Val Gardena is a valley in Northern Italy in the Dolomites mountains best known for great skiing, rock climbing, and woodcarving.

There are three main villages that are the center of the valley life: Ortisei, Selva Val Gardena, and St. Christina. Woodcarving has long been a pastime of farmers during long winter days. Since most of the carved figurines in the past were of religious themes, they became a major export to churches all over the world starting around the 17th century. Today, woodcarving is still a big local industry. The Val Gardena valley is famous worldwide for winter sports; it has been home to the men’s World Cup downhill race since 1969 and a number of other international ski events.

There are several ski resorts, and the whole valley is a popular winter as well as summer vacation spot –ski circuits like Sella Ronda serve as a perfect biking route in the summer, and the mountains are perfect for rock climbing when the snow melts.

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