Val Gardena: E-Bike Gourmet Tour e-powered by BOSCH

Published by Mountainblog on 05/04/2017.

The impressive panorama of the Dolomites – part of the UNESCO World Heritage site – is an oasis of well-being. The E-Bike Gourmet Tour e-powered by BOSCH is all about pleasure – from cozy cycling to culinary delicacies. On a E-Bike tour through Val Gardena (Italy) – from the north side of the valley to the southern side – the participants will discover the captivation of the Dolomites and the magic of the regional cuisine. A stopover in the huts and farms of Val Gardena is the summit of pleasure: a second breakfast, an aperitif, a main course and a delicious dessert are served to all the participants – accompanied, of course, by the typical Val Gardena hospitality. Let us take you to the Val Gardena mountains and enjoy a 360° pleasure!

Meeting point: 9.00 am Active & Events Office Selva Val Gardena
Price: 45,00 € / 35,00 € for VGA partners

Services included:
– a professional E-Bike guide
– second breakfast at the hut “L Muliné”
– Aperitif at the Tirler hut
– Lunch at Café Restaurant Val d’Anna
– Dessert at the Paratoni farm in S. Cristina

What do I need?
– E bike
– protective helmet
– suitable bike wear, protection against wind and rain.

INFO: Val Gardena

Val Gardena – Dolomites Horse Show.
The 2017 edition of the wonderful Italian show is scheduled from the 6th to the 9th of July

Published by Mountainblog on 04/19/2017.

Following the great success of the first edition, Selva di Val Gardena will once again welcome the Dolomites Horse Show, a sporting event of the highest caliber, which attracts the very best of international show jumping to its unique setting.

The show is scheduled from the 6th to the 9th of July, and during the four days of competitions, amazing horses will take the field with their riders in this suggestive location that has no equals in the world. Indeed, the event, which is supported by Val Gardena and Südtirol, will take place in the wonderful Vallunga, a UNESCO natural heritage, and perfect scenery for a show that brings together sport and elegance. In the heart of the North-Western Dolomites, between the Massiccio del Sella, Passo Sella, Passo Gardena and Ponte Gardena, Val Gardena attracts tourists and mountaineers from all over the world.

What better place then to take international show jumping? The feedback from the audience and insiders has been overwhelming, and has convinced Alex Delazer, an International rider himself and creator of the event, that his idea was a winning one. The first edition of the Dolomites Horse Show has entered the rich history of sports of SouthTyrol. After the legendary Ski World Cup, the ATP Tennis Challenger and the Südtirol Dolomites HERO, Val Gardena has in fact become part of the exclusive locations hosting the most prestigious horse shows. This year, the CSI3*, heart of the show, has been replaced by a CSI4*, thereby raising the technical level of the show. With this quality leap, the already significant amount of prize money has been increased, reaching a total of 250,000 euros.

The best horses and riders in the world will meet in Selva di Val Gardena to compete in five classes, which are all valid for the Longines World Ranking List. The most anticipated moment will for sure be the Grand Prix, which will see the best 30 riders of the world Ranking List take the field, and which will conclude the event. Next to the CSI4* show, the second edition of the Dolomites Horse Show will also host a CSI1* show, reserved for amateurs and the young promising riders of this sport, which will allow its participants to ride next to the great riders.

Show Jumping is a sport that brings with it the beau monde and Val Gardena is ready to welcome it appropriately: the VIP area, with a fantastic view over the main arena, offers an all-inclusive service with menus created by the best Italian chefs, accompanied by a selection of fine wines, champagne, and cocktails.

The event will be covered extensively by the media, and also be live on TV thanks to partnerships with national television, Eurosport, Class Horse Tv and Horse & Country. This media coverage will offer the show the opportunity to enter more than 100 million homes, speaking twenty different languages. During the first edition, the Dolomites Horse Show has been followed by the whole world with a tremendous amount of interest: more than 20,000 connections have been registered during the live streaming and numerous were those who watched the Grand Prix on Sky.

The show is invitational. For entries please refer directly to the Show Office at: office@dolomiteshorseshow.com.

INFO: Val Gardena

Rabanser And Stuffer Triumph At The 2017 Gardenissima

Published by Mountainblog on 04/04/2017.

Alexander Rabanser delivered a blistering display of skill on the pistes of Val Gardena to finish ahead of Luca and Jonas Senoner. Christof Innerhofer had the best time overall, but he was disqualified for missing a gate. The women’s category was topped by Verena Stuffer who held sway over Nicol and Nadia Delago.

A total of 650 skiers from 16 nations lined out for the event

The 21st edition of the Südtirol Gardenissima, the world’s longest giant slalom, delivered thrills and spills aplenty as it brought the Alpine skiing season to a fittingly exciting close today. The stunning backdrop of the Dolomites combined with the warmth and enthusiasm of the spectators helped boost the already-spectacular performances of the athletes as they started their descent from the top of Monte Seceda and then shot down the piste (shortened for safety reasons) to the finish-line in the Costes area.

The fastest of the 650 participants was the italian Alexander Rabanser who stopped the clock in 2’17.85. 2″72 behind him was Luca Senoner, while Jonas Senoner finished third in a time of 2’21.84.

There was huge excitement too around the participation of Kasete Naufahu Skeen, the first Tongan skier to compete in the Alpine Skiing World Championship. He finished his race in a time of 3’05.90, but he was disqualified for missing a gate.

The women athletes delivered equally impressive performances with Verena Stuffer proving exceptionally skilled at weaving in and out of the gates, to make it first across the line in a time of 2’20.98. Nicol Delago could not catch Stuffer, however, and finished second, 2″91 behind her. The bottom step of the ladies’ podium went to Nadia Delago who crossed the line in a time of 2’24.16.

There was great applause and cheering from the crowd for the large group of Ski Legends as they completed their descent. First of the former champions to cross the line in this special category was Luca Senoner who finished second overall. He was 1″27 faster than Jonas Senoner and Federico Vanz. The first of the women to finish was Regina Haeusl, from Germany, who triumphed in style over Paola Magoni and Daniela Zini.

Delivering its usual magical mix of music, sport and fun, the Gardenissima once again proved a truly fantastic festival of snow, drawing in and involving everyone from amateur to professional skiers as well as promising young talents and families. And of course, a large group of very appreciative spectators. The fun continues tomorrow with the Südtirol Gardenissima Kids for young skiers born between 2003 and 2010.

Südtirol Gardenissima 2017
21° Edition – Val Gardena (BZ)

Men’s classification:
1. Alexander Rabanser (ITA) 2’17.85
2. Luca Senoner (ITA) 2’20.57
3. Jonas Senoner (ITA) 2’21.84
4. Federico Vanz (ITA) 2’21.84
5. Werner Perathoner (ITA) 2’26.15

Women’s classification:
1. Verena Stuffer (ITA) 2’20.98
2. Nicol Delago (ITA) 2’23.89
3. Nadia Delago (ITA) 2’24.16
4. Macarena Simari Birkner (ARG) 2’26.19
5. Maria Belen Simari Birkner (ARG) 2’27.21

For further information: Südtirol Gardenissima
Val Gardena

Three Peaks Dolomites: The Best Places For Fun-Filled Action, Relaxation and Romance in The Snow

Published by Mountainblog on 11/30/2016.

South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal, which as of recently presents itself under the “Three Peaks Dolomites” brand, offers some of the best places for a winter season filled with outdoor action, opportunities to relax and romantic moments – in the picturesque townships of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags. Whether it is a horse sleigh ride in the Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal, a walk along the shores of Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee, a stroll through San Candido’s picturesque pedestrian zone, a stop at Klammbachalm or snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through a mountain winter wonderland: the wide variety of choices is sure to suit all tastes.

Romantic moments in the snow
What could possibly be more romantic than a horse sleigh ride for two through the picture-perfect snow-covered scenery at Val Fiscalina and the famous Meridiana di Sesto?
Or how about a walk through the charming pedestrian zone of San Candido, site of the annual “Dolomite Christmas”? This season, the event takes place November 25 through January 6, filling the village with true Christmas magic. Nature lovers, on the other hand, should opt for Lago di Braies, the largest natural lake in the Dolomites, which during the winter months is covered with glittering white ice and snow.

An athlete’s dream come true …
Winter time is also the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors – on cross-country skis, for example. The holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites features an impressive 200 kilometer network of groomed and connected trails. An insider’s tip is the Val di Landro tour providing great views of the Three Peaks.
Alpine skiers will enjoy the area’s more than 93 kilometers of perfectly groomed slopes in the Three Peaks Dolomites ski resort, snow guaranteed. And, next to the new, sun-drenched Three Peaks run actually lies Italy’s steepest run, the so-called “Holzriese”.

Unspoiled landscapes and a hearty snack
Snowshoeing puts participants into a slower, almost meditative mode when jointly making their way through spectacular landscapes covered with an immaculate white blanket of snow that produces softly crunching noises. Offering breathtaking views of the Three Peaks, a hike from Prato Piazza/Plätzwiese to Monte Specie/Strudelkopf is considered to be a true highlight. At the end of an extensive hike or snowshoeing tour stands a hearty snack, served in the cozy atmosphere of a farmed alp like Klammbachalm. Those looking for an easier way up to the alp should instead take a gondola ride via Stiergarten.

Creits: 1st pic H.Wisthaler / 2nd pic ©TV Innichen_H.Wisthaler.

Further information and bookings are available online at www.drei-zinnen.info

5 Awards For Val Gardena The Best Skiresort in the Dolomites!

Published by Mountainblog on 11/23/2016.

A host of prizes and recognitions for Val Gardena as the best ski destination in South Tyrol, the Dolomites, and Italy.

The fact that Val Gardena is an exceptional resort in which to pass winter holidays is now universally known and accepted, and proof of this is seen in the awards given over recent years and the awards of 2016 are particularly important. On the back of these awards it is not outlandish to claim that Val Gardena has become the best ski destination in the Dolomites.

The Skiresort.com site, is the premier reference in the world for skiers, has awarded Val Gardena “5 stars” as the best ski resort and as the best ski carousel with the Sellaronda; whilst Snow-online.com, the site which as well as giving information on the nature of ski slopes, offers a panorama on the latest trends in winter sports and descriptions of holiday opportunities and experiences, has placed Val Gardena in 5° position amongst the Top 10 ski resorts in the world.

Also the British Skiclub.co.uk has re-elected Val Gardena in 1° position amongst the 3 best European destinations and Snowplaza, another platform dedicated to skiing, and on a basis of a poll carried out at European level so as to vote for the best ski resorts in the Alps, has resulted in Val Gardena being considered the winning resort out of the Top Italian Ski Resorts 2016 and also finishing in sixth position among the best in the Alps.

Last but not least, yesterday came the news that worldskiawards.com has put Val Gardena in 1° position as Italy’s Best Ski Resort 2016.

There are many factors contributing to Val Gardena always being among the first places when it comes to nominations at Italian, European and world level: the range of slopes, modern lift systems, ideal hotel establishments, the expertise and professionalism of the ski schools, the Ladin culture and traditions, the welcome and corteous nature of the local folk. And it is these same characteristics which make Val Gardena the ideal location to enjoy a fantastic holiday in every way.

INFO: Val Gardena

For High-Flyers and Fans of Rudy Reindeer
Ski Experiences In The Three Peaks Dolomites

Published by Mountainblog on 11/10/2016.

Since the skiing terrain in the Three Peaks Dolomites is so varied and distances within the resort are so short, the Three Peaks Dolomites ski resort has for the 2016/17 season created a series of exciting experiences for all types of skiers.

For high-flyers: A helicopter ride over the snow-covered Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage and boundless skiing fun on the area’s most beautiful pistes is what visitors are able to experience when booking the Dolomites by Ski & Heli tour.

An absolute must for skiers with great stamina is the Giro delle Cime. The day tour through the Monte Elmo/Helm, Stiergarten, Croda Rossa/Rotwand, Kreuzberg/Monte Croci and the Val Comlico ski area features 5,600 meters of elevation gain, eleven lift rides providing spectacular views as well as many culinary peaks. Depending on snow conditions, the tours take place weekly on Wednesday and Sunday throughout the winter season.

Lots of adrenaline and fascinating technical insights are offered to adventurous guests during the Free Fall Ride at the Croda Rossa when accompanying technicians on their nightly snow groomer tour. It takes them to one of the steepest runs in the Alps, the so-called “Holzriese”.

Up for a skiing break? The feeding of Italy’s only herd of reindeers near the top of the Croda Rossa gondola promises to become an unforgettable highlight for the entire family. The public feeding takes place every Thursday at 2 pm.

Early-morning ski tours in the Dolomites are the crowning glory of any skiing season. Those wanting to enrich this awe-inspiring experience with a breakfast in the sun should opt for the Three Peaks Mountain Brunch, available on Saturdays from February 11, 2017. On touring skis participants make their way from the valley’s bottom in Sesto up to the popular panorama restaurant on Monte Elmo.

Bookings are available online.

INFO: Three Peaks Dolomites

Skiing in Val Gardena

Published by Mountainblog on 10/24/2016.

Val Gardena boasts a centuries-old history in tourism and can connect its strong and fascinating culture with cutting-edge technology and infrastructures, creating an ideal holiday destination for all winter sport lovers. The big novelty for the next winter season will be a state-of-the-art heated 8-seat cable car, the Gran Paradiso, the first of its kind in Italy, which will cover a longer route to also connect to the anticlockwise track of the Sellaronda, linking it to the renowned ’City of Rocks’. The new cable car, besides its functional aspect and comfort, was also developed to deliver a pleasant experience for its users. It’s fitted with beautiful blue-tinted glass which will contribute in giving an even more spectacular view compared to the usual smoky grey used for cable car pods. It will carry up to 2,200 people per hour, cover 1 km and an elevation difference of 231 metres in 3.21 minutes and will be open for business from 4^thDecember.

‘Ladies First’

Val Gardena Active ‘Ladies Special’ is a winter programme dedicated to women who want to spend a holiday in this charming Dolomite valley delving into cultural, cooking, and sportive activities.

‘Ladies Special’ includes various activities with one single common element: relaxation. Every day will see a range of on foot excursions, morning fitness, and cooking classes which will help you relax like you never can back at home.

This programme bursting with events will allow you to discover how much Val Gardena can offer from a natural and cultural perspective.

At the end of an intense day, the centre of the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva Val Gardena are a great destination for an aperitif with friends or some shopping. Every activity of the ‘Ladies Special’ programme varies in price, with discounts for Val Gardena Active partners.

Further information here.

Christmas Valley

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 ‘Sellaronda’ where skiing means having a blast on over 500 km of slopes.

Even this year, the skiing slopes will be transferred to the traffic-free part of the village between 2 December and 8 January, the track lit up thanks to an uninterrupted strip of light 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, 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. www.nadelurtijei.it

The Santa Cristina Christmas Market traditionally offers typical products, crafts, and local cooking. Located in a beautiful scenic location at the foot of the Sassolungo and Castel Gardena, it has always delivered a unique atmosphere and plenty of good ideas for Christmas presents.

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

Val Gardena yet again cements its reputation as the ‘Christmas Valley’, offering plenty of events dedicated to the most important celebration of the year.

INFO: Val Gardena

A New Name for South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria/Hochpustertal: Three Peaks Dolomites

Published by Mountainblog on 10/19/2016.

With immediate effect, the area around South Tyrol’s Alta Pusteria presents itself under a new name – holiday region Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites. The rising alpine destination, which comprises the quaint villages of Sesto/Sexten, San Candido/Innichen, Dobbiaco/Toblach, Villabassa/Niederdorf and Braies/Prags, chose that name in order to further stress the importance of the world-famous Three Peaks as the area’s landmark. Yet, the primary focus of the tourism experience remains the holiday experience for all senses. Target groups are individual travellers and families, those looking for indulgence or relaxation, and active travellers. The valley welcomes them with a truly unique mix of cultural features and laid-back lifestyle, whether it is during a break at one of the many mountain cabins, or in the cosy atmosphere of a local guest house or restaurant. Guests may choose from a wide range of exciting activities: hiking, mountain climbing and biking in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage, water-based treatments in the “Kneipp für mich®” Active Park, and relaxed days on the shores of a lake.

In addition to the Alta Pusteria, the Sesto Dolomites cable cars, too, form part of the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites, making it a perfect winter destination for skiers and snowboarders alike. In the Helm-Croda Rossa skiing region 32 cable cars provide access to snow-filled fun on 93 kilometres of perfectly groomed slopes. Five interconnected skiing mountains between South Tyrol and the Veneto plus convenient train connections with the Ski Pustertal Express offer further options, adding up to a total of 200 kilometres of slopes. A wide network of cross-country trails, snowshoeing, winter hiking and many other experiences complement the array of winter sports activities in the holiday region Three Peaks in the Dolomites, while families will enjoy features like gigantic snowmen, Italy’s only free-range herd of reindeers, ice-skating, or tobogganing.

Another romantic affair is a sleigh ride through the snow-covered landscape. Fast at times, then slow, to the rhythmic trudging sound of hooves the horse-drawn sleigh takes passengers to the Lago di Dobbiaco or the Val Fiscalina.

Pic Credits: Ch.Tschurtschenthaler

INFO: Three Peaks/3 Zinnen in the Dolomites

VAL GARDENA: Prizes and Awards, an International Valley if There Ever Was One

Published by Mountainblog on .

Val Gardena has what some may call an international siren call, as proven by the numerous tourists from all corners of the world and its membership of the ‘Leading Mountain Resorts of the World’, an association which pools all main mountain tourist destinations which offer high-quality holidays.

Besides Val Gardena, Saas Fee (Switzerland), Åre (Sweden), Banff/Lake Louise (Canada), Bariloche (South America) and Queenstown (New Zealand) are also part of this elite group.

In the last years, Val Gardena has received numerous recognitions, including five stars as ‘best skiing area’ by German website skiresort.de, one of the most important in the world for assessing skiing areas. Moreover, famous travel portal Trip Advisor awarded Selva Val Gardena the 6^th place out of the top 10 most voted in the annual ‘Travellers Choice Award’ where tourists vote the best holiday destinations, placing just after the city of art par excellence and some beach locations.

Start and end of season offers.

All Dolomiti Superski ski passes (daily and multiday 2-28 days) are free for children up to 8 when purchased with the same type and duration adult ski pass. Even young skiers are entitled to discounts of 30%. If you’re hunting for a bargain, i.e. a beautiful holiday in Val Gardena for a deal, there are very interesting start and end of season offers.

From 25 November to 24 December 2016, the SuperPremière offers will allow you to spend 4 nights with ski pass and rental of equipment for the price of 3. From 18 March to end of the season, the Val Gardena Family Special, many establishments taking part in the initiative, will offer accommodation, ski pass and free hire, as well as special discounts for children. Moreover Val Gardena SuperSun will offer 7 nights for the price of 6 and ski rental for 6 days for the price of 5. Further information at www.valgardena.it.

Highlights – winter sports

Fis Ski World Cup: 16/17 December 2016

Vertical Up 21 January 2017

Skitouring MOVE: 11 March 2017

Sellaronda Skimarathon: 24 March 2017

Südtirol Gardenissima: 01 April 2017

Südtirol Gardenissima KIDS 02 April 2017

Highlights – culture

Christmas Market: 2 December 2016/8 January 2017, S. Cristina

Christmas Village: 1 December 2016/8 January 2017, Ortisei

Mountain Christmas 2 December 2016/8 January 2017, Selva

Snow sculpture competition: 27/30 December 2016, Selva

Ice sculpture competition: 20 January 2017, Ortisei

Rock The Dolomites 12/19 March 2017, Selva.

INFO: Val Gardena

Val Gardena Groden Vertical Up: Master the Saslong Uphill in Record Time

Published by Mountainblog on 10/07/2016.

The Organizing Committee of the Ski World Cup is presenting a new and interesting event with VAL GARDENA – GRÖDEN VERTICAL UP.

While each December the world’s best speed specialists thunder down the Saslong from Start to Finish fighting for record times, on January 21st, 2017, endurance specialists will try to achieve the opposite by completing the climb from Finish to Start in the shortest time. It means that they will try to conquer the classic World Cup course uphill from bottom to top as quickly as possible.

There are two options: the long and the short distance. The original course measured 3.5 km and 830 m in altitude difference; the shortened track is 1.986 km long and has an altitude difference of 590 m. The Start is at 1410 m above sea level, the Finish at 2249 and 2000 m, respectively. The maximum gradient is 56%, the average gradient 24.5%.

What’s most interesting about the competition is that there are practically no rules: the choice of materials and equipment is free, as long as the ascent is propelled by one’s own power. Light is provided by head lamps and key sections are additionally lit by standing lights provided by the OC. The ascent lines of both routes are also free of choice.

Men and women will be ranked separately: there is a speed and a backpack category. The Speed Class winner is who is fastest at vertically mastering the Saslong. Ranks 1-6 will be awarded cash prizes. There are also gift certificates and non-cash prizes to be won. The Back-pack Class crowns the participant who clocks the time closest to the average time of all participants. An absolute “entertainment competition”. A maximum of 1500 athletes are allowed at the start.

In addition to the general and category ranking, there are also regional and team rankings. And there is a special prize for whoever reaches the Camel Humps first. Same goes for the athlete who conquers the steepest part (the “spinel” or back) in the shortest amount of time.

Registration begins on October 10th, 2016 at 8:16 PM and closes on January 14th, 2017 at 8:00 pm CET. Late entries at an extra fee accepted at the race office January 21st, 2017 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

VERTICAL UP venues include:

Hinterstoder (Hannes Trinkl Course) 7.01.2017
Val Gardena-Gröden (Saslong) 21.01.2017
Pinzolo-Madonna di Campiglio (Tulot Audi course) 28.01.2017
Kitzbühel (Streif) 25.02.2017
Wengen (Lauberhorn) 25.03.2017

INFO: VAL GARDENA – GRÖDEN VERTICAL UP

Val Gardena