In Val Gardena the organisational machine is taking forward all arrangements for the 22a edition of the Südtirol Gardenissima, it the world’s longest giant slalom, and one which will take place on Saturday 7 April.
The start will be at 8.00 a.m. and as usual from high up on Seceda, and will then wind down a thrilling 6 kilometre course, with 115 gates to the arrival point at the Col Raiser valley station, a course all set in the splendid landscape of the Dolomites.
As tradition demands the opportunity to participate in this much-loved race is open to skiers of every level, as long as the individual is able to provide a medical certificate proving a clean bill of health and FISI card, the latter one able to ask for at the moment of race registration. It is obligatory to wear a helmet.
This year registrations are above every expectation and there are only about two hundred places still free.Every year about 650 participate in the Südtirol Gardenissima, among which are several members past and present of the Italian sk team and other famous celebrities (Isolde Kostner, Peter Runggaldier, Maria Rosa Quario, Peter Fill, Max Franz).
This year’s race will have a very special athlete participating – the Austian multi-time world champion ski jumper Andreas Goldberger.
Stands and entertainment will add to the occasion e.g. the music di DJ Simon will liven things up in the arrival area, and here too there will be snacks and drinks on offer, Furthermore there will be the Season’s End Ski Party Sëlva with The Jam’son & Francine Jordi from 4.30 p.m.
The Prizegiving Ceremony will be at 3.30 p.m. at the Centro Iman at S. Cristina and, os well as the prizes for the first classified places there will be a draw of free holidays for some of the lucky participants.
On Sunday 8 April at 9.00 a.m. it will be the turn of the young ones to take on the challenge in the Südtirol Gardenissima Kids, a 2 kilometre route with an altitude difference of 463 metres which goes from Monte Seceda to the valley station of the Fermeda chairlift. 2018 will be the 5th running of this particular race: there will be two start gates, as in the parallel slalom.
For this race too the wearing of a helmet is also obligatory. The Südtirol Gardenissima Kids presentation will take place at the mountain station of the Seceda cablecar at 2 pm.
This edition of the Südtirol Gardenissima has achieved “GreenEvent” status, satisfying the criteria for a planned and managed event complying to sustainability criteria, the most important factors being – printing of all material on recycled paper, the effective management of waste (reduction of the the quantity of waste and a differentiation in disposal of, the distribution of drinks preferably having an amount payable on return, the origin of at least half of food comsumed being from within the region and a selection of food being based on seasonal factors, and finally the promotion of an awareness in favour of a greater ecological mobility.
Crisp winter air, snow-covered slopes and glowing peaks: Located at the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites turns into a true snow-lovers’ paradise during the winter months. Set against a breathtaking alpine background, the townships of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags provide a wide choice of options: Perfectly groomed ski runs and cross-country ski tracks for the active, snowshoeing and hiking tours through a picture-perfect winter wonderland for those who are up for a more relaxed pace, and rustic mountain huts serving local specialties and home-made delights.
Alpine skiing fun and nature highlights on cross-country tracks The Three Peaks in the Dolomites features more than 100 kilometers of ski slopes and tracks for all levels, located amidst the impressive Dolomites mountain range. A challenge for fit skiers is the 34 kilometer Giro delle Cime day tour with a vertical drop of 5,600 meters. The adventurous, on the other hand, may opt for the steepest run in all of South Tyrol, the so-called “Holzriese”, featuring a slope gradient of 71%. Meanwhile, families and kids are sure to have fun on the sun-drenched runs of the small and easy-to-explore Braies or the family-friendly Baranci ski resorts near San Candido. Fans of cross-country skiing will find more than 200 diverse and perfectly groomed tracks around Sesto, San Candido, Dobbiaco, Villabassa and Braies, making the valley Italy’s number one cross-country skiing destination. The Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese high-altitude track located at 2,000 meters, for example, promises truly stunning views of the Cristallo range and the Hohe Gaisl.
Snowshoeing – A different kind of winter fun How about exploring the unspoilt winter landscape on snowshoes for a change? A great choice is the easy route through the forests of San Candido via the Jora mountain hut and on to the Riese Haunold hut with its small and cozy rooms featuring 200-year old used wood from historic mountain huts. Not to mention the local specialties which are served there and should definitely not be missed! A bit more challenging is the intermediate tour up Monte Calvo/Golfen offering fantastic views of Dobbiaco and the Val di Landro/Höllensteintal. Experienced snowshoers may want to try the hike leading through deep snow from Ponticello/Brückele to the Rossalm at 2,164 meters.
Hiking tours in winter wonderland Another way to enjoy a holiday around the Three Peaks is hiking through beautifully snow-covered landscapes and occasionally stopping at a mountain hut or rustic restaurant for a break. Visitors walking from the Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal to the Rifugio Tre Scarpiere, for example, will be rewarded not only with wonderful views of the Sesto Dolomites, but also with authentic culinary treats like dumplings and goulash or home-made dough-covered, fried apple rings, so-called “Äpfelkiachlan”, with vanilla ice cream. A picturesque trail just above the tree line takes visitors from the Prato Piazza high altitude plateau to the Rifugio Vallandro, opening up breath-taking views of the Hohe Gaisl, Tofane and Monte Cristallo peaks. The alpine hut is located at 2,040 meters and serves tempting regional and Italian fare. Yet another option is the quite challenging pathway from the Monte Croce/Kreuzberg mountain pass in Sesto to the cozy Coltrondo Alm alpine pasture with its menu of farm-to-table dishes. Following this nice break, hikers can continue on to the Malga Alpe Nemes hut and the Klammbachalm alpine pasture for a final warming-up before descending through snow-covered forests back down to the valley.
For further information about activities and accommodation in the Three Peaks Dolomites visit www.drei-zinnen.info
The ski area San Martino di Castrozza – Passo Rolle is the southern part of the Dolomiti Superskicircuit and boasts 60 km of ski slopes located at an altitude between 1404 m and 2357 m. The whole ski area offers a breathtaking view of the peaks and chains surrounding the territory, in particular of the Pale di San Martino, the widest group of the Dolomites. Every ski run is located inside the Natural Park Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino and presents a different level of difficulty. The ski area boasts flat parts and steep slopes and is therefore perfect for all skiers, both beginners and experts.
Stunning skiing and unforgettable views along the 15 km slopes of the Rolle Pass, one of the most panoramic passes of the Dolomites. In San Martino di Castrozza you will find 45 km of perfectly prepared slopes also thanks to the snowmaking system. San Martino di Castrozza also perfectly combines sport and taste boasting several huts along the slopes where to have a deserved stop.
Christmas in Val Gardena is somewhat of a tradition, yet more than in any other corner of the world. The three main villages prepare to spend this magical period following their traditions. Selva di Val Gardena is ready to stage ‘Mountain Christmas’. The mountain village is located in the heart of the Dolomites, at the foot of the Sella Massif, it’s the highest village in Val Gardena, resting on the legendary ski-tour ‘Sella Ronda’ where skiing means having a blast on over 500 km of slopes.
This season too, the feel of the ski slopes will be transferred to the traffic-free part of the village between 7 December 2017 and 7 January 2018, thanks to an uninterrupted strip of floodlit area of approximately 350 metres, and 12 small wooden cable car pods where you can sample gingerbread, mulled wine, homemade cakes, artisanal chocolate, and purchase unique gifts for next Christmas.
A swirling array of Christmas decorations and twinkling lights, together with the sweet tunes of Christmas Carols will uplift the spirits of everyone and light that spark of happiness and surprise in the eyes of children. Moreover, the traditional art of sculpting in Val Gardena will be showcased in the beautiful nativity scene exhibition. www.mountain-christmas.com
Ortisei will become a Christmas Village (from 1 December to 6 January), shrouded in fairy lights. The market will be carefully prepared, steeped in a unique atmosphere where Christmas Carols will ring in the air, and tourists can taste homemade bakes, touch wooden hand carved objects, admire the lights and surroundings, and catch a tempting waft of food and wood which will warm up the atmosphere. A run-up to Christmas bursting with emotions and experiences. The stands sport countless products, all original and authentic, from sculptures, wooden tools, Advent wreaths, lanterns and frames, candles to felt products.
Choirs will perform every day and the mountain horns will fill the valleys, and you can take part in courses to learn how to create traditional wooden Ladin tools or recipes.
Children will also be able to send their letters in a dedicated post box on Piazza Stetteneck, knowing they will reach Father Christmas’ house safe and sound.
The Santa Cristina Christmas Market traditionally offers typical products, crafts, and local cooking. The varied offer of Tyrolean sweets and specialties will delight the palate of visitors, who can also attend live performances of local wood-carving masters and listen to mountain music and melodies. Every weekend and on festivities, between 10 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. gingerbread biscuits and delicious ‘Spitzbuben’, shortcrust pastry biscuits filled with apricot marmalade, will be taken hot out of the oven. www.mercatino-natale.it/ita/index.htm
Val Gardena yet again cements its reputation as the ‘Christmas Valley’, offering plenty of events dedicated to the most important celebration of the year – have a look at the event calendar.
According to a recent Enitsurvey, the National Tourism Agency, recently reported by the national daily newspaper La Stampa, the summer season just ended can be defined as the summer of records in the Alpine area. A sign of the times, which leads people to prefer quieter and less crowded destinations, but also a sign of a reversal of the trend: it is no longer true that in summer Italians prefer white beaches.
More and more persons prefer the mountains
People seem to be increasingly attracted by the mountains and the authentic hospitality of the various Alpine resorts, they able to guarantee a tourist offer that ranges from culture to sport, from nature to typical food and wine. A revolution, especially if you think that until a few years ago the summer holiday in the mountains was considered “démodé” and was chosen only by 15% of Italians (Eumetra 2016 survey). This year, on the other hand, mountain holidays have become trendy, especially if spent in famous locations.
Val Gardena is the most appreciated Alpine destination
According to the well-known Italian daily newspaper, the Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage) also took advantage of this boom and proved to be the most popular Alpine destination. Val Gardena in particular is considered the most popular and enjoyable Alpine destination in Italy, ahead of Val di Fassa, Courmayeur and Madonna di Campiglio.
“This news naturally fills us with great pride and can be considered as the just recognition for the great work done in recent years by all the tourist operators in Val Gardena” explains Günther Pitscheider, Director of Val Gardena-Gröden Marketing. Coming out top – underlines Pitscheider – is a strong signal that the path taken is the right one, and gives us further motivation to continue along it”.
A giant family of snowmen, the gentle sound of bells on a reindeer-drawn sleigh passing by and children’s laughter in the air: Croda Rossa / Rotwand with its sunny slopes and cuddly residents is only one among many beautifully snow-steeped sites in the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites. This is where family dreams come true, over and over again. The charming ski resort features both skiing fun for grown-ups and entertainment for the little ones. Not forgetting the adjacent peaks, frozen-over mountain lakes and the valleys that offer a great choice of additional exciting experiences.
Located at the heart of the Dolomites, the snow-covered holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites with its quaint holiday resorts of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags is a favorite among winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages. The area formerly known as Alta Pusteria / Hochpustertal offers great fun, relaxation and lots of activities. The giant family ofsnowmen on Croda Rossa, a popular backdrop for that annual family photo, is only one of many elaborate details the destination holds in store for younger guests.
On the Rudy Reindeer Trail for example, an educational ski training track, little skiers get to know new techniques through playful elements. Croda Rossa’s herd of reindeer, the smallest in the Alps and the only one in Italy, is a big hit with children, and there are many more animals to be discovered down in the valley, at the Gustav Mahler Wildlife Park in Dobbiaco. Deer, lynx, mouflons, wild boars, snowy owls raccoons and many other species await visitors daily from 9 am through 6 pm. The park only stays closed on Thursdays.
Meanwhile, the family-friendly Monte Baranci/Haunold ski area provides lots of action-packed fun: On a designated kids ski-cross run juniors get the chance to train their skills, and the snow tubing run sends them – and courageous parents, too – off on a ride on special tyres down the snow-covered mountain. Those who just can’t get enough of the great outdoors are twice a week able to hit the floodlit slopes for some night-skiing or tobogganing. Next to the mighty Monte Baranci Croda Rossa and Signaue also make for some excellent “down-hilling” thanks to lifts that take both people and their toboggans comfortably to the start.
As fast-paced things may be mountainside, a magical winter wonderland welcomes visitors down in the valley: Throughout the season, horse-drawn carriages take families on romantic sleigh rides through glittering forests. Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee is a popular destination during these tours as it lies embedded in mystical peace, enchanted as if touched by the Snow Queen – a miraculous place for all generations. Last but not least, the ice rinks of Dobbiaco, Villabassa, Sesto and San Candido are a must for fans of ice skating.
For further details on activities and family-friendly accommodation in the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites see www.drei-zinnen.info.
Val Gardena, after a long and elaborate process over several phases has presented a new strategy which has as its driving element the brand DOLOMITES.
At a “kick-off” event of the Tourism Associations of Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva, the results of this strategic process were presented to the public, a process which has resulted in the creation of a new Val Gardena logo, it integrated with that of Dolomites, and so by opening a possible prospective for the other valleys of the Dolomites.
The Rosetta Verticaleis a competitive run with starting point in Apt San Martino di Castrozza and arrival on the Rosetta Top. A wonderful 360° panorama on the Cimon della Pala, on the Plateau Pale di San Martino and on the Primiero Valley with other peaks all around waits for the runners on the Rosetta Top compensating for the effort of the run. The Rosetta Verticale is the final run of the Trentino Vertical Circuit.
Test your physical resistance and compete on the stunning path leading to the Plateau Pale di San Martino enjoying an unforgettable view from the top.
A special wonder of nature can be observed in Val Gardena during the autumn months, the so-called Burning Dolomites.
Here, the needles of the larches turn from green to yellow and then to glowing orange, red and brown. At the same time, special and particularly low sunrays color the Dolomites wonderfully red.
From September 13th and November 3rd 2017, hikers can experience this unique moment on guided sunset hikes every Wednesday and on guided daytrips every Friday.
Awe-inspiring peaks, sparkling lakes and quaint valleys – it is these iconic features that make the Three Peaks Dolomites a perfect hiking destination. Right at the heart of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and around the area’s famous landmark, the Three Peaks, nature lovers and sports enthusiasts can choose from a wide variety of hut-to-hut trekking tours, circular hikes and challenging high routes. Whether it is an easy hike from the emerald-green shores of Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee to the sun-drenched Malga Foresta/Grünwaldalm, a steeper ascent from the Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese plateau to the panoramic Picco de Vallandro/Dürrenstein, or an ambitious multi-day tour along the Dobbiaco high route with its unparalleled views of the Three Peaks – the choice of routes is sure to suite all skills and abilities.
The natural beauty found in and around the holiday resorts of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags turns hiking in the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites into an unforgettable experience. A true place of magic, for example, is the Prato Piazza high altitude plateau near Braies. Far away from any traffic this gem captures visitors with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. It is also the starting point for several hikes at different levels. Families will enjoy the easy walk to Monte Specie/Strudelkopf at 2,307 meters. The summit cross, which is also known as “homecomer’s cross”, offers rewarding vistas of Tofane, Monte Cristallo and the Three Peaks. Those who are not afraid of heights take the road to Picco de Vallandro at Prato Piazza for the three-hour challenging climb that opens up great panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. On the plateau itself the Prato Piazza Mountain Inn and the Rifugio Vallandro serve a variety of regional fare for hungry hikers.
Well-trained endurance athletes are able to test their physical fitness along the Dobbiaco high route where the Dolomites and the High Tauern mountain range seem close enough to touch. Alternatively, the tour may be extended to two days including an overnight at the Rifugio Bonner. This provides visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful mountains from hut to hut, including the Steinbergalm hut and the Malga S. Silvestro hut/Silvesteralm.
A nature experience for the more slow-paced is the easy walk over the wide gravel road framed by lovely pastures leading from the legendary lake Lago di Braies to the Malga Foresta at an altitude of 1,580 meters. Gourmets will enjoy the hut’s delicious menu of the day featuring local and Italian specialties, served on the beautiful sundeck. Another easy, yet none the less scenic route originates in historic San Candido. It takes hikers to the Rifugio Tre Scarperi/Dreischusterhütte and boasts great views of the impressive Sesto Dolomites that stretch through the Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal. The area is part of the Three Peaks Nature Park and offers an unspoilt haven of peace and tranquility second to none. The Tre Scarperi hut operates from June through early October and also offers guest accommodation.
For further information on activities and accommodation in the Three Peaks Dolomites website.
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