Why you should visit Val Gardena Dolomiti – A Winter Wonderland
Picture a beautiful little town painted by gorgeous natural landscape, at the very heart of a picturesque valley surrounded by the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Breathtaking right? That’s Selva, the highest village in Val Gardena.
Its picturesque location at the heart of the Dolomites makes it a favourite holiday destination for active holiday–goers. So it’s really no surprise that tourism is one of the main industries in Selva. Countless hotels, restaurants and ski schools dot the location.
As one of the access points to the Sellaronda, during the winter season Selva Val Gardena is also visited by tourists wanting to complete the Sella circuit on their skis (this is information we got on their website when we were checking the place out! – So just putting it here to help any of you guys who love skiing). And Summer brings with it endless hiking possibilities.
Now that said, why did two non-skiers and non- hikers like us wander into this beautiful valley you might wonder. Well as silly as it sounds, I wanted to see snow!
Yup that’s right. I was born and brought up in Kerala, South India (where snow is NEVER a natural phenomenon) and although I had been on my fair share of travels even as a child with my equally travel loving father, snow was something I never got to experience.
So I had just moved to Germany and desperately wanted to see snow that winter. Although Vishi assured it snowed where we lived in winter (he had already been living there a year), came February and no snow. So in my desperate attempt to fulfil this wish I had harboured for so long, we booked tickets and accommodation at Selva and decided to take a detour there from Verona (that we had already planned to visit).
Now, if you are a skiier or a hiker, you already know you should totally plan a trip here. You will find all information on ski rentals and accommodation in Selva Val Gardena here.
If you are like us, and none of the above two, should you still plan a trip here? Well yes! You totally should, and here’s why.
It’s just painstakingly beautiful!!!!
The little snow laden town went straight to a cosy corner in my heart even as we got down at the bus station. It was literally LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. Little sloping roofs sat on pretty timbered houses, bathed in snow, looking like a lemon sponge cake in the yellow street lights. Came morning, it just looked more beautiful, the street lights didn’t really do justice. And when it finally started to snow, MAGICAL is the only word I have that could remotely describe it!
Well, you get the idea, so now before I break into a love song, let’s move on.
You don’t need to ski or hike to enjoy those beautiful mountain slopes
There are infinite number of Cable cars (that also serve as ski lifts), in addition to ski lifts that will take you up and down these mountains. You can pay for a round trip, hop into a gondola and get whisked upto some enchanting views.
You can totally hop out, walk around, take in those views ( and get those shots for the Gram) and get on another Gondola and make you way down – see no skis or walking involved!!
Now there are lifts meant entirely for skiers, and some even ask for a ski expertise level depending on the slopes they run on.
We went up the Ciampinoi (part of the above mentioned Sellaronda ski circuit) ski lift. It cost us 19E per person, and was so totally worth every cent. There is a mountain restaurant at the top that also features a bar.
The Food is AMAZING!!!
We were at Selva at the end of our one week trip in Italy starting in Venice and then Verona. However, the best food we ever had was in this little fairytale town of South Tyrol.
Actually learn some skiing
We are always game for new adventures!! It’s one interest the two of us share. So an opportunity to learn how to ski, was one we weren’t ready to pass up! The Hotel we stayed even gave a 20% discount at one of the ski schools (more about that here), and we literally jumped at the opportunity – even if that meant we were in a class with 5-6yr olds (sigh)!
Although we didn’t go woosh down some sexy steep slopes at the end of 2 days, we did manage to learn how to decently land a Pizza and ski down a beginners slope (that’s something in two days right?) ; and really had fun at that too!! (Well the sore legs from those ski boots didn’t come until the next day)!
You can also rent the ski gear from the school. We went to Scoula 2000 that’s located right next to the Ciampinoi – they have ski rentals, storage and classes you can take, not to mention really friendly and helpful staff and tutors. It’s not exactly cheap, but was it worth it? We would say yes!
Other major attractions in the Dolomites are a short drive/ bus trip away.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Lago di Braies
The three peaks that are the face of the Dolomites, is a short 30 min drive away from Selva. The Lago di Braies (of which, I am sure you saw infinite photos on Instagram) is also accessible with a car or bus.
Note : In Winter, the bus service is not very frequent, so look at the schedule and pay close attention to the last buses to and from your destinations. If you are driving, well it’s all cool then – brace yourself for a picturesque drive along the Dolomites!
Well our verdict on a mini – staycation here is full of love. Book your tickets now and experience it for yourselves 😊
