Winter sports holiday in the village
At the end of Val Gardena lies the charming ski resort of Selva (Wolkenstein). Thanks to its magnificent location at the foot of the Sella massif, Selva attracts countless winter holidaymakers every year. While the village is renowned for its direct access to the ski slopes of Val Gardena, there is far more to experience here than skiing alone.
Selva di Val Gardena, the highest village in the valley, is one of the most popular winter destinations in the Italian Dolomites. Beyond the world-famous pistes, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of winter activities. Go cross-country skiing or winter hiking through snowy forests and panoramic landscapes, or share the fun of sledging down an illuminated run. Staying in a chalet in Selva Val Gardena is the perfect base for a winter holiday in the Dolomites – even if you are not skiing, you are still part of this alpine paradise.
- Cross-country skiing and winter hiking: From the village, you can access kilometres of well-groomed cross-country trails. Each of the three Val Gardena villages has its own network of tracks, together offering more than 145 km. With snowshoes, you can explore quiet forests and alpine meadows that would otherwise remain hidden in winter.
- Tobogganing: In and around Selva you’ll find several illuminated toboggan runs. After an exciting descent, simply take the lift back up with your sledge or enjoy a walk up the mountain for another ride. Tobogganing is a popular, family-friendly way to experience the winter wonderland of Val Gardena.
- Culture and gastronomy: Selva reflects the traditions of South Tyrol. During a winter walk you can visit the Maria Assumption Chapel or explore the medieval castle ruins above the village. Along the way, cosy mountain huts and restaurants invite you to taste hearty local dishes such as canederli, speck and other regional specialities made with fresh local produce.
Winter sports in the ski area of
Val Gardena is one of the most popular destinations for a winter sports holiday in the Dolomites. The ski area is part of the renowned Dolomiti Superski network, which covers 12 valleys and an impressive 1,200 kilometres of slopes. Within Val Gardena itself, you will find over 180 kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders.
Thanks to the modern lift system, you can quickly reach high altitudes with breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sporty skiers can take on challenging descents such as the famous Saslong black run, which hosts the annual World Cup. Another highlight is La Longia, the longest run in South Tyrol: a 10-kilometre descent with a vertical drop of 1,273 metres.
A ski holiday in Val Gardena also gives you direct access to the iconic Sellaronda. From Selva, you can easily join this unique 44-kilometre ski circuit around the mighty Sella massif. With the Dolomiti Superski pass, you’ll have access to all 12 ski areas in the network – offering a staggering 1,200 kilometres of pistes to explore. The vast variety of slopes and the extensive lift system make Val Gardena a true paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
Val Gardena is renowned for its excellent piste quality and snow reliability. Almost all runs are equipped with snowmaking facilities, ensuring that 98% of the slopes can be covered with artificial snow. Combined with altitudes up to 2,520 metres and the many hours of sunshine in the Dolomites, you are guaranteed optimal skiing conditions throughout the season. Skiing in Val Gardena promises an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking a versatile and world-class winter sports destination in Italy.