Val Gardena for mountains and valleys, woods and streams. The name Val Gardena is first recorded in a deed of gift from the year 999, when Duke Otto von Andechs made the Bishop of Freising a present of an area of woodland called "Forestum ad Gredine". Val Gardena - Groeden in German, and Gherdeina in Ladin - means "fence". Val Gardena, the heartland of the Ladin culture, is about thirteen miles long and runs more or less from west to east from the narrow entrance to the valley at Ponte Gardena to Selva Gardena at the end of the valley and up to Passo Gardena and Passo Sella. The lowest point is located at 470 m above sea-levd, while the highest is Sassolungo (3,181 m). Val Gardena starts off as a gorge-like valley before it opens out after the defile at Pontives to form a high-level valley at Roncadizza, at about 1,100 m above sea-level. Val Gardena is known as hikin – summer area and as an amazing winter sports area! It has endless white pistes ensuring that winter sports fans are not disappointed. The villages of Selva Gardena, S. Cristina and Ortisei (only 6 miles distance) offer not only beautiful nature, but also a wide variety of art and culture. In the midst of fairy-tale scenery, endless white pistes ensure that winter sports fans experience something special. Val Gardena is recognised the world over as a winter sports destination. The area is formed by three principle villages: Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva Gardena. Ortisei, with its old and solid mercantile tradition and rich history, has a layout that blends harmoniously with the landscape. The centre and its pedestrian area are wonderful meeting places and also ideal for shopping. Santa Cristina's special vitality can be felt in its square and the most modern and friendly hotels or in the solitary farms of "Plesdinaz". Selva Gardena's high standard of hospitality is famous: from 4-star hotel accommodation to private lodgings and apartments with every comfort.