Val Gardena in the Italian Dolomites is one of the world’s best-known ski resorts, but it’s also a hiking mecca during summer. Insiders recommend leaving your visit a little later though, for the very best conditions.
“The best month for walking in the Dolomites is September when the sunnier days aren’t as hot as the previous months – and there are less people than during the peak season,” explains Christina Demetz, the resort’s Tourist Office Director.
Both seasoned and newbie trekkers can make the most of this period, and Val Gardena has decided to create three new and different offers to accommodate different requirements.
First up, for fit and experienced mountain hikers, the 24h Val Gardena Trophy will take place on 9 September 2022 . This breath-taking, but demanding circuit of Val Gardena lasts 24 hours and boasts a total of 53 km and 2,900 hm.
The route start from the village of Ortisei, heading towards Alpe di Siusi; continue towards Passo Sella, Passo Gardena, Puez, Mastlè, San Giacomo to then return to Ortisei. This guided trek includes a Starter Package featuring dinner, midnight snack, breakfast, lunch, and a headlamp rental. Trekkers will also get a Participation Certificate. Organised by Ortisei’s Ski School. It costs €145 to sign up.
Alternatively, the Trekking Tierser Alpl (pictured below), part of the Val Gardena Active programme, is a 2-day trek which takes place on 9/10 September, 22/23 September, 6/7 October and 20/21 October.
This guided trek includes an overnight stay in a mountain hut. An incredible event, allowing participants to experience the Dolomites up close, marvel at the sunrise and sunset, and spend a night on top of the world!
Start from Selva di Val Gardena and take a bus to Passo Sella. From here, continue on foot on the Federico Augusto path. After an easy climb, the path flattens out until the Sasso Piatto hut. The rest of the path is steady, until it climbs to the Alpe di Tires hut. Once there, you can admire the stunning Denti di Terrarossa and enjoy a mouth-watering meal. After a good night’s sleep, wake up to a hearty breakfast at 2,440 m and return to the starting point. Your guide will determine which itinerary to take after consulting with the entire group.
Day 1: 13 km, 620 m elevation gain, 360 m elevation drop, 5 ½ hours.
Day 2: 10 km, 209 m elevation gain, 637 m elevation drop, 4 hours.
This costs €50 for Val Gardena Active members, non-members pay €100 + €78 overnight, half-board stay in a shared dorm at the Tierser Alpl hut (pictured above).
Finally the Ladin Hiking week runs from 4 – 9th September this year in Val Gardena
The 12th edition of this popular event features a different guided trek from Monday to Friday, with the final dinner held in one of Val Gardena’s typical mountain huts. Price €190.
- Monday, the “ancient hut” trek (elevation gain 250m; elevation drop 250 m)
- Tuesday, Ciampinoi – Passo Sella (elevation gain 100 m; elevation drop 600 m)
- Wednesday, Caldaro Lake circuit (elevation gain 50 m; elevation drop 150 m)
- Thursday, Alpe di Siusi (elevation gain 100 m; elevation drop 500 m.)
- Friday, Sas Ciampac 2,672 metres (elevation gain 450 m; elevation drop 450 m)
