Val Gardena is one of the most appreciated resorts in the Dolomites: three characterful villages (Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena), Ladin language and culture, direct access to Dolomiti Superski’s 1,200 km of connected slopes and the magnificent Sassolungo/Sassopiatto massif as a natural backdrop.
Ortisei: The Largest and Most Complete Village
Ortisei (Sankt Ulrich in German) is the valley capital, the largest and most dynamic village. With around 5,000 inhabitants, it offers comprehensive services, shops and restaurants. The historic centre is dominated by the church of St James.
Ortisei skiing access:
- Seceda gondola: climbs to 2,500 m with spectacular Dolomites panoramas
- Rasciesa cable car: access to woodland runs and the cross-country circuit
- Free ski bus to Selva and Santa Cristina (direct Sella Ronda connection)
Ortisei prices (high season):
- 5-star: 300-600 euros per room
- 4-star: 150-280 euros per room
- 3-star: 90-160 euros per room
Santa Cristina: The Tranquil Middle Ground
Santa Cristina (Sankt Christina in German) sits between Ortisei and Selva at 1,428 m. It is quieter than its two neighbours but offers excellent skiing access via the Monte Pana lift area and the Col Raiser gondola.
Best for: couples and families who want a peaceful base with good skiing connections at moderate prices.
Prices: roughly 15-20% below Selva on average.
Selva di Val Gardena: Best for Sella Ronda Skiers
Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein in German) is the ski-focused village of the three. The Ciampinoi gondola and the Col Raiser cable car connect directly to the Sella Ronda circuit. For skiers who want to maximise their time on the circuit, Selva is the optimal base.
Selva skiing access:
- Ciampinoi gondola: direct Sella Ronda connection via Passo Sella
- Dantercepies gondola: access to Colfosco and Alta Badia
- Multiple ski runs returning directly to the village
Selva prices (high season):
- 5-star: 320-620 euros per room
- 4-star: 160-300 euros per room
- 3-star: 100-180 euros per room
Choosing Between the Three Villages
| Priority | Best village | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sella Ronda skiing | Selva | Most direct circuit access |
| Evening atmosphere | Ortisei | Most restaurants and shops |
| Value for money | Santa Cristina | 15-20% cheaper, quiet |
| Cross-country/families | Ortisei | Rasciesa plateau, widest services |
Apartments
Val Gardena has a good supply of self-catering apartments, especially in Ortisei and Selva. Expect 1,100-2,200 euros per week for a four-person apartment in high season. The free ski bus means you don’t need to be walking distance from the lifts.
Getting to Val Gardena
- By car: A22 Brenner motorway, exit Chiusa/Klausen, then 20 km up the valley. 45 minutes from Bolzano, 90 minutes from Innsbruck.
- By bus: regular services from Bolzano (SAD bus company)
- By train: closest station is Ponte Gardena/Waidbruck on the Brenner line
Comprensorio correlato
Questo articolo e collegato a Val Gardena.
Articoli correlati
Pianifica il soggiorno
Scegli dove dormire in montagna
Consulta le guide agli alloggi vicino agli impianti, con zone consigliate e criteri pratici.