Arabba Marmolada ski resort is in the spectacular Dolomites, Veneto (Venice) province, northeast Italy and can be one of the most challenging ski resort in the region to travel to.
Where is Arabba Marmolada Ski Resort Italy?
It might sound obvious, but Arabba Marmolada ski resort is near 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 high elevation (over 1,600m above sea level), a 2½hr drive north of Venice. Alternatively, Innsbruck in Austria is a similar distance & travel time north of Arabba.
Flights to Arabba Marmolada
The gateway international airport for Arabba & Marmolada is Venice Marco Polo (VCE). The next best alternative, certainly for travellers already within the UK or Europe, is Innsbruck (INN). Bus connections from the airports to Arabba are limited, but possible depending on the day of the week Alternatively, numerous car rental options exist.
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 airports via public transport (train/bus combination) & rental car.
Search & book a flight to Venice, Innsbruck or other European airport here.
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Due to the limited nature of public transport direct to Arabba or Malga Ciapela, for ease & efficiency we recommend looking at a private transfer from a major town or train station if in a group of 3 or more people. Private, shared & group transfers are available to/from Venice or other city to/from Arabba Marmolada & surrounding ski resorts.
Search & book transfers to Arabba & Malga Ciapela here.
Train & Bus to Arabba Marmolada
A sure way to POW (Protect Our Winters) is by taking the train & bus to Arabba Marmolada. Sadly, it isn’t the easiest task in the world.
Depending on your point of origin will determine the ease of your passage. From downtown Venice, the line 72 bus runs twice a day to Arabba, but only on weekends. See the bus line 72 timetable here.
An interesting train ride can be undertaken from Venice north to Belluno where the regular line 03 bus does several runs a day through to Arabba (via Alleghe & Civetta). See the bus line 03 timetable here.
From the north & east, combinations of trains from Innsbruck & Verona 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 here.
Search & book train tickets to Brunico & Bressanone here.
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 behoves 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 towards Brunico then south via Corvara & Alta Badia to Arabba over the Passo di Campolongo. Travel time form Innsbruck to Arabba is around 2½hr.
Anywhere from the west 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!
Car Rental & Hire
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 & Milan Malpensa.
Driving in the Dolomites can be ‘interesting’. Ensure the rental car has winter tyres. If planning on a lot of driving, snow chains are also recommended. Many rentals from Italy will not come fully winterised, whereas from Innsbruck they will be.
Read our Travel in Italy page for more information, plus helpful hints & warnings.
Search & book all rentals cars here.
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.