Val Gardena lies in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, where dramatic scenery and limestone peaks provide the backdrop for an unforgettable Autumn holiday, set within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The three villages of Ortisei (1,236m), S. Cristina (1,428m) and Selva (1,563m) provide the most unique setting for an Autumn escape. Val Gardena is the cradle of South Tyrolean art, specifically wood carving. This art form remains a key earner for the valley to this day, second only second to tourism.
In September and October, the imposing mountains shine with shades of red and orange, “enrosadira” creating an enchanting panorama. This is the beginning of the autumn season in the Dolomites, offering breathtaking views. The hay harvest has come to an end and the cows, sheep and goats return from the mountain pastures.
24th September – 15th October Culinarium Urtijei
Urtijei, the local name for Ortisei is one of the main villages of Val Gardena and is also known for its great culinary diversity. Michelin-starred restaurants with an international flair, local restaurants serving delicious South Tyrolean dishes, Italian pizzerias and Ladin farm cuisines: there’s something for everyone thanks to the outstanding meals from three different culinary traditions.
Culinarium Urtijei runs over three weeks celebrating all that is ‘food’ from the Michelin star ‘Anna Stuben’ to family run ‘Pizzeria Lamm’ there is a dining experience to suit, with 10 restaurants all focussed on offering the finest regional produce and delicious meals to celebrate these festival weeks.
A sensational market Every year, the leaf market “Segra Sacun” is the largest and most traditional market in Val Gardena and for generations the autumn valley highlight. The market is filled with numerous stands offering culinary delights and handcrafted products. The pear is the typical autumnal fruit which will catch your eye as you walk around – decorated with colourful ribbons, tradition demands young men give the young woman who has caught their eye a pear as a sign of their interest! Wood-carved pears are tokens to take home!
Burning Dolomites From mid-September on, there is a very special phenomenon in Val Gardena: Burning Dolomites, “enrosadira” an incredible natural spectacle at sunset! The colours of the larch trees become more and more intense and the sun sets the peaks of the Dolomites on fire.
The Mills in Bulla – stepping back in time – in the past, the „Bergweiler Pufels“ were Val Gardena’s granaries. Between three and seven farms were built to manage the municipal mills – the “Pufeler Schlucht” and just one remains restored, offering an insight in to the milling of corn in the past. A 2km walk through the gorge and along the Bulla stream is available as well as weekly guided tours of the partially preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries.
CHEF’S TABLE: SUINSOM IN VAL GARDENA GAINS MICHELIN STAR
Suinsom located at the Hotel Tyrol in Selva has become the third hot spot in Val Gardena to be awarded a Michelin star, the highest accolade within gastronomy.
Michelin starred young chef Alessandro Martellini operates tirelessly to create a delicate menu to spark the senses, dominated by the spirit of the mountains in two beautiful ‘stuben’, where 200-year-old wood lines the panelled dining rooms inside the Hotel Tyrol. Suinsom, meaning ‘at the summit’ offers gourmet cuisine combining local ingredients with a modern twist.
Val Gardena sits within the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the legendary Sellaronda – one of the best known ski circuits in the world – where ultra-modern lift facilities allow access to 500km of ski slopes, 115km of cross country ski trails and 30km of winter hiking paths. Together the three villages of Ortisei (1,236m), Saint Cristina (1,428m) and Selva Val Gardena (1,563m) create a vast snow bowl.
Memorable dining experiences are on offer with 65 mountain lodges scattered across the slopes of Val Gardena. Val Gardena promises a gastronomic adventure ranging from traditional alpine to highly sophisticated plates, with a south Tyrolean influence. From gourmet lunch, afternoon tea, apres ski, special evening ‘hutte’ meals, there is a hut to suit!
TASTE SENSATIONS
Feast in one of Val Gardena’s many unforgettable mountain lodges and restaurants, boasting some of the most sought after alpine cuisine in the world, five of which feature in the famous Michelin Guide:
NEW FOR 22Suinsom at the Hotel Tyrol, Selva* Michelin starred
Young chef Alessandro Martellini operates tirelessly to create a delicate menu to spark the senses, dominated by the spirit of the mountains. https://www.tyrolhotel.it/en/suinsom.htm
Overlooking the Sella mountains and Sassolungo peak, this is the perfect piste-side location to while away the hours, serving high-class traditional cuisine. Doubling as a guesthouse, this chalet boasts a sauna, fitness studio and hot tub.https://www.chalet-gerard.com/en/
Four fantastic bike and run events kick off Summer 2022 in Val Gardena – with its three main villages – Ortisei (1,236 m), Santa Cristina (1,428 m) and Selva di Val Gardena (1,563 m) in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 600km of bike trails.
11th June 2022: Sellaronda Bike Day & the Dolomites Saslong Half Marathon
The Sellaronda Bike day is a celebration of everything cycling as the roads on the Sellaronda will be closed to cars, allowing cyclists to take over.
The whole event boasts 53 km, while a 1,600 m elevation gain awaits those willing to complete the whole distance. Cyclists of all ages and levels will have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful, free to attend, cycling tour featuring unique views on traffic-free roads, as the Sellaronda and its passes around the Sella Group will be closed to cars. The second date of the summer Sellaronda Bike day is 17th September 2022.
On foot, the Saslong Half Marathon takes place on the same day. For experienced runners this route, stretches from its start point at Monte Pana, extending between 1624 and 2363 m, with 900 m elevation. After reaching the Comici Hut the athletes will run across the City of Rocks to Passo Sella boasting a breathtaking view across the Marmolada. The asphalt-free trail winds its way across an environmentally protected area.
18th June: HERO Südtirol Dolomites
The HERO Südtirol Dolomites in Selva Val Gardena represents one of the hardest mountain bike events for amateurs and professional cyclists. The competition is spectacular and a great opportunity for international professional athletes and ambitious amateur cyclists to come together, allowing them to pursue the same dream: race and conquer one of the two demanding distances. All participants can choose between two distances stretching around the Passo Sella and Sassolungo:
The classic distance comprises 60 km and 3,200 m elevation gain.
The marathon distance boasts 86 km and a total of 4,500 m elevation gain.
Selva Val Gardena represents both the start and the end of the HERO Dolomites. Both the classic and marathon edition will take participants around the Passo Sella at the feet of the legendary skiing carousel, the Sellaronda. The day before the HERO Südtirol Dolomites, children can take part in the “HERO Kids” – starts in Selva Val Gardena and is a great event for younger cycling fans that will put their skills to the test in a friendly ‘competition’ where all that matters is having fun on two wheels.
25th June: NEW Val Gardena Family Bike Day
Part of the “Respect the Dolomites” projects, the first edition of the Val Gardena Family Bike Day will be held on Saturday, 25th June 2022. A day dedicated to cycling, explore Val Gardena in a green and sustainable way on two wheels. The route starts from Ortisei and takes you to Plan, in Selva Val Gardena, cutting across picturesque S. Cristina. The itinerary features different check points and sightseeing highlights, as well as spots where you can refill your water bottle and tank up on energy with a quick snack. Collect stamps at the checkpoints and sightseeing spots – only three required – to receive a small treat at the end of the itinerary.
Dolomite Mountains Ltd. announce NEW Ski Safaris in the Dolomites for Winter 2013-4:
Six new routes and a new 3- Country-in-One Ski Safari
Dolomite Mountains Ltd. announce their winter 2013-14 programme with a new twist on the theme of safaris. Instead of scouting for wildlife, this time the safari is all about putting the miles under your skis.
Ski Safaris in the Dolomites encompass the Dolomiti Superski region, linking 12 different resorts featuring 1,200 km of pistes from 4-10 days.
Different from classic resort skiing, ski safaris encourage skiers to ski from valley to valley in the day and enjoy the hospitality of a rifugio (alpine inn) in the evening. Here guests savour cuisines and cultures unique to each valley region.
The program began last winter with two itineraries; the trips this winter expand to six new routes, including a gourmet-focused trip featuring meals from Michelin-starred chefs in the huts and a family-friendly option.
“Ski Safaris are quite unlike any ski holiday you have had before. Ski the famous Dolomite mountains, stay in different mountain rifugios (huts) every night, and enjoy lift access to hundreds of miles of prepared terrain. You may never ski the same run twice!” says Agustina Lagos-Marmol, founder of Dolomite Mountains Ltd.
Tailor-made and group trips, guided or self-guided are available between mid-December and mid-April. Itineraries may include, among others, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Badia and Val Gardena.
Few places in the world offer the ski terrain of the Dolomites and the ability to experience a dozen ski resorts in less than a week. Throughout the ski holiday, skiers explore the traditions, culture, history and cuisine of the Ladin valleys as they move from luxury hotel to one rifugio to the next, with meals paired with outstanding wines.
Mountains that may be experienced from the vantage point of skis include Italy’s Trentino region from the Marmolada Glacier to Passo San Pellegrino. Marmolada is the highest peak of all the Dolomites, reaching a height of 3,342m, and provides some of the most spectacular skiing experiences on earth. Italy’s Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dolomite Mountains 7 night/8 day Ultimate Ski Safari including UIAGM mountain guide, half board accommodation in mix of rifugio and 3* hotels, luggage transfers from £2300 pp.
Enjoy the exclusive slopes of St Moritz in Switzerland, Lech in Austria and Alta Badia in Italy on this bespoke ski 3-country holiday with a private English speaking mountain guide, 5 * accommodation and gourmet dining. Transfers are possible between each resort by helicopter. 3, 6 or 9 night options. 3 nights/4 days from £2180 (min 4 people).
For further information, high res images or press visits, contact Vanessa Fisher, vanessa@vanessafisher.com 07957 618525
About Dolomite Mountains Ltd –a tour operator based in the Dolomites specializing and providing unique experiences in adventure travel within one of the most beautiful and natural settings on Earth. Types of trips offered include hiking, biking, Via Ferrata, Climbing, Snowshoe tours, Photo safari, ski, self guided and luxury trips. For over 15 years they have been crafting Dolomite adventures, helping travellers uncover the region’s true spirit. Customized guided and self guided active trips and luxury and gourmet adventures take travellers off the beaten path for authentic experiences that reveal the real Dolomites.
Dolomite Mountains Ltd. believes in the value of sharing their love of the mountains and natural places with others while also recognizing the need to take care of them if they are to be here for future generations. They employ sustainable practices in all daily operations – everything from recycling in the office to leaving only footprints while in the field. The company also supports several worthy organizations such as SUMMITS4KIDS and The Footprints Network. See: http://www.dolomitemountains.com/en/dolomite_mountains/our_style_giving_back.htm
