175 km
1236 m - 2518 m
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Test report Val Gardena/Gröden
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Val Gardena/Gröden
Total result: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Test Val Gardena/Gröden
The review Val Gardena/Gröden was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Test result: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Skiresort.info Test Winner 2011:
Among the Top 10 best ski resorts worldwide >>
Test Winner: Accomodation Offering >>
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort Val Gardena/Gröden
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Val Garden is one of the largest ski resort in South Tyrol. You can also ski 500 km of connected slopes around the Sellastock with the Dolomiti Super Ski Pass 500.
Runs/slopes
Altitude difference
1282 m (Valley 1236 m - Mountain 2518 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
79
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 7 ← 5
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 7 ← 5
Below the Langkofel in Val Gardena, runs of all difficulty levels connect the slopes. Flat and steep, simple and extremely difficult slopes alternate throughout the resort. Due to the direct connection of the runs with the Fassatal, Arabba/Marmolada and Alta Badia ski regions, and the recommended tour around the Sellastock (Sellaronda), a unique slope variety with limitless variations is provided. The unique landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Runs/slopes
Total 175 km
Easy
52 km
(30 %)Intermediate
105 km
(60 %)Difficult
18 km
(10 %)
Longest run
10.5 km
Run location
above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
- Speed measurement course offered
- Public race course with time measurement
The most modern chair lifts and gondolas, often with covers, connect the Val Gardena ski resort and the whole Sellaronda. The j-bars are only in operation for the beginners.
Number of ski lifts
79
Total capacity
115580 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
73.2 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
2
2
7
1
41
25
1
Additional
2
7
Nearly all runs have perfect snow-making capabilities. The valley runs can usually be skied from the first until the last day of the season
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
95 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is practically always open.
Season 2009/2010
128 Days open
128 Days when valley run open
128 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is excellent.
Much time and effort is invested ensuring that the guests can enjoy optimal slopes. 65 snowcats are in operation daily.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
From the Brenner highway, exit Klausen, it is approx. 20-30 minutes on a side road/mountain road up to Val Gardena. There is a fee for parking at nearly all parking lots.
Access via Brenner-Autobahn, Ausfahrt Klausen-Gröden
- Secedabahn (Sankt Ulrich), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 20 km · approx. 20 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Car park, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, for a fee
- Saslong Gondola (St. Christina), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 25 km · approx. 25 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, for a fee
- Ciampinoibahn (Wolkenstein), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 27 km · approx. 27 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Tarred parking lot, for a fee
Access via Brenner-Autobahn, Ausfahrt Bozen Nord
- Secedabahn (Sankt Ulrich), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 31 km · approx. 31 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Car park, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, for a fee - Saslong Gondola (St. Christina), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 36 km · approx. 36 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, for a fee - Ciampinoibahn (Wolkenstein), Entry suitable for day visitors
Distance: 39 km · approx. 39 Minutes driving time
Roads: Side road, Mountain road
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Tarred parking lot, for a fee
Winter Closure
The passes surrounding Val Gardena are also kept open during the winter. There can be temporary closures however, due to new snow.
The passes surrounding Val Gardena are also kept open during the winter. There can be temporary closures however, due to new snow.
Trail map and overview maps:
The trails are easy to identify on the Val Gardena trail map which includes many altitudes. It is very positive that an indication of whether the chair lifts are detachable (high speed lifts) is included. Snowparks and children's areas are easy to locate on the map. A depiction of the Sella Ronda and the connected ski regions is also included. Unfortunately, the names of the slopes and the mountain restaurants are not included on the map.
The trails are easy to identify on the Val Gardena trail map which includes many altitudes. It is very positive that an indication of whether the chair lifts are detachable (high speed lifts) is included. Snowparks and children's areas are easy to locate on the map. A depiction of the Sella Ronda and the connected ski regions is also included. Unfortunately, the names of the slopes and the mountain restaurants are not included on the map.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
The presentation of the Sellaronda (tour around the Sellastock) is ideal. The green and orange colours show the two tours, which go in different directions around the Sellastock, very clearly. A few information boards could be added at certain points.
The presentation of the Sellaronda (tour around the Sellastock) is ideal. The green and orange colours show the two tours, which go in different directions around the Sellastock, very clearly. A few information boards could be added at certain points.
In the Val Gardena ski resort, cleanliness is a high priority
They place high importance on the use of local products and protecting the environment. Unfortunately, some huts still serve drinks in plastic cups.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- No direct train connection
- Comprehensive ski bus network
- Scheduled busses
- Unfortunately, ski buses are not free (Gherdëina Ski-Express € 3,-/ day or €7,-/ week). As the parking lots are also not free, the cars remain parked outside the village or at the hotels. There is also the Val Gardena Night Bus.
Photos
The employees are consistently friendly. At the j-bars, the lift is usually even handed to the skiers.
Photos
Food and drinks are provided for skiers at the many cozy mountain huts that are distributed throughout the whole ski area, both on and near the slopes. Most of the restaurants are full service restaurants offering high quality food.
36 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Comici Hütte
Located on Piz Sella at 2154m
The highest fish restaurant in the Dolomites. Fresh fish coming directly from the Adriatic is served here daily. The Comici-Apéro, directly in front of the restaurant is very recommendable.
Mountain hut tip
-
Sofie Hütte
At the 4 person Fermeda chair lift on Seceda
The "Sofie" restaurant on the Seceda slope at 2500m altitude has the largest wine cellar in the Dolomites and offers typical South Tyrolean specialties with an impressive panorama view.
-
Daniel Hütte
At the four person Fermeda lift on Seceda at 2240m
A fine selection of famous South Tyrolean and Italian wines as well as the finest grappa, fruit brandies, cognac and armagnac will please the palates of every gourmet. Large sun terrace with a beautiful view of the Langkofel.
-
Val d´Anna Hütte
On the Seceda valley run
Cozy mountain restaurant with South Tyrolean specialties. It is the perfect place to end your ski day, in front of the open fire with a drink.
-
Piz Seteur Hütte
On Piz Setuer at 2063m
A unique sun terrace, typical dining rooms and an overwhelming panorama view. Guests can dine "à la carte" at lunch. A visit to the long bar is a must. Twice a week, music and entertainment is provided directly on the ski slope with a DJ and dancing girls.
-
Gamsblut Hütte
On Seceda (2100m)
The main focus in the Gamsblut Huette is on typical, local cuisine. There are many dishes to enjoy here - from a small snack (Jause) to a hearty meal and even delicious desserts.
-
Salei Hütte
On the Sellajoch at 225m
It was built and 1967 and completely renovated in 2006. A self-service restaurant, bars, a pizzeria and a service restaurant are offered at the Salei Huette. The Kaiserschmarrn (traditional pancake dish) is famous beyond the borders of Val Gardena.
Photos
There are cozy bars, some with live music, in the 3 villages in the valley. Good smoked bacon and South Tyrolean wine help to make the end of a nice ski day perfect. Sometimes the party can go on a long time.
-
-
-
Siglu Bar at Cavallino Bianco
In St. Ulrich between Seceda and the Seiser Alm
The bar with a good atmosphere is open daily from 3 pm until 1 AM. The party can go on a long time here.
Photos
Very many of the accommodations in St. Ulrich, St. Christina and Wolkenstein are located directly on the lifts and slopes. The three villages are located within only 8 km from each other. There are also some ski hotels which can only be accessed with skis or lifts.
The Sellaronda passes right by Wolkenstein and is accessible very quickly from St. Christina. Those who want to enter the Sellaronda from St. Ulrich, should first go up to the Seceda (2518m) and then down to St. Christina. Above St. Christina, you take a connection funicular to the Saslong lift.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are very many accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Tips
-
Boutique Hotel Nives
In the centre of Wolkenstein
The small but fine luxury and design hotel offers the highest level of comfort and a beautiful wellness area.
-
Adler Balance Spa & Health Resort
In the centre of St. Ulrich with access to the escalators to the Seceda and the Seiser Alm.
The Hotel Adler Dolomiti Spa & Sport Resort is located in the centre of the pedestrian zone of St. Ulrich. The new Adler Balance Spa & Health Resort is located a bit above this. Both hotels are connected to each other and you can use the facilities in each house. Wellness it emphasized here and so a three story wellness oasis, the Vitalwelt - Spa & Beauty Dolasilla with sauna, steam rooms, mountain lake whirlpool and treatments are all available. A large salt water pool, swimming pool and panorama whirlpool outdoors round off the offering.
-
Cavallino Bianco family spa Grand Hotel
In the centre of St. Ulrich
Ideal for families and children with easy access to the Seceda and the Seiser Alm.
Towns/villages
- St. Christina/S. Cristina
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 2900 - St. Ulrich/Ortisei
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 5900 - Wolkenstein/Selva Gardena
Distance to ski resort fewer than 0.5 km
Guest beds 8450
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Photos
Evaluation criteria for special interests
There are children's areas and ski kindergartens in all three villages. There are practice lifts next to the children's areas as well. Children's menus are offered in the mountain restaurants. The ski schools in Val Gardena are especially well-suited for children and have also received an award for this from the state government of South Tyrol. There are three family hotels in Val Gardena where only families with children are residing. These have special entertainment programmes for children and their own ski instructors.
Information for families and children
- Kid's Land/ separated area for children
- Merry-go-round
- Wave ride for children
- Adventure course
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Playground / park
Special tips for children
-
Wolkenstein children's areas
In the beginner's area of Wolkenstein, there are multiple children's areas that are run by the ski schools.
-
Children's area St. Christina
In the centre of St. Christina with magic carpet and practice slope next to the children's area.
-
Monte Pana children's area
The alpine plateau of Monte Pana is located directly under the Langkofel above St. Christina. It is ideal for children and beginners with many easy slopes and a children's area.
-
Children's park on Monte Pana
The entrance fee to the children's park includes pony rides, tobogganing and bobsledding.
There are ski schools in all of the villages. Comprehensive practice lifts are provided in Wolkenstein and on Monte Pana, above St. Christina. There are also two practice lifts in St. Ulrich. If you go up with the gondola lifts, intermediate runs must be conquered.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
Ski schools on-site
- Wolkenstein: Ski & Board School Selva Gardena - Ski Performance Centre "Peter Runggaldier"
- Wolkenstein: Snowboard & Ski School "2000"
- Wolkenstein: Top Ski School Val Gardena
- St. Christina: Ski & Snowboard School "Cir"
- St. Christina: Ski & Snowboard School St. Christina
- St. Ulrich: Ski & Snowboard School St. Ulrich
- St. Ulrich: Ski & Snowboard School "Saslong"
Photos
Val Gardena offers long advanced runs down to the valleys, such as Saslong, Ciampinoi and Datercerpies, as well as shorter, but steep runs. Skiing off-piste is forbidden with the exception of the freerider areas at Plan de Gralba, Seceda and Monte Pana.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- few freeride/ deep snow areas
- some mogul slopes
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 175 km
Difficult
18 km
(10 %)Most difficult run
-
Saslong · Length 3 km · Altitude difference 839 m
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
Val Gardena offers a large snowpark and boarder cross courses. The orange Sella Ronda tour is better than the green tour for snowboarders .
Information for Snowboarders
- few cat tracks
- no runs with ascent
- the following runs are not suitable for snowboarders
Steinerene Stadt run
- few freeride/ deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Snowpark Piz Sella
At the Comici chair lift at 2158m, directly below the Langkofels. The snowpark stretches 750m long with kicker, boxes and rails.
- Boarder Cross course on the am Sellajoch (Grohmann-Cavazes chair lift))
including starting equipment
- Boarder cross course at the Sotsaslong chair lift
- Acrobatic Sky Dome
Located in Wolkenstein and is also well-suited for children
- Kids Funpark Puntea
Located on Monte Pana, great for the kids
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- Halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 115 km
With tracks of all difficulty levels, the valley is definitely a paradise for all cross-country fans. The Langental near Wolkenstein, Monte Pana in St. Christina and the Seiser Alm offer fields and forests and the imposing Dolomites as unique and fantastic backdrops.
Trail tip(s)
-
St. Christina - Monte Pana
Newly designed cross-country centre on Monte Pana above St. Christina with various tracks of various difficulty levels and lengths. The track width of 8m and modern grooming machines ensure a perfect skiing experience. The daily ticket is 5€, the weekly card is 20€. There is also a cross-country ski school and ski rental on-site.
Length: 23.0 km ▪ Altitude: 1600 m - 1800 m
Difficulty level: easy, intermediate, difficult
Track: single track, double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic, skating
fee: yes
Service offering: Cross-country center, Changing rooms
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Cross-country paradise Langental
The Langental in Wolkenstein provides a fantastic backdrop for cross-country skiers. 12km of tracks lead from the sport centre of the Carabinieri to the end of the valley. The ski school and ski rental is located at the beginning of the track.
Length: 12.0 km ▪ Altitude: 1600 m - 1800 m
Difficulty level: easy, intermediate, difficult
Track: single track, double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic, skating
fee: yes
Service offering: Cross-country center, Changing rooms
Photos
Conclusion
Beautiful panorama view, perfectly groomed slopes, late closing times of the lifts (4:30pm -5.00 pm), rustic mountain huts with South Tyrolean specialties, no deposit on lift tickets
Parking fees, 7 EUR weekly ticket for the ski bus, Sellaronda connection in Wolkenstein, fee for shuttle bus from Monte Pana to Saltria (Seiser Alm)
Test Report issued on 2012-01-12
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Highlights
Boutique Hotel Nives
****s
Luxury & Design in the Dolomites
39048 Wolkenstein
200 m to ski resort Details »
Luxury & Design in the Dolomites
39048 Wolkenstein
200 m to ski resort Details »
Cavallino Bianco Family SPA Grand Hotel
****s
Familie Obletter & Riffeser
39046 St. Ulrich/Gröden
0 m to ski resort Details »
Familie Obletter & Riffeser
39046 St. Ulrich/Gröden
0 m to ski resort Details »
Luxury & Spa Hotel Savoy
****s
Discreet luxury and lovingly created details
39048 Wolkenstein Gröden
0 m to ski resort Details »
Discreet luxury and lovingly created details
39048 Wolkenstein Gröden
0 m to ski resort Details »
