The most common question we get is: “Which town should I choose?” While Val Gardena is one continuous valley, the three villages—Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva—have completely different personalities. Choosing the wrong one can mean spending your holiday on a bus instead of on skis.
If you are still unsure where Val Gardena actually is, check our location guide first: Where is Val Gardena? Location Guide
The Short Answer
- Choose Ortisei if: You are a family, a couple seeking a romantic “village vibe,” or a beginner skier. It has the best pedestrian center and shopping.
- Choose Selva if: You are a hardcore skier who wants Sellaronda access and lively après-ski. It is the “sport hub” of the valley.
- Choose Santa Cristina if: You want a quiet, strategic base in the middle. It offers the best value and quick access to both sides of the valley.
1. Ortisei (St. Ulrich): The “Chic” Capital
Altitude: 1,236m | Vibe: Elegant, Lively, Pedestrian-Friendly
Ortisei is the postcard village. It feels like a small alpine city with a bustling pedestrian zone filled with cafes, woodcarving shops, and luxury hotels. It is the sunniest of the three villages.
The Pros
- Best Non-Ski Activities: Home to the public swimming pool (Mar Dolomit), museums, and the longest pedestrian street.
- Beginner Paradise: Direct access to the Alpe di Siusi gondola, the best area for learning to ski.
- Seceda Access: The tunnel and escalators connect you directly to the Seceda cable car. Seceda vs Ciampinoi: Where to Ski
The Cons
- Sellaronda Access: It is not directly on the Sellaronda. You must take the Seceda cable car, ski down to Col Raiser, and take the Val Gardena Ronda Express train to connect to the Saslong. This takes 45-60 minutes each way.
- Price: Generally the most expensive accommodation.
Seceda Cable Car
StandardOrtisei
2. Selva (Wolkenstein): The Sport Hub
Altitude: 1,563m | Vibe: Sporty, Alpine, High-Energy
Selva is located at the very end of the valley, directly under the massive Sella Massif. It is built for one thing: Skiing. The town layout is designed around the slopes, with many hotels offering true ski-in/ski-out access.
The Pros
- Sellaronda on Your Doorstep: You can start the loop in either direction (Orange or Green) directly from town. Sellaronda Strategy: Orange vs Green
- Après-Ski: This is where the party happens. Places like Luislkeller and La Stua are legendary.
- Snow Reliability: Being the highest village, it keeps snow on the streets longer.
The Cons
- Shadows: Because it sits deep in the mountains, Selva loses the sun earlier in the afternoon (around 14:30-15:00 in December/January).
- Traffic: The main road runs through the town, so it lacks the large pedestrian-only zone of Ortisei.
Ciampinoi Gondola
StandardSelva
3. Santa Cristina: The Strategic Middle
Altitude: 1,428m | Vibe: Quiet, Traditional, Convenient
Santa Cristina is often overlooked, but it is the logistical genius of the valley. Sitting exactly in the middle, it has the best connections to everything.
The Pros
- The “Hub” Factor: You are one lift away from Seceda (via Col Raiser) and one lift away from the Sellaronda (via Saslong/Ciampinoi).
- Sunny: It sits on a sunny terrace facing the Sassolungo.
- Value: Accommodation is often slightly cheaper than Ortisei or Selva.
The Cons
- Steep: The village is built on a hillside. Walking from the bottom to the top is a workout (though the ski bus system is excellent).
- Nightlife: It is very quiet after dinner.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Ortisei | Santa Cristina | Selva |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Families, Couples, Shopping | Strategic Skiers, Value | Hardcore Skiers, Party |
| Sellaronda Access | Indirect (45 min) | Direct (1 lift) | Direct (Ski-in/out) |
| Sunny Hours | High | High | Moderate (Early sunset) |
| Pedestrian Zone | Massive | Small | Limited |
| Main Ski Area | Seceda / Alpe di Siusi | Saslong / Col Raiser | Dantercepies / Ciampinoi |
Our Recommendation
- Book Ortisei if: You are traveling with non-skiers or small children who need ski school on the Alpe di Siusi. The village life is unbeatable.
- Book Selva if: You are here to ski 40km+ every day and want to end the day with a beer in your ski boots.
- Book Santa Cristina if: You want to ski both Seceda and the Sellaronda equally and prefer a quieter night’s sleep.
Ortisei has a strict Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in the center. Cameras photograph every car. If your hotel is in the center, you must give them your license plate number upon arrival to get a temporary permit. Otherwise, you will receive a fine by mail months later.
Every guest in Val Gardena receives the Val Gardena Mobil Card for free. This gives you unlimited access to the ski buses connecting all three towns. The bus system is extremely efficient, running every 10-15 minutes during peak times.
Val Gardena has a very high return-guest rate (over 70%). The best hotels in Selva and Ortisei are often booked 6-9 months in advance for February and Christmas. Do not wait until October to book for winter.
Local Insider Tip
Follow the Sun. In December and January, the valley floor can be shady.
- Morning: Ski Seceda (Ortisei/Santa Cristina side) – it catches the first rays.
- Afternoon: Move to Dantercepies (Selva) or the Alpe di Siusi to stay in the sun until the lifts close.
