Tognola lifts.

Click here to find out our suggestion for your autumn holiday.

INFO: San Martino di Castrozza, Passo Rolle, Primiero e Vanoi

Running in the Dolomites

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San Martino di Castrozza, Passo Rolle, Primiero and Vanoi, in the eastern part of Trentino and in the heart of the Natural Park Paneveggio Pale di San Martino, is the perfect area for those willing to discover the world with their running shoes on!

At the foot of the Pale di San Martino – a Dolomites Group and UNESCO world heritage site, runners have plenty of possibilities to get trained. They will find trails into the wood or in the mountains at high altitude, roads immersed in uncontaminated nature and connecting the villages of Primiero Valley and the first running park of the Dolomites, called Ces Trail. Ces Trail boasts 16 trails around San Martino di Castrozza, dedicated to running, but also trekking and walking and also offers the possibility to control the own performance and to challenge other runners thanks to Strava.

Those who prefer to run on difficult trails and who are ready to face certain altitudes, shouldn’t miss the 3rd Rosetta Verticale Trail Run, on the 21st September 2019. The race starts from San Martino di Castrozza and leads through the mountain path Nr.701 to the Altopiano delle Pale / Pala Plateau and then up to the Cima della Rosetta / Rosetta Top, that offers an amazing view on the Pale di San Martino, on the Rolle Pass, San Martino di Castrozza, the Lagorai Chain and other peaks. A wonderful panorama that will let runners forget the effort of the run!

Discover more at this link.

Photo Credits: ©Enrica-Pallaver.

INFO: APT San Martino di Castrozza

 

 

 

Sounds of the Dolomites back at the foot of the Pala group: Malika Ayane in Val Canali

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ph Tommaso Prugnola

 

On the 15th September the last concert of “Sounds of the Dolomites” takes place in Val Canali, in a green meadow immersed in the nature, next to the Villa Welsperg, the “House” of the Natural Park Paneveggio Pale di San Martino, in Trentino. The beautiful meadow at the foot of the Pale di San Martino, the widest group of the Dolomites, will be the theater of the incredible voice of Malika Ayane, one of the most amazing pop singer in Italy. In fact, with her extraordinary voice and interpretative ability, her intelligent mix of melodies and receptivity to international sounds, there is no doubt that Malika Ayane represents one of the finest ventures in Italian music in recent years.

A great concert in an incredible frame, that’s what you will be witness of.

A suggestion? Have a walk in the surrounding area to enjoy the view on the Dolomites and to think about your next adventures in this area or take part in the trekking organized by the local alpine guides, the Aquile. If you prefer the mountainbike, there is also the possibility to reach the location by e-bike.

Don’t miss the closing concert of this festival taking place every summer in the Dolomites of Trentino Region and having as motto “Great things are made when men and mountains meet”, a quote by William Blake that perfectly reflects the spirit of the festival.

Photo Credits: Tommaso Prugnola

INFO: APT San Martino di Castrozza

 

Pale di San Martino: real mountain paradise

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San Martino di Castrozza, in the eastern part of Trentino Region, and in the heart of the Dolomites, is an open air gym for all outdoor activities lovers. In this area, dominated by the majestic Pale di San Martino, you can experience trekking of any kind: one day trekking, trekking from hut to hut, in the wood or on the mountains, on easy paths or on difficult trails, dedicated to experts. Whatever kind of trekking you choose, you will enjoy an amazing view on the surroundings!

If you want to experience the thrills of an itinerant trek, share an Alpine mountain-hut dorm with your hiking companions after a day’s walk through the elegant Pale di San Martino and other magic peaks and discover the austere beauty that intrigued foreign travellers and mountain-climbers from as far back as last century, the holiday offer for you is the Dolomiti Palaronda Trek and the Park2Trek Dolomites.

The “Palaronda”, in its two versions (with or without vie ferrate) is a perfect opportunity to discover the Pale di San Martino and to enjoy their essence from the sunrise to the sunset.

The park2Trek Dolomites is the ideal solution for those seeking a wild environment where the nature shows its pure beauty and richness at most.

San Martino di Castrozza, Passo Rolle, Primiero and Vanoi also boast lots of trails for a one-day trekking. Don’t miss the brand new suspended bridge in Noana Valley, for a trekking immersed in uncontaminated nature, and if you want to experience a via ferrata, try the one in Val di Scala, in Vanoi Valley: It is perfect to learn how to afford such trails and it is particularly appreciated for its feasibility and for its access, which is located immediately next to the street.

Plan your trekking now!

INFO: San Martino di Castrozza

San Martino Bike Arena: downhill and enduro xc trails in front of the amazing Pale di San Martino.

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In San Martino di Castrozza, in the heart of the Dolomites and more precisely on the Alpe Tognola, you can find the San Martino Bike Arena, boasting different downhill and enduro / xc trails in front of the amazing Pale di San Martino. Open every day from mid-June to mid-September, the bike park is served by a cable car that in just 12 minutes reaches the altitude of 2200 m.

San Martino Bike Arena also offers specific services for biker: at the valley-station of the cable car you can find the Bikers Village with downhill bike rental, free bike washing, Bike bar and Chill area.

Alpe Tognola this summer will host the second round of the Gravitalia National Circuit. It will be a decisive event for the 2019 circuit. Athletes, divided into agonists and enthusiasts, will compete on a new track and the points earned will further define the general and category classification.

The main goal of Gravitalia National Circuit is to offer all participants the conditions to face with others athletes, improve technically and have fun in a charming location.

Don’t miss this appointment, scheduled for the 20th and 21st of July in the San Martino Bike Arena. Two days of show for bike lovers, but also for all those willing to see a particularly spectacular event, in a unique location.

For further info: Apt San Martino di Castrozza

 

Art in Val Gardena – Idea Unika & Sculpture Fair Unika

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Two summer events to enhance the artistic heritage of Val Gardena

 

Since 1994, Unika has been a platform for promoting sculpture, painting and photography of local artists. Every year Unika artists present themselves and their works at various events, fairs and exhibitions, including the Unika Sculpture Fair and the Idea Unika – Art in the Centre.

Idea Unika – 2019, Art in the Centre (in Ortisei) will take place from 11 July to 15 September. “Ie é na idea” – I’ve got an idea! . . . these are the words of an artist from the Unika group, destined to mark, two years ago, the beginning of this cultural initiative.

A project that aims to bring art to the centre of the village of Ortisei and to stimulate passers-by to stop, observe and reflect. On this occasion, the sculptors and painters of the Unika group will present their new works: sculptures and installations created specifically for this exhibition, one of them was created by several artists together. The material and dimensions are at the discretion of the individual artist, while the themes and messages conveyed are different and thus express the variety and creativity of local artists.

 

The exhibition will be organized for the third time by the Unika group in collaboration with the Municipality and the Tourist Association of Ortisei. This year 6 artists will participate with 6 projects, consisting in sculptures and installations. The outdoor exhibition will be curated by the art critic and historian Andrea Baffoni of Perugia.

The 6 artists are: Walter Pancheri, Ivo Piazza, Roland Perathoner, Livio Comploi, Hubert Mussner and Matthias Kostner.

The Vernissage with presentation of the new catalogue is scheduled for 11. July 2019 at 6 p.m., in Stetteneck Square in Ortisei.

Since 1994, instead, the Unika Sculpture Fair has been held every year, an artistic event that is the result of an association that counts about 30 artists and craftsmen from Val Gardena. The artists who exhibit are not only wood carvers, but also barrel painters, gilders, ornamental sculptors and more. The freedom of expression of each artist allows visitors of the Fair to admire a huge variety of styles and motifs. The only thing that unites works of art and artists is their deep connection with the territory and the fact that they are all unique pieces that can be purchased. The 2019 edition will start on the 29th of August and will end on the 1st of September.

INFO: Val Gardena

 

 

Gastronomic events and Show Cooking for an unforgettable summer in Val Gardena

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During the summertime in Val Gardena, there are plenty of opportunities to spend beautiful evenings together while enjoying excellent cuisine accompanied by a good glass of wine.

We have selected some events that, although very different from each other, have a strong connection with the territory of this beautiful valley of the Dolomites. Let’s start with the invitation to a by now very famous dinner in a…cableway!

Dolomites Skydinner is back: an exciting appointment for fine palates under the stars of Val Gardena, which will take place on July 10.

Now in its 12th edition, the successful format of the event has not changed: elegant tables set in the gondolas of the Mont Sëuc / Alpe di Siusi, suitable for 6 people, in which a 6-course menu will be served, created by the chefs of the ADLER SPA RESORTS & LODGES, ACADIA ADULTS MOUNTAIN HOME, Mont Sëuc Dolomites, Mont Chalet and SUINSOM – Hotel Tyrol. Each dish will be paired with fine wines, in an event in which a form of informal elegance will ensure strong emotions. The evening will be crowned by a splendid view of the Dolomites and musical entertainment during the aperitif, in the valley, in addition to the grand finale, with the dessert served at the restaurant at the top of the cable car.

If the connection with the territory during the Dolomites Skydinner dinner is given by the panorama and the choice of dishes and wines, during the ”Sëira dl vin”; you can grasp it from the name of the event.

It is, in fact, a wine tasting – offered along a red carpet, at the pedestrian zone “Bën unì” in S. Cristina – where 20 renowned wineries of South Tyrol will present their fine bottles. The appointment is for July 12, at 07.30 pm, with exquisite wines in addition to various culinary specialties from the traditional cuisine and live music with the bands “Take Off” and “Demetz Duo”.

 

Furthermore, on July 15, from 05.00 pm, don’t miss South Tyrol is cooking – event of Show Cooking sponsored by the Tourist Association of Ortisei, in collaboration with the Restaurant Vives.

A gastronomic event on the small Piazza S. Antonio, where the Chef Simone Rondini will prepare three courses on a specific theme. Delicacies can be tasted free of charge by the public.

Last but not least: With DolomiteSushi, Japan meets the Dolomites. Where? In the old tunnel of the Val Gardena train, in S. Cristina, on the 2nd August, when unique creations inspired by the Far East will be offered. In addition to the original Japanese sushi, very special dishes based on local products will be served between 07.00 pm and 10.00 pm.

Every Friday in July and August there will be exclusive evenings in Ortisei “Aperitif Urtijëi” from 6:00 pm to 08.30 pm with music and bubbles.

INFO: Val Gardena

Sellaronda Bike Day 2019 – Thank you!

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Last Saturday, 22nd June, one of the greatest bike events in the Dolomites took place: the Sellaronda Bike Day. From 8.30 am until 3.30 pm o’clock all the Dolomites passes around the Sella Group (Sella, Gardena, Pordoi and Campolongo) were reserved to the bicyclists.

Also this edition of the Sellaronda Bike Day was a true bike-celebration. The weather forecast announced a rainy weather, which kept many cyclists from reaching the Dolomite valleys around the Sella massif. Despite the not really cooperating weather, about 12,000 cyclists, well equipped for the rain, have traveled the dolomite bike ride with refreshing temperatures between 4 ° and 16 ° C.

A 58 km long asphalted road at about 1800 meters on the legendary Dolomite passes. Strongly promoted by the tourism offices and public administrations of the four Ladin valleys, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Fassa and Arabba/Fodom, this car-free Sunday is a welcoming change for all cycling enthusiasts.

See you all next year for the 15th edition of the Sellaronda Bike Day on the 27th of June 2020.

INFO: Val Gardena

Sellaronda Bike Day 2019: the car-free day around the four Dolomite passes.

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The car-free day around the four Dolomite passes surrounding the legendary Sella group is to take place for the fourteenth time. The Sellaronda Bike Day will take place on Saturday 22 June and will once again make the hearts of all cyclists beat faster.

You can enjoy the wonderful views, the calm and silence of nature in a fantastic setting offered by the Dolomite valleys, boasting a landscape of magnificent mountains such as the Sassolungo, the Sella, the Sassongher and of course the queen of the Dolomites, the Marmolada.

The success of the ” is down to several reasons. Unlike many cycling races, there is no limit to participation and everyone can take part as they please. Depending on your preference, you can start from Val Gardena, Val Badia, Val di Fassa or Arabba. On Saturday, June 22nd, the roads will be closed to motorised traffic for a total length of 63 km from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. The tour includes the passes Gardena, Campolongo, Pordoi and Sella with a total height difference of 1,780 m.

In Val Gardena the road will be closed from Piazza Nives in Selva between 08:30 and 15:30. The section from Piazza Nives to Plan will be reopened at 10.00 a.m.

Travel anticlockwise. For safety reasons, it is advisable to wear a helmet and ride anticlockwise (from Val Gardena to Passo Sella), and to be very careful and keep to the right considering that you will meet cyclists of different levels and with different speeds.

The official limited edition jersey of the “Sellaronda Bike Day 2019” can be purchased in the online shop of Val Gardena Marketing shop.valgardena.it at the price of Euro 37,00 Euro. For each shirt sold Euro 1 will be donated to “B.LIVE – Being, Believing, Living”.

B.LIVE is a project created for young people suffering from serious chronic diseases who, through visits to companies, meetings with entrepreneurs and other creative initiatives, learn the craft of life and the art of doing.

For all those who have run out of steam, when the roads reopen there will be a shuttle service that will take cyclists back to their starting point. Remember that on the occasion of the “Sellaronda Bike Day” the Olympic spirit prevails: the important thing is to participate!

The Organising Committee informs that it is only thanks to the sound cooperation between the valleys, the commitment of the numerous volunteers and the support of the local and provincial public administrations is it possible to organise an event of such a high level.

Photo Credits: Freddy Planinschek

INFO: Val Gardena