Seceda Ski Day: Epic Views in Val Gardena

Getting to Seceda (Ortisei, Val Gardena)

Seceda is part of Puez–Odle Nature Park (Naturpark Puez-Geisler), a protected area spanning over 10,000 hectares and home to some of Italy’s most iconic peaks. Rising more than 2,500 meters (8,200+ feet) above the towns of Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena, Seceda offers jaw-dropping views over the entire valley in South Tyrol, Italy.

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We drove from Trento to Ortisei and started the day with two mistakes. We drove to the parking garage Location Copy GPS right by the gondola station which is where mistake no. 1 took place. Spoiled by the free parking in Cavalese we decided to pass on the 1.9 EUR/h rate, and we drove to the central parking garage Location Copy GPS further away, hoping it would be cheaper. It wasn’t.

A little frustrated, we proceeded to make mistake no. 2. We left the garage and walked all the way to the gondola station. It took us about 20 minutes and it wasn’t fun in the snowboarding boots. Later we learnt that there is a series of escalators Location Copy GPS in a very comfortable tunnel, taking just a minute from the garage all the way up to the gondola station.

Morning Snowboarding on Seceda

To reach the top, you take two cable cars:

First is the Ortisei–Furnes gondola, which fits about five people per cabin. Then comes the Furnes–Seceda cable car, a much larger cabin that carries a lot of people at once. We waited around ten minutes in line before cramming in and heading up.

Not going to lie, morale was a little (very) low for me that morning. Mother Nature had struck, and I was feeling well below optimal thanks to some serious cramping (girlies, IYKYK).

But once we reached the top, all of that disappeared (momentarily) as I was completely and utterly awestruck by the views.

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Seceda Scenic Ridgeline Trail in the Winter

This area is accessible to everyone by cable car and is the starting point for Seceda’s famous summer hike. You know, the one that got so packed that the farmers had to install a toll gate to mitigate the crowds impacting the meadows.

Even in December, we spotted a handful of people who braved the snow just to experience it.

If you do decide to experience the views in the winter, the trail starts trail starts Location Copy GPS just below the top station of the chairlift. And we strongly recommend planning your hike from Ortisei. It’s just a short walk from the top of the gondola to the trail. If you take the Col Raiser gondola from Selva instead, you’ll end up having to walk from that top station to the bottom of the Fermeda chairlift and doing that on foot. We saw some people doing that and the lifties weren’t exactly stoked.

Hands down, these were the most epic ski views I’ve ever seen! When you exit the cable car, you’re immediately met with sweeping views of Seceda’s iconic ridgeline and the surrounding Dolomites. Truly unreal.

We were meeting up with David’s aunt and her partner, who are both very experienced skiers. As I mentioned in my last post (link here), my snowboarding skills had been dormant for quite some time, so I’m still getting comfortable with my new board. I was by far the slowest in the group, but! It was only day two, so my goal was simply to keep getting out there and improving.

For the first half of the day (before lunch), we split up so they could enjoy some faster runs while I warmed up and found my rhythm.

Slopeside Lunch at Troier Hütte

After a few hours, we made our way to Troier Hütte Website Location Copy GPS for lunch. The path to get there is so scenic, with incredible views of Seceda the entire way. One important tip, though: make sure you carry enough speed. Otherwise, you’ll end up like me – snowboard off, walking part of the way while laughing (and crying) at yourself.

Troier Hütte was incredibly cozy and welcoming. We ordered spaghetti bolognese and maccheroni, both of which were delicious. We chose to sit inside because the FIS Ski World Cup men’s downhill race in Val Gardena (Gröden) was happening that weekend on the legendary Saslong course, and the race was streaming live on a TV inside the hütte. There was a Czech skier racing, which David’s friends were very invested in, so the vibes were high.

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Afternoon Runs & La Longia Back to Ortisei

After La Longia, I decided to sit out and wait at the Funivie Seceda cable car station, which thankfully has a bar on the lower level. I rewarded myself with an aperitivo for surviving the day. Extremely well deserved, if you ask me.

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Apres Ski & Return to Trento

Everyone else went back up to the top and did the long run again while I happily waited inside, warm and horizontal-adjacent.

Afterward, we all walked around downtown Ortisei for a drink before David and I made the drive back to Trento. I was very happy to hit the hay that night. Not exactly my proudest day in the mountains, but hey, we had fun, and that’s a win.

Until next time, spaghettos,

xo, Daysi

P.S. Where to Stay for Skiing Seceda, Val Gardena

We only stayed for one day, but if we were to stay in the area longer, we’d probably end up in Ortisei. It’s big enough to have plenty of options for accommodation and dining, it’s right by the lifts to Seceda, and it’s also well connected to the rest of Val Gardena and Sella Ronda. Check out the map of the available hotels below:

Where to stay around Seceda - Val Gardena

Here's a map of the accommodations in the area. We also included some of the places we visited and the parking spots for better orientation.

In full transparency, we do get a commission if you book through our map. But don't worry, it's not coming from your pocket! The prices you see are the same as what you'd find on the booking platforms directly. And it helps us keep the site running.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the altitude/elevation of Seceda - Val Gardena?

The elevation range is 1,250m - 2,500m.

Where is Seceda and how do you access it from Ortisei?

Seceda sits above Ortisei in Val Gardena and is accessed by two cable cars: the Ortisei–Furnes gondola followed by the Furnes–Seceda cable car. The article focuses on starting from Ortisei.

What’s the easiest way to get from the Ortisei central parking to the gondola?

There is a convenient tunnel with a series of escalators that takes you up from the central garage to the gondola station in about a minute. This avoids a longer walk in ski boots.

Is parking near the Seceda gondola worth it?

The closer garage by the gondola is paid but is the most convenient option. The central garage is farther and not cheaper, so the closer lot saves time and effort.

How long does it take to reach the top of Seceda?

You ride two cable cars, and lines can vary. In the story, the wait was about ten minutes before heading up, but timing depends on the day and crowds.

What are the views like at Seceda in winter?

Expect sweeping Dolomite views as soon as you step off the cable car, including the famous Seceda ridgeline. The article describes them as some of the most epic ski views experienced.

Can you do the Seceda ridgeline trail in winter?

Yes, some people do it in winter. The trail starts just below the top chairlift station, and it’s easiest to plan the walk from the Ortisei side rather than from the Col Raiser side.

Where is a good place for lunch on Seceda?

Troier Hütte is a cozy slopeside option with great views. It’s reachable via a scenic path, but snowboarders should keep speed to avoid getting stuck on flats.

What is La Longia like for an afternoon run?

La Longia is a long red run that takes you all the way back to Ortisei. It’s a highlight of the day, but conditions can vary, and it can be tiring if you’re not used to long descents.

Any tips for snowboarders visiting Seceda?

Carry speed on flatter catwalks, especially on the way to lunch spots. Also plan for how your feet handle long runs—taking breaks at the base can make the day more enjoyable.