Santa Cristina

Santa Cristina (St. Christina) is the smallest of the villages that takes its place in the Italian valley of Val Gardena, which is one of the best ski areas in the Dolomites. The number of its permanent population doesn’t exceed 1800 people. The resort is an ideal place for a relaxing family holiday due to its secluded and cozy atmosphere. At the same time, its location is almost in the very center of the region and, therefore, the access to many excellent pistes makes it attractive to the experienced skiers.

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to Santa Cristina is from Bolzano, which is 40 km away and has both an airport and a major train station. There is also a regular shuttle service from the international airports of Verona (180 km), Venice (200 km) and Austrian Innsbruck (120 km). 

Runs

The skiing season starts in December and lasts until April. All this time an excellent snow cover is maintained on the territory of the resort, regardless of the weather conditions. A sufficient number of snow cannons makes it possible to reinforce up to 90 percent of the available runs with artificial snow.

Santa Cristina’s guests have 175 km of marked slopes at their disposal, 53 km of which are designed for beginner skiers or snowboarders, 105 km are aimed at more advanced skiers and another 18 km are challenging runs for the pros. The difference between the highest and lowest points of the resort is over 1000 meters. The valley is connected by a network of 79 lifts and the village itself has three lifts: two gondola lifts and one chairlift. The home zone of the resort has 37 km of slopes.

Those who started skiing recently will be most comfortable on the Monte Pana plateau where the area is notable for its sloping relief. It is worth going to Secheda mountain for the red runs. It rises to a height of 2518 meters. There is also the Ciampinoi mountain a little further from Santa Cristina. It has several steep descents and is connected to the Col Reiser by the underground express of Val Gardena Ronda. Another slope for extreme lovers is Saslong, where the annual high-speed World Cup race is held. The route runs through extremely picturesque places, but there is no time to look around, since the speed of descent along it can reach up to 110-120 km / h.

Skiers of the resort have access to the Sella Ronda ski region, which has 600 km of pistes. The so-called “round the world” – a circular route around the mountain range, has a length of 40 km. Moreover, Santa Cristina is part of Dolomiti Superski area that includes a total of 1200 km of runs with varying difficulty on the slopes of the Dolomites.

For those who love snowboarding stunts there is the Piza Stella snow park with two halfpipes at the foot of Mount Sassolungo. Plus, there are special cross-country skiing and toboggan runs near the resort. Beginners who came to the village can have individual and group lessons in a ski school. There is a separate school for young skiers who are 4 years old and over.

Ski-passes and equipment

There are two types of ski passes in Santa Cristina. The first one is Val Gardena / Alpe di Siusi, which provides the opportunity to ski on the slopes of the Val Gardena valley. It costs 59 euros per day for adults, 41 euros for children and 53 euros for seniors over 65. The second one is Dolomiti Superski which costs 64 euros for adults, 45 euros for children and 58 euros for older people. Having that one will allow you to travel smoothly throughout the Dolomites ski region, which consists of 12 resorts. Children who are from three to eight years old can ride for free, provided they are accompanied by an adult who has a ski-pass.

Rental shops are represented by Intersport S. Cristina Soplases and Rino-ski stores in the resort. The cost of renting skis or snowboards starts from 18 euros per day.

Accommodation

Despite its modest size, the accommodation of guests in Santa Cristina is organized at a very comfortable level. Diamant, Cristallo and Sporthotel Alpenroyal have the best reputations among the four star hotels. Slightly moderate conditions are offered by the three-star hotels – Hotel Touring Wellness Relax and Sporthotel Maciaconi. In total, the resort has over 25 accommodation options.

Recreation and entertainment

The colorful atmosphere of an alpine village encourages leisurely walks and exploration of the surroundings. There are many souvenir shops here and the old fortress Fishburg, which was built in the 17th century, is just above the settlement. Many hotels offer spa services, saunas and indoor pools. The lovers of outdoor activities will appreciate the paragliding school and an ice skating rink that is located in the Iman sports center.

The resort serves as the venue for the FIS World Cup every year, before Christmas. This exciting competition includes downhill, two types of slalom and many other disciplines. Another vibrant annual Santa Cristina’s event is the Rock the Dolomites music festival.

Santa Cristina is not deprived of establishments where you can eat deliciously. Popular gourmet places include St Cristina Café Andy, the family-run Uridl restaurant and the traditional Italian restaurant Baita Ciadinat Hutte. The nightlife here is concentrated in the Piz 5 club.

Resume

Santa Cristina is all about privacy, family vacations and skiing in its pure form. The advantages of the resort include its location,  the necessary minimum of infrastructure and service, and a great choice of hotels. It is attractive for less experienced skiers due to the prevalence of red slopes. But party-goers, freeriders and avid snowboarders won’t find it as an interesting place to stay, most likely.