Vallunga is a gentle, flat valley that winds into the Puez-Odle Nature Park. In winter, under snow and framed by Dolomitic walls, it becomes one of the most popular snowshoe outings in Val Gardena.
The route is almost entirely flat and suits everyone, families with kids included. You lengthen or shorten it simply by going further up the valley or turning back sooner.
How to get there — Parcheggio Vallunga, Selva (1.660 m)
The snowshoe walk starts from the Vallunga car park, at 1,660 m, at the far end of Selva di Val Gardena towards the entrance to the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Reach Selva by driving up Val Gardena on the SS242 and follow the signs for Vallunga to the paid car park at the mouth of the valley, near the La Ciajota hut. In winter it is the handiest access point, but at weekends and in high season it fills up early. Arriving by mid-morning helps you find a space and make the most of the few hours of winter daylight.
The trailhead is in the Val Gardena area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.
Stage by stage
1. From the car park along the valley floor
Follow the packed snow track along the flat valley bottom, between forest and rock walls, with barely any gradient.
2. Further up the valley
If you want, carry on to the head of Vallunga before turning back to the start.
When to go & weather
The season runs December to March, with the valley under snow and the track packed along the floor. Sunny days after a snowfall give the finest scenery, the white plain framed by the walls of the Puez-Odle. Remember that winter daylight is short, so set off in the morning and plan your return carefully. It is an easy (T) and almost level snowshoe walk, fine for beginners and families, but still check the weather and the avalanche bulletin before you go.
Recommended gear
- Snowshoes suited to your weight and poles with snow baskets
- Warm, waterproof winter boots
- Layered clothing with a windproof and snowproof shell
- Gloves, hat and gaiters for the deep snow
- Sunglasses or goggles and sun cream: the glare in the valley is strong
- A flask of hot drink and a few energy snacks
Useful tips
- Follow the packed track along the valley floor, also marked for cross-country skiing, without stepping onto the skiers' track
- Check the weather and bulletin before you go, even though the valley is easy and barely exposed
- Set off in the morning to get back in daylight. In winter the dark falls early
- Match the distance to your strength. Shorten it, or walk to the head of the valley, about 6 km long
- Look out along the way for the ruins of Castel Wolkenstein and the chapel of San Silvestro
- Bring a hot drink and protect your eyes from the snow glare
Frequently asked questions
Do you need experience for the Vallunga snowshoe walk?
No. It is one of the easiest in the Dolomites, on almost flat terrain. You need snowshoes, warm clothes and an eye on the weather: it gets dark early in winter, so set off in good time.
Where can you hire snowshoes for Vallunga?
You can hire snowshoes easily at the sports shops in Selva di Val Gardena and nearby. Pick them up in the village before heading up to the Vallunga car park.
Is the Vallunga snowshoe walk suitable for children?
Yes, the valley-floor route is almost flat and among the easiest in the Dolomites, so it is perfect for families. Just match the distance to what younger children can manage and dress them in warm, waterproof clothing.
Do you need an avalanche transceiver for the Vallunga snowshoe walk?
On the classic valley-floor track, which is easy and barely exposed, an avalanche transceiver usually is not needed. It becomes essential, though, if you leave the beaten route towards the steeper slopes on the sides of the valley, where the avalanche risk must always be taken seriously.