Südtirol Gardenissima – The World's Longest Giant Slalom
The world's longest giant slalom on the slopes of Val Gardena
About Südtirol Gardenissima
The world's longest giant slalom
The Südtirol Gardenissima is one of the most famous skiing events in the Dolomites and is widely known as the world's longest giant slalom. The course stretches for approximately 6 kilometres, with a vertical drop of over 1,000 metres and 115 gates: it starts from the summit of Seceda, in the municipality of Ortisei/St. Ulrich, and finishes at the Col Raiser valley station in Val Gardena. The race was established in 1997 and is organised by the Selva Val Gardena Tourist Association, in the province of Bolzano, in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region.
A race open to everyone
What makes the Gardenissima unique is its inclusive nature: although it is a competitive event, it is open to amateur skiers who can test themselves on the same course tackled by international-level athletes. Every year, the event attracts around 700 participants from over twenty countries, who start in pairs on two parallel giant slalom tracks. Alongside the amateur competitors, active champions and alpine skiing legends—many of whom are locals from Val Gardena—also take part as testimonials and racing partners.
The Gardenissima Kids
The main race is accompanied by the Gardenissima Kids, dedicated to younger skiers: around 300 children and teenagers from a dozen nations compete on a shorter course of approximately 1.9 kilometres, starting from Seceda and finishing at the Fermeda chairlift valley station. It is the event's way of passing on a passion for skiing and the mountains to the next generation.
A festive weekend at the foot of Seceda
Südtirol Gardenissima is much more than just a race: it is a genuine celebration of skiing that brings Val Gardena to life in late March, featuring free practice sessions, ski tests, social gatherings, and a closing party. The backdrop of the Seceda spires and the peaks of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, frames an event that combines sport, alpine tradition, and South Tyrolean hospitality. For ski enthusiasts and mountain lovers, it is an unmissable date on the spring calendar in the province of Bolzano.
Südtirol Gardenissima — edition 2026
The 28th Südtirol Gardenissima was held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, under clear skies on the slopes of Val Gardena. After the 6:15 AM course inspection, the start was given at 7:30 AM from the summit of Seceda: over 700 competitors from 24 countries challenged the 6-kilometre course down to Col Raiser. Victory went to Simon Jocher in the men's category and Christina Ager in the women's category. The awards ceremony was held in the afternoon in the Col Raiser finish area.
Sunday, March 29, 2026, saw the 10th Gardenissima Kids, with around 300 young athletes from 12 nations competing on the shortened course from Seceda to the Fermeda chairlift. The weekend, enriched by ski tests and the final party, confirmed the Gardenissima as one of the most popular amateur races in the Dolomites.
Programme Südtirol Gardenissima 2026
2026 Programme
- Fri, March 27: Autograph session (Pitla Cultural House, Selva) and ski tests
- Sat, March 28: 6:15 AM inspection, 7:30 AM start of the main race (Seceda–Col Raiser giant slalom), afternoon awards ceremony at Col Raiser
- Sun, March 29: 8:30 AM start of the 10th Gardenissima Kids (Seceda–Fermeda chairlift)
Highlights Südtirol Gardenissima 2026
- 6 km giant slalom with over 1,000 m vertical drop and 115 gates
- Over 700 participants from 24 countries
- Winners: Simon Jocher (men) and Christina Ager (women)
- Presence of alpine skiing champions and legends as testimonials
- 10th edition of the Gardenissima Kids
Prices Südtirol Gardenissima 2026
Practical information — Südtirol Gardenissima
Where it takes place
The start is set at the summit of Seceda (in the territory of Ortisei/St. Ulrich), and the finish is at the Col Raiser valley station in Val Gardena. The Seceda and Col Raiser ski lifts open early in the morning on race days.
How to get there
By car: take the A22 (Brenner) motorway exit at Chiusa/Klausen or Bolzano Nord, then head up Val Gardena towards Ortisei and Selva. By train: arrive at Chiusa/Klausen or Bressanone station, with bus connections to the valley. Nearest airports: Bolzano, Innsbruck, and Verona.
Registration and information
Participation requires online registration, a medical certificate, and a mandatory helmet. Registration also includes a discount on the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski pass. Information available from the Selva Val Gardena Tourist Association: tel. +39 0471 777900, [email protected].
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
Where does it take place — Südtirol Gardenissima
Seceda - Col Raiser (Val Gardena)