ItalyDolomitesSkiChecked Oct 2026

Birmingham to Val Gardena

Ski the Dolomites' famous Sella Ronda from Ortisei, Santa Cristina or Selva. Every way to get there from Birmingham, from the quickest airport to the cheapest train-and-bus route.

Innsbruck (INN)Closest airport with BHX flights
1h 35m–2hInnsbruck to the resort
Dec – AprUsual ski season
6–8 hoursDoor to door

The short answer

In ski season, fly Jet2 from Birmingham to Innsbruck and take a pre-booked transfer: about 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours over the Brenner Pass. If Jet2's flight days don't suit, Verona is the backup, about 2 hours 15 minutes from the resort by transfer.

Good to know before you go

A few things that catch first-timers out in the Dolomites.

Season

Val Gardena usually opens in early December and runs to early April.

Lift pass

Val Gardena is part of Dolomiti Superski, so one pass covers the Sella Ronda and much more.

Saturday traffic

Changeover day roads can be slow. Allow extra time for transfers back to the airport.

Driving rules

Winter tyres or snow chains are required in South Tyrol from mid-November to mid-April.

Every way to get there

Five ways to reach the slopes, from the fastest flight-and-transfer to driving with all your kit.

1

Jet2 to Innsbruck + transfer

Quickest
Door to door6–7h
Cost£££
Best forMost skiers
  1. Birmingham (BHX) to Innsbruck (INN)About 2 hours. Jet2's ski flights run from mid-December through the season, a few times a week.
  2. Shared shuttle or private transferAbout 1h 35m to Santa Cristina and 1h 40m to Selva on dry roads. Allow longer in snow.
Jet2 ski flightsCompare BHX–INN flightsBook a ski transfer

Innsbruck's runway approach through the mountains is spectacular, so grab a window seat.

2

Fly to Verona + transfer

Door to door7–8h
Cost££
Best forOff-peak dates
  1. Birmingham (BHX) to Verona (VRN)About 2h 15m. Check winter schedules, as frequency varies through the season.
  2. Transfer to Val GardenaAbout 2h 15m on dry roads.
Compare BHX–VRN flightsBook a ski transfer

Useful when Innsbruck flights are full or pricey, especially outside school holidays.

3

Fly to Verona, then train and bus

Cheapest
Door to door8–9h
Cost£
Best forLight travellers
  1. Birmingham (BHX) to Verona (VRN)About 2h 15m.
  2. Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova stationAbout 20 minutes.
  3. Verona to BolzanoAbout 1h 30m.
  4. Local bus from Bolzano up the valleyAround an hour to Ortisei, a little longer to Selva.
Compare BHX–VRN flightsItalian train times

Works best if you're renting skis and boots in the resort rather than carrying your own.

4

Fly from Manchester or London

Door to door8–10h
Cost££
Best forMore flight choice
  1. Train or drive to Manchester or a London airportAbout 1h 30m to Manchester, 2–3 hours to the London airports.
  2. Fly to Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, Bergamo or MunichMany more flights and airlines, including on weekdays.
  3. Transfer to Val GardenaAbout 1h 35m from Innsbruck, roughly 2–3 hours from the others.
Manchester–Innsbruck flightsLondon–Verona flights

Worth checking at February half term, when Birmingham flights fill up fast.

5

Drive via Le Shuttle

Door to door2 days
Cost££
Best forFamilies with lots of kit
  1. Birmingham to FolkestoneAbout 3 hours.
  2. Le Shuttle to CalaisAbout 35 minutes.
  3. Calais to Val GardenaAbout 12 hours, best split over two days.
Le Shuttle crossings

No luggage limits and your own car in the resort. You'll need winter tyres or chains, plus vignettes for Austrian and Swiss motorways.

All options compared

Typical times and relative costs. £ is cheapest, £££ is priciest.

OptionDoor to doorCostBest for
Jet2 to Innsbruck + transfer6–7h£££Most skiers
Fly to Verona + transfer7–8h££Off-peak dates
Verona + train and bus8–9h£Light travellers
From Manchester or London8–10h££More flight choice
Drive via Le Shuttle2 days££Families with lots of kit

Where to stay in Val Gardena

Three villages strung along one valley, all linked by lifts and ski buses. Pick by vibe as much as by slopes.

Lively and family-friendly

Ortisei

The largest village, with shops, restaurants and easy access to the Seceda and Alpe di Siusi areas.

Hotels in Ortisei
Quieter, good value

Santa Cristina

In the middle of the valley, below the Saslong World Cup downhill run. Often cheaper than its neighbours.

Hotels in Santa Cristina
Best for keen skiers

Selva

At the top of the valley with direct lift access to the Sella Ronda circuit.

Hotels in Selva

Local tip: Ask your transfer company about Sunday or midweek arrivals. Saturday changeover traffic can add hours. If you're hiring a car, check it comes with winter tyres and chains, because they're a legal requirement here in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to what people ask most about this trip.

Is there a direct flight from Birmingham to Val Gardena?

Val Gardena has no airport of its own. In ski season, Jet2 flies direct from Birmingham to Innsbruck, about 1h 35m–2h from the resort by road.

What's the nearest airport to Val Gardena?

Bolzano is closest, but it's a small airport with few routes. Innsbruck is the closest with flights from Birmingham, followed by Verona.

Can I get to Val Gardena by public transport?

Yes. Fly to Verona, take the Aerobus to Porta Nuova station, a train to Bolzano and a local bus up the valley. It's the cheapest option but takes longer.

When is the ski season in Val Gardena?

It usually runs from early December to early April. Check the resort's official dates for this winter.

Is Val Gardena good for beginners?

Yes. Every village has ski schools and gentle runs, and there are easy areas on the Alpe di Siusi and near Selva. Keen skiers get the Sella Ronda circuit on the doorstep.

Travelling from somewhere else?

Pick any spot on the map and see every way to get there from your nearest airport or station, with kids, pets or without flying.

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