Selva is the best known and highest of Val Gardena’s close-set group of villages, which also include Ortisei and Santa Cristina. Val Gardena is part of the expansive Dolomiti Superski area and topping the list of reasons to visit the Dolomites, or ‘Pale Mountains’, is its status as a UNESCO world heritage site - Selva has some striking views of the Sassolungo massif and Puez mountains on either side.
Named “Sëlva” by its Ladin speaking locals (the name apparently comes from the Ladin word for wood) or “...
The nursery slopes are close to town and there’s a nice collection of blues towards one side of Piz Seteur and at Plan de Gralba (it’s worth mastering the bus timetable when going onto Plan de Gralba as taking the mountain route can land a beginner on some rather tricky reds). There are a number of ski school options available as well as a Fun Park for the younger-hearted.
Just by looking at the piste map you can see the intermediate-friendly nature of the skiing here. For those re-discovering their ski leg...
Italian resorts don’t tend to be overly wild when it comes to après ski but with 20 bars, 45 restaurants and 2 main clubs Selva does rather well... If you’ve never had the iconic Bombardino beverage, this is a good place to sample one!
Bar Saltos is a good foodie spot with a sometimes themed menu and music scene for later on. La Stua, near the Costabella ski lift, is great for après ski with a sunny terrace and live music. By the Dantercepies, Panorama does some hearty dishes, perfect before the final run...