Cruising the Alps:
Sports Facilities
Val Gardena - Ortisei
The Val Gardena landscapes
This area comprises the Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena resorts
which are all linked together. Selva di Valgardena, together with Ortisei
make up one of the richest resort centers in the Dolomites. The incredibly
beautiful rocky scenery, the delightful alpine architecture and the efficient,
quality ski services are among the elements which make this a superb winter
resort area. It is part of the "Sella Ronda
", a real treat for advanced skiers.
ski circuit. This valley, hosts various world-class ski competitions. Ortisei is the administrative center of
the valley and, capital of the Upper Adige art of wood sculpting.
The slopes
Every December, Val Gardena hosts the Men's Downhill World Cup race on the
Sasslong run. Although the slopes are kept in perfect condition, they are
not all connected and so, one often has to catch a bus to go from one part
of the resort to another. The Ermanno Nogler run, which winds through the
woods from Seceda to Oristei, is the longest (9 kms) and most beautiful
one.
The ski area is divided in four sections: the Ciampinoi, the Plan
de Gralba and the Dantercepies. The Ciampinoi is the
most interesting: it has a spectacular view and famous slopes like the #3,
the only run in Italy on which a World
Cup downhill race is held; and #4 and #6 trails which are quite steep and
demanding. The Seceda area is bathed all day in sunlight, and its slopes are wide and pleasantly demanding.
Break-points
Near the Seceda station there is La Baita Sofie, a "stube"(room
with a typical wood-burning stove), which is very cozy and serves typical
Tirolean food. The Sanon alpine shelter is also open in
the evenings. It has a spectacular, sunny terrace and a very warm "stube".
The Mont Seuc alpine shelter, above the panoramic Alpe de Siusi cable-way,
is a stop one must make to relax and taste the Upper Adige specialties.
Fresh fish dinner on the slopes
On the Plan de Grelba, at the Comici alpine shelter, one
can enjoy a dinner of fresh fish (it arrives from the Meran market every
day) in a typical Tirolean wooden shelter. It can be reached by cable-way
(at 9.00 pm) and, after dinner, the returnis on skis by torch light, escorted
by a snow caterpillar which lights the slope. It is a fantastic and unique
experience!
  
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