Skiing in the Dolomites of Italy

Located in north-eastern Italy, the Dolomites are a mountain range forming part of the spectacular Southern Limestone Alps, stretching from the Piave Valley in the east to the River Adige in the west. The Dolomites were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in August 2009, where it states that the Dolomites feature 18 peaks rising to above 3,000 meters, with some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes to be found anywhere. Visitors to this fascinating region of Italy soon agree that the jagged peaks, sheer cliffs, vertical walls and deep, long valleys of the Dolomites are unique and breathtaking. It is in these surroundings that snow sport enthusiasts can experience some of the world’s most exciting skiing and snowboarding, with a range of resorts and hotels catering for visitors who can afford the luxuries in life, and for those traveling on a shoe-string budget. The winter sport history of the Dolomites goes back more than a century, with its terrain offering the perfect pistes for all levels of expertise, as well as ski mountaineering, cross country circuits, ice stadiums and loads of options for off-piste descents.

Considered by seasoned skiers to be one of the most impressive ski tours in the world, the Sellaronda is suited for intermediate skiers, circling the Sella Massif in a day and covering a distance of around 40 kilometers of which 26 kilometers are ski slopes and the rest is covered by ski lift travel. The route accesses four valleys, namely Livinallongo, Alta Badia, Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, and covers three districts, offering awe-inspiring views of some of the best ski territory in the Dolomites.

Opening up views of the highest peak in the Dolomites, the Marmolada Ski Tour begins in Arabba before continuing on to Porta Vescovo where skiers will get a memorable view of the Marmolada Glacier. The tour travels along the Ornella run to Pescoi, crosses the Passo Padon ridge, through Passo Fedaia and ends at Punta Rocco, having covered an elevation of more than 1,300 meters and including a 12 kilometer run.

The Ski Tour Olympia takes skiers down the slopes that were used for the 1956 Winter Olympics, but does not require skiers to have Olympic-style skills, as there are a variety of slopes for skiers of varying levels of ability to enjoy. Advances skiers will have the opportunity to test their skills on Canalone Franchetti, Slittone, Stratondi, Vitelli and Tondi Normale, while only very experienced skiers can tackle the Canalone Staunies.

Twelve ski areas and hundreds of kilometers of ski slopes, accessed by 450 ski lifts, are waiting to be explored when you visit the Dolomites in Italy.