Italy’s Dolomite Val Gardena valley has mountain chalets in which to enjoy culinary delights. The joy of skiing becomes a real pleasure when it is accompanied by a good lunch in a mountain chalet or lodge on snowy slopes. In the Val Gardena there are 65 lodges, almost all of which have been family-run for generations. Each one offers unique culinary experiences, ranging from traditional dishes to the most sophisticated cuisine, and the menu is always complemented by a wide selection of wines, mainly from the South Tyrol.
Some of the most popular lodges
The Emilio Comici Lodge, at 2,150 metres, directly on the mythical Sellaronda, is famous for its fresh fish specialties. In addition, themed dinners are organized here on special evenings followed by a night descent on the slopes. The Baita Daniel, on Monte Seceda at 2,230 meters, is a typical spot serving local specialties such as dumplings and ricotta desserts filled with chocolate, as well as with plums, strawberries and apricots.
Local meat specialties and traditional soups
The Curona chalet is located on the La Longia slope, which from Seceda leads to Ortisei with a spectacular view of the Alpe di Siusi and the Sciliar. Here you can enjoy grilled meat specialties from the local farms and you must try the Krapfen with chestnut or poppy jam and the delicious caramelized Kaiserschmarren. The Saslonch is at the entrance to Run 3 which leads from Ciampinoi to Selva. In Tyrolean style and with a panoramic terrace, it serves traditional soups of all kinds and game dishes with yeast dumplings and cranberry jelly.
Omelettes with chocolate
Baita Vallongia is on Run 5, which from Ciampinoi leads to the Plan de Gralba ski area and towards the Sellaronda. Here an absolute must-have are the Bavarian white sausages with sweet mustard and the traditional brazen omelettes with chocolate that are served every day from 3.00 pm.
Michelin and Gault Millau restaurants
The iconic Ciampac lodge, made entirely of wooden logs is at the mouth of the Vallunga, and is accessible on foot from Selva, or on skis from Dantercepies. Near the lodge there is also the cross-country skiing centre with three circuits, one of which is 12 kilometres long and leads into the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Here you will find numerous traditional dishes on the menu and many South Tyrolean wines to accompany them. In addition to the ski lodges, in the Val Gardena you can find good food in the many traditional restaurants, pizzerias and gourmet restaurants that have won Michelin stars and Gault Millau chef hats. Their menus are a blend of typical Alpine cuisine and Mediterranean delicacies.
