Dolomites Best Ski Slopes: La Longia | Val Gardena

A Dutch lady once told me that she renamed the La Longia ski slope, ‘The Fairytale Run’ because it has everything that a skier could want.
This red and blue piste is 10.5 Km long and drops around 1,300m through some of the best terrain in the Val Gardena. Starting at the top of the Fermeda chair at 2,518m ASL and adjacent to the Odles peaks, the views from the top of La Longia are amongst the best in the Dolomites and the Val Gardena.
La Longia starts above the tree line and offers wide slopes with a steady gradient that are great for carving. Once you drop below the tree line there terrain flattens and curves through the trees and into the gully with the famous frozen waterfall.
A ski run for great pace, with steady gradient and no sudden changes of direction or pitch.
Places to Eat
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes.
Our favourites are ...
Baita Curona - goo.gl/maps/auCWCPYPDe2B9hey7
Costamula Restaurant - goo.gl/maps/UnuixZBt6xwgFmkq7
Caffè Val d'Anna - goo.gl/maps/JwzadQxiE3HFM81VA
Statistics
La Longia | Val Gardena
Access from Seceda above Ortisei/Santa Cristina
Start - 2,518 m
Finish - 1,245 m
Drop - 1, 273 m
Length - 10.5 km / 6.5 miles
Inspired ITALY Dolomites Ski Safari | inspireditaly.com/

[@pimmeelhuysen]

Had the pleasure to visit numerous ski resorts over the years in France, Austria and Italy. Of all, the Dolomites took my heart. What an amazing place to be. Within Val Gardena three slopes live rent free in my head: Saslong, La Longia and Pilat (newly opened run - Seiser Alm to Ortisei). Been there in 2020, in 2022 and next year I will bring my entire family to this amazing place. Can't wait!

[@brgacelj]

La Longia. I remember every corner. 10 consecutive years we went in Ortisei for skiing. My father went on most of the ski resorts in Europe, but Val Gardena, and especially Ortisei offers real fairy tale experience. La Longia...Sella Ronda giro...Monte Pana...Marmolada...Alpe di Siusi...shure brings back memories. We shall come back one day.

[@InspiredITALY]

Thank you for watching!

[@majebrennan5668]

We'll be skiing in the Dolomites for the first time this season.

[@louiseanderton6748]

Look out for the Inspired ITALY red back packs Maje

[@majebrennan5668]

@@louiseanderton6748 I will.

[@steveschwartz6138]

What a dream run. Looks like a real leg burner.

[@agustinlavia]

Today I finally visited Val Gardena. First, I did all the longest and steepest slopes on the Saslong side, then I crossed on the trenno to Seceda and went straight to the top after that. I was finally going to ski down La Longia. Let me tell you, it blew my mind. I did it three times in a row, each time a little more confident and quicker. The first time I saw the funivia Ortisei-Funes I felt like I was in a movie, lol. And all because of this video. The name Inspired ITALY couldn't more spot on. Thank you! If it wasn't for this channel, I would have never heard of La Longia. By the way, the descent back to the trenno to cross from one side to the other, is also out of this world.

[@owenrichardson1419]

I watched start to finish top to bottom. Done that run lots of times ate in the restaurants. Great memories because that's all we have at present. Thanks for posting.

[@InspiredITALY]

You're most welcome Owen. We had plans to post more this season ... but alas...

[@graemebdh2172]

The Dolomites is just my favourite place to ski of all. I’ve done the Sella Ronda from both Canazei and Corvara and was blown away by the beauty of the mountains. But I’ve not done the Longia. Looks like a heap of fun. Thanks for sharing. 👍

[@InspiredITALY]

You're most welcome Graeme! Believe me, there's a lot more to the Dolomites than the Sellaronda! Try one of our Dolomites Ski Safaris to find out!

[@lolt3567]

This is the best video of the many of this run that I’ve seen. March 2020: a booked holiday was cancelled. 2021: no dice. 2022: I really hope to finally make it to Val Gardena!

[@InspiredITALY]

Grazie very much! Have you seen our Saslong video? We had hoped to produce more videos this season... Hopefully next year!

[@mamamia6925]

Loved skiing in Val Gardena,really amazing nature!

[@williamheslop9244]

I am looking to go to the Dolomites for the first time in 2022 with friends,I really enjoyed the video , very informative commentary . We will definitely ski the fairytale run !

[@InspiredITALY]

We look forward to seeing you on the slopes next season!

[@stefanwaeger4475]

Ich liebe diese Abfahrt!

[@MarioDConti]

Oh man, you made me dreaming! What a fabulous video! I've done ""i quattro passi" myself and other runs around there some "decades" ago but I missed "La Longia". Thanks for sharing.

[@mbtravel7294]

That looks like a dream come true ☺️

[@InspiredITALY]

It really is!

[@stefanszostak2292]

One of the best slopes I have ever taken!

[@DrVKParmar]

10km piste! Mama mia!

[@12dougreed]

Nice ft up by the music 👍

[@SheGeek78]

Fab video. I skied this slope with my then 13 year old son in February 2014 and it was a firm favourite. I'd love to get back to the Dolomites especially Val Gardena which I preferred to Val di Fassa, although all of it was excellent skiing!

[@andyhutch64]

Wow... That's a fab long run. None stop as well and almost had it all to your selves. What could be better!

[@InspiredITALY]

It is a truly wonderful run. There are quite a number of this calibre in the Dolomites that we cover on our Dolomites Ski Safari. We ❤️ long slopes! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@LabRat6619]

@@InspiredITALY it's a lovely looking run, no messing about. Would be good as a small group.

[@michelleatrill7095]

My mother lives in Balzano we go here every year and this is by far my favourite run of the resort!

[@InspiredITALY]

Youa re lucky to have your Mum so close! see you on the hill!

[@PompeyBoy66]

Beautiful video showing the run and the skier's movements. Thanks. Might go there.

[@InspiredITALY]

Not surprisingly, we'd definitely recommend a trip. And to get the very best from the Dolomites, do take a look at our Dolomites Ski Safari.

[@raynardi7243]

Bellissimo video

[@InspiredITALY]

Grazie very much!

[@gerrygleggnet]

Yeeeeess, this is a wounderful run. Nice video, but even better IRL (and that nice feeling i my legs in the end). Thanks for sharing!

[@InspiredITALY]

Thank you Gerry! Maybe see you out there one day!

[@DavidAlonsoTorrejon]

One of my favourite runs. Dolomiti is heaven

[@jundesways3940]

What a amazing long run, woah!

[@InspiredITALY]

Welcome to the Dolomites!!!

[@darrelganzert8909]

In 6 inches of fresh untracked snow this run would be heaven!

[@InspiredITALY]

Darrell, I have skied it with a dusting of fresh powder and it was sublime!

[@xiangsanhua9439]

Woo! Great! Love this video and long slopes!

[@InspiredITALY]

Grazie very much!

[@807evergreen]

I have wanted to take a European ski vacation for 30 years. Started doing research 3 years ago. This is my idea of a perfect run so I think you may have helped me decide where to go. Now....to get rid of this nasty COVID keeping us all locked down. Cheers!

[@InspiredITALY]

That sounds great Blair! Here's another video that you should watch - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHzMdn9sh9dnarM

[@hgohlke]

Snow is more difficult to ski in the Alps than in the Rockies

[@bengtlindqvist9309]

Thanks for this one. Yet another reason to return to Val Gardena

[@InspiredITALY]

It certainly is Bengt!

[@mhyatt8696]

Loved it so very much! Thank You!

[@InspiredITALY]

You're most welcome!

[@stormforce171]

I've been in a number of places for skiing but Ortisei has to be my favourite. Spectacular landscapes, huge variety in slopes, food is always great. From Ortisei we went all the way to the Marmolada and did the Sella ronda almost daily. Alpe si Siusi is more suitable for beginners but it has amazing views as well.

[@InspiredITALY]

Sounds like a whole lot of fun! We ❤️ Alpe Di Siusi aswell, great for a warm down ski day!

[@m.hoffman2889]

amazing, I'm thinking about going there next winter

[@kathfern]

This was great thank you!

[@JC-ip6lh]

Awesome!

[@jdthompson123]

Sella Ronda is on my bucket list. I have done most of the large resorts in Europe but not the Sella Ronda. It will be a while before I get the chance to do it. 2022 at the earliest, maybe even 2023.

[@InspiredITALY]

As Warren Miller might have said to you, "don't leave it too long because you'll just be another year older when you do it!" Let us know when you get here John! Did you see our Sellaronda Orange video?

[@InspiredITALY]

Sellaronda Orange kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3yQhKaujcqKo8U

[@jdthompson123]

@@InspiredITALY thanks for the reply. i will watch the other video. i dream to ski again. You are right, I am not getting any younger. At least I can get myself fit for when I do get back to the slopes. grazie, buona occhiata

[@InspiredITALY]

@Yelaa Bob it depends on your definition of 'resort'. There is 1,200km / 750 miles of groomed slopes across 12 areas. There are dozens of villages where you can stay.

[@skifast1356]

Yeah - fabulous run. Good work out top to bottom.

[@InspiredITALY]

On this occasion, we were pretty steady-away as I had to ski close behind Lou holding the camera fairly steady. But we do frequently rip down here which is just the greatest feeling!

[@62madmax1]

I'll be back march 19th 2022 all going well, for the 12th time. i always stay in the hotel Bellevue in Canazie.

[@majorp7967]

Thanks for the video👍👍

[@InspiredITALY]

You are very welcome!

[@johnnyboy7208]

Well filmed Tim and accurate commentary.Must agree with Brigitte unforgivable omission not to mention bombadinos at the cafe near the bottom

[@InspiredITALY]

Oops!

[@robinmurray1956]

Love this run, have done it many times on ski safaris......an especially good home run at the end of the week with Bombardinos at the end. Cheers!

[@alessandraanzalone5142]

Bombardinoooooo and skiing in Italy. sweet dreams are made of this

[@djangoworldwide7925]

Omg that was beautiful

[@InspiredITALY]

Grazie very much Django!

[@KaanKiran]

great run!

[@InspiredITALY]

It certainly is!

[@cino4919]

Beautiful.

[@InspiredITALY]

Grazie very much Cino!

[@cino4919]

Must see when this covid nightmare is over.

[@InspiredITALY]

Let us know when you're in the area! Very happy to show you around.

[@juleshorse9056]

Great filming. Excellent run. April 2020 in a pandemic season - bet that in a normal season that run is far more crowded. Cafes look deserted. We had to cancel in March 2020 and March 2021 looks most unlikely to happen (writing this in Feb 21) so here's to March 2022.

[@InspiredITALY]

Thank you Jules. Have you skied the Dolomites? It's not as busy as many of the Austrian or French resorts but for sure it was very quiet for this run which was mid December 2019. I'm afraid that it is highly improbable that you will get to the Dolomites thus season 😢! Such a shame as the snow is fantastic!

[@SheGeek78]

​@InspiredITALY How is the snow normally in march? I know it changes every year but is it generally snow sure? Now all our kids have left school we can finally stop paying ££££££ to ski in half term or easter and mid march is my favourite. Usually Les Arcs because its so snow sure and wonderful to ski but i want to go to the Dolomites again maybe 2024. When i last went in feb 2014 there was just so much snow, is it still good a month later? Sorry this message is so long

[@shannono6051]

nice ski video, let me know if you make it out to Colorado

[@LIFE_ToBeContinued]

Thanks Shannon. Let me know if you make it to the Dolomites!

[@SimonH69]

I miss skiing

[@InspiredITALY]

We all do Simon, we all do!!!

[@margislomiany9470]

Me too!!!!

[@erikvanveen882]

Having been to Selva twice I can confirm this is about as good as it gets having skiéd in plenty other places around Europe. Your legs know about it when you get to the end though! This video actually does it justice - incredible run

[@InspiredITALY]

Grazie very much Erik! Have you seen the Saslong video?

[@StretchFletcher]

Good job with this vid. I have skied this numerous times and have to agree it is one of the best.

[@LIFE_ToBeContinued]

We skied it today (7th Dec '21) ... twice! Stunning condition!

[@SalznPfeffer658]

We've been staying at Milanhof (4-6 self-contained apartments on a farm) up on the hill (Strada Cuca) and it has a little view of la longia and plenty of everything else. I've been walking 300m down to the cafe d'Anna, suiting up then skiing down to the gondola to start my ski day. This run is my favourite, especially as I can just stop just before the end to walk up for a Lunch break (or a glühwein at the cafe). The Alpe Di Suisi basin area and all the wee runs are nice, but a little boring and too much "walking" involved. I much prefer the Seceda area. Lovely video and skiing, I'm still intermediate so seceda gives me space to practice and get a little thrill. :-)

[@dennisdownes9319]

Great video and commentary! How is the snow in early March? DD

[@InspiredITALY]

Usually pretty good!

[@Shuren6550]

Great video! Longia is my favourite slope, but I think the real "Fairytale Run" is the Armentarola

[@InspiredITALY]

Thanks Shireen. Yes the 'Hidden Valley' has a very special place in our hearts!

[@georgegande1779]

Yes and the frozen waterfall halfway down is amazing

[@user-bu9nb8wr6e]

I think that is most probably one of the best ski run videos I've seen. Just what the average skier needs to know before setting out on a run. Well filmed and great commentary. I haven't skied in the Dolomites for years and it made me want to go again. Have a great ski this year if you get away. If not always next year!!

[@InspiredITALY]

Thank you CW! We're already in Italy and just awaiting the green light. Whatever happens we will produce more videos like this. Thanks again!

[@user-bu9nb8wr6e]

Yes I watched a few other videos and suddenly realised that you lived there. Well I hope you get the green light soon.

[@bentanano]

Good for me since i live in val gardena

[@garymcgowan9726]

Have always called this the James Bond run.

[@JTimothyHudson]

The 'actual' James Bond run is in Cortina d'Apezzo

[@LabRat6619]

We usually go to Cortina d'ampezzo, but this looks nice sunny intermediate skiing. 👍

[@InspiredITALY]

Cortina d'Ampezzo is an outstanding resort. For us, it's a little limiting for a whole week. Basing yourself more centrally opens up a lot more options. But then this depends upon what kind of skier you are. Happy to chat with you if that helps.

[@trungnguyenofficial9999]

@@InspiredITALY me and my girlfriend are planning our first ski trip to Italy and I was wondering what the best location would be for noobies like us😁? Im torn between Cortina d’ampezzo and Val Gardena, or do you have any better recommendations?

[@LabRat6619]

@@trungnguyenofficial9999 Cortina you will find challenging after a few days as slopes tend to be intermediate.

[@nealeharrison4390]

What a great run that is

[@InspiredITALY]

One of our favourites, but you know that anyway 😉⛷

[@igorhitrec544]

Wow

[@InspiredITALY]

Enough said!

[@marketsqueezer]

One of my favorite places on earth. I went there many for many years and then the prices skyrocketed.

[@InspiredITALY]

I am afraid that prices have gone up everywhere, haven't they? We still find that Dolomite prices are reasonable compared to most.

[@Toschh]

It's really nice. We visited ortisei last year. We where also in Cortina. I do think Cortina is more beautiful in my opinion. Maybe it's because I do enjoy they view of the village as it reminds me of chamonix. I do think the mountains gets more majestic and pointy aswell in Cortina and there are a lot of mountains that you ski threw. The best slope was Forcella Rossa . The gap in between the mountains is just amazing. Of course it's more of a difficult black run

[@InspiredITALY]

We ❤️ Cortina d'Ampezzo too! And taking on the run from the Tofana Bus through the Forcella Rossa right down to the village along the James Bond run is a real favourite. Oh and Faloria!! ❤️

[@Toschh]

@@InspiredITALY there is a restaurant near Forcella staunes( which is sadly enough closed:( . ) in cristallo. Anyway here are some amazing views and the best part is that it's not crowded either. Soon the lift will be done between cinque torri and the Tofana: ) Me and my girlfriend also enjoyed La Longhia. It's a must see slope when you visit sella ronda :)

[@InspiredITALY]

It breaks my heart that Staunes is still closed. One of our top favourite slopes anywhere in the world!

[@Toschh]

@@InspiredITALY will they re open it? It says on skiresorts.com that the lift is in progress but I see no sign of it. Don't know why they wouldn't open it when they host the olympics. But maybe that costs a lot of money

[@fc1133]

I love the video. That said, just to clarify: When I google Fermeda chair, Gröden comes up. Is that the town you stayed at!? Just trying to figure out where to stay if I want to be as close as possible to this run. : ) thanks.

[@LIFE_ToBeContinued]

You can stay in Ortisei or in Santa Cristina, both give you easy access to Seceda where the La Longia starts.

[@fc1133]

@@LIFE_ToBeContinued Roger that. Thanks!!!

[@Mike-yj5yw]

Absolutely amazing run & views. Is there any night skiing at any of the Mtns in the Dolomites?

[@InspiredITALY]

Thank you Mike. There is some night skiing but it's not common. You could visit Rifugio Averau on a Friday or Saturday evening, take the chair and snow mobile transfer to get there, enjoy your dinner and ski down with head torch!

[@Mike-yj5yw]

@@InspiredITALY Thx for the reply & info.

[@rainydaylondon2961]

Lovely video and the music was great. Who is it, please?

[@InspiredITALY]

Thank you Dan. The music is by Brendon Moeller, called No Stone Unturned. You can find it here and on Epidemic Sound. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJStpWZ3YtSYb9U

[@ivokoimecs]

Nice! ... 😀👍

[@spencerhmoore2716]

Loved the video, inspires me to go visit! I did find myself continually adjusting the volume to hear the narrator's low voice and avoid blasting the music. A bit annoying, actually. Otherwise quite enjoyable!

[@InspiredITALY]

Thank you for the feedback Spencer! We'll do our best to improve that on future videos.

[@SlimOnTheInside]

I have been to France many times but never to Italy and looking to the Dolomites for 2022. I am a skier (been skiing for the last 10 years) but I avoid red runs like the plague because I dont like steep runs. Looking at this, maybe its the angle, but it looks almost as if it should be a blue. Are there any scary bits in it that the camera doesnt pick up?

[@InspiredITALY]

Much of La Longia is very very gentle. As the commentary says, you can always see what's ahead. There are maybe 3 faces that you'd need to excerise a little more caution.

[@SlimOnTheInside]

@@InspiredITALY thank you :)

[@njs_gc]

I haven't seen it that smooth so late in the afternoon. You didn't stop at the hot seats. What's your second favourite? I like the run to Tirler.

[@InspiredITALY]

It was very early in the season, pre-Christmas. The Tirler run on Alpe Di Siusi that runs past Zallinger?

[@InspiredITALY]

Cafe Val d'Anna wasn't open! Too early in the season!

[@njs_gc]

@@InspiredITALY Yes up the Florian chair lift. You have to go up some funky travelator first.

[@InspiredITALY]

@@njs_gc great run!

[@njs_gc]

@@InspiredITALY Have you done the Goldknopf speed trap? That's a good run. LOL

[@rainmaker3700]

What's your favorite resort in Italy for an advanced skier??

[@InspiredITALY]

Great question! I love carving and to ski at pace. Personally, I can never see me skiing anywhere other than the Dolomites. It's many resorts but when you ski it as a 'safari', it's just one big playground with huge variety.

[@mikolajdrozdowicz810]

Whats that music? It sounds like tangerim dream a bit...

[@InspiredITALY]

I'd need to look it up 🤔

[@brigittelintner3336]

No stop Bombardino stop at Annental? 😱

[@InspiredITALY]

😂next time! Just for you Brigitte 🍹!

[@JD-sr3ym]

superb run, most of it you can ski very fast but not all...

[@amhytravel]

What camera are you using?

[@InspiredITALY]

This is filmed on a GoPro 6

[@zeljko383]

Seceda Val Gardena 🇲🇪

[@InspiredITALY]

It's a wonderful place!

[@rongxiangliu257]

第一次看到这么长的滑道，这是不是世界最长的？

[@djollyrodjeur]

Dude! For something this atmospheric, you should lose the audio commentary. Leave the music and put any info you want to give us on screen. Every time your voice turns up, it stops the soaring sensation and bring me straight down to earth. (Also, this is the kind of commentary you get on a wedding video made by your old uncle... and you sound younger than that) Just a suggestion for your next ones. Thanks for a great video

[@LIFE_ToBeContinued]

Dude! I am your old uncle! 🤣🤣🤣

[@dotart.dorotamagdalenamari186]

Wish ski with Marcello

[@majorp7967]

Wr have been in Col Pradat last year.....this year canceled due to Corona......unfortunately 🤨

[@InspiredITALY]

We're all in the same boat!! Col Pradat is truly spectacular!

[@majorp7967]

@@InspiredITALY absolutely!! Dolomites are simply the best👍👍

[@johnklaus9111]

seems like your avg green circle>?

[@InspiredITALY]

Come and try it for yourself John!

[@johnklaus9111]

@@InspiredITALY yes sir!

[@Tomekkk]

Orange trousers rider just perfect

[@InspiredITALY]

Thank you Tom. I'll share your comment with Louise!

[@EvanescencePlanet]

Can a second time skier do this… lol😂

[@InspiredITALY]

Are you a natural skier? There is nothing particularly difficult or steep here but it is very long! If you're confident, have someone who can guide you and plenty of time, give it a try!

[@EvanescencePlanet]

@@InspiredITALY May I ask you how much budget will I need to spend 2 days skiing at this place? Any website I can find a guide? :D I will be visiting in first week of January 2023!

[@fitofito1001]

It’s a long run

[@johnkennedy486]

Having skiid the Dolomites over the years, I cant help thinking that many of the runs are now like roads, rather boring for anyone skiing above beginner level. Rather boring, though nonetheless beautiful with the views.

[@InspiredITALY]

John, come skiing with me and some of the locals. We will change your mind! But each to their own!

[@johnkennedy486]

@@InspiredITALY Would love to! Need some local knowledge for off-piste magic. There must be so many secret spots in those mountains.

[@BaxterRoss]

I didn't see any bumps, haha

[@InspiredITALY]

Dolomites doesn't do bumps! Long fast and flat!😉

[@TheBann90]

Too slow paced...

[@JTimothyHudson]

I agree! Come ski it with us when we're not filming....