Ortisei

Luxury Ski Chalets Ortisei

Discover our luxury ski chalets in the Dolomites. Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva Gardena are the top ski villages of Val Gardena. Val Gardena is part of the Dolomiti Superski, a vast ski area of about 1,200 kilometres of slopes served by 450 lifts up to an altitude of 3,270 metres. The most popular ski route "Sellaronda" leads through Selva Gardena. In 1970, the ski area hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships. Val Gardena are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

LUXURY SKI HOLIDAYS IN ORTISEI

Ortisei, situated at 1,236m altitude, has a rich culture and history. The small magical village has a charming pedestrianised area with shops and boutiques and one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the region. Ortisei attracts travellers year after year, as it is one of the most popular destinations in the Dolomites for a winter or summer holiday. The South Tyrolean holiday resort is world-famous for its wood carving. The works of art made from wood have been produced for over 200 years and stand for quality and tradition. Holidayers with a passion for culture should definitely visit the Val Gardena local history museum, Museum Gherdëina (in Ladin). The valley museum holds the memorial collection of one of South Tyrols icons, famed composer and film director Luis Trenker. There is also an impressive collection of paintings by the important Ladin painter Josef Moroder-Lusenberg. Immerse yourself in the culture and nature of this beautiful valley. With the breathtaking beauty of the landscape and its cosmopolitan flair, the chic holiday resort of Ortsei is perfect for family ski holidays.

SKIING IN ORTISEI VAL GARDENA

A double cable car connects Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena and from there the Sella Ronda. La Longia is the longest descent in Val Gardena. It leads from the summit of the Seceda down to Ortisei. You can ski in both directions and round the huge Sella massif on the famous Sella Ronda circuit without having to take off your skis. Val Gardena is a great ski centre that particularly appeals to those who like to ski from village to village. The unique Sella Ronda connects Canazei, Campitello, Corvara, Colfosco and Arabba. You will be amazed by the spectacular pink-coloured steep slopes. Advanced skiers have 175 kilometres of pistes at their disposal. With with an experienced guide, you can also put your skills to the test off the official pistes. There are also countless options for beginners. There is a good proportion of difficult runs, one of the reasons why the World Cup keeps is hosted here. The Dolomites Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area is part of Dolomiti Superski. Discover 12 exceptional skiing areas with one ski pass. There are 8 extraordinary slopes called "Legendary 8". 1. Saslong: The Mythical (black). 2. Cir: The Women's (black). 3. Ciampinoi: The Steep (black). 4. Bravo: The Romantic (red). 5. Falk: The First (red). 6. Gardenissima: The sensational (red) 7. La Longia: The Long (red). 8. Pilat: The New (red)

RESTAURANTS & BARS

Besides skiing, walking or hiking, you can have lunch in one of the many mountain huts along the slopes, enjoy South Tyrolean specialities at lunchtime in the countless mountain restaurants. The beautiful sun terraces invite you to linger and take a break during your day on the slopes. There are plenty of restaurants in the area. Family-orientated and gourmet restaurants. Val Gardena offers several gourmet restaurants for those who are looking for upscale dining. The Anna Stuben has been awarded 1 Michelin star and Ristorante Tubladel in Ortisei serves a broad selection of culinary options. Naturally, there are also many more conventional Italian restaurants for families, offering pizza and pasta or South Tyrolean specialities with a variety of delicious dishes.

Despite the fact that many excellent "Annas" have worked in this family-run restaurant over the years, Reimund Brunner, an outstanding male chef, has been at the helm of the "Anna Stuben" for a decade now. Meanwhile, the romantic ambience of the two dining rooms has become so famous that it ranks as one of the places one always wants to visit when returning to Ortisei/Val Gardena. The menu, which is mainly inspired by South Tyrol, is also open to ingredients from other regions, including fish and seafood, and offers light, fresh dishes with less butter and sugar - a very refined cuisine. The excellent and attentive service is sensitive to guests' needs, while the talented sommelier is always ready to make recommendations with a smile. It comes as no surprise that a Michelin star is the result.

Situated in a picturesque, agricultural area high above the centre of Ortisei towards the local mountain Secëda, Restaurant Costamula embodies the aromas of South Tyrol in an elegant harmony of tradition and modernity. In the unique ambience of one of Val Gardena's oldest farms dating back to 1608, guests can nowadays savor regional and subtle dishes in both winter and summer.

Restaurant Cosmea can best be described as follows - savoury and sweet South Tyrolean specialities. Although influenced by both Italian and Central European cuisine, the menu nevertheless reflects the multifaceted style of South Tyrolean cooking. Guests can expect to be served traditional dishes such as dumplings and spaetzle, sausage delicacies, hearty mountain cheese, home-baked bread and much more. Every single course from the recipe book contains the secrets of a century-old tradition. Even the most discerning gourmets will be delighted by a family dinner or an atmospheric evening with candlelight and excellent wine. Very central location, a mere 150 metres from the Alpe di Siusi cable car.

What better way to finish off a day on the slopes than with a drink? Bars and après-ski, usually with live music, can be found all over the area. One of the most famous is "La Stua" in Selva di Val Gardena with a range of excellent champagnes. In Ortisei you should not miss "Siglu", an igloo shaped après-ski bar.

Robert L. Stevenson's famous quote "Wine is bottled poetry" is a slightly misleading motto when talking about the fantastic wine bar "La Cërcia". The cosy vinotheque with an excellent selection of carefully chosen vineyards, first-class champagnes and speciality gins is primarily intended to be a cocktail bar where drinks - accompanied by tasty finger food - can be sampled in an exclusive yet relaxed atmosphere. Even if it's your favorite personal cocktail, the bartenders are happy to encourage to trying something new. In Ladin, the bars name translates as "to taste, to savour" - perfect for a convivial evening with various antipasti, cold cuts or the popular "panini", paired with fine wines or a traditionally distilled gin with notes of herbs, lemon zest, mint, juniper, coriander and - last but not least - the famous Dolomites water. In Ortisei's pedestrian zone, open 4.30pm to 1.00am.

If you are looking for those legendary vistas that Val Gardena is famed for, the Secëda Mountain is a must. Enjoy spectacular views of the impressive Geisler mountains and capture your ski holiday experiences by taking picture perfect images. From the top of the Seceda, the most popular photo spot throughout Val Gardena, the views of the Odler Group are nothing short of breathtaking. And Val Gardena's landmark, the Sassolungo, can be gazed on particularly well from Ortisei.
(Photo © valgardena.it)