How to Pronounce Ortisei

First things first. Ortisei is pronounced OR-tee-zay.

Listen to it here:

Ortisei can be visited year-round. It’s a popular skiing and snow sports destination in the winter months, and a hiking destination in the summer.

The best months to visit in the winter are December through March. December is a lovely time to visit because Ortisei and towns throughout the Dolomites have Christmas decorations, markets, and events. But, there are also large crowds and higher prices.

The best months to visit in the summer are from mid-June to mid-October. July and August are busy, but you can still find your space on the trails and in the meadows near Ortisei. The main hiking areas and trails will be crowded, so if you think that will bother you, avoid July and August.

My favorite times to visit Ortisei are in early July and in September.

Best 14 Things to Do in Ortisei

Participate in the Passeggiata

Ortisei has one of the most beautiful pedestrian zones (zona pedonale in Italian) in the Dolomites. Throughout the day, stroll the cobbled streets, window-shop, stop for a coffee, and enjoy the mountain views.

In the evening, join locals and visitors for the evening passeggiata, a leisurely pre-or post-dinner walk.

Good To Know: Cortina d’Ampezzo also has a pedestrian street worthy of a stroll!

Enjoy an Aperitivo

The Dolomites have excellent local cocktails like the Hugo, along with other Italian classics like the Aperol Spritz. Rest your legs after a hike and take a seat at one of Ortisei’s small bars or wine shops. Enjoy your aperitivo cocktail before dinner or traditional mountain food (or pizza!).

Go Shopping for Wood Crafts

You probably didn’t come to the Dolomites to shop, but Ortisei has a variety of shops and boutiques carrying local handicrafts, clothing for adults and children, sporting goods, and souvenirs.

The highlight of shopping in Ortisei is the traditional woodcarving. The town’s artisans create elaborate statues, ornaments, tiny animal figurines, religious art, and more. Ortisei is especially well-known for its presepe, or nativity scenes made from wood.

You may be thinking, ‘but wood carvings aren’t really my thing…’ and I get that. But, you really should take a peek at some of the wood art created by these craftsmen (and women). Their families have been doing this for centuries! And, who can resist a coin-sized wooden hedgehog?

Good To Know: If you’re traveling with kids, let them check out the window displays at Alberto Comploj (especially the mini wooden figurines of animals) and Rusina (toys).

Good To Know: Want to shop for something local, but not wooden? Ortisei is a great town to shop for traditional Dolomites clothing (like the dirndl).

Learn about Ladin Culture

As one of the main Ladin valleys in the Dolomites, Val Gardena is a perfect place to learn more about their language, food, traditions, and more.

A Chiseling History

The mood of the mountains was much more amicable when we returned to Ortisei the following fall. All of the Alpine wonders we missed on our first visit were now on full display. Clear skies prevailed throughout the morning allowing us to finally ascend and wander what very well may be the Dolomites’ greatest masterpiece: Seceda.

After our hiking outing, we returned to DEUR Sculptures to meet Nadia for a grand tour of her family business. She began with the history of wood carving in South Tyrol. Nadia stated historical documents provide evidence of two Ladin families, Tröbinger and Vinatzer, carving wood with their children as early as 1624. With farming not possible in the winter, more and more families in Val Gardena passed the time carving toys, religious figurines and tools.

Today, the wood carvings of Val Gardena are found in all corners of the world. The valley’s captivating creations adorn many of mankind’s greatest cathedrals and architectural treasures.

Galleries and exhibitions

Val Gardena is the ideal destination for art lovers. Find out about current exhibitions and visit the galleries of the Dolomite valley to admire modern art and traditional carvings. The galleries offer a changing programme with works by different artists and a variety of thematic focuses.

Doris Ghetta Gallery

Founded in 2013 by Doris Ghetta, the gallery in Pontives near Ortisei hosts five parallel special exhibitions every year as well as a permanent exhibition of works by renowned artists from Val Gardena and South Tyrol. Located in a converted snowmobile factory, the gallery brings contemporary art to South Tyrol and gives local artists international visibility with pop-up exhibitions in art metropolises such as Milan, Florence and Zurich.

Circolo

The exhibition rooms of the Circolo – Circle for Art and Culture – are located right in the centre of Ortisei. Founded by art enthusiasts, the association organises exciting exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year that never fail to delight locals and tourists alike. The history of the Circolo dates back to 1920 when some of the most important wood sculptors in the valley came together to form an exhibition association to give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work.

Tublà da Nives

The architecture of the Tublà da Nives cultural centre in Selva, which opened in 2010, reveals that the cultural association aims to combine tradition and modernity harmoniously. A total of four rooms for exhibitions and events are housed in the centre, which is made of wood and glass. Find out about current solo and group exhibitions before your visit and look forward to high-calibre music events, exciting lectures and readings.