Val Gardena or Cortina?

Happy new year to all! -)
My husband and I will be in Venice in Feb 2015, and are thinking of going to either Val Gardena or Cortina from Venice for skiing.
Could anyone help give us some tips or recommendations on the two places? Excluding travelling time, we will have 3 full days to spend there.
Which is more scenic and enjoyable for ski beginners?
From my research, it seems Cortina is closer to Venice and more easily (and cheaply) accessible. Is it a friendly place for ski beginners?
I thought Val Gardena might be more charming and beautiful a holiday destination (tentatively selecting Selva Gardena of the 3 villages). What do you think? If yes, is it worth spending the extra time, effort & $$ to go there?
Many thanks in advance!

We spend a week in Cortina and it's environs skiing last January.
It is the most scenic place I have ever seen skiing or otherwise.
No queues to lifts. Almost empty pistes good for learning and superb piste conditions. 3 out of 4 skiing areas: Tofana, Cinque Torri and Mietres are very good for beginners. The disadvantages are that the skiing areas are not linked and 2 of them are a short ski bus ride from the town centre.
We did ski Sella Ronda through Selva and the slopes there were busier so in poorer condition. Can't comment on the village or the rest of the Val Gardena.
Hope it helps -)

Thanks, biki17!

May I know what level of skier you are? What colour pistes did you ski on? (Just as a point of reference.)

I am a good skier, but my wife is a timid intermediate, and she enjoyed Cortina very much as well. I skied all the pistes around Cortina plus amazing Hidden Valley reachable from Cortina's Cinque Torri section and Sella Ronda. The return from Corvara, La Villa or San Cassiano is by a paid bus.
I would like to add that Alta Badia (San Cassiano, La Villa, Corvara) is considered the best skiing area in Dolomites for beginners :!:

Regards,

Wow, sounds great!! We look forward to checking Cortina out!
Thanks very much for sharing all that information! :)

Best regards

I would go to Val Gardena. The Sella Ronda- area is huge and offer variety types of skiing. Cortina as city is great, but the skiing is in my opinion somewhat limited (visited the area 5 times). From Val Gardena, Cortina is accessible with car/bus.

While there, do not forget to do the "secret valley" from Laquzoi cabin (accessible skiing from Cinque Torri). Also Kronplatz is definate worth a visit if you have enought time.

Hi Happy

I haven't skied Cortina but have skied Sella Ronda (though based near Campitello on other side). If you were going for a full week, I would probably opt for Val Gardena. This give you direct access to an amazing selection of skiing on your doorstep :lol:. However, as you are planning on only 3 days skiing a smaller ski area is fine. While you have mentioned that getting to Cortina is cheaper, I think you may find that the accommodation is more expensive so make sure you check the total costs before making your final decision if cost is important :wink: