Val Gardena: A Ladin heart of sport, culture and dreamlike landscapes
In the southeastern part of South Tyrol, Val Gardena reveals itself as a jewel set among the majestic Dolomites. Three main villages define its charm: Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena — each with its own distinct character, yet united by a breathtaking landscape. The limestone peaks of the Sassolungo, the Sella Group and the Cir Mountains dominate the skyline, creating an unforgettable panorama.
Visiting Val Gardena means immersing yourself in its sporting spirit, thanks to one of the world’s most renowned ski areas — the Dolomiti Superski — and iconic routes like the Sellaronda, the legendary ski circuit that links four Dolomite passes, allowing you to explore multiple valleys without ever removing your skis.
But Val Gardena is also a land of tradition, where time seems to flow to the rhythm of its customs, folk festivals and the Ladin language, still spoken today by most of its inhabitants.
A paradise for every season
Summer: Hiking, biking and paragliding
During the warmer months, the valley becomes an open-air gym. The Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the perfect destination for those who love hiking, mountain biking or nordic walking on well-maintained trails. For thrill-seekers, several panoramic spots offer paragliding take-offs, providing a unique aerial view of the Dolomites.
Winter: Skiing and world-class events
When snow blankets the landscape, Val Gardena turns into a white wonderland — the perfect paradise for winter sports. With over 175 km of perfectly groomed slopes and 59 ski lifts, it’s one of the most beloved ski destinations in the world. You can enjoy alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and even tobogganing.
Every year, the valley also hosts a World Cup Alpine Skiing race on the legendary Saslong slope — one of the most technical courses on the international circuit.
A tradition carved in wood
One of the valley’s most authentic cultural expressions is woodcarving, which began in the 17th century as a winter pastime and has since evolved into an internationally recognized art form. The sacred and secular wooden sculptures crafted here are exported worldwide and can be admired at the Casa della Cultura in Ortisei or at the Val Gardena Museum.
Each workshop carries on the tradition, often passed down through generations. Fun fact: in the past, families used to carve small wooden toys during the winter and sell them in city markets in the summer to supplement their income.
Costumes and folklore: The beauty of roots
The traditional Ladin costume remains a symbol of identity. Worn during religious celebrations or folk parades such as the first Sunday of August festival, it’s a riot of colors, embroidery and intricate details. In the past, the style of the outfit even revealed the wearer’s marital status.
The Ladin soul of the valley
Val Gardena is one of the beating hearts of Ladin culture, a neo-Latin language born from the fusion of Roman Latin and the dialects of the ancient Rhaetian people who once inhabited the region.
To preserve this unique heritage, the Micurà de Rü Ladin Institute was founded in 1976 in San Martino in Badia — a center for research and cultural promotion that serves as a reference point for all Ladin valleys of the Dolomites.
Val Gardena is much more than a tourist destination: it’s a world where sport, art, history and identity intertwine. A place where every season has its own charm, and every detail tells a story worth remembering.
