The Val Gardena tour is a route that connects the three main towns in the valley, offering a varied experience that is also ideal for mountain biking beginners. This route runs almost completely away from the busy main road, ensuring a relaxing experience for mountain bikers. The next part of the tour, along the old railroad track that will take you back to Selva, is particularly enjoyable due to its steady gradient, which was necessary for the trains of the time.

The tour begins at the Selva Tourist Association and, as you leave the valley, mainly follows the left bank of the Rio Gardena. At the beginning, you will cross pleasant paths through forests, meadows, and along the watercourse, while between Santa Cristina and Ortisei you will follow paved side roads with little traffic. In this way, you will be able to reach the Ortisei promenade without tackling challenging climbs.

From the valley station of the Alpe di Siusi cable car, turn right and cross the main road over a footbridge to reach the center of the resort. From here on, the route will be mainly uphill, with a total elevation gain of 450 meters to Selva, but with a very moderate and pleasant gradient.

Returning along the route already traveled in the opposite direction to La Pozza, you will find a small locality just before Santa Cristina. Here, the route changes sides of the valley again and follows the old abandoned railroad track, which has been converted into a bike path, to bring you back to Selva.

Variants

  1. Alternative Starting Points: You can start the tour from any location in the valley, such as Santa Cristina or Ortisei.
  2. Return via Val d’Anna, St. James and Col Raiser valley station: This variant makes the tour more challenging but also offers exceptional views. From Ortisei, follow the signs to the Seceda valley station and proceed to Val d’Anna. You can make a short stop at a charming location or, at the Pauli Hut, turn right in the direction of St. James Church. Cross Insom to the Col Raiser valley station and follow the short descent to La Pozza, where you can resume the tour as described.
  3. Extension into Vallunga: If you still have power before Selva, turn slightly left at point 61 onto a short stretch of road. At the first traffic circle, turn left and follow the road into Vallunga. On the way back, keep left at the parking lot at the entrance to the valley and pass the Dantercepies valley station to return to Selva.