The most beautiful snowshoe hikes in Val Gardena

Val Gardena is a winter sports paradise that attracts ski and snowboard enthusiasts from all over the world each year. During the season, there is always something happening on the slopes and après-ski parties are often part of the festivities in the mountain huts. But Val Gardena also has a lot to offer those who want to enjoy the quiet side of winter. For some years now, snowshoe hikes have been all the rage. On snow-covered winter trails, the beauty of the Dolomites reveals itself in an almost magical way.

Away from the pistes on specially designated trails, snowshoe hikers will encounter the wildlife, enjoy magnificent views and experience winter in Val Gardena first-hand. The equipment for snowshoe hikes can be rented at the local ski rentals. For those who don't wish to take part in a guided hike, here are some insider tips detailing the most beautiful trails for extensive snowshoe hikes through the snowy winter landscape of Val Gardena.

The snowshoe hike through the Vallunga Valley, which is about eight kilometres long, takes approximately three hours. The Vallunga Valley is located in the Puez-Odle Nature Park and charms its visitors with fairytale tranquillity in winter. Only the small St. Silvester's Chapel just behind the entrance to the Vallunga, which begins before Selva, welcomes you as the last sign of civilisation before you are drawn into this magical natural experience by snow, forest and mountains.

Sometimes flat, sometimes a little steeper, the trail passes frozen icefalls and rugged rock faces. It is impossible to get lost in the Vallunga, as the return route is the same as the original route. If you want to experience quiet moments away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy nature up close, this is the place for you.

• Total duration: 3 h
• Ascent duration: 2 h
• Descent duration: 1 h
• Distance: 8 km
• Ascent altitude: 300 m
• max. altitude: 1937 m

Perhaps the most beautiful view in Val Gardena

Considering the many fantastic views here, it is difficult to say whether the view from Rasciesa above Ortisei really is the most beautiful in Val Gardena, as some locals claim. But one thing is certain: snowshoe hikers on Rasciesa are rewarded with a wonderful panorama. From the Odle peaks, you can look out over the Marmolada and Sassolungo to the Ortles.

There are two tours on Rasciesa that can be done easily with snowshoes: a half-day tour and a longer tour that involves a little more effort. You can start either at the top station of the cable car to the Rasciesa mountain pasture or at the middle station of the Seceda cable car. There are excellent refreshment stops on both tours. Important: In fog, it is difficult to find your way around Rasciesa. Therefore, both tours should only be undertaken in clear weather. If you want to enjoy unforgettable views and have a nice rest in between, you should definitely take a snowshoe hike on the Rasciesa.

• Total duration: 2,5 h
• Ascent duration: 1,5 h
• Descent duration: 1 h
• Distance: 4 km
• Ascent altitude: 276 m
• max. altitude: 2281 m

Enjoy untouched nature

Inner-Rasciesa is a large alpine pasture where the magic of untouched nature awaits snowshoe hikers. Even though a snowshoe hike here is less strenuous than in other areas of Val Gardena, tours here are recommended to more experienced athletes because of its difficult orientation.

The starting point of the tour is the middle station of the Seceda cable car. In the middle of the winter sports hustle and bustle, snowshoe hikers can expect an almost meditative calm in the woods of Rasciesa. The trail leads over a groomed slope to a frozen stream, through dense forests and over open terrain. Discovering an untouched natural landscape, being alone with the forest, close to the Odle peaks and yet far away from the commotion of the pistes – all this can be experienced on this beautiful snowshoe hike, which lasts around four hours.

• Total duration: 4 h
• Ascent duration: 2,5 h
• Descent duration: 1,5 h
• Distance: 4,5 km
• Ascent altitude: 615 m
• max. altitude: 2140 m

Close to the Sasso Piatto and Sassolungo peaks

The Alpe di Siusi is always worth a trip. A fascinating tour to Piz da Uridl awaits snowshoe hikers in the east of the high alp. Close to the impressive Sassolungo and Sassopiatto, a wonderful winter landscape awaits nature lovers. Somewhat remote and thus pleasantly quiet, the tour leads through a large natural area.

Those who want to shorten the tour can take the bus and start on a hill from which a road leads to the winter hiking trail. Even though the ascent to Piz da Uridl is sometimes a bit steep and difficult to manage with snowshoes, it is worth the effort. Those who reach the top are rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire Alpe di Siusi.

And what would a snowshoe hike be without refreshments? Classic South Tyrolean cuisine awaits hikers at the Zallinger mountain hut at an altitude of 2021 metres.

• Total duration: 3 h
• Ascent duration: 1,5 h
• Descent duration: 1,5 h
• Distance: 3 km
• Ascent altitude: 200 m
• max. altitude: 2101 m