Snowshoe walk in Vallunga in Val Gardena

Vallunga, situated in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park, is a peaceful sanctuary for humans and animals alike. Apart from a small chapel and a shepherd’s hut, there are no buildings or other infrastructure in this area. The only people you’ll encounter are cross-country skiers and hikers. There are special trails made specifically for people with snowshoes. Don’t worry - it’s not possible to get lost in Vallunga and the tour follows the same trail in and out.

Throughout the excursion you’ll be surrounded by gigantic Dolomite walls on both sides of the valley. Since this tour follows the same trail in and out, it is possible to to turn back at any time and thus adjust the length of the trip according to your preference. The winter landscape of Vallunga is truly wonderful – you’ll never stop marveling at your surroundings.

From the Autostrada del Brennero (A22) highway, drive all the way through Val Gardena (SS242) to Selva. Your destination is the Vallunga parking lot.

Val Gardena is excellently served by public transportation. Line 350 departs from Ponte Gardena or Chiusa to Selva every 30 minutes. To take this tour, get off at the Nives stop in the center of Selva. From the stop, you’ll have to walk for about 20 minutes through town until you reach the same parking lot, where the snowshoe walk begins. For detailed schedules, see SüdtirolMobil.

From the parking lot, follow the flat trail to the small St. Sylvester's chapel, which you should be able to see in the distance. During a renovation that took place in the 1990s, over 300 frescoes were found in this chapel. It’s definitely worth taking a peek inside.

As you leave the chapel behind you, the trail bends to the left and then starts running slightly uphill through the woods.

The deeper you venture into the valley, the more Dolomite rocks and peaks you’ll be able to spot all around you. Many of these rock formations will take your breath away. If you look closely, you should also be able to make out a few frozen waterfalls on the stone walls, and perhaps even a mountaineer in action!

After about 3 km you’ll finally reach the vast meadow at the end of Vallunga called "Pra da Rì” (“funny meadow”). It’s huge and set in an amazing alpine setting.

Where the meadow ends, Vallunga ends. But if you’re not tired and are up for adding an hour to your excursion, you can explore a last, hidden corner of the valley. At the end of the meadow, follow a steep path through the forest. After about 500 meters you’ll reach the tree line and pass onto steep rock walls. If you face East, you can see a saddle called „Culea de Val“ (2,366m). Behind that, the Stella Alpina Valley leads down to Colfosco in Alta Badia.

Attention

The safe trail ends at the edge of the forest. The steep walls that follow can pose a high risk of avalanches in unfavorable conditions. Proceed only if conditions are safe and you possess a good knowledge of avalanches and suitable equipment.

The high walls that line the sides of Vallunga cast long shadows, especially in winter. The temperatures therefore tend to be very cold, especially in the morning. The sun progressively illuminates the valley throughout the day and is brightest in the afternoon. It might therefore be worthwhile to tackle this tour after lunch. We advise to bring warm clothing regardless.

If you like history, the ruins of the small Wolkenstein Castle, built by the Wolkenstein noble family in the 13th century, can be found not far from the parking lot. The castle is not easily recognizable, as it is built with Dolomite rock and blends in very well with the mountain wall. It is located on the southern ridge of the Steviola mountain, just above the Carabinieri Alpine Center. The famous poet and storyteller Oswald von Wolkenstein lived in this castle for many years.

Equipment can be rented from the alpine guides of the Catores school (10 € for snowshoes and sticks). They can also give you first hand information on weather and snow conditions. If you are trying snow shoes for the first time, we recommend hiring a guide. Group excursions are organized daily for different lengths and degrees of difficulty (prices start from 35 € per person). Snowshoeing equipment can also be rented at Sport Gardena in St. Anthony square in Ortisei.

• Tabacco Nr.05, Gröden-Val Gardenaor Nr. 07, Alta Badia, Arabba, Marmolada. The tabacco maps are available in their app. 
• AV-Map Nr. 52/I