Dolomites Skiing & Snowboarding

There is no doubt about it, the Dolomites are an on-piste skiers’ dream. The endless interconnected trails are what the region is has built its reputation on & what lends it to week or 10-day long ski safaris between the villages, resorts mountains & valleys. The greater than 1,200km of trails are nearly all covered by the world’s most expansive snow-making system, guaranteeing quality skiing regardless of what mother nature does, or more importantly doesn’t, throw at it.

But the Dolomites is not just about groomed pistes & racking up kilometre after kilometre of vertical on marked trails. The region’s spectacular mountains hide a treasure trove of freeride off-piste wonders that set it further apart from the rest of the world. The main action centres on the many descents off the Sella massif, Marmolada’s glacier & the wonderous peaks surrounding Cortina d’Ampezzo. A truly memorable Dolomites freeride experience combines ski lifts, skinning, via ferrata with crampons, then a descent via couloirs & open steep slopes back into the resort, something readily available on Tofana at Cortina.

See the immense Dolomiti SuperSki trail map below.

Dolomiti SuperSki Ski Trail Map

Snowboarders are a comparative rarity in the Dolomites. As with much of Europe, skiers are in the majority. There are no real terrain barriers to snowboarders, but as with everywhere, some long connecting traverses between locations will test their prowess.

Ski Lift Passes

Lift pass options in the region include local lift passes, Dolomiti Superski passes and now for international guests, the chance to use an Ikon Pass.

The Dolomiti Superski area offers the advantage of one ski lift ticket conveniently covering a multitude of resorts. However, whether one purchases a Superski pass, or 'local' resort lift passes will depend on your plans. All ski resorts in the area have local lift tickets for the specific resort area.

If skiing and snowboarding the resorts such as Plose and Gitschberg Jochtal only, a local lift pass is significantly cheaper (up to €15) than a Dolomiti Superski pass. Larger ski areas like Val Gardena have local lift pass rates only a few € cheaper than a Dolomiti Superski pass, so are often not worth purchasing.

If skiing & snowboarding the Sella Ronda resorts (Arabba Marmolada, Alta Badia, Val Gardena & Val di Fassa), or the great War Circuit, a Dolomiti Superski pass is absolutely necessary. Choose wisely!

Anyone with an Ikon Pass can ski up to 7-days shared between: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Kronplatz/Plan de Corones, Alta Badia, Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, Val di Fassa/Carezza, Arabba/Marmolada, 3 Peaks Dolomites, Val di Fiemme/Obereggen, San Martino di Castrozza/Rolle Pass, Rio Pusteria – Bressanone, Alpe Lusia – San Pellegrino, Civetta. Holders of an Ikon Pass can ski for free for 7-days, with no blackout period. Holders of Ikon Base Plus Pass and Ikon Base Pass can ski for free for 5-days with no blackout periods. You can go directly to the chairlift or gondola with your valid Ikon Pass as there is no need to stop at a local ticket window.

Ski Resorts of the Dolomiti Superski Network

3 Peaks Dolomites (Drei Zinnen)

3 Peaks Dolomites (a.k.a. Drei Zinnen, f.k.a. Sesto Dolomites) offers 117km of perfectly maintained and managed slopes for beginners and intermediates across one large ski area, and several smaller ones. Named after the nearby and well-known Tre Cime, it feels more Austrian than Italian. The main ski area centres on Monte Elmo, is directly accessible by train at Versciaco and is now linked all the way to the slopes of the impressive Croda Rossa. The delightful village of Sesto is in the centre of the main resort area and is one of our favourites.

See the 3 Peaks Dolomites ski trail map.

Alta Badia

Alta Badia provides the traditional Italian alpine experience, offering 130km of pistes with direct access to the famous Sella Ronda network via the World Cup slope of Gran Risa. Alta Badia is fantastic thanks to fast and comfortable ski lift connections, wide and well-groomed slopes, and Mediterranean and South Tyrolean eatery experiences. Alta Badia ski resort includes the villages of La Villa, San Cassiano, Corvara, Colfosco, and Badia. Beginners, intermediates, and gourmands will enjoy all this region has to offer.

See the Alta Badia ski trail map.

Arabba Marmolada

Arabba Marmolada is a major ski hub in the central Dolomites. It offers 62km of skiing, easy access to the Marmolada glacier, which is the highest and most scenic viewpoint in the Dolomites, and the 12km long “Bellunese” run. It is also a good starting point for the Sella Ronda. Arabba Marmolada is known to have the best snow quality of all the Dolomiti Superski resorts.

See the Arabba-Marmolada ski trail map.

Civetta

Civetta is the closest resort to Venice in the southeast of the Dolomites in the shadows of Monte Civetta & nearby Pelmo. It is the quietest of the Dolomites resorts & geared up for families, oozes tradition & provides breathtaking unspoilt views. The small villages of Alleghe, Zoldo & Pescul offer romantic, warm hotels. There are 25 lifts & 80 km of slopes for skiers of all levels that link the three valleys, as well as night skiing on a 5 km long slope in Val Zoldana. Other ski resorts of the Dolomiti Superski area (Cortina & Marmolada) can be easily reached using the free ski-bus service. The Great War Ski Tour starts here & leads to the Dolomites peaks where World War I was fought.

See the Civetta ski trail map.

Cortina

Cortina d’Ampezzo is the Olympic village with an international feel. It’s exclusive and plays host to numerous World Cup competitions each year thanks to its many steep slopes. The Cortina d'Ampezzo ski area includes Auronzo, Misurina & San Vito di Cadore, offering a total of 120km of slopes. Some awesome high rocky points of the Dolomites surround Cortina such as Faloria, Tofana & Cristallo. These provide some of the best & most adrenaline pumping black runs in the Dolomites, plus the most amazing off-piste freeride experiences. Set up like three ski resorts in one, ski Tofana in the morning, Lagazuoi and the Cinque Torri at lunchtime, then Faloria in the afternoon. Afterwards head back to town to enjoy the upmarket shops bars & restaurants in the trendy & fashionable Corso Italia pedestrian area. The resort has improved its aging lift infrastructure in recent years.

See the Cortina ski trail map.

Gitschberg-Jochtal & Brixen-Plose

Eisacktal (Valle Isarco) has the 9km black-graded “Trametsch” run, which is one of the longest in the Dolomites and has a vertical drop of 1,400m. Valle Isarco though is really for gentle skiers who want to enjoy the traditional Italian village experience as much as the snow. The two ski resorts of Brixen - Plose & Gitschberg Jochtal offer guaranteed snow and lots of sun, because they are set on the southern side of the valley. Both are not far from the beautiful medieval town of Bressanone which offers history, laneways, up-market hotels and bars, fine Tyrolean restaurants and high-end shops that can be enjoyed after the sun goes down.

See the Plose ski trail map & the Gitschberg Jochtal ski trail map.

Kronplatz

Kronplatz is the main skiing hub near the major town of Brunico. Kronplatz (or Plan de Corones) is directly accessible by train at Perca - step out of the station and onto a gondola. Many traditional huts and Tyrolean eateries are scattered along the 119km of slopes (& 1325 vertical metres) to lure you away from skiing. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Dolomites. The ski slopes are welcoming, long, wide & well maintained. The locals are warm and wonderful, especially if you like après. Whilst sometimes overcrowded in peak season, Kronplatz has a super lift capacity with its 23 gondolas able to move the masses, plus one can access other resorts like 3 Peaks Dolomites (by train) and Alta Badia (by bus) without too much stress. By any measure it is world class for lifts, public transport access, on-piste trails & snow-making.

See the Kronplatz ski trail map.

San Martino di Castrozza - Rolle Pass

San Martino di Castrozza is a gorgeous village surrounded by fields & thick forests, and backed by some classic jagged Dolomiti peaks that form part of the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Nature Park. San Martino di Castrozza has maintained its historical buildings, local food and wine traditions plus is the heart of a pristine ski and snowboard experience across the 22 modern ski lifts and 60km of runs. The large, easily accessible, and perfectly groomed, Carosello delle Malghe ski area has some of the sunniest and best runs in the Dolomites such as the Fantasia 2000 (with a 950m vertical drop over 5km) run towards Malga Fratazza. After the transfer to the ski bus head to Col Verde, and the Cima Rosetta (2,600m) for an awesome panoramic view over a high plateau and mountain peaks. The freeride run down is challenging until one reaches Col Verde. From there, the Colverde run is easier, exposed to the sun all day long, it is also lit up at night. Passo Rolle has 15km of high altitude trails a few km up the road from San Martino.

See the San Martino di Castrozza - Rolle Pass ski trail map.

Val di Fassa

Val di Fassa  spoils snowboarders and skiers for choice, with 7 ski areas in a Natural World Heritage Park on more than 120km of spacious, speedy & spectacular ski slopes. It also connects directly with the Sella Ronda network. Offering great value for money, Val di Fassa offers a down-to-earth on-piste skiing & riding experience with picturesque Dolomite scenery & the region’s best valley runs. The cable car up to Sass Pordoi is the only lift onto the Sella massif & allows access to the Dolomites best backcountry & freeride routes. Carezza has great terrain but is separated from the rest of Val di Fassa. Canazei, Campitello & Pozza di Fassa are the main towns in the valley & offer great accommodation, fabulous Italian food & super smooth espresso doppio!

See the Val di Fassa ski trail map.

Val Gardena

Val Gardena (& Alpe di Siusi) is surrounded by awesome Dolomite peaks & was first enjoyed by skiers in 1895. It is Italy's largest stand-alone ski resort & has grown to become one of the most popular resorts in Italy, especially for families & intermediates. With more than 175km of runs connected by 83 lifts, Val Gardena also gives snowboarders and skiers direct access to the Sella Ronda network. Val Gardena has three main villages: Ortisei; San Cristina; and Selva Gardena. Val Gardena was honoured recently as the Numero Uno Italian ski resort, based on the ski resort size, standard, and facilities. Locals speak German, Italian and their dialect “Ladin”, and their approach combines the best of these cultures to bring you a passion for life, food, music & perfection.

See the Val Gardena ski trail map.

Alpe Lusia - San Pellegrino

Alpe Lusia - San Pellegrino offers 100km of runs, & is known for its fun playful attitude & great terrain off Col Margherita. The ski area stretches from Falcade in the east over Passo San Pellegrino & ends in the west at modern, charming Moena. Moena’s location also enables access with the nearby Val di Fassa and offers some of the most delicious local Ladin delights.

See the Alpe Lusia - San Pellegrino ski trail map.

Val di Fiemme-Obereggen

Valle di Fiemme is enchanting. At the western end of the Dolomites, close to Bolzano, this region is probably better known for its cross-country skiing than downhill pursuits. The main resorts of the valley are centred on Cavalese, Predazzo and Tesero. They service 109km of runs across five ski areas; Alpe di Ceremis (with 7.5km Olympia run), renowned Ski Centre Latemar with Obereggen (17 lifts, 50 km runs), Bellamonte – Alpe Luisa, Passo Lavazzè, Passo Oclini, and Passo Rolle. Valle di Fiemme is remarkably close to the border of the South Tyrolean part of Austria, and despite many locals speaking more German than Italian, the cuisine of the area is a perfect marriage between the Tyrolean and Trentino cultures.

See the Valle di Fiemme - Obereggen ski trail map.

Day Ski Tours

There are two main all day ski tours you can enjoy in the Dolomites region – the Sella Ronda & Great War Tour. They can overshadow the multitude of other ‘ski safari’ options to tour these magnificent mountains. First time visitors should definitely complete both tours, but then simply study the maps and create your own adventure. Or get a guide and let them worry about it!

Sella Ronda

The most recognized ski route in the world is in the heart of the Dolomites. The Sella Ronda has more than 500,000 skiers annually go around the loop either clockwise or counter-clockwise for 36kms around the Sella mountain range, taking in four spectacular ski valleys (Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa and Arabba). The Sella Ronda route can be easily enjoyed in a day if you start before 10am and get to the last resort before 3:30 pm. Check the weather forecast before going out, as the only downside of this spectacular route is that some lifts may close without notice due to bad weather (but you could do worse than be stuck at a pretty snow-covered Italian ski resort!). Fit & motivated groups can do the tour in 4hr.

See the Sella Ronda ski trail map.

Great War Circuit

The Great War Ski Tour (Giro della Grande Guerra) is another well famous day trip with over 80 km of history and nature in a sensational high alpine environment. Starting out from Civetta on a free ski bus, head to the Fedare refuge at the Giau Pass from where the chair lift goes up to Averau. See old war trenches, frozen waterfalls, experience high mountain passes, mine tunnels, and machine gun posts before finishing with a horse-drawn tow to take you to the slopes of the Badia Valley where you can get to Arabba, Padon and Marmolada. You need to have a Dolomiti Superski ski pass for free use of the ski bus service and leave early to have enough time to do the tour. Many don't make it .........!

See the Great War Circuit ski trail map.