Castelrotto or Val Gardena

Wendy,

I haven't stayed in Val Gardena, but I found Castelrotto very nice. There are lots of hiking opportunities and it's easy to take a day trip to Alpi di Siusi (more hiking). I'm sure some of the others will weigh in regarding Val Gardena.

Hi Wendy. We are big fans of the Val Gardena. You will be truly IN the mountains with amazing views. If you stay in little Ortisei, you are about a one-hour bus ride from Bolzano (and it is a very nice bus). From Ortisei you can take a lift to the Alpe di Siusi and hike across the high meadow to Saltria or Compatsch. I think you can rent mountain bikes both in town and up on the alpe if that appeals. You can also ride the funicular up the other side to Rasciesa and hike there or a two-stage lift to Seceda for more specatcular hiking. Another favorite of ours is to take the bus to Selva and ride the Ciampinoi lift and hike up there. We love it so much we spent two weeks there last July and will spend four weeks there this year!

FYI, all of the lodging establishments include a VG bus pass, so your buses while there and on the return to Bolzano are free and they will give you a pass to Mar-Dolomiti, a swimming complex that kids will love. The Val Gardena pass will save you $$ on lifts.

Let me know if you want some more specifics on hikes. I have blogged about the area a lot and can send you some links.

I would love to see your links for hiking details. Also, what type of weather/temperature should we be ready for?

Mountain weather! But when are you going?

I will PM you with links. As Lola asked, when are you going? July & August are pretty dependable good weather, June more "iffy". September can be lovely, October is getting late for lifts and weather gets more unstable. It is also glorious in the winter (last Dec-March).

Hi Wendy,
Val Gardena. Castelrotto lies on the outskirts of the Dolomites. Any of the 3 towns/villages (Ortisei, St. Christina, Selva) makes a good base, as they are just minutes from one another. If you prefer a larger place with a small "old town" pedestrian zone, then Ortisei. The Gardena Card can be a good value.

http://www.gardenacard.it/en/

http://www.valgardena.it/en/hiking-biking/walking-trekking/

http://www.val-gardena.com/en/trekking-map/page558.html

Give this a minute to load:
http://www.alpenwelt-kunden.com/www/kunden/tvb_groeden/

Paul

Ortisei in the Val Gardena.

thank you all! We will be in the dolomites June 12-16. what does "iffy Weather" mean? We are traveling far and trying to travel light but need to be prepared for "mountain weather" Just need a better idea of what that means. Rain gear.we will have..but how cold should we be prepared for during the day? We will all have sturdy hiking but not all are waterproof.