Winter holidays in Val Gardena/Gröden valley: skiing and more
Dolomiti Superski. Saslong. Sellaronda. Three words, one destination: skiing on 1,200 kilometres of slopes with just one ski pass. Here in Val Gardena/Gröden valley, the world’s best athletes meet, and the hearts of snow enthusiasts like you beat faster. And even if you’re not keen on skiing, there’s plenty to enjoy: a winter holiday in the Val Gardena/Gröden valley is much more than just skiing. Particularly handy: the ski bus stops right outside Hotel Cristallo and takes you to the ski lift in two minutes.
We love winter!
Val Gardena/Gröden valley shines when it comes to skiing, with numerous highlights: the famous Sellaronda circuit, which circles the entire Sella massif, and the Dolomiti Superski ski area. Here, across an incredible 1,200 kilometres of slopes, you won’t have to take the same lift twice all day long. But the Val Gardena/Gröden-Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm ski area is also a must-experience! And then there’s The Legendary 8: Val Gardena’s eight legendary runs, from the World Cup run Saslong to the ten-kilometre-long La Longia. Anyone who completes all eight can collect a certificate and a prize from the tourist office.
Ruined edges? Solved just round the corner at Ski Armin.
Ruined edges, not enough wax, or simply fancy a new pair of skis: at Ski Armin they sharpen, wax, hire out, and sell skis. That also means: if you don’t want to be without your hire skis after your holiday, you can buy them straight from Armin.
When the world’s best take to the Saslong
Every December, Val Gardena/Gröden valley comes alive: during the World Cup weekend, the world’s fastest downhill skiers race down the Saslong, over the “Camel Humps” and across the Ciaslat meadows, past thousands of fans. From the hotel, it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the finish area. And the next day, you can ski the same run yourself – more slowly, but with plenty of time to enjoy the view.
The magic of winter
Our mountains also offer plenty of choice for ski touring, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. Cross-country skiers whizz along the trails at the Monte Pana Cross-Country Centre just above Santa Cristina or across the vast Vallunga/Langental valley. And the weekly programme from Val Gardena Active already has all sorts of exciting activities in store for skiers and non-skiers alike. You see, a winter holiday in Val Gardena/Gröden valley is a perfect blend of action, tradition, and tranquillity. And even more so in our small, charming mountain retreat.
The world’s largest nativity scene is right here in our village
Advent in Val Gardena/Gröden valley is filled with the scent of mulled wine and homemade “Zelten” – a South Tyrolean Christmas speciality – and the Christmas markets in the valley invite you to take a leisurely stroll. A piece of world record history is practically on our doorstep: at the Iman Sports Centre – on the same street as our hotel, just a few house numbers further on – you’ll find the world’s largest hand-carved nativity scene. Eighteen young locals from Val Gardena/Gröden valley spent 12 years carving the larger-than-life figures. It’s on display all year round, and admission is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from the hotel to the slopes?
The ski bus stops right outside Hotel Cristallo and takes you to the ski lift in 2 minutes. The journey is free with the included Val Gardena Mobil Card.
Which ski area can I reach from Santa Cristina?
From Val Gardena/Gröden valley, you can ski across the Dolomiti Superski network, covering around 1,200 kilometres of slopes with just one ski pass. Right on your doorstep are the Val Gardena/Gröden-Alpe di Siusi/Seiseralm ski area and the Sellaronda circuit around the Sella massif.
Can I get my ski pass at the hotel?
Yes. You can order and pay for your ski pass online, and we’ll collect it for you. It’ll be ready for you at reception when you arrive or on the day you go skiing.
Is there a ski hire and ski service nearby?
Yes, our partner Ski Armin, just round the corner, offers sharpening, waxing, hire, and sales. You can book online, and we’ll take care of transporting your skis to the service centre and back.
