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Dolomiti Superski Ski Region
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.
Stats & FAQ
Location: South Tyrol, Italy
Open: December - April
Downhill: 1200km
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| Highest Altitude: | 3343m |
| Lowest Altitude: | 1300m |
| No. lifts: | 450 |
| Slope Orientation: | N, S, E, W |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | Yes - Marmoldad Glacier |
| Downhill Runs: | 1200km |
| Beginner slopes: | 30% |
| Intermediate: | 60% |
| Advanced slopes: | 10% |
| Lift Pass Price: | Dolomiti Superski Pass: 210.00 Euros (Adult 6 day) |
| Ski areas: Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia, Arabba/Marmolada, Cortina, Kronplatz, Sella Ronda, Val di Fiemme, San Martino, Alta Pasteria, Civetta, Trevalli, Valle Isarco | |
| Resorts: Cortina, Corvara, Selva, Ortisei, St Cristina, Kronplatz, Arabba, Canazei, Campitello, Pozza di Fassa | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Dolomiti Superski
Easily the most famous skiing is the Sella Ronda – a spectacular route that connects the Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia and Marmolada/Arabba ski areas. Selva, Corvara and Arabba are 3 resorts with really easy access to the route, which covers four different passes, four valleys and three provinces. There are two routes to choose between: green and orange (we prefer the latter). If you’re an intermediate or above, it’s a must ski; set out before 10am so you have time for a few hot chocolate pit-stops along the way. Definitely ski this but don’t miss other worthwhile areas like the hidden valley from Lagazuoi.
Beginners have ski schools and nursery slopes in every resort, but Alta Badia has some particularly gentle slopes above Corvara, and Arabba has a good range of blues. You also have the spacious pistes over at Kronplatz with lots of blues at Plateau and Sonne, and more confident skiers will take well to the Concordia peak runs. With 90% red runs, Canazei is ideal for intermediates looking to roam.
From Arabba, experts can access the Marmolada Glacier for some superb snow sure skiing and more challenging slopes. Ski the tracks of champions down the steep Saslong in Val Gardena, the Gran Risa slalom down to La Villa, and Cortina’s black Olympia, which have all hosted international competitions. Off piste isn’t as extensive in this neck of the woods (due to the nature of snow and terrain in the area) but that said, a guide should be able to show you some incredible powder at Val Chedul, Val Mezdì or il Cristallo – for newbies, Passo San Pellegrino has the Col Margherita Freeride Park.
There will never be a rail, jib or pipe too far away, with 24 snowparks overall. Snowpark Seiser Alm in Alpe di Suisi is 1.5km long, Kronplatz has both an easy park and a Jib Park and the Cortina Superpark is pretty awesome too. Cross-country is plentiful with 8 ski areas to choose from and the Super Nordic Skipass to cover them.
Dolomiti Superski Apres Ski
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).
Best time to go
Best time to ski Dolomiti Superski
When is the best time to ski Dolomiti Superski?
For the colder months if there is a lull in snowfall, the Dolomite ski areas have invested a lot of resources into ensuring that almost all the slopes are in spraying-distance of a snow canon. The piste bashers also work tirelessly and in later months the first few runs of the day are crisp and compact. March through to April you get a lot more sun but the different facing slopes will mean at least a few will last well into the afternoon. Arabba gives the closest proximity to the Marmolada glacier - at 3343m the snow is never allowed to melt fully.
Peak Dates
Spend a white Christmas in the Dolomites with a zip round the Sella Ronda, a mooch up the Marmolada Glacier and a wander round the festive markets.
Celebrating New Year in the Dolomites is not likely to be disappointing - join in the hotel gala evenings, crack out a resolution at the world cup runs and finish the day with something bubbly.
While the rest of Britain heads off to clog up the slopes in other European resorts, take advantage of the Italians not having a half term week and squeeze in a bit more skiing this February half term in the Dolomites.
Squeeze those Easter eggs in the suitcase, hop on a plane and visit the Dolomites at Easter. You’ll be debating between lounging on a sunny terrace and skiing on the higher slopes; either way you get the views.
Families in Dolomiti Superski
The Italians are big on family and it’s not unusual to see grandparents and grandchildren waving goodbye as mum and dad hit the slopes. All the Dolomiti Superski resorts have structured ski school programmes and most run mini-clubs or kindergartens.
The blues in Alta Badia make it an easy area to recommend to families as well as the Alpe di Siusi area up from Ortisei. Here they’ve got some good runs for beginners as well as a popular ‘Witches Tour’ that’s aimed at children. Families of more experienced skiers will take to Val di Fassa like ducks to water -the 6km red from Pozza has some breathtaking views and the Col Rodella-Belvedere route has a decent diversity of terrain. The famous Sella Ronda is an excellent route to take the family round if you’ve all done a few weeks on the slopes. You have really easy access from Selva, Arabba and Corvara (it’s best to start no later than 10:00am if you plan to do the whole route).
The restaurants stay true to the Italian theme with a good selection of pizza and pasta available. The Ladin ethos also makes its way onto the menu which is great for a taste of culture. Café Andy in St Cristina, Café Mozart in Selva, the Alvera Patisserie in Cortina or Café Gelateri Genziana in Arabba make good places to head if you want a pastry or cake in a friendly atmosphere.
There’s a lot to get involved in off the slopes to keep the adrenaline alive. Most resorts have a sport’s centre and where they don’t there’s usually an ice rink. Toboggan runs are marked throughout the area and usually go on for a couple of kilometres at least. The horse riding in Alta Badia and Val Gardena is always good fun and you can also take a sleigh-ride in Val di Fassa for a new experience of the spectacular scenery.
GroupsGroup Holidays Dolomiti Superski
One reason the Dolomite Superski area is such a good choice is that the separate resorts all vary in size and personality, meaning you’re almost certain to find a place that suits. Canazei, Arabba and Ortisei are fitting options if you’re looking for a more lively resort. You’ve also got the quieter resorts like Pozza di Fassa, Corvara and St Cristina if you want somewhere with less partying and more chilling out for the week.
You’ll find you have a choice of two lift passes in each resort. One will give you access to the local ski area such as Alta Badia, Val Gardena or Val di Fassa. The other is the Dolomiti Superski pass which is hugely exciting purely for the chance to chop and change your daily route across a 1200km area. It also gives you full access around the Sella Ronda – great for a day excursion and exploring other runs like the Hidden Valley at Lagazuoi.
Beginners will probably only need the local pass and each resort has its own nursery area with one or two well-organised ski schools. The Alta Badia area, accessible from Corvara is chock-a-block with some gentle cruising blues that will build confidence. Val Gardena will suit intermediates with a large selection of reds and some really beautiful runs at Seceda above St Cristina. From Arabba you can more easily access the snow sure Marmolada Glacier for some challenging, snow sure descents. Val di Fassa has a bit more of a challenge thrown in and throughout the area you’ll find several snowparks.
Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are very popular across the area if you want to try something a bit different. If you have non-skiers coming along, there’s plenty to get involved with throughout the area. Tobogganing, horse-riding, walking, historical tours and ice-skating are but a few of a long list of things to do...
More Dolomiti Superski Holiday Resources
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