Trentino Val Gardena, a skier's paradise

Visitors reach Val Gardena either via the road which from Chiusa leads to Ortisei, or by way of the much older thoroughfare which, from Ponte Gardena passes by the Castelforte, by far the most imposing castle of the South Tyrol, before coming to Ortisei: the gateway of the Val Gardena. Tourists began to visit this splendid valley of Trentino in the mid 19th century and, since then, the hospitality industry in the area has constantly developed so as to provide the very best, world-class facilities.

Ortisei is the most densely populated of the three towns of the Gardena valley and is located at 1236 meters above sea level in a basin protected by the woods of Rasciesca and the Alpe di Siusi. A visit to the Museum of the Val Gardena in the center of the town is more than worthwhile, with its sections dedicated to archaeology, nature, crafts, and local arts. The Church of S.Ulrich, built in 1796 and enlarged in 1907, contains interesting wood carvings by artists from the area. Ortisei is known for the many artist's studios where to observe the skilled sculptors from the highly acclaimed Gardenese School at work. Ortisei is, of course, best known as a well-equipped tourist destination, ideal place for both winter or summer vacations: a veritable skier's paradise but also a superb spot from where to explore the mountains during the warmer months of the year. Whilst in Ortisei, visitors have the opportunity to taste excellent mountain cuisine, including polenta, speck and canederli.

Thanks to a number of chair lifts and cable cars, visitors swiftly reach the famous observation points which surround the main town of the Val Gardena. Via the Rasciesa chair lift and then following along a flat pathway, walkers come to a panoramic basin situated some 2170 meters above sea level, where the Rasciesa refuge is located. By way of the cable car from Furnes, passengers access the panoramic pathway which leads to Brogles' Pass. Beyond Furnes, the funicular railway provides transportation to Seceda, 2400 meters above sea level and from where to admire a spectacular view of the Odle mountain range, the name of which in the local ladina language means 'needles'; the Sella mountains and the Sassolungo, first climbed by the Vienna-born Paul Grohmann in 1869.

Just 4 kilometers from Ortisei, we find Santa Cristina, an enchanting town the center of which has developed around the church dedicated to the saint, complete with Gothic belltower, typical of the area's mountain towns. The newer part of the town has been built on the grasses terraces of the Dosses. From here we head in to the woods, where to enjoy a healthy walk. In Santa Cristina, as in the other towns of the Val Gardena, there are a number of excellent ski schools. From December to April the whole area is besieged by ski enthusiasts who come to test their skills on famous ski slopes such as the "pista nera", and the "Saslong".

The Selva di Val Gardena (1563m) is ideal for winter sport enthusiasts and mountain lovers thanks to its strategic position at the foot of the Sella. Fans of cross country ski-ing will love the ski runs of the Sciliar high plain. Selva di Val Gardena, the highest of the towns in the valley has a decidedly modern appearance. A fine example of the town's contemporary tastes in architecture is provided by the parish church built in 1988, which conserves parts of the pre-existing baroque house of worship within its walls. From Selva, a narrow road leads to Vallunga where past Italian Presidents Sandro Pertini and Carlo Azeglio Ciampi often spent their holidays. Selva is home to the Sportstadium Pranives: an absolute must for ice skaters.

Those looking for a different way of exploring the valley should take the Val Gardena Ronda Express, an underground funicular railway which allows passengers to pass from one side of the valley to another without ever boarding a bus or getting behind the wheel of a car. Not to be missed: the Sella Ronda, a group of ski-runs which circumnavigate the Sella mountains. The circuit covers approximately 40 kilometers in total and can be followed in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction.