Dolomites
Dolomites Italy (Dolomiti)
The Dolomites ski area provides one of the largest and most delicious ski networks in the world. Named after the type and colour of the pale limestone rock that is found naturally in the mountains, the Dolomites ski region offers 12 bellissima resorts connected by 450 modern ski lifts.
The Dolomites area takes great delight in offering a true Italian foodie experience, as you can combine a high alpine experience with tasty local al dente pasta washed down with your choice of local vino, espresso or café latte. It’s la dolce vita experience in the Dolomites!
Dolomites Ski and Snowboard Terrain
The Italian Dolomites ski area offers more than 1,200km of “guaranteed” sunny pistes ranging between 1,500 and 3,200 metres of elevation. Dolomiti doesn’t receive an abundance of fresh powder, but there are thousands of snowmaking machines across the resorts. And what it doesn’t have in the snow stakes it makes up for with beauty. It is so beautiful that it has recently been classified as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site.
The 12 main ski resorts across the Dolomites ski region are: the exclusive and expensive Cortina d’Ampezzo; Kronplatz; Alta Badia; the very popular Val Gardena / Alpe di Siusi; Val di Fassa / Carezza; Arabba / Marmolada; Alta Pusteria; Valle di Fiemme / Obereggen; San Martino di Castrozza / Passo Rolle; Valle Isarco; Trevalli-Moena; and Civetta. The best way to experience this area is with the “Dolomiti Superski” Pass which accesses all the ski slopes and the 20 Snowparks that are spread across the Dolomites Superski network. See the Dolomites lifts and terrain page for information on the ski valleys of the Dolomites.
The Dolomites is famous for two day tours. The Sella Ronda is a 36km loop that goes across four of the ski valleys (Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa and Livinallongo), whilst the Great War Ski Tour (Giro della Grande Guerra) packs in historical landmarks, lots of ski slopes, and even a horse drawn “ski lift”. See the Dolomites lifts and terrain page for more information.
Where is the Dolomites Ski Area?
The main Dolomites (Dolomiti) ski region borders Austria in the north east of Italy. The Dolomites (Dolomiti) is relatively easy to get to, given its central European location. The easiest route to the Dolomites is via Milan (Milano) Airport, but it’s also not far from Verona, “Marco Polo” in Venice, or the airport in Innsbruck Austria. Airport transfer services are available to take you directly to the major Dolomite resorts such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena. Car hire is also available at these airports.
The Italian train operators Treni Italia / SAD can efficiently get you there either from the south via the main railway line Venezia S.Lucia – Calalzo di Cadore, or from the north on the Fortezza-Dobbiaco railway line. Bus transfer services are available for the main resorts.
Why Ski or Snowboard in the Dolomites?
Whilst the region does not boast the highest mountains or the largest number of glaciers, the Dolomites does offer tonnes of sunshine, fabulous food and an awesome light show off the pale mountain backdrop throughout the day. The ski terrain is not particularly challenging but the region is really geared up for other pleasures such as the local Trentino, Venetian and South Tyrolean cuisine and welcoming and warm village atmospheres.
The Dolomiti Skipass, Sella Ronda and the massive investment in snowmaking capabilities demonstrates the passion and ingenious use of technology and cross-region co-operation to provide an excellent skiing and culinary experience to benefit both the tourists and the locals.
And just because you may know a little Italian language, be prepared to hear the local “Ladin” dialect and German. If you meet their passion with your passion for their mountains and culinary delights, you should be fine!!