"Legendary 8" - The most beautiful slopes in Val Gardena

The opportunities for skiing in Val Gardena are endless, but there are some slopes here that you simply can't miss during your skiing holiday. Among the perfectly groomed slopes, there are 8 that have been defined as "legendary", famous for their unique history, technical characteristics and alpine landscapes.

From a technical point of view, the "Legendary 8" are distinguished by their gradient, length, curves and undulations; some are suitable for intermediate skiers, while others can only be mastered by experienced athletes. All of them, however, have written a chapter in the history of winter sports, in which Val Gardena and the Dolomites are the undisputed heroes.

Let's take a look at the eight slopes in detail one by one, with their challenges and peculiarities, location and altitude difference. As we will explain later in the text, those who conquer all eight slopes can earn a virtual diploma.

Almost every year since 1969, Val Gardena has hosted races for the ski World Cup. The vast majority of them have taken place on the Saslong slope, a spectacular and unpredictable run that has seen frequent surprise winners over the years. The lift and slope can be accessed by both Selva (Ciampinoi #29) and Santa Cristina (Saslong #17 + Sochers-Ciampinoi #18). Near the top of the Ciampinoi mountain station you will see the “start house”. Every year in December, the best skiers in the world start at the FIS Ski World Cup from there - and so can you!

As you start your descent, keep to your left and follow the initial flat part of the ski run (skiing to the right of the Saslonch hut will take you back down to Selva). As you reach the Hotel Sochers, keep left again (take the A slope) and you will pass through all the legendary parts of the Saslong: First the “Walls”, then the “Camel Humps”, the “Ciaslat” meadows, and the “Zielschuss”. The best in the world ski the 3.7 kilometers in less than two minutes.

• Difficulty: black
• Length: 3.750 m
• Height difference: 830 m
• Average slope: 24,95 %
• Highest slope: 56,9 %

The Cir is known as "The Women's" slope because it was the setting for the Women’s Downhill during the 1970 World Ski Championships. Characterized by several changes of gradient, especially in the section before the arrival, the Cir is a difficult slope, recommended for only the most experienced skiers: while the first section is flat, the second goes at full speed through a coniferous forest area, overcoming several changes of gradient. The Cir slope starts at the top station of the Dantercepies cable car and leads to Vallunga.

• Difficulty: black
• Length: 2,750 m
• Height difference: 675 m
• Average slope: 27,76 %
• Highest slope: 42 %

The Ciampinoi no. 3 slope owes its nickname to its high gradient, which averages almost 30%. The Ciampinoi starts at the mountain station of the Ciampinoi lift, next to the famous Saslong, and ends 677 m down in Selva in Val Gardena. “The Steep" also owes part of its fame to the 1970 World Ski Championships, during which it was the setting for the Men's and Women's Giant Slalom.

• Difficulty: black
• Length: 2.380 m
• Height difference: 677 m
• Average slope: 29,67 %
• Highest slope: 40 %

A medium-difficulty slope of unquestionable beauty, Bravo starts from the top station of the Mont de Sëura chairlift at Monte Pana (S. Cristina) and descends to the bottom station of the chairlift itself. The slope has been included among the "Legendary 8" because of the natural landscapes it crosses, surmounted by the imposing profile of the Sassolungo. It is not by chance that it is called " The Romantic": perfect for lovers of nature and alpine landscapes.

• Difficulty: red
• Length: 2.200 m
• Height difference: 400 m
• Average slope: 24 %

The Falk is known as 'The First' because it is one of the oldest slopes, frequented by skiers as early as the 1940s. A red slope of medium difficulty, the Falk starts at Piz Seteur and leads into the Plan de Gralba ski area, through an attractive wooded area. The Falk is not very difficult and is suitable for athletes who are still perfecting their technique.

• Difficulty: red
• Length: 2.050 m
• Height difference: 316 m
• Average slope: 25 %

The Gardenissima, the longest giant slalom race in the world, is held each year in April in the ski area of Col Raiser and Seceda. First, you need to get to the top of Seceda. You can do this either from Ortisei (Ortisei-Furnes #2 + Furnes-Seceda #3) or from Santa Cristina (Col Raiser #14 + Fermeda #8). After enjoying the view from the top, the Gardenissima run will take you down all the way to the town of Santa Cristina.

By the way: if you feel like taking your time and exploring the huts of the area, see our article Hut Crawl on Seceda!

As you descend, you can’t really take any wrong turns - enjoy the ride until you reach the Col Raiser valley station! The Gardenissima race ends there.

If you want to continue skiing, either take the Col Raiser, or take the Val Gardena Ronda Express train and reach the opposite side of the valley where you can connect to Saslong and Plan de Gralba (and the Sellaronda). If your end destination is in Santa Cristina town, pass the Col Raiser station to the right. The slopes will take you a little farther into town.

• Difficulty: red
• Length: 6.000 m
• Height difference: 1.033 m
• Average slope: 19 %

La Longia is the longest downhill in Val Gardena. It runs from the top of Seceda all the way down into Ortisei town. First make your way to the top of Seceda, either from Ortisei (Ortisei-Furnes #2 + Furnes-Seceda #3) or from Santa Cristina (Col Raiser #14 + Fermeda #8). Enjoy the view from the top - it's one of the best in the valley.

When you’re ready to descend, ski towards Curona (stay on the highest slope). Ski down that slope and turn right at the bottom. From here, you can no longer go wrong, it’s all one slope for the rest of the run.

You will ski close to the mountain and through the forest for the next couple of kilometers. Eventually, you will pass the Seceda middle station. You will also ski past several huts on the way to town, all of which make for an excellent last stop on the way to your accommodation.

At the end of the ride, you will reach the Seceda valley station. If you want to go on skiing, take the two lifts back up to Seceda. If you prefer to call it a day, take the “La Curta” stairways which will get you into the town center of Ortisei in no time. From there, ski buses will take you to other locations in the valley.

• Difficulty: red
• Length: 10.000 m
• Height difference: 1.273 m
• Average slope: 18 %

The Pilat is a newly opened slope, which winds its way between rocky ledges and coniferous forests. The run, which connects the Alpe di Siusi with Ortisei, offers a spectacular panorama of Val Gardena, Ortisei and S. Cristina. The slope has been completely renovated, widened and equipped with a snowmaking system.

• Difficulty: red
• Length: 4.670 m
• Height difference: 778 m
• Average slope: 34 %

To obtain the diploma, simply download the Summitlynx app with a mobile device equipped with a GPS function and create your account. The app will follow your smartphone's movements track by track, confirming that you have completed the course. To get your prize and diploma you have to show the confirmation of completion to the employees of one of the three tourist offices in Val Gardena.