World Cup Downhill Val Gardena
Watch One of the World's Greatest Downhill Ski Races

Welcome to the Saslong Classic
The Val Gardena Ski area has hosted Ski World Cup races for over half a century.
And the Saslong Classic has produced the most surprising winners in the history of the Ski World Cup. You see, in the middle of this course is one of the most famous sections in the entire FIS Ski World Cup, the “Camel Humps”, where skiers fly through the air for 80 meters and achieve speeds of 120 kph.
The Saslong Classic is a Lifetime Memory for All Spectators.
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Prices from $2,997 per person – View Prices
Summary
- 5 Nights, 4 Days, 1 Race
- 7 Guests Maximum
- 5 Nights Half Board | Dinner Bed & Breakfast
- 4 Fully Guided Ski Days
- 🎿 4 Days Ski Rental Included
- 🚠 4 Days Full Area Ski Pass Included
- 🎿 VIP Day Saslong Classic Downhill World Cup
- 🔔 Cow Bells Provided!
- Exclusive Top of the Mountain Accommodation
- Ski The World Cup Ski Runs of the Val Gardena
- Enjoy a Personal Private Dinner with former Italian Team Skier
- For Advanced, Experienced Skiers who are Fit
- 🚕 Airport Transfers to/from Innsbruck based upon 4 people sharing
- ⛔️ EXCLUDED - Flights, Lunches & Drinks
- PEOPLE ALSO ASK … Can I use my iKON Pass? YES
Itinerary
While your VIP Saslong Classic Day is the center of this experience, you also get to ski some top, world-class ski runs including the Gardenissima, the world's longest giant slalom slope, Cir, the Gran Risa, and of course, The Saslong Classic itself.
Get your cow bell ready!
The Saslong Classic
We ski the famous Saslong Classic in its full race regalia and believe me, its usual ski season character belies the full race monster that this slope is!
[The following description is from the Saslong website]
"The Camel Humps are what extort the most respect on the Saslong.
An approach at high-way speed and then - nothing. Or rather, nothingness in the form of four to six yards of air beneath the skis and a leap of more than 80 yards. No wonder that at first, racers instinctually try to bypass the dreaded Camel Humps. Better safe than sorry - but also not very fast.
This is why for the first time in 1980, the Austrian Uli Spiess sought the direct line over the humps - through the air.
And where do you train for such a thing?
At ski jumping, of course, because there hardly is anything comparable on the slopes…
If the Camel Humps are the cherry on the action-cake Saslong, what counts is to get it over with speedily, as the race is actually decided in another crucial passage: the Ciaslat.
A rock-hard washboard with plenty of waves and blows, but also extreme turns: ski fun looks differently, this is the breathtaking Ski World Cup. And so it is quite simple: with 3,446 meters in length (the Saslong is the second longest track within the entire World Cup circuit), 839 meters of altitude difference, nine jumps, 17 larger bumps, several steep slopes, and a debilitating flat, it is usually the Ciaslat where triumph and defeat are decided."
Watch Inspired ITALY ski the Saslong on YouTube.
Statistics
3,446m long, 839m drop, 9 jumps, 17 large 'bumps,' multiple steep slopes & a strength sapping flat
Skiing as a sports activity in Val Gardena is dating back to the end of the 19th century and in 1908 the first Ski Club was founded and became a charter member of the Tyrolean Ski Association. In the thirties, races became more professional: In 1932, the Italian Ski Federation nominates the first ski instructors in the valley and the first lifts are being built. In 1969 the first men’s and women’s downhill races are run on the newly built Saslong and Cir slopes. The difference of the new Saslong slope compared to the other "old" slopes is evidenced by its average speed of 111.6 km/h compared to 90.72 km/h for Kitzbühel, 84.24 km/h for Wengen, and 90.36 km/h for Cortina.
Gran Risa, Alta Badia
Ingemar Stenmark, Ted Ligety, Mark Girardelli, Bode Miller & Marcel Hirscher have all carved their names on the podium of the Gran Risa slope, one of the most technically and demanding slopes in the alpine ski circus.
With a drop of 448 m, 1,255 m long, with a maximum gradient of 69%, the Gran Risa challenges the world's best skiers every year.
Now it is your turn!
Whilst we are here we will take on the La Risa, the adjacent red run, and the wonderful carving slope.
Highlights
Alta Badia & Gran Risa
The Gran Risa. Technical data of the slope Start at: 1.868 m (6128ft) Finish at: 1.420 m (4658ft) Drop: 448 m (1469ft) Length: 1.255 m (4117ft) Maximum slope: 69% Average slope: 36%
Secrets of the Sella Ronda
The world-famous ski circuit can be skied clockwise or counterclockwise but what most don't realise is that there are ways to extend the route to make it even more enjoyable!
We'll show you the secrets of the Sella Ronda!
The Sellaronda, also known as the 4 Passes Tour (Campolongo, Pordoi, Sella, and Gardena Passes) is a unique ski experience totaling 40 km (lifts and slopes) surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
The 4 ski areas are connected by modern lifts and are suitable for skiers of medium skiing ability.
Highlights
Extended Sella Ronda | +500km slopes | 193 ski lifts | Lunch
Clockwise or Counter-clockwise, the Sella Ronda is a thrill for any skier and this early in the season, it is a real treat because the slopes are so quiet and perfectly groomed. We recommend the Clockwise circuit for more skiing and fewer lifts.
Gardenissima: the longest giant slalom course in the World
Right here in the Val Gardena is the Gardenissima course.
It is 6 km long with a vertical drop of 1,033 meters and when set for racing is has 115 gates!
Typically held at the very end of the season, this race has 700 entrants! You can discover more about the race CLICK HERE.
We will ski the course without gates but still, you'll get the full thrill of this amazing slope.
Watch Inspired ITALY ski the Gardenissima slope on YouTube.
Statistics
6km and 1,033 meters vertical in just over 4 min!
In 2022 38-year-old Christof INNERHOFER won in a time of 4'07.14 but more impressively competitors in their 80s compete and record time not that far from the winning time! How fast can you do it?
Val Gardena Day
Explore the far corners of the Val Gardena and its long ski history.
Featured slopes:
- Saslong Classic
- CIR
- La Longia
- Pilat
The Val Gardena is regularly voted among the best ski destinations in the world and today you will experience exactly why!
Area Map

Your Accommodation - Piz Setuer
“generous buffet breakfast half board with four-course menu by choice and buffet of salads use of our wellness center bathrobe and slippers in the room”
As the other skiers fall away into the valley, we remain at the top of the hill, sit back and watch the winter light dim behind the great peak of Sassolungo.
Piz Seteur sits atop a small peak, isolated, quiet, and the perfect post-ski day location.
Enjoy the wonderful 360° panoramic view of the Val Gardena, the Sella Massif and the Plan da Gralba and ideally located for the Saslong Classic.
Included in the package is:
- Ski-doo transfer to your accommodation
- Generous buffet breakfast
- Half board with a four-course menu by choice and a buffet of salads
- Use of the Wellness center
- Bathrobe & slippers in the room
Price
$2,997 per person
Your adventure includes:
Your adventure includes:
- 5 Nights Accommodation
- Exclusive Top of the Mountain Accommodation
- Accommodation hosted by Former Italian Skier Alan Stuffer
- Half Board | Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
- VIP RACE DAY includes lunch & drinks
- Watch the Race from under the Camel Humps
- 4 Days Skiing
- 4 Day Full Area Ski Pass
- Airport Transfers to/from Innsbruck based upon 4 people sharing
- Fully Guided
FAQ's
What makes the Inspired ITALY World Cup Downhill Val Gardena experience ‘different'?
You ski with guides who know these slopes better than most. Get to experience the slopes, the culture and the history of this fascinating ski area, and most of all, enjoy the VIP Saslong Classic Race Day!
Is my ski ability good enough? Am I fit enough?
This is the number one concern of many people booking with Inspired ITALY. Don’t worry, when you contact us, we will discuss your ski ability and fitness before you book to ensure that you are in no doubt about your fitness.
What is ‘intermediate’ ski ability?
The term ‘intermediate skier’ is liberally banded about. Some overestimate and others underestimate. We have some clear, detailed descriptions of ski ability and we will send these to you. Together we can then ensure that your ski ability is what is needed. But it is your fitness that is key.
How fit do I need to be?
One person’s park run is another’s marathon. You need to be able to ski steadily all day. Our ski days start around 8:30 and finish usually around 15:30/16:00. Although we get an abnormal amount of sunny days, when conditions are tough, you still have to go skiing to get to the next rifugio!
Helmet?
At our heart, we’re a little bit ‘anti-establishment‘. All our ski leaders have wear helmets. If you do not want to wear a helmet, that’s fine by us. You can rent a helmet and we can arrange that for you upon request or bring your own. Either is fine with us.
Does the Rifugio have wifi?
All rifugi have WiFi. Some are better than others but posting your pictures to Facebook and picking up emails shouldn’t be a problem.
I’m a vegetarian/celiac/gluten-free
Let us know in advance and we’ll let the Rifugi know so that you won’t be eating cheese omelet every night! Vegetarian options are usually, pasta or polenta based. If you are vegan, gluten-free, or have nut allergies, you will struggle. The kitchens in the Rifugi produce some excellent culinary experiences, but they are often limited in what they can offer! Remember, you are staying on the very top of a mountain!
Which airport should I fly to?
Innsbruck! Yes, fly to Austria, ski-in Italy! The transfer from Innsbruck to your Ski Safari base hotel is no more than 90mins in normal traffic. Next, best option is Verona at around 2hrs transfer and then Venice, Bergamo and Munich Airports. Transfer costs are based upon 4 people sharing.
Can I ski Off-Piste?
We don’t do ‘off-piste’! The Inspired ITALY Dolomite Ski Safaris are ‘on-piste’ ski tours. Some clients do choose to test out the off-piste conditions when circumstances allow, but this is done entirely at their own risk. If you wish to ski off-piste we advise that you first familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations in Italy for off-piste skiing.
Can I come on a snowboard?
No!
Can I bring my own skis?
If you prefer, then please do so and we will adjust the package price. However, we recommend an all-mountain ski. A Dolomites Ski Safari encounters a huge variety of snow.
Is my booking protected?
The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Inspired ITALY Ltd and 5377 and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for:
– Non-flight packages
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Inspired ITALY Limited. In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT-protected travel company. You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/contents/made
And what about the snow? I am worried about the recent lack of snow.
We are all concurred about the changing weather. There are two things to consider: 1. only on one occasion have we had to detour because a ski slope was closed due to lack of snow and that’s out of around 200 ski safaris over 13 years. 2. Dolomiti Superski is a world leader in snow management and snowmaking (programmed snow). So, yes, there is some risk but it is minimal.
What are the payment terms?
The deposit is €650 or £650 depending upon you location and currency. The deposit is not refundable. The balance is due 8 weeks prior to your arrival date. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer.
What is not included in the package?
The excluded items are flights, lunches, and drinks! Although we will give you a few free grappas, like it or not!
Can I get a discount?
There are there ways to change the price: 1. If you provide your own ski equipment we will amend the package price. 2. If you make your own way to the base hotel and, 3. if you have an iKON ski pass. Anyone or all of these will result in a change to your package price.
How do I book?
You can call us +44 (0) 1733 865443, drop us an email with the details of the trip that you want to book my@Inspireditaly.com or click here.
How many places are available?
Places are strictly limited to 7 guests per group and we only run one Dolomites SuperSki Safari each season. Bookings are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.