Ortisei is a proper Southern Tyrol market town, spectacularly backed by the Dolomites. In winter it’s a ski resort too, part of the Val Gardena ski area, in summer it also becomes a hiking and biking centre for Dolomite exploration, but in every season it’s a living, breathing market town, complete with genuine Tyrol warmth and hospitality, and a beautiful pedestrianised centre. It also has great produce, and beautifully carved wooden buildings. Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Ortisei all share an element of chalet chic, spectacular backdrops, facilities that appeal both summer and winter, and family friendly features that include something a bit special — one has a Michelin-starred restaurant, for example.

For skiers, Ortisei’s slopes are ideal families and beginners especially. The cable car out of town is connected to the Alpe di Siusi ski area, right above the village, which is gentle, and on the slopes around the town are a number of great toboggan runs. More experienced skiers are catered to via the Fumes cable car, which takes you to the many red runs of the Seceda area. And there’s plenty of other winter sports to try, as well as sightseeing and shopping opportunities if you need a break from the slopes. Many say Ortisei’s main street is the most beautiful shopping street in the Dolomites, and the town is certainly renowned for its woodcarvings, especially its nativity scenes. All of this adds up to make Ortisei one of the liveliest, and the largest villages in the Val Gardena, and a great base of exploring the whole of the Dolomite Superski region.

Come summer, the Alpe di Siusi is transformed into a vast alpine meadow, from which even the least energetic hiker is offered spellbinding views of the great, sharp teeth of the Dolomites. And there are numerous follow-up hikes, all meticulously signposted, starting from the same cable car out of Ortisei, and other very family-friendly walking trails to spectacular parts of the Dolomites. The best places to stay in Ortisei are also perfect for serious mountain bikers.

The Best Places to Stay in Ortisei

For Families

• The Hotel Uhrerhof-Deur is small, and charming chalet-style hotel, offering the classic alpine experience in Ortisei. Expect wood cladding on the inside and out, which adds a cosiness that works both in summer and winter. There are just 11 rooms and suites, with a great range of sizes, including family suites that sleep up to four. The restaurant has a very seasonal menu which changes daily, and the spa will help with any aches and pains from your daily endeavours.

For Foodies

• The Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof is a luxurious modern chalet-hotel, with a facilities list that includes a Michelin-starred restaurant, an Aqua Sol spa, a gorgeous indoor pool with a hand-painted mural, and a fantastic kids club. The backdrop is perfect. And the hotel is only 200 metres from the lifts.

For a private apartment or chalet

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or chalet we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Ortisei and the Southern Tyrol are within a square of international airports: Milan Bergamo Airport, Verona Villafranca Airport, Venice’s Marco Polo Airport, and Innsbruck Airport. Milan is about three hours away by road, or four by bus; Verona is about two hours by car, or bus; Venice is about two and a half hours by car; and Innsbruck is an hour and half by road, and closer to two by bus. There are also numerous rail hubs in the neighbourhood.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• If you’re visiting Ortisei for its winter sports, the ski season starts around mid-December and finishes around mid-April. Christmas is beautiful here, and there's always a party at New Year. They do have excellent snow-making facilities here too if the natural stuff is not coming! Ortisei’s summer season starts just after the snow thaws on the lower slopes, usually late May or early June, and runs through until October — this includes the cable cars remaining open. The peak of both seasons are busy, and while you might be desperate to be here for the best possible snow conditions, it is obviously the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the South Tyrol region
• Consider accommodation in neighbouring Bolzano or Castelrotto
• Or you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.