Val Gardena lies in the South Tyrolean Dolomites and brings together mountain sports, Ladin culture and a long woodcarving tradition. Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena are the valley’s three main towns, each with direct access to the surrounding landscape.
We stayed in Ortisei, where a pedestrian centre, cafés and workshops make it easy to spend time even away from the slopes. In winter, ski connections extend towards the Dolomiti Superski area and Sellaronda; in summer, the same mountains become a network of walking trails.
Adler Dolomiti
Our base was Adler Dolomiti, a spa hotel close to the centre of Ortisei. Original architectural elements in the hall and stairways sit alongside contemporary rooms and large windows facing the mountains.
The hotel’s strongest quality is the way its different parts support a mountain stay. Outdoor activity, wellness and food follow one another naturally rather than feeling like separate programmes.
The spa
The water and sauna area extends between indoor spaces and the hotel park. Pools, saunas, saltwater areas and relaxation rooms allow guests to move between heat, water and outdoor air while keeping the Dolomite scenery in view.
After time on the slopes or walking through Ortisei, the spa became a practical part of the day. Treatments are available, but the pools and quiet areas are enough to slow the pace.
Food at the hotel
The restaurant combines South Tyrolean dishes with broader Italian and international influences. Seasonal ingredients remain central, with vegetarian, meat and fish options changing from one evening to the next.
Breakfast offers both sweet and savoury choices, while lunch can be a full meal or something lighter. Daily information about activities and dinner is provided at the table, making it easier to plan without repeatedly checking schedules.
Val Gardena beyond the hotel
Ortisei’s woodcarving tradition is visible in workshops, churches and seasonal markets. It offers a cultural counterpoint to the valley’s better-known skiing and hiking.
Val Gardena is not only a winter destination. Snow changes the rhythm and makes the ski network central; warmer months shift attention towards trails, lifts and high-altitude landscapes. In both cases, Ortisei is a convenient base with enough life in the centre for quieter days.
For more Dolomite itineraries, read our guides to South Tyrol and the San Pellegrino Pass.