Skiing in Val Gardena

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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 4th December.

‘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

 

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

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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 6th 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

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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 

Val Gardena: First 8-seater chairlift with heated seats in Italy

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Val Gardena (Italy) proves once again that it is not only a pioneer in the ski industry, but also one of the most modern ski areas in the Alps.

For the upcoming winter season 2016/17 the brand new 8-seater chairlift with heated seats will replace the current “Gran Paradiso” skilift on Piz Sella. It will be the first in Italy to boast heated seats!

Moreover, the modern system will have even more to offer in that the route of the new chairlift will be a little longer than previously so that winter sport lovers will have a direct connection not only to the Sellaronda in the counterclockwise (green) direction but also towards Passo Sella and the mystical “City of Stones”.
The new chairlift is a real eye-catcher, for instead of the classic grey, transparent cupolas blue ones have been mounted and they will provide even greater comfort for skiers.

The chairlift will be open from early December 2016.

Technical details of the new chairlift “Gran Paradiso” as produced by Leitner:

  • Length: 1005.71 m
  • Altitude difference: 231.00 m
  • Capacity: 2,200 people / h
  • Journey time: 3min 21’

INFO: Val Gardena

Crafts In The Valley Of The Woodcarvers

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Wood carving has a long tradition in Val Gardena. Around the year 1600 some families, during winter time, started carving tools, religious figures and children’s toys in their homes. In the late 18th century, the carving trade became a major branch of the economy. Art schools and vocational colleges were set up, and a modern industry took shape.

The Val Gardena wood carvers introduced new procedures and created an innovative and versatile arts and crafts industry, with levels of workmanship second to none. It is therefore not surprising that one of Val Gardena’s visitor attractions is the world’s largest hand-carved manger in S. Cristina.

If you would like to watch our artists at work there are various demonstrations, or visit our traditional farmers’ and crafts market on 30 August in S. Cristina‘s pedestrian precinct, or how about the unique Val Gardena sculpture fair, UNIKA, between 1 and 4 September 2016?

More information at www.unika.it Judith Sotriffer, a young artist from Ortisei, has a workshop where she carves replicas of traditional wooden toys from the region. The originals, from the 17th century, are on display at the local history museum: www.museumgherdeina.it

 

INFO: Val Gardena 

Val Gardena Active – Outdoor Activities In Val Gardena

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Val Gardena has tours for all hiking enthusiasts, whether classic pleasure walks, hill runs or challenging climbing ventures.

In our programme, Val Gardena Active, you will find your perfect outing: experience the beautiful Val Gardena landscape with a guided tour in the Puez-Geisler nature reserve, a walk at sunrise with some wildlife watching, a mountain bike adventure or a culinary tour of mountain huts.

We also offer a Kids Active programme from June to September. For children, the Dolomites are a treasure trove of adventures. They can test their courage at the highwire adventure course, follow the UNESCO trail or discover some magic herbs.

More information: Val Gardena Active

 

 

Gardena: Where Language, Tradition and Culture
Come Together

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3_seiradlvinIn recent years, Val Gardena  has developed into a holiday resort with lifestyle character while at the same time maintaining the traditional culture, language and charm of a mountain village. In Ortisei, but also elsewhere, shopping streets, pedestrianised areas in the centre with boutiques, speciality restaurants, vinotheques and art galleries invite you on a voyage of discovery.

The Photoacademy Val Gardena  is a completely new event this year. It will take place between 3 and 11 September 2016, and the event focuses on finding the perfect shooting angle. Participants can learn the basics of fine art photography a nature photography with South Tyrolean experts during a series of workshops. The details and expert tricks are delivered by famous photographer Daniel Ernst. The works of art can be admired at the vernissage in Selva Val Gardena,S. Cristina and Ortisei. At the end of the week the winners of the photo competition will be announced and awarded for the ‘Best Val Gardena Poster’.

Many summer events feature culinary delights: the “Sëira dl vin” in S. Cristina on 8 July 2016 is a celebration of wine – on the red carpet. Another food event is the Val Gardena Sky Dinner on 13 July 2016, an exclusive candlelit dinner in the gondolas of the “Mont Sëuc” cable car. Traditional Val Gardena dresses are at the centre of festivities like “Gardena in costume” on 7 August 2016 in Selva. Gourmets as well as lovers of art and tradition will flock to S. Cristina. A further highlight is the “Aperitif Urtijëi” between 17 July 2016 and 28 August 2016 when Ortisei’s five “Fine Dine” restaurants serve traditional South Tyrol fare in the village’s pedestrian precinct.

Val Gardena’s events calendar also features a number of musical highlights. Fans of classical music will enjoy ValgardenaMusika, a series of events from July to September 2016. This consists of six classical concerts in various Val Gardena venues, www.jmgconcert.it.

Those preferring music out in the open can enjoy a unique open-air concert at the foot of Sassolungo on 26 June 2016. The South Tyrol Jazz Festival makes a stopover at the Comici Hut in Selva Val Gardena. Finally, following the traditional snow festival on 17 August 2016 in Selva will whet everyone’s appetite for the coming winter season – “Winter is on its way!”

 

INFO: Val Gardena 

Excursions and Climbing Festival
in Val Gardena

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Mountain fanatics will enjoy many events and activities this summer. One example is the “Curona de Gherdëina“, a 5-day trekking tour from Passo Gardena via Bamberg Hut and Alpe di Siusi – Europe’s largest alpine pasture – to Ortisei, then returning via the largely flat Innerraschötzer Alm back to Passo Gardena. From 30 June to 3 July and from 15 – 18 September 2016 this trekking experience is offered as a guided group tour.

Alpine climbing is also on offered during the ‘MOVE – Feel the Dolomites’ Climbing Festival: beginners will be taught in outdoor camps how to climb between 24 and 31 July 2016. Advanced climbers will receive tips from experts on how to improbe their stamina and technique. On top of that, outdoor brands will be offering their new collection and climbing material for a test run. www.move-dolomites.it
Those interested in other, more challenging hikes will find many experienced guides to accompany them.

GPS data for mountain and hiking tours are available for downloading on a dedicated website: www.dolomitesalpine.it

INFO: Val Gardena 

HERO Bike Festival: 16 and 19 June 2016

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Reinhold Messner described the Dolomites as the “most beautiful mountains in the world“. Mountain bikers will also feel at ease and can experience magnificent scenery, a variety of touring opportunities, excursions through the wild and romantic Langental or biking trips to the “City of Stones”.

The best-known tours of the Dolomites include Sella Ronda, unmissable because of its spectacular scenery. Crossing four Dolomite passes requires physical fitness, but the riders are rewarded with spectacular views over Sella group and Marmolada.

The HERO Bike Festival will take place between 16 and 19 June 2016 and is packed with races, events, concerts, glamour and discussions, and around 5,000 bikers from 50 countries are expected to arrive. It will be a HERO GREEN EVENT, which means it fulfills sustainability criteria which the province of South Tyrol demands from all events in the area. The new generation of bikers sprints head on 17 June 2016 with the HERO Kids. The professional bikers wait until the following day to cross the start line of the famous HERO South Tyrol Dolomites. Amateur bikers will take to the roads on 19 June 2016: every biker is welcome on the Sellaronda Bike Day. In fact, four Dolomite passes will be traffic-free on this day. Don’t worry if you can’t be there that day, as the Sellaronda Bike Day returns on 11 September 2016 during the EcoDolomites Weekend at the E-Bike-Festival.

Descriptions and GPS data for all bike and trekking routes are available for downloading at www.mtb-dolomites.com

INFO: Val Gardena 

 

Lots Of Fun And Friendly Prices: Val Gardena Family Weeks

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Fotoshooting Wandern Familie und Hütten 2013

 

Great and small adventures – such as discovering the rock crystal cave at the foot of Langkofel which featured in the legend of “Gardeno” and the beautiful “Selladilla” – make Val Gardena the ideal family holiday location throughout the summer.

During the Val Gardena children’s weeks we welcome youngsters and their families with a weekend programme filled with surprises and exciting adventures. From 11 June to 1 July 2016, we are offering a number of animation programmes, climbing courses, barbecues and children’s parties. The best thing is: families staying for seven days or longer can enjoy special discounts for children, e.g. free accommodation for children under 8 years in their parents’ bedroom.

More information and booking details at www.valgardena.it. The Val Gardena Active programme also offers a large choice of tailor-made activities.

INFO: Val Gardena