From Santa Cristina, centrally located in the Val Gardena, lifts depart for the Col Raiser and Monte Pana high plateaus
Image gallery: Santa Cristina Valgardena
Santa Cristina Valgardena, Santa Cristina Gherdëina in Ladin, is situated in the sunny centre of the Val Gardena, framed by the mighty peaks of the Odle to the north and the Sassolungo Group to the south. From here, cable cars take you to the Col Raiser and Monte Pana high plateaus, with their attractions such as the sundial and the zipline in the Dolomites.
In addition, there are countless hiking trails. Several of these are themed trails, such as the PanaRaida Adventure Trail with its interactive stations. The village consists of many small houses, several shops, and bars, above which the Gothic parish church dedicated to St. Christina of Bolsena towers.
The numerous accommodation establishments show that tourism is the most important economic sector here. The village also houses the sports facilities of the Iman Centre, next to which the world's largest hand-carved nativity scene with its larger than life-sized figures has been set up: It is a testament to the world-famous Val Gardena woodcarving tradition.
While in summer the San Giacomo Legends' Trail and the Stevia Hut are popular destinations, in winter, the slopes of the Val Gardena Skiing Area spread out. Santa Cristina is both the location of the Saslong Ski World Cup slope and of the Val Gardena Ronda Express, South Tyrol's first underground funicular. It connects the two ski areas of Seceda-Col Raiser with the Ciampinoi.
Once you arrive at the mountain station, perfectly groomed slopes on the Sella alpenstock await you, with ski huts for a refreshment stop. On the Monte Pana, however, you will find a cross-country skiing centre: The trails extend at an altitude of 1,600 metres, where snow is guaranteed.
