A complete guide to Ortisei

Ortisei stands out as a vibrant and characterful ski resort within the expansive Dolomiti Superski. Among the most charming ski resorts in Italy, Ortisei boasts a lively pedestrianized center adorned with upscale shops and inviting cafés.

Here's a practical guide we've put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Ortisei ski holiday. You're going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing. But that's not all! At the end, we've also included the resort map, plus some really handy contact numbers and links.

Let's get started!

Ortisei, Italy - overview

1. Where is Ortisei?
2. Ortisei the resort
3. Ortisei ski area
4. Skiing in Ortisei
5. Ortisei ski season dates
6. Ortisei snow history
7. Restaurants in Ortisei
8. Things to do in Ortisei
9. Ortisei apres ski, and nightlife
10. Ortisei resort map
11. Ortisei tourist information

Where is Ortisei?

Ortisei is located in the Val Gardena valley in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy.

Nearest airport

• Bolzano: 40 km (24.8 mi)

Transfer time

• Bolzano: 1hr

Ortisei the resort

• Resort altitude: 1,230 m (4,035 ft)
• Resort permanent residents: ~4,637

Ortisei, reflecting a rich blend of cultures from its past Austrian influence, often resonates with the sounds of German more than Italian. This harmonious fusion is showcased in its delightful cuisine, fine wines, and warm hospitality. As Val Gardena's largest village, Ortisei charms with pastel-colored buildings, abundant woodcarving workshops, a historic church, and a lively café culture. Its buildings are notable for detailed wood carvings and colorful, flower-decked balconies, enhancing the town's vibrant yet cozy feel. The pedestrian zone at the heart of Ortisei buzzes with life, hosting a variety of shops, cafes, and galleries that celebrate local artisan crafts, especially woodcarving, attracting both locals and tourists to its relaxed and inviting atmosphere.
                                                                                                           

Pros	Cons
One of the main towns in the Val Gardena valley	The resort can get busy
Efficient and modern ski lift network	Limited off-piste
Lively après ski scene	Accommodation hard to get
One of the world's most spectacular mountain areas	Limited advanced ski runs

Here is how Ortisei looks like

This short video provides a glimpse of everything Ortisei has to offer.

(Ref: The Flying Dutch Man)

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Ortisei ski area

• Summit elevation: 2,450 m (8,038 ft)
• Kilometres of pistes: 175 km (108 mi)
• Vertical drop: 1,030 m (3,379 ft)
• Ski lifts: 87

Ortisei, as part of the Dolomiti Superski area, offers an extensive skiing experience with over 1,220 km (758 mi) of pistes in the combined area. Ortisei itself features 175 km (108 mi) of skiable terrain, distributed across 58 runs (54% blues, 35% reds, 12% blacks), all served by 87 ski lifts. The ski area is divided into two main skiing sectors:

1. Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm): this area is an intermediate's paradise with short blue and red runs amidst stunning scenery. Accessed by the Monte Sëuc gondola, it features easy runs for low intermediates and more challenging routes for those venturing further. Chairlifts like Sanon, Steger Dellai, Laurin, and Spitzbühl provide a variety of intermediate runs. Compatsch, accessible by the Seiser Alm gondola, serves as a central point to explore the southern slopes and the scenic red trails leading to the Florian chairlift.
2. Val Furnes: on the northern side, two gondolas lead up to Col Raiser above Santa Cristina. This sector features a long, scenic red run that descends back to the gondola base. Along this run, there are numerous spots to enjoy local cuisine and refreshments. This area provides a different perspective of the Val Gardena region, offering a quieter but equally enjoyable skiing experience.

Skiing in Ortisei

Beginners

Ortisei is an ideal starting point for those new to skiing. With village nursery slopes for initial practice and the Alpe di Suisi just a gondola ride away, beginners can quickly progress. This region, especially near the Al Sole and Mezdi chairlifts, boasts gentle, wide runs that help build confidence in newbies.

Intermediates

Intermediate skiers, with an expansive 52 km (32 mi) of pistes tailored for them, they can explore the variety of blue and red runs without repetition. The Sella Ronda circuit, Seceda sector for high-altitude challenges, and Mont de Seura are just a few of the highlights. Additionally, the resort's proximity to Corvara and the Alta Badia circuit ensures an inexhaustible skiing experience with a myriad of mountain restaurants for mid-day breaks.

Advanced

For those seeking more challenging terrains, Ortisei doesn’t disappoint. The resort offers the adrenaline pumping 10.5 km (6.5 mi) run from the Seceda mountain station, the 3 km (1.8 mi) Saslong route, and the Men's World Cup run in St Cristina, ensuring a thrilling experience. Further afield in Val Gardena, advanced skiers can challenge themselves on the renowned World Cup downhill course, and even further in the Dolomiti Superski area, the opportunities are vast.

Snowboarding

Snowboarders in Ortisei are in for a treat with wide-open pistes providing endless mileage. The little ones, can enjoy the Furdenan snowpark with many different games, and little obstacles to help them have fun, while building self-confidence and self-esteem.

Ortisei ski season dates

The ski season in Ortisei typically runs from early December to mid April. While the official 2025/26 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed, we’ll update this page as soon as they are announced. Please note that these dates can vary depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Ortisei deals for the best ski offers available.

Ortisei snow history

Ortisei offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 18 cm (7.0 in) and 15 cm (5.9 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 2.8 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly increases to 19 cm (7.4 in) and it occurs more frequently, averaging 3.3 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Ortisei, with an impressive 28 cm (11.0 in) of snow over 3.9 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 14 cm (5.5 in) of snow over 2.5 days.

                                                                                                                                                                   

Month	Snow amount (week)	Snow days (week)
December	18 cm	2.8 days
January	15 cm	2.9 days
February	19 cm	3.3 days
March	18 cm	3.5 days
April	14 cm	2.5 days

(Ref: snow-forecast.com)

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Restaurants in Ortisei

• Baita Pauli: perched on the mountain, with traditional Alpine dishes and a cozy atmosphere, it's a favourite spot among locals.
• Baita Gran Paradiso: with its delectable cuisine and panoramic views, it's a must-visit for those exploring the pistes.
• Baita Pastura: a haven for those seeking authentic mountain flavours.
• Genziana Restaurant: this restaurant serves up traditional dishes with a contemporary twist.
• Terrazza: it offers a blend of Italian and international cuisines.
• Tubladel: a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Things to do in Ortisei

• Swimming pools and sauna
• Hot springs
• Ice hockey matches
• Leisure centre
• Local interest museum
• Cross-country skiing
• Outdoor ice skating
• Paragliding

Ortisei après-ski and nightlife

• Siglu: serving cold brews amidst a vibrant ambiance.
• Apres Ski Seceda: a hotspot right off the Seceda slopes.
• Purgers Pub: a quintessential alpine pub.
• Soviso Cafe: more than just a café, it blends the warmth of an après-ski bar with the elegance of a café.
• Bar Dima: known for its extensive drink menu and friendly bartenders.
• Bar 181: with its state-of-the-art sound system and resident DJs, it promises a night of dancing and fun.
• The Vinoteque: a unique blend of a wine bar and nightclub.
• Maurizkeller: one of Ortisei's iconic nightclubs.

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Ortisei resort map

Download Ortisei resort map here

Ortisei tourist information

• Tourist office website: www.valgardena.it
• Tourist office phone: +0039. 0471 777600
• For visa & passport travel advice, visit here