Where is Arabba Marmolada Ski Resort Italy?
Arabba Marmolada ski resort is in the spectacular Dolomites, Veneto (Venice) province, northeast Italy and can be one of the most challenging ski resorts in the region to travel to.
It might sound obvious, but Arabba Marmolada ski resort is centred on the village of Arabba & includes the Marmolada glacier. The two main centres for the ski resort, Arabba & Malga Ciapela, are separated by a mountain range. Whilst it is only 8km 'as the crow flies', or 'the ski slides', driving distance is over 25km.
The village of Arabba is at a relatively high elevation for Italy (over 1,600m above sea level), and is a spectacular 2½hr drive north of Venice, via the Val di Zoldo & passing between the peaks of Civetta & Pelmo. Alternatively, Innsbruck in Austria is a similar distance & travel time north of Arabba, with arguably a driving route over the Brenner pass and then into the Dolomites via Corvara.
If in any doubt about taking public transport or driving to Arabba, then we recommend getting a private transfer so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey. It is a ‘holiday’ after all!
Flights to Arabba Marmolada
The gateway airport for intercontinental travellers to Arabba & Marmolada is Venice Marco Polo (VCE). A better alternative for travellers already within the UK or Europe, is Innsbruck (INN). Train & bus connections from the airports to Arabba are limited, but possible depending on the time & day of the week. Alternatively, numerous car rental options exist and of course there private ski transfers services aplenty.
Other airports that can be linked to Arabba & Marmolada with some additional ‘travel effort’ are Milan Malpensa (MXP) & Munich (MUC). The Powderhounds have previously travelled to the region via both Munich & Milan Malpensa airports via both public transport (train/bus combination) & rental car. Munich is far & away the better alternative, both in terms of rental car quality, and access to public transport.
Search & book a flight to Venice, Innsbruck or other European airport.
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Due to the limited nature of public transport direct to Arabba or Malga Ciapela, if not renting a car, for ease & efficiency we recommend looking at a private transfer direct from the airport, a major town or train station. Private transfers are particularly cost effective if in a group of 3 or more people. Private, shared & group transfers are available to/from Venice, Innsbruck, Verona, Munich or other city to/from Arabba Marmolada & surrounding ski resorts.
Search & book private transfers to Arabba & Malga Ciapela.
Train & Bus
A sure way to POW (Protect Our Winters) is by taking the train & bus to Arabba Marmolada, but sadly, it simply isn’t the easiest task in the world.
Depending on your point of origin will determine the ease of your passage. From the main train station in downtown Venice (Venice Mestre), an interesting train ride can be undertaken from Venice north to Belluno where the regular line 01/03 buses do 2 to 3 runs a day through to Arabba (via Alleghe & Civetta). Total travel time from Venice airport to Arabba can be in the realms of 5-6hr assuming everything goes OK.
From the north & east, combinations of trains from Innsbruck (or Munich) & Verona (or Milan) link to buses from Brunico to Corvara (Alta Badia), Dobbiaco to Cortina d’Ampezzo & Bressanone to Selva in Val Gardena. From all three points one can catch a taxi or private transfer the rest of the way to Arabba. Convoluted to be sure! Check out the various train & bus routes from the northern Dolomites.
Search & book train tickets to Belluno, Brunico & Bressanone.
The best public transport options to Malga Ciapela below Marmolada are to take the bus from Venice or Belluno as far as Alleghe, then change to the local bus or get a private transfer for the last few kilometres.
Driving to Arabba & Marmolada
A major ski resort like Arabba Marmolada should be easy to reach via the excellent European motorway system, but it is nowhere near the highways! Deep in the Dolomites, on a clear day the road journey to Arabba is a splendid affair, revealing the most spectacular Dolomites peaks to you along the way.
From Venice the quickest route is the 2½ to 3hr journey north via Pecol below the towering Pelmo. In poor weather it may behove one to take the lower elevation route via Agordo & Alleghe, taking an extra 30min.
From the north & west, various route permutations are possible & all involve several mountain passes. From Innsbruck, the best route is over the Brenner Pass towards Brunico then south via Corvara & Alta Badia over the Passo di Campolongo and down into Arabba. Travel time from Innsbruck to Arabba is around 2½hr. Add 2hr if coming from Munich airport.
Anywhere from the west (i.e. Milan) is best to go to Bolzano then into the mountains at Ponte Gardena. Passing the monolith of Sassolungo, head through Selva & over the Passo Gardena into Alta Badia. Continue through Corvara to Arabba over the Passo di Campolongo. Journey time from Bolzano is only around 1½hr in good weather.
Malga Ciapela is best reached via the Venice - Alleghe route described above. ENJOY!
For more information, plus helpful hints & warnings, read our Travel in Italy page
Car Rental
All the major airports & cities have car hire available. The closest rental locations to Arabba Marmolada are Cortina & Bolzano, but by far the best deals & widest range of vehicles are at the highly competitive airports at Venice, Innsbruck, Munich & Milan Malpensa.
Depending on the weather & road conditions, driving in the Dolomites can be utterly benign or ‘sporty & interesting’. Ensure the rental car has winter tyres. If planning on a lot of driving, snow chains are also recommended. Most car rentals from Italy will not come fully winterised, whereas from Innsbruck or Munich they will be.
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Nearby Ski Resorts
Arabba Marmolada is interlinked with the major Dolomites ski resorts of Alta Badia & Val di Fassa. It is a short ski bus ride away from the fabulous Civetta ski resort. A host of other great Dolomites & even Austrian resorts are within striking distance too.