Val Gardena is one of the best-loved ski areas in the Dolomites. It has three characterful villages (Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena), its own Ladin language and culture, direct access to Dolomiti Superski with more than 1,200 km of linked slopes, and the Sassolungo and Sassopiatto massif as a backdrop.
Where you stay depends mostly on how you like to travel and which part of the ski area you want to explore.
Ortisei: the biggest village, with everything on hand
Ortisei (Sankt Ulrich in German) is the main town of Val Gardena and the largest and liveliest of the three villages. With around 5,000 residents, it has the widest choice of services, shops and restaurants, and a characterful old centre dominated by the church of St James.
For skiers, Ortisei is the gateway to the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm), the largest high plateau in the world with high-altitude ski slopes, and to the Rasciesa and Seceda area, with spectacular views of the Odle peaks. The lifts leave straight from the village centre.
Why stay in Ortisei:
- The most services and the most going on in the evening
- Direct access to the Alpe di Siusi by gondola
- Excellent ski schools, including Ladin ones
- Local museums on Val Gardena culture
- Prices on average lower than in Selva
Prices in Ortisei
| Category | High season | Mid season | Low season |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-star | €150-280 | €100-180 | €80-130 |
| 3-star | €90-160 | €65-115 | €55-85 |
| Garni / B&B | €70-130 | €50-90 | €45-70 |
| Apartment (sleeps 4) | €100-180 per night | €70-130 | €60-95 |
Santa Cristina: right in the middle of the ski area
Santa Cristina (St. Christina in German) is the village in the middle of the valley, and it is often overlooked in favour of better-known Ortisei and Selva. Yet its position is ideal: halfway along the ski area, with access to the Monte Pana slopes and to the link towards Selva and the Sella Ronda.
Why choose Santa Cristina:
- Less crowded than the two larger villages
- Lower prices (15-20% below Selva)
- A good base for skiing in either direction
- A more relaxed, authentic feel
- Frequent buses to Ortisei and Selva
| Type of accommodation | High season | Mid season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-star hotel | €130-240 | €90-160 | Excellent value |
| 3-star hotel | €80-150 | €60-110 | Many with a spa |
| Family aparthotel | €90-170 per night | €65-120 | Self-catering kitchen |
Selva di Val Gardena: the heart of the Sella Ronda
Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein in German) is the top choice for keen skiers. It sits at the head of the valley at 1,563 m and is the natural starting point for the Sella Ronda, the famous 26 km ski circuit around the Sella massif that crosses four valleys.
The Selva-Plan de Gralba area is one of the largest and most varied in Val Gardena, with runs for every level. The famous Saslong is one of the most thrilling World Cup downhill courses on the circuit.
Selva is the best choice for:
- Intermediate to advanced skiers
- Anyone planning to ski the Sella Ronda
- Travellers who prefer a more exclusive atmosphere
- The most direct access to the Sella Ronda
Prices in Selva di Val Gardena
| Category | High season | Mid season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-star superior | €200-350 | €130-220 | Often half board |
| 4-star | €150-260 | €100-180 | High standard |
| 3-star | €100-170 | €70-120 | Breakfast included |
| Aparthotel | €130-220 | €90-150 | Great for families |
To compare availability in all three villages:
See hotel availability and prices in Val Gardena (affiliate link: the price you pay does not change).
Dolomiti Superski from Val Gardena
Val Gardena is one of the main hubs of Dolomiti Superski, the world’s largest ski area with 1,200 km of slopes and 450 linked lifts. The Dolomiti Superski pass lets you ski in Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa, Arabba, Cortina and eight other areas.
The nearest ski areas to Val Gardena:
- Alta Badia: about 2 hours on skis via the Gardena Pass
- Val Badia and Arabba: via the Sella Ronda
- Kronplatz (Plan de Corones): by car (40 km) or on skis over the passes
FAQ
Is the Dolomiti Superski pass worth it if you stay in Val Gardena?
An adult Dolomiti Superski day pass costs €65-72, depending on the period. If you plan to ski in at least two or three different areas during the week, the Dolomiti Superski pass is clearly the best choice. If you only want to ski in Val Gardena, there is a local Val Gardena/Gröden pass that costs slightly less. The Dolomiti Superski pass also covers the buses that link the ski areas.
Should I buy a weekly ski pass?
A weekly Dolomiti Superski pass costs about €330-360 per adult, which works out at about €47-51 a day. If you ski for seven days, it is cheaper than buying day passes. Many hotels offer the pass at slightly reduced partner rates. There is also a 6-day pass (the days do not have to be consecutive) if you plan a rest day or an outing.
Is Val Gardena good for families with children?
Absolutely. Val Gardena has excellent facilities for families: certified ski schools for children from age 3, beginner areas with magic carpets, and plenty of green and blue runs. The Monte Pana area above Santa Cristina and the lower slopes in Ortisei are especially suitable for young children. Many hotels offer kids’ clubs, babysitting and children’s menus. Children under 8 ski free on Dolomiti Superski lifts.
Is March a good month to ski in Val Gardena?
March is often the best month in Val Gardena. There is plenty of snow (the ski area sits at mid to high altitude), the days are longer, prices drop by 20-30% compared with February and the slopes are quieter. The risk is that some low-lying runs start to thin out towards the end of March, but the main ski area stays excellent. The season usually ends between Easter and early April.
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Choose where to stay in the mountains
Accommodation guides near the lifts, with areas and practical selection criteria.