In a valley between a rugged mountainscape lies picturesque Val Gardena, the renowned Italian ski resort in South Tyrol. Sassolungo, the famous “long peak” of the Dolomites guards over this gem built of untouched nature and mountain villages resembling those we only knew from childhood fairy tales. And it is not only the surreal scenery that contributes to Val Gardena as a storybook region. The resort’s name, older than a thousand years, originates from a reference to an area of woodland gifted from a German aristocrat. Beyond its unmatchable beauty that has been acknowledged by UNESCO in 2009, the valley is now known as one of the most popular ski resorts in Italy with its staggering views, rustic guesthouses and a multitude of winter activities.

A Cultural Gem: Val Gardena’s Beauty

As the biggest ski resort in the Dolomites, Val Gardena is a centre for culture, nature and fun and has a wide range of pistes for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The resort stretches over a total of 500 km of unique slopes that can be reached with impressive 80 ski lifts and offer a vast array of winter activities ranging from hiking trails over mountain climbing to après ski fun. Culture enthusiasts who prefer experiences off the slopes can marvel over the two castles spread between the two of the three main villages Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena and St. Cristina or explore the lively history of the area in the Gardena Museum. Regardless of whether travellers prefer to indulge in culture or lose themselves in the infinite adventures Val Gardena has to offer, they are united in their awe when the sunset dips the Dolomites’ mountain peaks into a burning, red light that is also known as the “Alpenglow”.

The Fairy-Tale Villages of Val Gardena

One of the most remarkable details that add to Val Gardena’s magical ambient are the traditional wooden carvings that go back to the Middle Age, when the craft first became popular and shaped the storybook appearance of the valley ever since. Today, these carvings can be found on village buildings and even in chapels. Ortisei, the largest of the three villages, serves travellers with the most beautiful shopping street in the Dolomites and offers a colourful blend of Italian and German culture. With Innsbruck in Austria only two hours north and Venice about 3.5 hours south of Val Gardena, German and Italian influences merge into the regional cuisine and the local dialect Ladin and amplify the enchantment that surrounds this dolomitic valley.

Legendary slopes: Skiing in Val Gardena

It is for a reason that some of Val Gardena’s slopes in the Dolomites SuperSki area are called the “The Legendary 8”. With a total of 36 km, each perfectly groomed slopes tell a matchless story and offer spectacular views of the majestic summits of the Sassolungo Group. La Longia, the “longest slope” stretches over 10.5 km of a mesmerising landscape, beginning skiers’ journeys with panoramic views over the mountaintops and steadily declining its gradient through the lush woodland. The “legendary slope” Saslong has repeatedly been the most popular run by skiers from all over the globe. Its legend comes from hosting the World Cup downhill races for over 50 years and has skiers stopping and admiring the breath-taking views until this day. The Saslong run is a true love letter to every passionate skier and lovers of sports and nature, bringing together the unique beauty of Val Gardena.

Italian Hospitality & Upscale Val Gardena

Athletes, famous actors and even royalty like the Prince of Monaco, Albert II appreciate this snow-white escape not only for its exceptional beauty, but also for its impeccable dining and lodging scene. A selection of five-star luxury hotels ranging from traditionally inspired styles like the ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti in Ortisei to contemporary nouveau designs such as Forestis Dolomites or Alpin Garden Luxury Maison are not uncommon and will even serve the most sophisticated traveller. With lodging options like these offering their guests a relaxing stay in prestigious style, Val Gardena’s socialites can fully recharge with a revitalising massage in the spa before spending the day on the slopes. In the evenings, well-heeled travellers can be found flocking in Michelin-starred restaurants to savour gourmet meals. The Alpenroyal’s chef, Mario Porcelli invites his guests to warm-hearted haute cuisine in wood-panelled rooms at Le Stuben, where he treats them to well-known classics and old favourites with a Michelin-type excellency.

Val Gardena’s unique location with views over the dolomitic horizon and its apparent infinity of panoramic slopes already make the valley worthy of admiration. But paired with lavish lodging and dining experiences, cultural richness and countless winter activities to choose from, Val Gardena becomes a treasure chest filled with unique character and magical impressions that every ski enthusiast should seek for.