- Val Gardena Slopes: ✅ OPEN (Saslong, Seceda, Ciampinoi)
- Sellaronda: ⚠️ OPEN (Green & Orange). Only the Cortina (Tofana) connection is closed.
- Traffic: ⛔ Cortina Center is strictly ZTL (Zone 0/1/2).
- Biathlon (Antholz): 🚌 Shuttle access only. No private cars.
It is a strange paradox. The biggest winter sports event in the world is happening 40km away, yet the slopes in Val Gardena feel… exclusively yours.
While thousands of spectators are funneling into the stadiums in Cortina (Women’s Alpine) and Antholz (Biathlon), the actual ski runs in Val Gardena are seeing record-low traffic during race hours.
If you are here right now (or planning a last-minute trip), you have stumbled upon the “Games Gap.” Here is how to maximize your skiing.
The “Ski Defense” Strategy
Don’t let the “Cortina 2026” label scare you off the Sellaronda. You just need to know which turnstiles are locked.
1. The Sellaronda is Open
You can ski the Orange and Green loops as normal. The restriction only applies if you try to leave the Sellaronda to enter Cortina’s Tofana ski area. Sellaronda Strategy: Orange vs Green
- The Strategy: Ski the Sellaronda as far as San Cassiano / Armentarola.
- The Stop: Have lunch at the huts near Armentarola to soak up the international atmosphere, but turn back toward Val Gardena by 14:30.
- The Trap: Do not take the taxi/bus transfer from Armentarola to Falzarego/Cortina unless you have tickets. The Tofana Express, Piè Tofana, and Pomedes lifts are closed for the races. You will just be stuck in a parking lot.
2. The “Event Hour” Opportunity
When a major race is on, the Saslong and Seceda are often empty because everyone is glued to their screens.
- Men’s Alpine (Bormio): All Men’s Alpine events are happening in Bormio (3+ hours away), so there is zero local traffic impact here.
- Pro Move: Check the race schedule. If a major final starts at 11:00, be on the Saslong at 11:05. You will have World Cup snow quality all to yourself.
Where to Watch (Atmosphere Guide)
You don’t have tickets? The stadium is cold and standing-room only anyway. The atmosphere in Val Gardena’s historic venues is warm, loud, and full of locals cheering for the Italian team.
1. The “Stadium Roar” (Selva) If you want noise, flags, and heavy bass, head to the Après-Ski bars at the bottom of the Ciampinoi or Dantercepies slopes in Selva. This is the center of gravity for sports fans. Expect the party to spill out into the street when Italy wins a medal.
2. The “Public Viewing” (Ortisei) For a more family-friendly vibe, check Piazza Sant’Antonio in Ortisei. During major events, large screens are often set up for the public. It is the perfect spot to grab a hot chocolate and watch the Biathlon under the stars.
3. The “Gourmet” Option Most hotel bars and restaurants in the valley will have the races on. If you prefer a glass of wine over a beer tower, stick to the lounge bars in Santa Cristina or the upper village of Selva.
Logistics: The “Don’t Drive” Rule
We cannot stress this enough: Do not drive to Cortina or Antholz in your private car.
- The ZTL Trap: Cortina has activated strict Games ZTL zones. If you don’t have a pre-registered plate, you will be fined automatically by cameras.
- The Parking Trap: “Park & Ride” lots are booked 24h in advance.
- The Solution:
- To Antholz (Biathlon): Drive to Brunico (Stegona Market), park there, and take the free shuttle.
- To Cortina (Women’s Alpine): Book a taxi or a private transfer. They have the permits to drop you closer to the venue than you can park.
Police will be conducting strict checks at valley entrances. Ensure you have the correct equipment on board, or fines start at €87. Check the Rules: Winter Tires Guide
🚗 Traffic Impact: The “Red Zone” Reality
If you are thinking of “just driving over” to watch a race, look at these estimates. The passes are open, but parking is the bottleneck.
| Route | Normal | Games Est. | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selva ↔ Cortina | 1h 10m | 2h 30m+ | ❌ Avoid |
| Selva ↔ Antholz | 1h 15m | 2h 00m | ⚠️ Shuttle |
| Selva ↔ Corvara | 20m | 35m | ✅ Ski It |
| Sellaronda Loop | 5-6h | Same | ✅ Best |
Games Transfers
Verified Operators
Games 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sellaronda closed during the Games? No. The Orange and Green Sellaronda loops are fully open. Only the connection to the Tofana ski area in Cortina is closed for the Women’s Alpine races.
Do I need a special pass to ski in Val Gardena? No. The standard Dolomiti Superski pass works as normal. No special “Games Ticket” is required to access the slopes.
Can I drive to the Cortina stadium? No. Cortina center is a ZTL (Restricted Traffic Zone). You must park in external “Park & Ride” lots and take a shuttle, or book a private transfer that has a ZTL permit.
Summary
- Morning: Ski the empty Saslong while everyone else is on a bus.
- Afternoon: Ski back to Selva before the lifts close (16:30).
- Evening: Find a screen in Selva or Ortisei, order a Hugo, and cheer for the athletes.
You didn’t miss the Games. You just found the smarter way to enjoy them.
Disclaimer: The Dolomites Guide is an independent publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation. Terminology used here is strictly for editorial and descriptive purposes.
