Val Gardena (Gröden in German, Gherdëina in Ladin) is the most cosmopolitan of the Dolomite valleys — a long, sun-facing valley running east-west between Bolzano and the Sella group, its three main towns (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva) stacked one above the other. In winter it is one of the central hubs of the Dolomiti Superski circuit, with direct connection to the Sella Ronda ski carousel and access to hundreds of kilometres of linked pistes. The Men's World Cup Downhill on the Saslong course above Selva is one of the fastest and most prestigious races of the season.
In summer the valley fills with hikers and cyclists. The cable car from Ortisei reaches the Alpe di Siusi plateau directly; another from Santa Cristina climbs to Monte Pana and the base of the Sassolungo towers. The valley towns themselves — especially Ortisei — have good restaurants, a strong woodcarving tradition (everything from folk art to religious figures to abstract sculpture), and a density of food shops and delis that reflects the valley's wealth. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to spa hotels.