Gherdëina Magazine 360° - Edition 2018/19 - ENG

360° magazine 2019

The right man if you are looking for colours The mountain arena Burning passion The Enchantress

Sabina Willeit – a celebrity from the Dolomites

Sas Rigais 3.025 m

Gran Fermeda 2.873 m

Puez

COLOPHON: Concept and creation: WINX Design&Marketing – Ortisei | Print: Druckhaus Kaufmann | Foto: www.valgardena.it, Athesia-Tappeiner Verlag, Diego Moroder Design, Dietmar Denger, Harald Wisthaler, Lukas Runggaldier, Marco Wanker, Matthäus Kostner, Michael Mair am Tinkhof, Patrick Stuflesser, Riccardo Selvatico, Robert Perathoner Prodigit, Simon Perathoner, Werner Dejori.

Stevia 2.759 m

Cir 2.592 m

Sella Group

Piz BoĂŠ 3.152 m

Sassolungo 3.181 m

Sassopiatto 2.956 m

Marmolada 3.342 m

Photographer Dietmar Denger travels all over the globe for his jobs but when it comes to his down time, South Tyrol is his favourite destination. And if his time off happens to coincide with the start of the good weather, you can be sure you’ll find him on his Vespa. It must be nice to be able to kill two birds with one stone: for this edition he visited Val Gardena numerous times over the course of the year. ‘There’s an infinite number of topics in this valley and the seasons always deliver new perspectives.’

Index 06 _ Rock Stars

Dolomites, the protagonists in a natural drama

09 _ Time travelling

Discover Val Gardena’s history

1 1 _ The Enchantress

Sabina Willeit – a celebrity from the Dolomites

1 3 _ Tuck in!

Seasonal specialities by “Villa Frainela”

1 5 _ Spring Tours

Flower power from May

1 7 _ The right man if you are looking for colours Discover the colourful flora with Emmerich Senoner

1 8 _ Winter escape

Suggestive landscapes

2 1 _ The mountain arena

Feel the Ski Word Cup flair

23 _ Further views

To marvel at the winter panorama

24 _ Winter highlights 26 _ Our ski schools and ski pass prices 28 _ Gherdëina

The three Val Gardena jewels

3 1 _ Above all the mountains Live the untouched nature

33 _ S treamline

About mountain bike trails and e-bike tours

35 _ H oliday bliss: parkour

A playground called Dolomites

Having a hard time deciding which season is your favourite? It gets even more complicated in the Dolomites. Why? Read on and all shall be explained in the following pages. We’ll be introducing you to some very special people during your trip across the year in Val Gardena: the enchanting voice of Sabina Willeit is something you won’t be able to hear but you’ll discover how inspiring it was for her, and still is, to grow up surrounded by mesmerising mountains. Emmerich Senoner will take you on a journey which will open your eyes to the floral heaven in the mountains against the background of a symphony of blossoming scents. Walter Runggaldier, a mountain bike guide, will reveal his insider tips to enjoy Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi, a biking Eldorado.

Stefania Demetz Stefania Demetz used to organize the Ski World Cup and will be delighted to give you a special tour across the skiing carousel, while Daniela Comploj will welcome you to a tea saloon in Selva Val Gardena. In other words, welcome to South Tyrol!

36 _ Summer highlights 39 _ B urning passion

Shining summits at sunset

41 _ Autumnal leisure

The most colourful season

42 _ Offers 43 _ V al Gardena on the web 44 _ L etting go!

Column by Dietmar Denger

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Rock Stars

The craggy rocky summits are reminiscent of the teeth in the maw of an enormous dragon snapping at the clouds. Surreal mountains, plucked directly from a fantasy film: shrouded in fog, rolling in after a summer shower, or covered in a layer of fine frost in the morning after a bitterly cold night.

Chameleons by nature, able to shift their features in the blink of an eye. And the people toiling about at the foot of the mountains come across as… negligible, so much so that at most they can be spotted as a small dot splashed across the landscape: just like the pictured skier. The Seceda summit was the chosen location for the pictures seen on the cover and double spread, and it boasts one of the most imposing views over the Dolomites: indeed, there’s no better place than this to enjoy the view of the majestic Odle summit. The rugged peak of this rocky massif has been a South Tyrolean symbol for ages, and its portraits make it regularly onto book and magazine covers. It’s also the main ‘culprit’ behind the rapture swopping over the international photography community. Incidentally, those viral pictures shared online greatly contribute to the fact that today people from all over

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the world flock to South Tyrol. They’re welcomed by a joyful hubbub of different languages echoing across all mountain huts. And the lion’s share of revellers just comes to see the Dolomites. These unique protagonists star in a natural drama bursting with cliff hangers every season, leaving their audience wanting more. And just think about it: what more could Val Gardena give us as, after all, the Odle summits aren’t necessarily the mountains in the valley with the most… charm.

A valley of rock stars Ortisei, S. Cristina, and Selva Val Gardena are surrounded by more than one Dolomite rock star: the Cir summits on Passo Gardena look like calcified waves or the tail of a giant lizard.

The craggy walls of the Sella are another emblematic range, abutting the roads of the Passes and clambering right up to the rocky peaks up high. You would have to stretch your neck right out to even begin considering their size. And, of course, the gigantic Sassolungo, regularly taking the top position in the ranking of the most beautiful mountain in the world. The giant is a natural skyscraper, boasting 3,181 m and overlooking

the valley; in the past it has even been known to stop entire banks of clouds from proceeding, toying with their white and light figures. This is a peaceful area and blessed by good weather, for South Tyrol is lucky enough to enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year. A rocky group, immovable, there to enjoy the day, and preening themselves for the eyes of admiring spectators.

The heavenly peace exuding from the mountains barely hints to the untamed brute force of nature, and how she played with the design of these ranges, upfolding an entire mountain. The land was disrupted during the creation of the Dolomites. Sea beds became mountain summits, which is why next to woolly sheep and fat groundhogs you can stumble upon rock-hard sea snails and sea dinosaurs. At the same time, however, mountains were veritable barriers for many years. The isolation created some unique traits in the Dolomites: take Ladin, for example, their very own language! And some locals even went as far as proving that they were cut out for, pardon the pun, wood carving excellence. More on the following pages.

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Time travelling Once upon a time, dinosaurs hunted and swam in a tropical ocean; today, only placid cows roam the land, happily enjoying the summer. And there was another time, where even the USA had caught the wood carved jointed doll fever, a product made in Val Gardena. Then came film director Luis Trenker and made the Dolomites famous across the globe. A compendium of Val Gardena’s history. Yet there’s much more to find out and tourists can take a step back in time by visiting the Museum de Gherdëina in Ortisei for more detailed information on the valley.

In the small special exhibition dedicated to Luis Trenker, Paulina Moroder, Museum Director, listen to historical radio broadcasts from the time of the mountain film pioneer. You can see his desk, old film posters and cameras.

Trenker, a byword for that stereotypical mountaineer sporting breeches, is somewhat of a contested figure, for which reason you should maybe view this exhibition and everything you see in it with due attention.

Picture one of those typical, long winter nights of the past and the figure of Katharina Kasslatter. Boredom must have guided her hands when she started whittling a self-portrait using a shapeless block of wood. The result was only a couple centimetres big, nevertheless, she succeeded in adroitly capturing every single wrinkle and line of her face. A small memento from the 1930s which would have been lost to the vagaries of time hadn’t it been for the Museum de Gherdëina.

Director Paulina Moroder is proud of the wooden farmer from Selva Val Gardena who was also a master woodcarver. ‘You can see the self-confidence and pride etched across her face. It’s quite a valuable unique peace. I don’t know of the existence of any other like it.’ Yet the old woman was only one out of many.

In the 19th century, more than 2,000 locals from the valley (half the population) carved wood and designed more than religious figures and scenes. The famous Val Gardena jointed puppets and dolls were exported as far as the USA. ‘Dolls and doll heads were the daily bread of many local families,’

explains Moroder, who studied to become a historian. The Museum also shows many other works of art, such as the 6 m tall summit cross of Sëurasas or the scenic home nativity scene made of Swiss stone pine by Luis Insam.

Moroder is particularly fascinated by the play between nature and cultural treasures in the museum. Among these she can list handmade art as well as findings, which reveal information regarding the birth of the Dolomites. The oceanic dinosaurs, which were found next to the Seceda summit, for example. The mountain, as unlikely as it seems from the valley, is also an excellent observational witness, providing information on the Dolomites’ orogenesis, as proved by Moroder. ‘You can receive insight into the oldest layers and formations of the Dolomites from the mid-way station of the Seceda cable car, where you can look into the open western wall.’ And the panorama from the mountain station is at the same time mountainous and oceanic. ‘The idyllic meadows are located on former coral reefs and ocean beds.

1 Self-portrait of Katharina Kasslatter, around 1930 2 Druse from the Alpe di Siusi 3 Bellerophon snail from the eponymous geological era 4 Val Gardena jointed doll from the 19th century 5 Horse carriage and coach, 19th century 6 Calcified bone remains, large marine dinosaur, Seceda Buchensteiner layers, 242 million years old nuef

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The Enchantress

The German name for Selva Val Gardena is ‘Wolkenstein’ (rocky cloud): what a name! It sounds as though Val Gardena was inhabited by fairy tales and wizards. To a certain extent, this is true, at least as far as one of the most prominent local women is concerned. Sabina Willeit regularly enchants audiences across the most famous theatre and opera stages of the world with her otherworldly mezzo-soprano tones.

And yet, the artist has remained with both feet firmly planted on the ground. Maybe the tall mountains taught her what it means to be humble. ‘We’re Ladin in Val Gardena,’ says the well-travelled opera star spontaneously when asked what makes the inhabitants of the valley stand out. ‘We’re a Ladin people, making us willing and worthy of living in this beautiful and unique mountain landscape.’

When it comes to music, there’s no escaping the South Tyrolean roots. And the Willeit family was no exception. The singer discovered how fun it could be to sing in the children’s choir, and later in the village choir, and performed solo for the first time at weddings and private events. At the tender age of 16, she registered at the music school and shortly after sang her first arias and songs. At 23 she debuted at Teatro Comunale in Cagliari in the demanding role of Margeruite from Gounod’s Faust.

Since then, she has performed in 30 main roles with the best singers, orchestras, directors, and producers. She comes back to her home regularly to recharge her batteries. ‘Luckily enough, I don’t live too far from home, in Appiano, and visit my family often.’ Her childhood home, where the family runs

a hotel, is located on the upper edge of the village, where one can enjoy a spectacular view across the Sassolungo. ‘Nature and culture in the valley awaken a profound joy within me every time I come back.’ A sense of happiness which comes to the surface upon seeing the Sassolungo, even after all these years, and the summits of the Sella Group and the Puez-Odle Nature Reserve. ‘Their view makes me happy regardless of the season, covered in snow or surrounded by a natural explosion of flowers during summer,’ claims the singer from the heavenly village. And she concludes with a love declaration to her homeland, which could have been said by an elf. ‘The valley is and will continue being one of the most excellent symphonies in my life,’ adds Sabina Willeit, who’s enchanting not only when she sings.

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Tuck in!

Mediterranean and Alpine: that’s South Tyrol through and through, and not just when speaking about the weather. It’s a lifestyle. The best of both worlds, as unique as the melodically sweet lilt of Ladin, a language which to this very day is still spoken by the villagers of the valley. Italian lassez faire meets traditional mountain values. And this mix reaches its peak in the kitchen.

On your marks, get ready, set… and bake!

Seasonal specialties can be found in South Tyrol in every ski and mountain hut. Cooking well is a matter of personal pride and a passion. The same holds true for Villa Frainela in Selva Val Gardena, the first local tea salon and purveyor of exquisite treats. A heaven for those tourists with a sweet tooth.

‘My baking doesn’t differ at all, regardless of who’s coming to eat: family and friends or my clients,’ says Daniela Comploj about her baking philosophy. Her pretty yellow small house with the Jugendstil oriel fits the bill, and what can we say about her stube, just as cosy as a modern living room? The new building does justice to the Italian and Alpine roots, as seen in the design and comfortable wooden lounge. Guests will be spoilt for choice with 20 cakes and sweet pies, as well as soups, cheese and cold cut mixed platters, salads and seasonal dishes.

‘The most important thing for us is to use good products and not having to think about cutting costs,’ explains Daniela.

‘Luckily enough, we have the best selection here in South Tyrol.’ Good speck comes directly from the farmers in the Val d’Ultimo, smoked trout from Val d’Ega, and cheese from the whole region. For everything else, nature takes centre stage.

‘Which is why I mostly use berries in my pies and cakes only during summer.’

The best of both worlds: Daniela finds her inspiration on trips and when her two daughters come and visit her: ‘Vera lives in New York, Sara in Hamburg. They always bring new ideas with them for new dishes or decorations.’ And despite all the love she has for international influences, the famous Hamburg ‘fish sandwiches’ haven’t been planned to make an appearance on the menu.

Daniela Comploj literally dreamt up the idea for her Villa Frainela tea salon when she was sleeping in a tent on an excursion. She gave a new lease of life to the house her grandparents had built in 1930. And when she’s not in the grips of another round of baking fever, she likes to explore the territory with her mountain guide husband Hermann, as well as biking and climbing in the summer, and skiing and ice climbing in the winter. One of the most beautiful locations for all these activities is right behind her house: the Vallunga.

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1 Skis at the Daniel Hut 2 Ice bar at the Gamsblut hut, Sassolungo in the background 3 and 4 Sweet treats sold at Villa Frainela 5 “Villa Frainela” in winter, Stevia in the background trëdesc 13

Spring and South Tyrol have a special relationship. When in the lowest areas the apple trees start blossoming along the Isarco and Adige rivers in April, the birds perform their very own chirpy show, bees fly overtime, while the groundhogs living at high altitude in the Dolomites prefer to turn over and ask for ‘just another 5 minutes’ of sleep. Skiers can still make the most of the slopes when temperatures would normally dictate they start wearing t-shirts on the terraces of the ski huts. This is the best time of the year for ski tours, when the snow is still around but the days last longer.

Beware, as things can change quickly as soon as spring visits the valley. As soon as the warm foehn blows or the mild Mediterranean air finds its way across the Val d’Adige and Isarco up to the Dolomites, the valley hills and southern facing side shake the snow off their backs within a couple of

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days, while the summits are still covered by a white blanket.

The mountain farms and their inhabitants also look forward to the sunny days. Indeed, they can’t wait for spring to knock on their doors, ushering in a new season, for winter always represents the calmer season, one made of reserves rather than production. There is one thing all valleys in South Tyrol have in common: the sun! The typical rainy and cold April plagues people north of the Alps, throwing a spanner in the works of many an Easter egg hunt. Yet as soon as they cross the Brennero border, things change. Welcome to South Tyrol, where the new warmer season puts a spring in your step, embracing you with its blue skies and the scent of freshly blooming petals. Even if it takes the mountains a bit longer to wake up. Things start later here, but when they do, they do at full swing.

Spring Tours

Flower power from May A wave of flowers adds a dash of colour to the Dolomite valleys from mid-May. The snow melts and reveals a colourful and beautiful variety of flowers, which will reach its peak by June.

If you’re having trouble picturing it, just look at the picture, which was shot right in front of Passo Gardena. Butterflies flutter excitedly, cows take their time to taste the first mixed flowers of the season. If you look carefully or know your flower lore – or take someone along who knows their herbs and flowers – you can discover unique rarities among this forest of petals. And partially in those areas which, up until a few weeks ago, a glittering cape of white snow covered the location. The spacious and sun-kissed meadows of the Col Raiser and Seceda, for example. Take a leaf out of the bees‘ book, wake yourself up and go looking for petals.

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The right man if you’re looking for colours On those rare occasions when Emmerich Senoner doesn’t recognise a flower right away, he looks it up. Yet to even determine a type of flower by leafing through a book requires experience. For nearly 30 years, the former elementary school teacher from S. Cristina has been passing on his knowledge as a nature reserve guide.

Emmerich Senoner When did you first fall in love with flowers?

I don’t even know it myself precisely when, as I was always happy when I saw mountain flowers and wanted to know their names. Of course, at a later stage during my lessons, I wanted to awaken this interest in my students, too.

What makes Val Gardena stand out when it comes to flowers?

There are plenty of meadows here in the valley, which are barely fertilised. This is when the most beautiful mountain plants blossom. Moreover, Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva Val Gardena lie between 1,236 and 1,563 m, while the meadows and pastures well above 2,500 m, take the southern hill of the Seceda and on Passo Sella, for example. This is where you can experience a wonderful alpine world.

And the classics, gentian and edelweiss, are also well represented. How many types of gentian are there, by the way?

Here in the valley and the whole Dolomites we have around 35 different types. Karl Demetz confirmed that to me. He published a beautiful trilingual book ‘Flora and Fauna in the Dolmites’, by the way, which I warmly recommend. Gentian is, incidentally, not only local to the Alps, as there are a good 300 species all over the world. Yes, the edelweiss is one of our highlights here, and it’s well represented. Luckily enough, a sort of ‘green consciousness’ has developed over the years, meaning flowers today aren’t plucked anymore.

The pictures on the left come from our joint hike from the Col Raiser mountain station to the hills below the Seceda summit. Could you list a couple more flowers we can find there?

Close to the Stevia hut we find one of the most beautiful mountain flowers perching on the walls below the Odle

summits, the tufted horned rampion (physoplexis comosa), normally a rare sight. It can also be seen in the pictures above. The alpine butterwort (Pinguicula alpina), a carnivorous plant, and the Sassifraga verde-azzurra (Saxifraga caesia) can also be found here. A special treat for the eyes are the numerous types of stemless gentian (Genziana kochiana), which grow around Lent. The lady’sslipper orchid, ‘Ciauzel dl cuch’ in Ladin, is rarer to see: you need to know its hiding spots. The spotted gentian (Genziana punctata) is also well represented as well as juniper with its green and black berries. On the Mastlé and Cisles pasture we have a unique diversity for Val Gardena. In this case we’re talking mostly about pasture and meadows.

The whole alpine flora is represented here.

Incidentally: what really leaves me speechless is how smoothly you switch between German, Italian, and Ladin here in Val Gardena. No surprise you apply that to botanical names, too!

On my excursions I mostly have German and Italian guests.

If you think about the fact there are different names for the same flower depending on the region per language, the list becomes infinite.

Which period of the year is the best to experience the floral world?

From the end of May to the start of July. The peak of summer doesn’t offer as varied collection as now.

What surprised me on the Col Raiser was the variety on the ski slopes. Is that normal?

On the ski slopes, the vegetation blooms by nearly a month later because of compact artificial snow. One thing has to be said, however: artificial snow is the salvation of the vegetation on the slopes. In the past it was different, as it eroded quickly due to the thin layers of natural snow.

1 Tufted horned rampion (physoplexis comosa) on the Col Raiser, the Sassolungo in the background 2 The western marsh orchid (Dactylorhiza majalis) 3 Alpine edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale) 4 Stemless gentian (Gentiana acaulis) 5 Daisies, the Odle summits in the background dejeset 17

Winter escape

Sometimes it feels as though you could fly over all the mountains as soon as you click the ski boots into the binding!

In the Dolomites you’re at the centre of a vast world, but also face to face with these rocky giants. Just look at how beautiful the landscape to the left and right of the slopes is, where the snow covers the meadows like a cloud of fluffy sheep, the trees done their white cape, holding on for dear life to the steepest rocky walls of these incredible mountains. Skiing is a great opportunity to discover Val Gardena during winter, but not

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the only way. And some highlights can only be discovered beyond the slopes. On a winter hike and on the slopes, admire the spectacularly beautiful Vallunga above from Selva Val Gardena. Walls as high as the sky reach left and right from the mountain wall and are reminiscent of the famous rocky giants in California, in the Yosemite park. On the Monte Pana, above S. Cristina, and on the Alpe di Siusi, there are other cross-country slopes with a view. One of the most beautiful sleigh trails starts at the mountain station of the Resciesa funicular, taking you on

a 6-km journey to Ortisei. When the days are shorter, you can also be active in Val Gardena under the cover of night, which is phenomenal when the full moon shines. And it doesn’t get any cooler than this: a night-time sleigh ride sleigh from the Resciesa or Alpe di Siusi. On the Alpe di Siusi, hop on to a Fat Bike to explore the landscape after sunset, making the snow crunch under the weight of the broad tyres. Even cross-country skiing and hiking are available at night. The dinner at the bottom of the Sassolungo, at the Emilio Comici Hut, is simply marvellous.

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The mountain arena In the last 50 years, the World Cup has been stopping in Val Gardena. Stefania Demetz, former MD, used to take charge to ensure everything runs according to plan. Her role alone makes clear that organising such a big event is no walk in the park. ‘In the last ten years what became a

Stefania Demetz There’s no such thing as ‘relaxing’ for the team after the race: they’re right back at organising the next race.

The last participant barely crosses the pretty finish line below Castel Gardena before the team begins the demanding analysis which is part of the planning process for next year. From September the programme is barely changed. ‘Of course, autumn is more intense, because a growing number of people are always involved. The good planning of the spring phase avoids overworking or chaos

labour of love and passion for the association turned into a full-blown real job.’ And the dividends have been obvious: the anniversary edition in 2017 attracted 14,000 people on site and up to 200 million people around the world followed the event on TV.

in autumn.’ When she started working on the World Cup in 1992, the races were purely TV events. Yet since then, sport has never stopped being… well, sport. The partners are big companies, from international TV broadcasters to sponsors, and even the viewers have become more demanding. ‘Organisers like us have become suppliers of emotions,’ explains Demetz. And there are plenty of those during the Downhill and the Super G on the Saslong slope. If you want to fully experience the emotions of the race, you should place yourself near the ‘Camel Hump’ and follow the spectacular flight of the racers.’ Up to 80 metres suspended in the air, to be precise. ‘If you want to see the faces of the athletes after two minutes of effort, you should sit in the finish area. And if you would like a selfie with them you have to come to the award giving ceremony on Friday evening.’

1 Downhill on the mountain station Ciampinoi at 2,254 m height, against the background of the Alpe di Siusi and Sciliar 2 Interviews after crossing the finish line 3 Finish line below Castel Gardena in S. Cristina 4 The 2017/18 downhill winner Aksel Lund Svindal vintun 21

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Further views

Exploring the Dolomite walls covered in a blanket of snow… go with the flow and enjoy the view! We recommend you visit the Seceda if you want to experience a good time, as skiing down its wide slopes gives you a beautiful view across all the landscape.

The downhill valley stretches to Ortisei and is the longest in the whole valley, featuring a good 10,5-km slope. The view is unique, spreading out as far as the eye can see, with the meadows encompassing some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

Sellaronda

facilities: the Sellaronda ski marathon is a night-time race, where the circuit happens on tour skis. The record of the 42 km circuit is 3:15:07 hours. Regardless of which direction you choose – clockwise or counter clockwise – to explore the Sella Ronda in, at the end of the stretch both Dantercepies as well as Ciampinoi await you with a great downhill stretch.

And yet the 23 km of downhill covered on the Sella Ronda is a quite small figure when compared to the 500 skiing km available across the region. And the Dolomiti Superski pass has yet another surprise up its sleeve: 1,220 km connect twelve Dolomite regions making it the largest connected ski carousel in the world. Partying here has a different connotation, for the ski and mountain huts all seem to whisper, ‘come here, close your eyes, and relax.’ Oh yes, and good food rather than fast food, as South Tyroleans make specialities such as Schlutzkrapfen, dumpling variations (canderli) and incredibly good cheese to complement the skiing experience.

The same applies to the sunny high plateau of the Alpe di Siusi, with a surface of 52 square km making it the largest in Europe. Some charismatic mountain shapes, the Sassolungo and Sella, for example, can be reached and nearly touched with your own hands by skiing there. And what is an incredible experience by car during the summer, is the cherry on the cake for skiing in winter. Four valleys, four Passes, and three Italian provinces all in one day: Bolzano, Trento and Belluno. Going around the Sella Massif on slopes and lifts is legendary and can be done once a year even without using the uphill lift

1 Sochers chairlift to Ciampinoi mountain station, in the backdrop the Odle summits 2 The Ciampinoi mountain station, in the backdrop the Sciliar 3 Sunrise on the Col Raiser against the backdrop of the Sella Massif 4 In the forest next to the Vallongia hut 5 Morning on the Seceda summit, against the backdrop of the Sassolungo vinttrëi 23

December

January

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN VAL GARDENA: 31.12.2018 - 02.01.2019 Numerous New Year’s Eve events

SNOW SCULPTURE COMPETITION - 22ND EDITION OF THE SNOW SCULPTURE COMPETITION IN SELVA VAL GARDENA 27.12.-30.12.2018

CHRISTMAS IN VAL GARDENA: 01.12.2018 - 06.01.2019 Christmas markets in a contemplative atmosphere in all three Val Gardena Villages

WEEKLY TORCHLIT RUNS AND SKI SHOWS with the ski schools of Val Gardena throughout winter

FIS SKI WORLD CUP: 14.-15.12.2018 Two races on the famous Saslong slope with its ‘camel humps’

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February

March

April

SEASON’S END SKI PARTY SËLVA: 06.04.2019 Cool party for the end of the season

ROCK THE DOLOMITES: 16.03. - 24.03.2019 Winter music festival in the Dolomites

SELLARONDA SKIMARATHON: 22.03.2019 Ski touring marathon on the four passes

SÜDTIROL GARDENISSIMA: 30.03.2019 The world’s longest giant slalom with 650 participants

ICE SCULPTURES 14.01. – 19.01.2019 Realization and exhibition in the centre of Ortisei Village

SÜDTIROL GARDENISSIMA KIDS: 31.03.2019 A fun parallel slalom for kids

CARNIVAL IN VAL GARDENA: 28.02.19 – 05.03.2019 Carnival bonanza with local traditions SPRING RACE PARTY: 23.03.2019 Fun ski race from Seceda to the centre of Ortisei village

Winter Highlights

All events in the updated Val Gardena calendar

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Our ski schools and ski pass prices

SNOWBOARD AND SKI SCHOOL 2000

SKI AND SNOWBOARD SCHOOL SASLONG

Mëisulesstr. 290 · I-39048 Selva Gardena Tel. +39 / 04 71 / 77 31 25 - 04 71 / 79 52 55 Fax +39 / 04 71 / 77 32 83 · info@skischool2000.com www.scuolasci-selva.it

Reziastr. 10 + 26 I-39046 Ortisei Tel. +39 / 04 71 / 78 62 58 · Fax +39 / 04 71 / 78 94 57 info@skisaslong.com · www.skisaslong.com

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€ 160,00

€ 112,00

€ 144,00

4

€ 164,00

€ 115,00

€ 148,00

4

€ 185,00

€ 129,00

€ 166,00

4

€ 205,00

€ 144,00

€ 185,00

5

€ 196,00

€ 138,00

€ 177,00

5

€ 221,00

€ 155,00

€ 199,00

5

€ 246,00

€ 172,00

€ 221,00

6

€ 226,00

€ 158,00

€ 203,00

6

€ 254,00

€ 178,00

€ 228,00

6

€ 282,00

€ 197,00

€ 254,00

Ski pass | Dolomiti Superski 450 LIFTS, 1.200 KILOMETRES OF SLOPES | WINTER SEASON 2018/2019 | 30.11.2018 - END OF SEASON DOLOMITI SUPERPREMIÈRE 4=3 30.11.2018 - 22.12.2018

SEASON: 07.01.2019 - 02.02.2019

17.03.2019 - END OF SEASON

PEAK SEASON: 23.12.2018 - 06.01.2019

03.02.2019 - 16.03.2019

Days

Adults

Juniors born after 30.11.2002

Seniors born before 30.11.1953

Days

Adults

Juniors born after 30.11.2002

Seniors born before 30.11.1953

Days

Adults

Juniors born after 30.11.2002

Seniors born before 30.11.1953

1

€ 49,00

€ 34,00

€ 44,00

1

€ 55,00

€ 39,00

€ 50,00

1

€ 61,00

€ 43,00

€ 55,00

2

€ 95,00

€ 66,00

€ 85,00

2

€ 107,00

€ 75,00

€

6,00

2

€ 119,00

€ 83,00

€ 107,00

3

€ 138,00

€ 97,00

€ 124,00

3

€ 155,00

€ 109,00

€ 140,00

3

€ 173,00

€ 121,00

€ 155,00

4

€ 177,00

€ 124,00

€ 159,00

4

€ 199,00

€ 139,00

€ 179,00

4

€ 221,00

€ 155,00

€ 199,00

5

€ 212,00

€ 148,00

€ 190,00

5

€ 238,00

€ 167,00

€ 214,00

5

€ 265,00

€ 185,00

€ 238,00

6

€ 243,00

€ 170,00

€ 219,00

6

€ 273,00

€ 191,00

€ 246,00

6

€ 304,00

€ 213,00

€ 273,00

In addition: season tickets | choice ticket: 10 day ski pass spread over 14 days’ holiday or 5 day ski pass spread over 6 days’ holiday | Dolomiti Superski choice season ticket: 8 day ski pass throughout the whole season | transferable ski pass valid for several days for families with children below the age of 3 | prepaid ticket | single tickets/multi journey tickets | children up to the age of 8 (born after 25.11.2009) get a free ski pass (except season passes), if the accompanying person buys a ski pass for the same period. | Where can you buy your ski pass? In the branches of the Cassa di Risparmio in all three villages of Val Gardena and at the valley station of the Val Gardena Ronda Express. Further info and reduction at www.valgardena.it Skiing cannot be guaranteed on all facilities from beginning to end of season.

The prices of ski passes can be subject to alteration due to exceptional changes in taxation, exchange rates or social provisions.

Follow the the white white line line Follow SCUOLA SCI SCUOLA SCI E SNOWBOARD E SNOWBOARD CRISTINA S.S. CRISTINA Iman Center Iman Center I-39047 S.Cristina I-39047 S.Cristina +39 0471/792045 Tel.Tel. +39 0471/792045 +39 0471/790053 FaxFax +39 0471/790053 info@santacristinaski.com info@santacristinaski.com www.santacristinaski.com www.santacristinaski.com

SCUOLA SCI SCUOLA SCI E SNOWBOARD E SNOWBOARD ORTISEI ORTISEI Piazza Rezia 75/a Piazza Rezia 75/a I-39046 Ortisei I-39046 Ortisei +39 0471/796153 Tel.Tel. +39 0471/796153 +39 0471/797907 FaxFax +39 0471/797907 info@scuola-sci.com info@scuola-sci.com www.scuola-sci.com www.scuola-sci.com

SCUOLA SCI SCUOLA SCI E SNOWBOARD E SNOWBOARD SELVA GARDENA SELVA GARDENA Dantercëpies 4 Str. Mëisules 178 Str.Str. Dantercëpies 4 Str. Mëisules 178 I-39048 Selva Gardena I-39048 Selva Gardena +39 0471/795156 Tel.Tel. +39 0471/795156 +39 0471/794257 FaxFax +39 0471/794257 info@scuolasciselva.com info@scuolasciselva.com www.scuolasciselva.com www.scuolasciselva.com

WWW.SCUOLE-SCI.COM WWW.SCUOLE-SCI.COM

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Gherdëina Passionate Selva Val Gardena The German name, to a certain extent, is fitting: at 1,540 m the skiers are as close as you can get (Wolkenstein: rocky clouds).

And the Sella Massif is just as close: it appears as stretching vertically from the highest village in the valley. And the village itself offers a breathtaking view at sundown, when the walls of the mountain appear to glow. Selva Val Gardena boasts the best location in winter, as you can directly access the largest skiing carousel in the world to the Sella Ronda. If you’re more into Après Ski, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. And when it comes to biking across the Passes, the downhill ends in the village. If you’re more of a leisurely holiday-goer, you’ll find sunny retreats in the higher placed hotels towards Dantercepies and Vallunga.

Sunny S. Cristina Placed on a hill in the valley, the old centre of S. Cristina acts as a unique sunny balcony. If you’re not looking for physical activity, you can stay here and enjoy the view across the Sassolungo, which imposes itself on the landscape. Most hotels have been placed in an ideal position to appreciate all and feature balconies, terraces which are like seats in an opera box for the show which is the Dolomites spectacular. On the spacious southern hills, paths lead hikers past old farms, while by going a bit higher one stumbles upon a huge pastureland, which is a perfect playing ground for skiers in winter, and where in summer the cows enjoy the variety of flowers. For the World Cup, every year in December the sport world looks to the finish line below Castel Gardena.

Fashionable Ortisei The pedestrian zone is ideal for a long stroll and for relaxed shopping tours: Ortisei is the most fashionable village in the valley, at times chic, at other cosy, as well as the centre of traditional wood carving. Three mountain trains depart from the village out into the mountains. But there are also leisurely footpaths and hikes. The Val Gardena Train Path follows an abandoned rail track and is one of the most beautiful strolls, with a good 3.5 km walk to S. Cristina. Bulla is one of the least known villages, whose mountain huts and guesthouses appear spasmodically on the steep meadows of the ravine. The view across Ortisei and the mountains from up here is breathtaking!

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DIRECT BOOKING PAYS www.valgardena.it

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Above all the mountains

Summer is the season to be out and about: on the walking trails, pass roads, mountain bike trails, the climbing wall and meadows. In South Tyrol, most activities take place in the mountains. Let’s put things into perspective and frame the outdoor experience in numbers: an impressive 13,000 km stretch of walking and hiking paths, 2,000 km of mountain bike trails, and 600 km of bicycle paths in the whole region. Some of the most refreshing cut right across Val Gardena during summer. You won’t find too much which cries out Made in Italy, and this includes the weather. While Merano and Bolzano in July and August often lead to sweltering temperatures beyond 30 degrees, the Dolomites are still refreshing even at midday, especially when the valley wind blows. Warm summer evening and an amazing sundown invite you to stay here. Especially young locals love to enjoy the most beautiful scenic spots in the evening with their sleeping bag and a good bottle of wine.

Face to face with the cows It gets cosier in mountain huts, of course. In summer the hiking season starts for real. The mountains are free from snow even on the summits and the hiking and climbing activities can be carried out on the rooftop of the Dolomites. The mountain huts open in June and hiking days with typical South Tyrolean specialities such as Knödel, mixed platters, Kaiserschmarren and apple strudel will delight everyone. It’s high season on the farms and meadows. Cows need to be cared for and milked, and that very same milk goes into making excellent cheese, the mountain meadows need to be mown, and the guests need to be pampered with fresh specialities. And in the evening, there are these extremely quiet moments in the mountains. Like now, at 9 p.m. on the Passo Sella: during the day motorcyclists, cars, campers drive away, while at night the mountains are just for you.

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Streamline For ambitious mountain bikers and racers, the Dolomites are a veritable paradise, where you can really burn those calories. If, however, one is more open to more sensory pleasures, there are other holiday destinations than Val Gardena… unless you have an e-bike to help you along!

Peace and quiet: listen to the sounds of nature Modern mountain bikes featuring an e-engine allow access to the passes and trails on Passo Gardena and Sella even to amateur bikers. But be careful, as e-biking can be addictive. Five minutes is all you need to never let go of the handlebar. If you would like to try it, every week a one-day scenic tour to the Alpe di Siusi takes place.

The highlight of the biking summer in Val Gardena can be experienced with or without an engine. The Sellaronda Bike Day takes place every year and gives the unique opportunity to explore and master the four Dolomite passes of the Sella, Gardena, Pordoi, Campolongo in peace and quiet. Instead of motorbike and cars you only hear yourself breathing, the click of the gears and the whistling of the groundhogs, which are not used to seeing so many bikers and prefer to go underground. The 52 km circuit requires you to overcome 1,637 m altitude.

At 3.30 p.m. you should already be back in the valley, as the peace and quiet is over. In June 2019 it’s that time of the year again, between 8.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m. the four passes will be reserved exclusively for cyclists. There’s something always on with good weather, and in 2015, 20,000 people took part.

If you’re more of a lone wolf, wanting to bike solo and if you prefer going off road rather than sticking to the road, well, Val Gardena will leave you spoilt for choice.

Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi is the bike region and offers numerous trails and paths, ideal for various levels and impressive elevation gains ranging between 700 and 2,450 m!

Walter Runggaldier is one of five guides in the Val Gardena Mountain Bike school. For the man from Selva Val Gardena, the Dolomites still are the most beautiful mountains in the world even on two wheels. ‘It’s the mix of a unique mountain world, the technical challenges, partially the impressive elevation climbs and drops on one tour and the different levels.’ Besides demanding passages requiring plenty of concentration, there are also leisurely parts. ‘The tour par excellence is the Sellaronda. The most beautiful stretches for beginners can be found in the Val Gardena valley circuit, the Vallunga tour, and the Alpe di Siusi excursion.’

His TIP: ‘The breathtaking panorama and the feeling of a community make the Sellaronda Bike Day something special. For those with average fitness only it is better to hire an e-bike for the Sella Ronda. Yet be careful, don’t select the ‘turbo mode’, as most batteries start fading towards the end of the 52 km.’

1 Right before the Passo Sella for the Sellaronda Bike Day 2 Near the small church of San Giacomo above Ortisei, in the background the Sassolungo 3 Cool your feet in the stream at the Caffè Val d’Anna in Ortisei, a favourite among mountain bikers.

4 On the long downhill from the Alpe di Siusi across the Valle Jender towards S. Cristina (in the background) trënttrëi 33

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Hinein ins Abenteuer!

Holiday bliss: parkour The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site and look amazing, but they’re also one big adventure park! Take the ‘Kids Active’ summer programme, for example, where small guests between 6 and 12 will explore their holiday destination, accompanied by really nice guides to become mountain climbers, bee growers, farmers, and treasure hunters, forest researchers and fishermen.

A playground called Dolomites The full day programme runs between June and September.

From Tuesday to Friday, children will become true Dolomite experts. Every Tuesday Brigitte, a nature park guide, will take them to the meadows of the Col Raiser to use GPS devices to find hidden caches. Wednesday the kids can give a try to climbing starter course, while they can fish in the afternoon.

For those children who don’t find fishing the best thing since sliced bread, they can go for a ride on a pony. The colourful mountain meadows of Val Gardena is home to many happy bees. The kids will visit them on Thursdays, and at the same time they will learn how the passion for collecting of the hairy insect leads to honey being made. In the afternoon head to the mountain bikes in the Bike Park, where a mountain bike guide will give you great tips to master the flow on

Below the imposing Sassolungo, small adventures hide on the experiential path ‘PanaRaida’ every couple of metres.

From the car park on Monte Pana, this beautiful circuit starts with its ten exciting stations, including a wooden horse and carriage awaiting small riders. In the nature cinema the main stars are the surrounding mountains.

With the telescope you can get pretty close to the craggy Odle summits or the Sassolungo and Sasso Piatto. On warm days, the water playground with its water see-saws and mill wheels is sensational. An idyllic water biotope acts as a mirror for the imposing rocky mountains. You can train your sense of balance in the labyrinth made of tree trunks. And after play hide and seek in the tree houses in the forest, which are connected by a great climbing garden.

Get the impression you’re soaring over the mountains on the wooden cable care and on the giant forest swing.

two wheels. Friday’s programme will give kids a real-life experience of farm life on the Milan farm. Everyone can have a go at the petting zoo, see a cow from up close, and try the products farmers make. In the afternoon it’s off to the pine tree wood on the Passo Pinei for a trip back in time. The kids will learn, among other things, how to create a prehistoric tent. You don’t have to know why, but it’s fun. Just like so many other things in South Tyrol, where children can still be children a while longer.

‘PanaRaida’ experiential trail : 1 Water playground 2 Tree trunk labyrinth 3 Giant forest swing and petting zoo, 4 Family fun and a view over the Sassolungo 5 The wooden cable car 6 Climbing facilities in the treehouses trëntcinch 35

June

DOLOMITES SASLONG HALF MARATHON JUNE 2019 Running around the Sassolungo Group

Aug

July

GHERDËINA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL: JULY 2019 Brewers from TrentinoAlto Adige present their own artisan beers in Selva Val Gardena

WEEKLY FARMER AND CRAFTSMAN MARKET in July and August in S. Cristina

LONG SUMMER NIGHTS AND APERITIFS in July and August in the traffic-free area of Ortisei HERO SÜDTIROL DOLOMITES: JUNE 2019 The hardest MTB marathon in Europe, with an elevation difference of 4.500 metres

SELLARONDA BIKE DAY: JUNE 2019 Car-free day around the Sella Group, only open to bikers

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SËIRA DL VIN: 12.07.2019 Wine-tasting on the red carpet in S. Cristina

VAL GARDENA FOLKLORE FESTIVAL IN SELVA VAL GARDENA: 04.08.2019 The biggest folklore festival of the valley with a procession of traditional costumes

gust

September

October

UNIKA: 29.08.-02.09.2019 Large exhibition of Val Gardena’s sculptures and art IDEA UNIKA throughout summer in the traffic-free area of Ortisei

SPARKASSE ATP CHALLENGER VAL GARDENA-SÜDTIROL - 64.000 EURO: OCTOBER 2019 International Men’s Tennis Championship

DOLOMITES SUMMER MARKET: AUGUST 2019 with Strudel & Dumpling Festival in Selva Val Gardena

SEPTEMBER 2019 Ladin hiking weeks in Selva Val Gardena and Ladin culture weeks in S. Cristina

Summer Highlights

All events in the updated Val Gardena calendar

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Burning passion

When nature dives deep into the colour palette, the most

‘Burning Dolomites’ seems a more fitting moniker for Val

beautiful time to hike starts in the Dolomites. The air is crystal

Gardena, when the grey walls and summits of the Sassolungo

clear and has that typical autumn scent, and the view from the

and Sella, Cir and Odle capture the light of the low-hanging

mountains seems never-ending. While the days are still lovely

sun and turn into a burning orange. Which slowly turns into a

and warm, some mornings you’ll stumble upon glittering dew

deep red and continues shining even when the sun has already

on some paths a filigree tracing the edge of the leaves, fallen

disappeared. If you’re lucky you can even enjoy it in your hotel

to the ground. Some of these cool nights are enough and

at the dining table with a view over the mountains, and many

the larches of the mountain forests change their colours to a

hotels offer this chance. If not, it is well worth it to postpone

dazzling yellow, which makes entire mountain faces shine.

dinner, because the mountains burn between 7 and 8 p.m.,

The autumnal spectacle in the mountain ends every day with

depending on the month. Starting from September there’s a

a thundering finale. Alpine glow is a bit too kitsch and evening

guided sundown tour to the most beautiful locations for the

glow also doesn’t hit the mark.

burning Dolomites show.

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Autumnal leisure To visit South Tyrol in autumn means to discover nature at its brightest, donning an exuberance of colours, harvest, and more than anything else, good food. At the Leaf Market in Ortisei on 16 October everything comes together. The whole village centre turns into a market square. And if you’re in love, remember to purchase a pear!

It is probably the most beautiful pilgrimage across the whole Alpine region: when autumn is at its most colourful, on the second Sunday in October, the villagers of Ortisei go up to the Chapel of San Giacomo. The location itself is heavenly: the chapel and the visitors look out across the Sassolungo from a spot on the steep mountain forest. From here, the mountain comes across like a cathedral of nature.

Blessed as one is after a view like this, on Monday go to the traditional Segra Sacun market. Here it’s all about the more earthly delights. The whole pedestrian zone is a lively market square, where walking through can be a bit difficult at times.

Culinary delights, craftsmanship, carved and painted, are on offer.

In the times of e-commerce, all l this is simply amazing: there are even great swaths of clothes with hats and caps, shoes and jackets for the colder seasons, sometimes fashionable, other times simply proper. Another old tradition takes place in the market place: men ripe for marriage will buy a pear at the market, which they will decorate with a ribbon and give as a present to their chosen one.

During Easter the following year, the woman has to give the man Easter eggs. Important: the man cannot forget to pick up the eggs if he wants to win his woman over. The Leaf Market in Ortisei has been around for years and has always been the shopping portal into the cities of Bressanone and Bolzano. And just like for all

other traditions in South Tyrol even this is celebrated with pride and joy. Moreover, in the restaurants, typical autumnal delicacies are served. Speaking of food, what about the most important autumnal culinary tradition here in South Tyrol? We’re talking of Törggelen.

In the time being, the use of wine farms on the Adige and Isarco has spread to all the province. A prickly glass of Federweisser is accompanied by good and solid meals: Knödel, Kraut, Speck and cheese, and even sweet dishes such as Krapfen cannot be missed.

It all started as a way to serve food for whoever helped during the harvest, but now everyone can stop by and look at the Törggelen in farmsteads and guesthouses. How can you resist this invitation?

Many autumnal tourists to South Tyrol come here just for this. The perfect combination is the following: during a hike with crystal clear air explore autumn in the Dolomites, to then enjoy good food – at best with a view over the mountains. And wouldn’t you know it, the timing couldn’t be better, as even in the highest mountain huts, the hiking season ends the earliest around mid-October. The autumnal leisure continues sometimes well into November, with warm days making an appearance especially during a föhn wind, when to the north cold rain clouds flash their impending arrival across the grey sky just beyond the Alps.

1 Pears as love offerings can be carved out of wood 2 During the leaf Market sausage and other South Tyrolean specialties also play a role 3 During the Leaf Market you can dance, music fills the air 4 Roasted chestnuts are a favourite and healthy autumn snack 5 Dig in: Speck time at the Leaf Market! 6 Sundown at the Sassolungo carantun 41

Offers Holidays in Val Gardena mean family fun for all the family.

The whole year. After all, aren’t holidays the best time of the year? And in Val Gardena, you can go on holidays whenever you want. And finally enjoy life.

Find an overview of the most interesting special offers for our guests at participating establishments. The list should give you an idea of what to look forward to and when to book your dream holiday!

Val Gardena Super Première:

Single & Kids:

Between 29 November and 22 December 2018. One, two, three, four, and it’s take-off! Namely, you can book 4 nights, 4 daily ski passes and 4 days of ski equipment rental for the price of 3! First valid ski pass day: 30.11.2018

While the mountains have meant everything to us in Val Gardena since the immemorial, that doesn’t mean we`re stuck in the past. In summer, from the start of the season until end of July and from the end of August until the end of September we also offer great special offers for single parents with children in a double room.

Fis Ski World Cup Val Gardena: At the speed of light! If you want to experience the thrill of pure speed and support the best skiers out there, choose our World Cup Package between 14 and 16 December 2018. Entrance to the race and the Dolomiti Superski ski pass for a discounted price.

Val Gardena Super Sun: Pack your ski suit, and we’ll help your wallet feel a bit heavier: from 16 March 2019 to the end of the season, get a free day on us when booking for 6 days (6+1 formula)! First valid ski pass day: 17.03.2019 Val Gardena Family Special: We’ve also thought about our dearest, youngest guests. From 16 March 2019 to the end of the season participating venues will secure special conditions for children when it comes to booking, purchasing ski passes, renting equipment and at the ski school.

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Val Gardena Active 2019: Val Gardena Active means a lot of action and fun. And what’s so good about this diverse weekly programme is that the guests of participating establishments can choose from many interesting activities for free or for a discounted price.

Val Gardena Children’s weeks: Pointing is usually considered rude but it won’t be when you point to this amazing offer: Children pay NOTHING! Between 8 and 28 June 2019 make the most of special offers and discounts when going on holiday with your kids. Free accommodation (in an extra bed in the parent’s room) if the kids are under 8 years old!

Val Gardena on the web REALTIME WEATHER WEBCAMS

PARTNER WEBSITES

Val Gardena has now more than 25 livecams, panocams and nightcams, which are unique in the Alps and transmit weather conditions and panoramic views in real time. www.valgardena.it/livecam www.dolomitesalpine.it

www.mtb-dolomites.com

www.sellarondabikeday.com

www.gardenissima.eu

VALGARDENA.IT IS MOBILE Our responsive website can be easily viewed and used on all mobile devices.

FREE WIFI Free wifi hotspots Selva Val Gardena: hotspot in Nives Square and at the Tourism Association Office.

Ortisei: hotspots in S. Antonio Square, in the pedestrian area, in Church Square and on a stretch of the Luis Trenker walk.

www.valgardena-active.com

www.transfertovalgardena.com

VAL GARDENA ONLINE SHOP BOOKING DIRECTLY OFFERS MANY ADVANTAGES Val Gardena offers you an avantgarde room availability system.

Booking directly your accommodation which is bookable online at valgardena.it, offers many advantages.

APP DOLOMITES VAL GARDENA Die offizielle Apple und Android APP, um Gröden zu entdecken und zu erleben, die Sie sei es vor Ort als auch zu Hause bei Ihrer Urlaubsplanung verwenden können.

Visit our online shop where you can easily view and buy many interesting articles regarding Val Gardena, such as the new excursion maps, posters etc. shop.valgardena.it

NEWSLETTER Do you wish to receive the latest news and information regarding events in Val Gardena?

Then subscribe to our free newsletter.

SOCIAL NETWORKS Val Gardena is present in all the most important social networks - become our fan and follower and stay updated!

www.facebook.com/VGardena

@dolomitesvalgardena

caranttrëi 43

Letting go!

Column by Dietmar Denger

This selfie was taken of an evening on the Passo Sella, at the right place and time. And with the right vehicle.

With a Vespa in Italy it is tantamount to using surfboard on the waves of Hawaii or exploring the western side of the USA on a Harley bike.

My job as a photographer takes me all over the world, yet when they asked me which was my favourite travel destination, I gave it to them right away: South Tyrol.

And not only because I’ve been commissioned by this magazine. This region becomes more precious to me every time I have to explain what and where South Tyrol is. A region which offers so many highlights. A very unassuming signpost, for example, takes you from Selva Val Gardena up to the Vallunga. And then you step into a world, between the huge mountains, which in other places would attract quite a crowd but here is just one of many beautiful locations in South Tyrol.

Everything happens in the Dolomites: the perfect landscape, the exceptional cuisine, and the climate which, in every season, tempts travellers to come here for at least a couple of days. Especially when north of the alps the famous Atlantic low-pressure climate menaces to turn the weekend grey. From the Brennero onwards you can nearly always rely on sunshine for an uplifting holiday in the region.

Use coincidence to plan your holiday Not only at work does chance play a role in planning

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things. Many of my favourite pictures and travel experiences came about when I didn’t follow plans and rules. If you want to truly live, you have to step outside your comfort zone. That doesn’t sound as amazing as from the concept itself. It starts with planning your holiday. My recommendation: don’t follow guides but follow your gut instinct and go on less explored tracks.

Take on the detours across the valley or paths without knowing what to expect. And with the right equipment even showers in the mountains or a hike in the evening can be simply amazing.

Explore uncharted routes. Don’t follow the SAT-NAV when travelling through the valley but follow your instinct. The title of the magazine’s cover came about in the following way: as I took the cable car first thing in the morning to the Seceda, the sky was far from clear, which is extremely rare in South Tyrol. Yet I was taken over by a sense that the view from above would be exciting. Upon reaching the mountain station, the rain had just stopped, and the valley wind was pushing the clouds across the Odle into the Val di Funes. In hindsight, it was one of the most beautiful scenes during my tours into the valley. Sometimes, up there, it feels as though you could just take flight. And, indeed, you can.

A hang-glider trip in the autumnal mountains is dreamy and exciting at the same time. Feels like being in love.

This loud grumbling in your belly during your holiday in the Dolomites very rarely comes from wanting more dumplings!

How to reach Val Gardena

HAMBURG 1.040 km BERLIN

850 km

FRANKFURT 660 km MÜNCHEN 270 km

STUTTGART 490 km

KUFSTEIN / INNSBRUCK 110 km

KEMPTEN 250 km ZÜRICH 330 km LANDECK 180 km

Passo Resia / Reschenpass

SALZBURG 290 km

BRENNERO / Brennerpass

BREGENZ 290 km

WIEN

Passo Rombo / Timmelsjoch

AUSTRIA / ÖSTERREICH

580 km

AUSTRIA / ÖSTERREICH

VIPITENO / Sterzing BRUNICO / Bruneck

Passo Giovo / Jaufenpass

SVIZZERA / SCHWEIZ SILANDRO / Schlanders

CHIUSA / Klausen FS

MERANO / Meran

Tubre / Taufers i.M.

FS BRESSANONE / Brixen

LIENZ 130 km

Passo Monte Croce / Kreuzbergpass

MEBO

BOLZANO / Bozen FS

Passo Stelvio / Stilfserjoch

Passo Gardena / Grödnerjoch Passo Sella / Sellajoch

CORTINA 60 km VENEZIA 200 km

Trentino

Passo Costalunga / Karerpass TRENTO

LEGENDA / Legende / Legend:

90 km

VERONA 190 km MILANO 310 km

AUTOSTRADA / Autobahn / Motorway

MODENA 280 km ROMA

STRADA STATALE / Staatsstraße / State Road

690 km

USCITA AUTOSTRADA / Autobahnausfahrt / Motorway Exit STAZIONE FS / Zugbahnhof / Train Station

ITALY

SOUTH TYROL

VAL GARDENA

CONNECTIONS By car The Val Gardena road network is directly connected to the motorway Autostrada del Brennero (A22). Arriving from the south drive past Verona, Trento, Bolzano to Chiusa and take the exit Chiusa/Val Gardena. Arriving from the north, drive past Innsbruck – Brennero – Bressanone to Chiusa and take the exit Chiusa/Val Gardena. Following the road signs you reach Ortisei in about 20 minutes and a few km further you find S. Cristina and Selva Val Gardena.

The mountain passes at the end of the valley are only a few minutes drive away.

In Val Gardena, however, it is possible to do without a car for the whole period of your stay as the public transport connections are excellent in the high season and there are many lift facilities from each locality to the high altitude excursion and skiing areas. Many guests are happy to leave their car at home and reach Val Gardena by public transport.

By train Val Gardena is connected to the rest of Italy and Europe by Intercity and Eurocity trains which all stop in Bolzano and Bressanone and some even in Chiusa. Deutsche Bahn runs 5 services a day from Bologna, Venice and Verona to Bolzano, starting from 9 Euro and 5 services a day from Germany, starting from 29 Euro. For information: www.valgardena.it/train By bus There are various buses which leave from Bolzano, Bressanone and Chiusa to Val Gardena (public bus service timetable available at www.sii.bz.it). Some hotels offer a shuttle bus service to and from the stations.

By airplane The nearest airports are located in Bolzano, Verona, Innsbruck, Bergamo, Munich and Milan. The Bolzano airport has daily flights to and from Rome.

Transfer from the airport Furthermore, transfers have been organized between the airports of Verona (Catullo), Bergamo (Orio al Serio), Milano Malpensa, Milano Linate, Innsbruck and Munich (at the main station also) and Val Gardena. For further information and ticket sale, please go to www.transfertovalgardena.com For information regarding the taxi service to and from the stations and the airports, please contact our information offices or go to www.valgardena.it Taxi & Bus Gardena: Tel. +39 366 47 47 327 Taxi & Bus Autosella: Tel. +39 04 71 79 00 33

Layout & Design:

INFO VAL GARDENA Tel. +39 04 71 77 77 77 info@valgardena.it www.valgardena.it SKYPE NAME: info_val_gardena

TOURIST OFFICE I-39048 Selva Val Gardena Mëisulesstr. 213

TOURIST OFFICE I-39047 S. Cristina Chemunstr. 9

TOURIST OFFICE I-39046 Ortisei Reziastr. 1

Room availability information By phone: from Monday to Saturday 8.30 - 12.30 am / 3.30 - 6.30 pm

Tel. +39 04 71 77 79 00 Fax +39 04 71 79 42 45 selva@valgardena.it

Tel. +39 04 71 77 78 00 Fax +39 04 71 79 31 98 s.cristina@valgardena.it

Tel. +39 04 71 77 76 00 Fax +39 04 71 79 67 49 ortisei@valgardena.it

24-hour information system: www.valgardena.it facebook.com/VGardena