With iconic craggy peaks, cruisey groomers and world-cup descents – not to mention the Sella Ronda and Marmolada glacier, the Dolomiti Superski is an area like no other. Encompassing a number of friendly villages with their unique mix of Austrian décor and Italian cuisine, the list of reasons to ski here goes on and on…
The Dolomiti Superski area, the ‘largest ski network in the world’ has an incredible 1200 km of groomed piste to explore over 12 different ski areas. Best of all, the whole thing is covered by one all-inclusive lift pass.
Unlike other famous ski areas (ie. the 3 Valleys), you can’t ski between all the resorts, so the usual practice is to use the local buses. There are some fantastic linked areas within the wider domain, in particular the world famous Sella Ronda.
Encompassing a bunch of Italian resorts, this mountain range is an expanse of such unspoilt natural beauty that in 2009, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site, putting it alongside other earthly marvels like the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Barrier Reef.
These ancient peaks formed more than 250 million years ago, originating as sea coral in the Tetide sea and are quite distinct from the rest of the Alps. Just take a look at the Cinque Torri, a stunning outcrop of 5 towers (literally translated). The legendary Tre Cime, Sassolungo and Sella Massif are absolutely jaw-dropping at sunrise, when they glow a striking pink-red colour (the sights at sunset are pretty awesome too if you want to avoid the early start...). Take the retro gondola up to one of the highest peaks, Monte Cristallo to enjoy an amazing 360 panorama.
The 12 ski areas cover a range of resorts, each a unique platform to the panorama. The best known is chic Cortina, while lesser known Corvara is our favourite for appreciating the landscape. Val Gardena is famous for its charming villages and Ladin culture and over towards Val di Fassa you have some great Tyrolean architecture. Arabba is notable as the nearest to the snow sure Marmolada Glacier and the modern resort of Kronplatz is known for its superbly groomed, efficiently lift-linked terrain.
Cortina, Corvara, Selva, Ortisei, St Cristina, Kronplatz, Arabba, Canazei, Campitello, Pozza di Fassa.
We like the mountain huts in Italy as they tend to put a lot of effort into presentation and service. The Bombardino is a popular tipple in this part of the world - made with a dash of brandy and eggnog and topped off with cream. The Italians love their vino so it’s also worth asking what the house red is! Everyone loves a good sun terrace so don’t forget the sun cream while you’re basking on a deckchair.
With several lively bars along the ‘Corso Italia’ street of Cortina you’ll see why it has some of the best après ski in the area - we like the cosy Café Sport. Selva and Ortisei are the liveliest of Val Gardena’s villages, contrasting slightly with St Cristina which is more suited to a quiet sherry with friends.
The Alta Badia area is all about finding a favourite bar and getting to know the locals over a Bombardino. Kronplatz is the place to find the karaoke bars like Bus Stop, where dancing on the table is a do not a don’t. Val di Fassa shouldn’t disappoint if it’s an imaginative cocktail you’re looking for and lots of venues have a happy hour. In Arabba, it is the hotels that are key to finding the local bars, try Peter’s.
For something a little more down-beat and harmonic to the Brit style, visit the local café’s and tearooms. The synchrony of Italian and Austrian culture means the restaurants are worth devoting an evening meal to - being in Italy you won’t struggle to find a decent pizza or pasta dish.
Across the Dolomite resorts there are 10 floodlit pistes for night skiing. You’ll never be too far from some tobogganing, walking-routes, curling, snowshoeing or even horse-riding (especially from St Cristina and between La Villa and Corvara).
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