Season starts 4 December 2025
As winter descends on the Italian Dolomites, Val Gardena gears up to welcome skiers, families, and festive travellers to one of Europe’s most iconic alpine regions. From 4 December 2025, Val Gardena officially opens its slopes for a season that blends elite-level skiing with storybook charm, thanks to two magical Christmas markets, the return of the FIS Ski World Cup, and a host of exciting new developments across the valley.
With over 500 km of slopes and direct access to Dolomiti Superski – the largest ski carousel in the world, Val Gardena offers an extraordinary snow sports experience that stretches across the peaks and plateaus of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. The three main villages, Ortisei (1,236m), Santa Cristina (1,428m), and Selva Val Gardena (1,563m), are linked not just by lifts, pistes and buses, but by a shared alpine heritage and warm Ladin hospitality.
Festive Highlights: Christmas Markets with Alpine Flair
Christmas in Val Gardena is nothing short of enchanting. This season, two atmospheric markets bring traditional flavours, crafts and celebrations to the heart of the valley.
Ortisei’s “Nadel Urtijëi” Christmas Market
From 29 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the pedestrianised centre of Ortisei is transformed into a glowing Christmas village. Visitors can stroll through charming wooden stalls offering handmade crafts, South Tyrolean wines, festive cakes and liqueurs, all set against the backdrop of the Dolomites. Local choirs and musicians perform throughout the season, and on New Year’s Eve, the skies light up with a spectacular drone show to ring in 2026.
Selva di Val Gardena’s “Mountain Christmas”
In Selva, the Christmas market is framed by a 350-metre chain of lights and a floating display of wooden cabins strung like lanterns through the village. The market runs from 30 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, with mulled wine, artisan goods and festive treats creating a warm alpine welcome. A unique highlight is the annual snow sculpture competition held from 27 to 30 December, with skilled artists carving intricate shapes from compact snow. The drone show on New Year’s Eve completes the festive spectacle.
More details: Christmas in Val Gardena
FIS Ski World Cup Returns: 19 & 20 December 2025
In mid-December, Val Gardena becomes the centre of the ski racing world as the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup returns to the legendary Saslong slope. Held this year on 19 and 20 December, the races draw elite skiers from across the globe to tackle one of the most storied runs on the circuit.
The Saslong has a history that dates back to the 1970s and has become known for its demanding layout, including the iconic “camel hump” section where racers take flight at speeds of over 100 km/h. Names like Peter Müller, Rob Boyd, Michael Walchhofer and Kristian Ghedina have all left their mark here. In 2023, South Tyrolean favourite Dominik Paris broke a 46-year dry spell to become the first local winner since 1977.
Spectators can soak up the action from both slope-side viewing areas and the vibrant base village, where the energy is as electrifying as the racing.
New for Winter 2025-26: Infrastructure & Innovation
© DOLOMITES Val Gardena
This winter, Val Gardena also unveils several new additions that enhance both the guest experience and environmental sustainability.
Upgrades to Ciampinoi Nr 3
In preparation for the 2031 World Ski Championships, the final stretch of the Ciampinoi Nr 3 piste has been realigned and widened to improve flow and meet competition standards. The new section continues in a straight line toward the Ciampinoi valley station, offering a faster, more dynamic descent perfectly suited to racers and advanced skiers alike.
10 New Hybrid Buses & Free Guest Passes
Eco-conscious travel takes another step forward this season with the introduction of ten new Mercedes Citaro Hybrid buses across the valley. Every guest staying in accommodation affiliated with the Val Gardena Tourism Bureau receives a digital Val Gardena Guest Pass, granting free access to all public buses during their stay. Charging stations for electric vehicles have also been installed in each village, making sustainable travel more convenient than ever.
A World-Class Resort with Something for Everyone
Val Gardena’s combination of high-altitude terrain, reliable snow conditions, and authentic alpine culture continues to set it apart. Whether you’re a seasoned skier chasing vertical on the World Cup slopes or a festive traveller seeking Christmas magic in the Dolomites, the winter 2025–26 season promises a mix of tradition, adrenaline and innovation that few resorts can match.
For full details on events, ski passes, accommodation and planning your trip:
Visit www.valgardena.it
Main Image © @ASP
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