Whether you’re looking for something particularly exciting or just want to experience the best of the Dolomites, the Sella Ronda should be on every Sno lovers bucket list. With a circular route going on for miles, views to rival any skyline and a chance to dabble in a spot of Tyrolean cuisine, you’re not likely to be disappointed with this legendary circuit.
The Sella Group is a cluster of mountains in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region of Northern Italy. This striking massif is the centrepiece of 4 Ladin valleys: Alta Badia, Arabba, Val Gardena and Val di Fassa. It brings together the 3 provinces of South Tyrol/Bolzano, Trento and Belluno. Come winter, it’s possible to ski the full circuit, famously recognised as the Sella Ronda.
26km of piste lies interconnected by a series of lifts that take you round the four mountain passes of Gardena, Pordoi, Sella and Campolongo. The Dolomiti Superski pass will give you access to the entire route (as well as covering a total of 12 ski areas and 1200km).
As the area was once part of Austria until the First World War, you’ll find that many place names have both a German and Austrian version, with the traditional Ladin language also thrown into the mix.
There are plenty of resorts to choose as a base, each with their own characteristics. Selva, Arabba, Canazei and Corvara are on each corner of the circuit, giving some of the easiest access onto the loop. Selva is probably the best known destination in the area while Arabba has the extra bonus of the Marmolada glacier nearby. Canazei is the biggest and liveliest resort while Corvara is a good option if you’re with less confident skiers who want to potter around the local area while you explore. Other resorts with good access are Selva’s neighbours, St Cristina and Ortisei and Campitello and Pozza in Val di Fassa. You also have public transport access from Kronplatz and Cortina.
The beauty of the Dolomites with its craggy ridges and reaching peaks was justified in 2009 when it was awarded UNESCO world heritage status. The views across the landscape really are astounding and you can’t come here without seeing the legendary pink hue of the peaks at sunrise or sunset.
Ortisei, St Cristina, Canazei, Campitello, Pozza di Fassa, Cortina, Arabba, Corvara, Selva, Kronplatz, Dolomiti Superski.
Next to the much-loved Cioccolata Calda, two things you have to try are the Biramisu (tiramisu made with beer) and the Bombardino (a drink make with cognac, brandy and topped with cream).
For stop offs along the route, we like Rifugio Fodom on the slopes of Arabba. In Corvara, Piz La Ila specialises in seafood and Piz Arlara does awesome soups and pastas. Panorama above Selva is a good place to rest your legs with a view to boot. If you fancy a breather in Plan de Gralba, pop into Rifugio Emilio Comici to snack in style. Jimmy Hutte at Colfosco is really popular for Michelin star dining and we also like the Salei and Fredarola Rifugios in Canazei.
Depending which resort you’ve decided to set up camp in, you’re sure to find a bar for a warming drink, a restaurant for a hearty meal or an activity for something fun.
L’Murin in Corvara is a place where dancing in ski boots is encouraged. Peter’s is popular in Arabba as well as Yello’s in Selva. Canazei has oodles of lively bars – L’husky is where you’ll find the cocktails. At the base of the Sassolungo is Hotel Piz Seteur that always gets the music going with the help of a few GoGo girls. If you want to take the party into the dark, Dali-Disco Dance in Selva, Posta Zirm Taverna in Corvara or the Corsa Italia street in Cortina should suffice!
The restaurants in the area range from the laid-back to a spot of indulgence. Micky’s in Arabba, La Bula in Selva and Il Ponte in Cortina are three of the best places to go for pizzas. There are also some Michelin starred restaurants in the area – La Siriola in Alta Badia, La Stua de Michil in Corvara and St Hubertus in San Cassiano.
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