Innerhofer and Delago triumph at the 2018 Gardenissima

Published by Mountainblog on 04/10/2018.

The 22nd 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, the sunny day and the perfect snowconditions 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 to the finish-line at Col Raiser, through 117 gates.

The fastest of the 650 participants was the italian Christof Innerhofer who stopped the clock in 3’32.70. Behind him was Daniel Hemetsberger with 3’33.91, while Alexander Prast finished third in a time of 3’36.98.

The women athletes delivered equally impressive performances with Nicol Delago proving exceptionally skilled at weaving in and out of the gates, to make it first across the line in a time of 3’44.09 . Federica Brignone could not catch Delago, however, and finished second, 3″05 behind her. The bottom step of the ladies’ podium went to the 4times “Gardenissima”-winner Verena Stuffer who crossed the line in a time of 3’46.00 .

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 Federico Vanz with a time of 3’46.07. 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.

Südtirol Gardenissima 2018 22° Edition – Val Gardena (BZ)

Men’s classification:
1. Christof Innerhofer (ITA) 3’32.70
2. Daniel Hemetsberger (AUT) 3’33.91
3. Alexander Prast (ITA) 3’36.98
4. Alex Hofer (ITA) 3’37.38

5. Mattia Casse (ITA) 3’37.90

Women’s classification:
1. Nicol Delago (ITA) 3’44.09
2. Federica Brignone (ITA) 3’45.23
3. Verena Stuffer (ITA) 3’46.00
4. Nadia Delago (ITA) 3’48.81
5. Angelica Simari Birkner (ARG) 4’02.04

For further information: Südtirol Gardenissima

Val Gardena

The 22a Südtirol Gardenissima is fast approaching

Published by Mountainblog on 02/07/2018.

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.

For further information refer pleamr www.gardenissima.eu

INFO: Val Gardena

A Winter to Live to the Full in Val Gardena – Christmas Valley

Published by Mountainblog on 11/01/2017.

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.

INFO: Val Gardena

Val Gardena is the most popular Alpine destination in Italy

Published by Mountainblog on 10/06/2017.

a destinazione alpina più apprezzata d’Italia

According to a recent Enit survey, 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”.

INFO: Val Gardena

Dolomites, a New System for a Brand Looking
to the Future

Published by Mountainblog on 09/22/2017.

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.

(more…)

Sunset hike in the Burning Dolomites #BURNINGDOLOMITES

Published by Mountainblog on 09/06/2017.

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.

Discover the programme of the sunset hikes here.

INFO: Val Gardena

Dolomites Horse Show
The Experience of a Lifetime

Published by Mountainblog on 06/12/2017.

After the runaway success of the first edition, prepare to welcome the second edition of Dolomites Horse Show between 6 and 9 July in Selva di Val Gardena (Italy). This year, the show has decided to substitute the CSI3* with the more prestigious CSI4*, as well as adding the CSI2* that will go towards the Gran Prix ranking.

The change results in a higher technical challenge of the already difficult competitions. The prestige and prize money of the event have also increased.

Selva di Val Gardena has always been a welcoming location, making it a 5-star destination and an ideal setting for the show. The hospitality offer has been expanded to make the four-day stay of horse show fans one to remember.

Val Gardena is a fairy-tale valley surrounded by stunning mountains, verdant forests and well-known for its picturesque villages: all this will contribute to making an already special event unforgettable.

HOTELS. The Dolomites Horse Show relies on the partnership with two prestigious hotels to offer a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience that has made Val Gardena famous for in the past. The Granvara Hotel and Gran Baita Hotel share the pride and joy of Selva di Val Gardena. A refined ambience, pure relaxation, and utmost comfort are the traits of this structure that will make guests feel right at home.

RIDERS’ CLUB. The access to the stands is free but, should you really want to experience the excitement of the show from the ‘inside’, then the Dolomites Horse Show has thought of different tailored solutions for you. The access to the Riders’ Club will allow enthusiasts to meet the protagonists of this event in their reserved space and to taste the all-inclusive culinary offer: breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea with wine, champagne, and soft drinks. Access to the Riders’ Club can be purchased as follows:

Daily pass (excl. Sunday) – 100 EUR

Sunday pass – 150 EUR

Four-day pass – 300 EUR

VIP AREA. The Organising Committee wanted to offer the possibility of following the show from a reserved area. If you would like to make the most of the said offer, get ready to savour the joys of an open bar and delight in a tailored menu created by a Michelin-starred chef for the occasion. You can purchase the offer on a daily basis or for the entire period of the event. The Organising Committee is more than happy to help make the Dolomites Horse Show an unforgettable experience.

To book your spot, please write to office@dolomiteshorseshow.com or call +39 3398021926. Also refer to the Organising Committee if you wish to register for the CSI4* or CSI2* events.

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

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

More and more persons prefer the mountains

Val Gardena is the most appreciated Alpine destination

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