Justan is on the mark. But you need to nail down the tonal range first. If it is near or beyond the capability of your sensor (using good expose-to-the-right techniques) then HDR is the way to go. Having said that, the result of full HDR is often too obvious. Consider using HDR to partially raise the shadows alongside your usual techniques for lifting shadows.
Another alternative (one that I've never been entirely happy with) is using a split ND filter in front of the lens. While it is often successful, too often the dividing line between clear and ND is too apparent for my tastes, but given the right conditions and proper technique, it might just solve the problem.