When you decide on a luxury ski resort, you want it to be worth it, including great regional cuisine. We visited the world-class Val Gardena ski resort in Northern Italy to see how to make the guest experience complete.
Val Gardena is the showcase ski resort not only of the Dolomites, but perhaps of all of Italy. Everyone with skis, a snowboard, and a budget will love to go there. You won't wait in lift queues, and the approximately 175 km of pistes should also be enough. The view of the mountains is mesmerizing, not only from the skis but also from the table in the restaurant. An original drink? Great local food? Where to go when you're on the slopes?
Ciavaz Hütte (Plan de Gralba)
Make a short stop here. This small hut with a classic interior is particularly popular for its large outdoor bar and seating area. Service here is quick, and the local food is always very good. Stop in for grilled sausages, a charcuterie board with local cheeses and meats, or maybe just a drink to warm up. Reservations are usually not necessary.
Rifugio Emilio Comici (Plan de Gralba)
A most luxurious affair if you're still skiing. The top outdoor terrace is no match for the elegant, polished interior with its comfort, furs, and multiple fireplaces. Here, it's more about bubbles (including champagne) and seafood. Opt for the marinated venison carpaccio with a chanterelle salad, a seafood platter, grilled beef with porcini mushrooms and rosemary potatoes, a great local risotto, or perhaps the Paccheri with bacon, onions, and fresh tomatoes. And don't forget dessert. Try the Topfenschmarrn, reminiscent of our jerky, or one of the local homemade cakes. You'd better make a reservation here. And don't miss the local toilets! The design will surprise you 100%!
Baita Gamsblut Hütte (halfway down the Santa Cristina Valley)
You'll find the small mountain hut Gamsblut halfway down the Santa Cristina Valley, along the famous Gardenissima racetrack. It has a beautiful tasteful interior and exterior and fast service. It's a ski-in, ski-out stop, so not everyone wants to sit for two hours. That's also why you don't need a reservation. Outside, you can enjoy the sun on a lounger with a fur or on a fatboy seat. Definitely try the Kaiserschmarrn, it's delicious! And don't forget the Gams - special chamois sausages, typical Tyrolean bread, and local herbal liqueur. An absolute must-try! However, the cuisine here is much more varied, and even the most demanding clientele can be satisfied without any problems.
Jimmi Hütte (Passo Gardena / Colfosco / Alta Badia)
A large and luxurious hut at the foot of the cliff with a stunning view from the first floor of the restaurant, a designer yet cozy interior, and great cuisine - just what you want. Here, typical local cuisine is transformed by the chefs into a modern version, with an emphasis on local ingredients and flavor. Order pasta, desserts, or even local gnocchi with meat. All great. The wine selection is second to none. For many, the Jimmi Hütte is the top Dolomites chalet that every foodie (even those on skis) must visit.
