Frequently asked questions about skiing in the Dolomites
What months are best for skiing in the Dolomites?
The best time for skiing in the Dolomites is from December to March, with January and February generally offering the most reliable snow conditions. Most ski resorts open as early as the end of November / beginning of December, so of course Christmas and New Year are also popular travel times for winter sports.
What is the most snow sure resort in the Dolomites?
The areas around Arabba and Marmolada are considered among the most snow-sure in the Dolomites, with their high altitude, rising above 3,000 metres (including the Marmolada glacier), providing particularly reliable snow conditions. Other ski areas, such as Plan de Corones, Tre Cime Dolomiti and Val Gardena–Alpe di Siusi, also benefit from high-altitude terrain and extensive snowmaking, ensuring good piste conditions even when natural snowfall is limited.
Which are the best ski resorts in the Dolomites?
Which ski resort is best depends heavily on what you are looking for: families with children will find wide, sunny and well-groomed slopes in almost all ski resorts, which are also ideal for beginners and leisurely skiing. Those looking for challenging descents and an authentic alpine atmosphere will find them in areas such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Plan de Corones, Carezza Dolomites and around Marmolada, where steeper slopes and dramatic rocky scenery take centre stage. The ski areas around the Sellaronda are also among the Dolomites’ top destinations, linking Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa and Arabba. Ultimately, the best ski area depends less on reputation and more on the kind of skiing experience you are looking for.
Is it expensive to ski in the Dolomites?
Skiing in the Dolomites is generally not cheap, regardless of the area you choose, as ski passes, accommodation and dining tend to be similarly priced in the best-known regions. Especially during peak season, such as over Christmas or during the carnival holidays, prices for ski passes and overnight stays increase even further. Those who want to save money can benefit from early booking offers and from travelling outside of peak holiday periods.
Are the Dolomites good for skiing?
Yes, the Dolomites are highly recommended for skiing, as they offer one of the largest and most diverse ski areas in the Alps with the Dolomiti Superski network, with over 1,200 kilometres of slopes that cater to a wide range of requirements. From wide, sunny slopes for families to challenging steep slopes for experienced skiers, there is a suitable run for every level.
What airport do you fly into to ski the dolomites?
For a skiing holiday in the Dolomites, it is best to land at Innsbruck Airport (around 120 km away) in the north or at Verona Airport (around 150 km away) in the south, as both are well connected to the region by train and shuttle services. Although the small regional airport of Bolzano (BZO) is the closest, it offers only limited direct international flights.
Can beginners ski in Dolomites?
Yes, beginners can ski very well in the Dolomites. All areas also offer wide practice slopes, especially suitable for beginners and children. In addition, there are numerous ski schools with experienced ski instructors offering beginner courses in several languages.
How much is the lift pass in the Dolomites?
The cost of a ski pass varies considerably depending on the season and the number of days: during the low season, a one-day pass for the Dolomiti Superski area is significantly cheaper than in peak season (Christmas/New Year and February), when a one-day adult pass can cost around US$100. With multi-day passes, the daily cost is considerably lower: a 6 day pass costs around US$460–520, depending on the season. However, it should be noted that these are prices for adults. There are also separate tickets for children, or children who ride for free because their parents have a ski pass, prices for teenagers and seniors.
What is the steepest piste in the Dolomites?
The steepest groomed pistes in the Dolomites include “Holzriese” in the Tre Cime Dolomiti ski area (Croda Rossa near Sesto). It has an extreme gradient of 71-72%. Also among the steepest is the “Piculin” piste at Plan de Corones.
What is the highest ski resort in the Dolomites?
The highest ski resort in the Dolomites is Arabba/Marmolada, which reaches an altitude of 3,269 metres and thus benefits from the glacier of the Marmolada, the “Queen of the Dolomites”. The ski slope that leads from the Marmolada down to Malga Ciapela is the “Bellunese”. It is 12 km long and descends 1,810 metres in altitude.