The picturesque old town of Ortisei is the principal community and cultural centre of Selva/Val Gardena, one Italy's most prominent ski areas. The altitude of 1,236m above sea level makes of Ortisei the ideal place for winter and summer holidays. This town, with its old and solid mercantile tradition and rich history, has a particular urban plan that blends harmoniously with the landscape. The centre, and its pedestrian-only area, are a wonderful meeting place but are also ideal for shopping.
From here one may easily wander off into the woods in search of some old farm. The Seceda and the Alpe di Siusi can be reached by comfortable lifts, and the alpine meadows and ski pistes rise up to 2518m and the mountain peaks up to 3181m. Ortisei has its own small ski area and is linked with Selva and the famous Sella Ronda circuit, by a free 'ski-express' bus service.
Ortisei is within easy reach of the Sella Ronda, a day's outing along a 50km ski circuit through dozens of villages and hamlets and four regions. It is itself part of a vast region accessed with the Dolomiti Superski pass, covering an astonishing 1200km of pistes and served by 460 ski lifts. Buses make the journey back to Bolzano, or you can drive in the other direction towards the Passo di Sella or Passo di Gardena. |
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RESORT INFORMATION |
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| Nearest
town: Santa Cristina |
| Resort Altitude (metres): 1236m |
| Ski Season: December to April. |
| Mountain Range: The Dolomites Dolomiten. |
| Number of Lifts: 7 |
| Highest Lift (metres): 1450m (4757ft) |
| Lowest Lift (metres): 850m (2789ft) |
| Number of Slopes: 7 |
| Beginner
Slopes: 0.4 |
| Intermediate Slopes: 0.4 |
| Expert Slopes: 0.2 |
| Snowboarding: yes: snowpark and halfpipe |
| Cross Country (km): 28km |
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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS |
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Nearby Attractions: Visitors choosing not to ski can browse through the valley’s collection of almost 200 shops, or tour the workshops of local woodcarvers. Tourists can visit these workshops and purchase their handiwork in shops throughout the town.
Frames, utensils, ornaments, nativity scenes, children’s toys, and sculpture are some of the most popular souvenirs with visitors. You can also explore the artistry of ancient alpine chapels. Mother Nature has created the most spectacular monuments in Val Gardena, including works of man which are very much worth discovering. Check out the Crucifix of Seurasas, or St. Jacob’s Chapel, set in the beautiful countryside of Val Gardena.
Those seeking relaxation can swim and be pampered at Ortisei’s pool and spa facility, while those wishing to explore the artistic treasures of northern Italy, can make easy day-trips to Venice (280 kilometers/three hours), with its famous canal streets and graceful bridges, Vicenza (205 kilometers/2.5 hours), with its outstanding samples of Palladian architecture, and Verona (150 kilometers/1.75 hours), with its ancient amphitheater.
Visitors seeking information on the Val Gardena’s history, geology, flora, and fauna should visit the Museum di Gherdeina in Ortisei. |
Aprés-Ski: Ortesei host the valley’s best nightlife, with clubs that hop throughout the ski season, but those visiting during the busier holiday and regular seasons will find them at their finest. The Old England Pub, Mauriz, and Cianel, are a selection of the many bars and pubs that deserves a visit, or two. Concerning restaurants, the Stua Catores offers hearty Ladin meals, the Concordia serves up excellent ravioli and truffles, and the Mar Dolomit serves Italian specialties, including superb wood-fired pizza. Skiers can also slide off the slopes directly into the village’s own version of L’Igloo, highly recommended for its potent schnapps and tiger-shots.
Located in Ortisei, is a small cinema, presenting mostly American-made titles in translation. Though small, it offers hours of entertainment to the young and the tired. |
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