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Arabba Ski Resort
This idyllic destination is nestled in the heart of the Dolomites surrounded by the Livinallongo valley in Ladin-speaking Veneto. With the striking Sella Massif and Portavesco mountain ranges on either side and the presence of the Marmolada mountain (fondly known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’), Arabba's beautiful landscape forms part of a UNESCO World heritage site.
One of the highest resorts in Italy, Arabba is small and cosy with traditional mountain architecture housing quaint bars, restaurants, hotels, chalets, apartments and a pretty village church.
Despite the stunning scenery and mountain charm oozing from every nook and cranny (did we mention it has some of the best snow in the area too?), Arabba remains somewhat of a hidden gem in the ski world, a well kept secret often overshadowed by the more commercial European resorts.
Bolzano is the nearest airport about 77km away and most holidays include flights to Innsbruck which is 145km (just over a 2h drive) from the resort. There are also easy motorway and rail connections via the A27 and Belluno or Brunico train stations.
The efficient lift-system transports skiers and boarders rapidly around and means queues are extremely rare, so even on busy weeks you should be straight up and out onto the piste. The 63km Arabba-Marmolada ski area is surrounded by mountain passes making it easy to ski the nearby resorts of Corvara, Alta Badia and even the Val di Fassa.
The Dolomiti Superski pass gives you access to the lifts in the main area as well as all the resorts around the Sella Ronda. The best way to make the most of this is to save a day for the Sella Ronda ski circuit - going directly from the resort this legendary route can be skied within a day covering 4 valleys and 3 provinces through the majestic scenery of the Dolomites.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Dolomites, Italy
Established: 1906
Open: November – April
Downhill: 63km
View our detailed Arabba snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Arabba snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Innsbruck | 130 km 2 hrs 20 mins |
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| Top Altitude: | 3,269m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 1428m |
| Resort Altitude: | 1602m |
| Longest run: | 4km |
| Slope Orientation: | N S E |
| Vertical Drop: | |
| Skiable Vertical: | 871m |
| Night Skiing: | No |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 63km |
| Beginner slopes: | 49% |
| Intermediate: | 29% |
| Advanced slopes: | 22% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 234€ (adult 6 days) |
| Nearby resorts: Canazei, Campitello, Pozza di Fassa, Corvara, La Villa, Dolomiti Superski, Sella Ronda | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Arabba
The Arabba-Marmolada area is surrounded by numerous mountain passes which means incredible links to the nearby resorts in the Sella Ronda and Val di Fassa. The Passo Pordoi at 2,239m links Arabba to Belvedere above Canzaei in the Val di Fassa, the Passo Campolongo connects it to Alta Badia and Corvara whilst the Passo Pordon links to the challenging slopes on the Marmolada peak. Within these, skiers will love the variety of high steep terrain, exciting powder bowls and gentle descents against a stunning backdrop.
Arabba ski school have a range of tuition options including a mini club for youngsters and the blue 20 nursery slope provides a gentle descent where learners can gain confidence before moving onto higher ground. After conquering the snowplough, beginners have loads to explore: the blue 22-26 is a wide open winding run back to the village and you’ll find more gentle slopes by taking the Passo Campolongo mountain pass towards Alta Badia and Corvara. Hop on the number 06 chair lift to ski the steady 25 for a pleasant tree lined descent on blue 31.
Those more confident should take the number 20 cable car from the village to the Porta Vescovo peak to meet some exciting runs - for more challenging descents head over to the Marmolada, with a peak of 3269m you’ll find fantastic snow, exciting terrain and immense views. Make sure you save a day for the Sella Ronda ski tour which starts from the resort on the anti-clockwise orange route.
For experts, the black 21 makes a thrilling downhill ride to the village and you can take the number 01 or 03 gondola up to Porta Vescova for more steep verticals.
Boarders will love the mixed terrain and the Arabba superpark is a fantastic addition to the area, kitted out with rails, boxes and pipes.
Arabba Apres Ski
There’s a laid back après scene with most evenings spent in easy-going bars, trying out the local cuisine and relaxing in the comfortable accommodation.
Stop off on the slopes at Rifugio Fodom for a midday pick-me-up and enjoy spectacular views from the balcony. In true Italian style, take a time out with a coffee and a mouth-watering pastry at a traditional cafe- the cakes at Pasticceria Caffe Gelateri Genziana are not to be missed. There are a few local specialities which are definitely worth a try - Bombardino is a soothing blend of hot brandy and advocaat whilst Grolla mixes grappa and espresso in a traditional sharing goblet.
Most of the bars are connected to the various hotels - Peter’s is the most popular haunt for post-slope drinks and usually has a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Pub La Stube at Hotel Portevesco has a laid-back bar scene and the Austrian bar at Sporthotel Arabba is another hot spot.
As we all know, Italy is legendary for its gastronomic delights and you’ll find some wonderful Italian restaurants offering a delicious taste of local cuisine. Micky’s grill is one of our favourites for its fantastic menu, mouth-watering wine list and pleasant ambiance. For a special meal try Viel del pan or for a casual bite, Pizzera la Table serves fantastic food in a friendly setting.
There’s also the chance to immerse yourself in the history of the area on the Great War tour which leads around the significant Col di Lana mountain. Your leader will point out some incredible artefacts from the Great War such as pathways, tunnels and forts.
Being part of the UNESCO heritage site, snow shoe excursions and winter treks are a popular activity here where you can appreciate the stunning scenery without having to don the skis.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Arabba
Best time to visit & ski Arabba
With most of the slopes above 2000m thanks to the main mountain Portavescovo peaking at a lofty 2,600m and the Queen of the Dolomites, Marmolada at 3256m (the snow is so good you can usually ski in the summer here), not to mention the vast Dolomiti ski area, you’re likely to see fantastic conditions throughout the season (and if things ever need a helping hand, the snowmaking is super too).
Inevitably things get busier over peak weeks like Christmas and February half-term but its highly efficient lift system means you’re not likely to see queues and the vast expanse of the ski area with fantastic links means the slopes are rarely crowded as skiers disperse across the mountains.
This is a popular Italian resort for spring skiing due to its high altitude. While the sun might be melting the snow on the slopes lower down, you can hop on the first lift to catch the great conditions in the morning and spend long afternoons doing like the locals and soaking up the rays as you watch the world go by.
Peak Dates
Enjoy a special white Christmas in Arabba; with fantastic skiing through the majestic Sella Ronda by day and a fun and friendly vibe by night you’ll love this time of year on the snow. Arabba Christmas ski holidays ‣
Join in the celebrations during a laid back New Year in Arabba. Round up the festivities at a lively bar in this charming village and start the New Year making fresh tracks on the snow. Arabba New Year ski holidays ‣
With incredible links to the nearby slopes, a fantastic variety of terrain and a prime position within the infamous Sella Ronda everybody will love their February half term in Arabba. Arabba Half Term ski holidays ‣
The breath-taking views and spectacular scenery are made even more majestic by the springtime sun during Easter in Arabba. With high altitude skiing and a history of fantastic conditions, this is a popular time of year for people to explore the Sella Ronda. Arabba Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Arabba
Families are well catered for in Arabba; with a peaceful atmosphere on and off the slopes and a huge variety of terrain it’s great for all ages. Hotel Portavescovo is the perfect option for those travelling with children, it’s in the heart of the resort, just a minutes stroll to the ski school meeting point and lifts with a prime ski-in ski-out position. Keep an eye out for properties offering childcare services if you’re travelling with tots, accommodation with WiFi so teens can avoid that dreaded Facebook withdrawal or somewhere with spa facilities for the grown-ups– our ski specialists are on hand to find a property that’ll keep the whole clan happy.
The breath-taking surroundings of this UNESCO world heritage site make it a magical place to bring first time skiers who’ll fall instantly in love with the irresistible Dolomite charm.
If you’re skiing with beginners, the Arabba Ski School offers a fantastic introduction to the snow- it has a mini club especially for little ones and the blue 20 is a gentle, wide open run where you can take them after ski school to practise their turns. The local slopes are ideal for family days on the piste - cruise back to the resort on the 22-26 22-26 and then head over on the Passo Campolongo mountain pass towards Alta Badia and Corvara for more easy runs.
If you’re a family of intermediates, make sure you have a go at the Sella Ronda circuit one day and head next door to the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’ to tackle some challenging descents at high altitude.
GroupsGroup Holidays Arabba
Arabba’s a perfect base for groups looking to ski this part of the incredible Dolomite mountain range. As part of the Sella Ronda ski circuit, there are easy links to all the resorts in the Sella Massif and heaps of slopes for all abilities to explore.
The accommodation in the town is ideal for groups: if you’re looking for a hotel, Sporthotel Arabba is ideal as it’s right in the heart of the town near the main lifts and après - the popular Austrian bar is part of the same building which is very convenient if you want to spend your evening with a few beverages. Hotel Portavescovo is another great choice, with 57 rooms it’s one of the biggest hotels so should be able to accommodate groups of all shapes and sizes.
The Baita Antlia apartments offer a comfortable stay in prime position - on a self-catered package you’ll be able to spend the week completely on your own time and if no one minds chipping in on the cooking and washing up, you can save some pennies too. We also have some cosy chalets which you can fill for a homely stay if you get the right amount of people, ideal for some quality time with friends. The Chalet Luka sleeps 12-13 people and can be combined with Chalet Matea adding another 8 guests - these are really near the lifts and nightlife so are perfect if you want to get straight out morning or night.
A number of properties have wellness facilities which offer a tranquil place to wind down after busy days or if you’d rather head out for a few drinks, Pub la Stube is a lively hotspot. If you’re with intermediate skiers and boarders make sure you save a day for the Sella Ronda ski tour - this legendary circuit links directly from Arabba on an exciting route around this beautiful part of the Dolomites (try and set off as the lifts open so you can squeeze in a good number of mountain hut pit stops along the way).
Which are the best ski holidays in Arabba?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Evaldo | 7 | £ 1099 |
| Hotel Grifone | 7 | £ 1099 |
| Sport Hotel Arabba | 7 | £ 1218 |
| Hotel Garni Bellavista | 7 | £ 789 |
| Hotel Portavescovo | 7 | £ 889 |
| Hotel Olympia | 7 | £ 959 |
| Hotel Garni Serena | 7 | £ 989 |
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