There are three main villages at the head of the Val Gardena valley, all of which are within easy distance of the each other. Selva is the highest and a favourite for its satisfying mix of local slopes. It’s a little spread out and has a somewhat busy road running through it, but none the less it’s a good bet for easy and quick access to a great range of slopes. It’s best to stay within walking distance of one of the gondolas if you can, but many of the better hotels run their own reliable shuttle bus services (the resort’s ski buses can be a little difficult). This village was formerly part of Austria and you’ll hear a lot of German being spoken in the streets. Santa Cristina more or less merges with Selva and is another worthy option with reasonable lift access too.
Ortisei is your best bet if you like the idea of staying in a thriving Dolomite town with a busy life of its own beyond skiing and tourism. There’s lots going on here and it’s an attractive place full of inviting cafes and stylish shops to tempt you away from the slopes. It still has good links to the pistes too, via moving walkways and a funicular, but you will need to factor in a little more time to get from breakfast to first tracks!
Hotels in Val Gardena
There are a great range of hotels in Val Gardena, ranging from 5* down. There are also innumerable B&Bs offering great budget accommodation. Some of our favourites in Selva are the 4* Aaritz right next to the gondola, the 4* Granvara a little way out of town (but with great views and a free shuttle service) and the 3* Linder and 3* Solaia, both of which are centrally located.
Chalets in Val Gardena
There is a reasonable choice of catered chalets in Val Gardena, especially so in Selva. Down in Ortisei you’ll find good self-catering budget options too. We like Esprit’s chalets for their en suite bathrooms and good catering track record.
