Ski Holidays in the Dolomites, Italy

Ski holidays in the Dolomites are ideal if you value exceptional food, great value, and atmosphere over ski-in ski-out convenience. One of the most beautiful and least crowded ski regions in the world, the Dolomites offer an impressive 1,220km of sun-kissed pistes spread across several interconnected ski areas — all covered by a single lift pass.

Why ski in the Dolomites?

From the glamorous resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo to the traditional villages of Arabba and Alta Badia, the Dolomites cater for all abilities and tastes. This is a region where wide, immaculately groomed pistes, relaxed mountain villages and outstanding food come together to create a ski holiday that feels both refined and refreshingly unhurried.

A standout experience is skiing the famous Sella Ronda — a spectacular 40km circuit linking Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa and Arabba-Marmolada. The route can be skied in either direction and offers constantly changing scenery, with dramatic limestone peaks, sunny pistes and charming mountain huts along the way.

Unlike many high-profile Alpine resorts, the Dolomites remain remarkably uncrowded, even in peak season. Lift queues are rare, pistes are wide and flowing, and long, leisurely lunches on sun terraces are very much part of the culture. Combined with excellent snowmaking, reliable conditions and exceptional value for money, it’s easy to see why the Dolomites consistently rank among Italy’s most rewarding ski destinations.

Ski areas in the Dolomites

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  Alta Badia: Part of the Sella Ronda circuit and home to the famous Gran Risa black run. La Villa is ideal for beginners, Corvara is the liveliest base, and San Cassiano is renowned for its outstanding dining, including Michelin-star restaurants.

  Arabba-Marmolada: A traditional resort with direct Sella Ronda access and gateway to Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites (3,343m) and home to the region’s longest ski run.

  Cortina d’Ampezzo: A glamorous and historic resort offering varied skiing alongside boutique shopping, lively bars and excellent restaurants.

  Val Gardena: One of the most popular areas in the Dolomites, with Selva providing superb skiing and hosting the FIS World Cup downhill on the Saslong piste.

  Val di Fassa: Set beneath a wooded section of the Sella Ronda, with Canazei offering excellent restaurants and an Austrian-style après ski.

  Kronplatz: A modern ski area centred around one large mountain, offering terrain for all abilities and a traditional après-ski scene.

  Other areas: Alpe Lusia / San Pellegrino, Alta Pusteria (Three Peaks), Val di Fiemme, Valle Isarco, Monte Civetta and San Martino di Castrozza all offer distinctive skiing experiences, from family-friendly slopes to quieter, traditional resorts.

Planning your Dolomites ski holiday

• Getting there, when to go & what else to do

  Getting to the Dolomites

  Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Dolomites. Innsbruck, Verona and Venice airports all provide access, with transfer times ranging from approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours depending on your resort.

  Train travel from the UK is possible but involves several changes across France, Germany and Italy. Many travellers who wish to minimise flying choose to fly to a nearby airport and continue by train or road transfer.

  Activities for non-skiers

  The Dolomites offer a wide range of activities beyond skiing, including snowshoeing, tobogganing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and fat biking. Most hotels also feature excellent spa and wellness facilities.

  Cortina d’Ampezzo is home to the Dolomites Astronomical Observatory, offering unforgettable winter night-sky views. Dining is another highlight of the region, from Michelin-starred restaurants to welcoming mountain rifugi where long lunches are part of the culture.

  When to go

  Despite concerns about snowfall, the Dolomites benefit from extensive snowmaking, with over 97% of pistes covered. Combined with reliable winter conditions, this ensures excellent skiing from December through to April.

The Hidden Valley

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  The Armentarola piste, better known as the Hidden Valley, is one of the most beautiful ski runs in the world. Starting at 2,752m from the Lagazuoi cable car, the 11km red run winds through a dramatic valley of frozen waterfalls and towering rock faces.

  Just 100 metres from the summit, a discreet wooden door leads into WW1 tunnels carved deep into the mountain, where skiers can peer out over the valley floor more than a mile below. At the bottom of the run, horses tow skiers across the valley to the Armentarola lift, reconnecting you with Alta Badia and the Sella Ronda.

  The Hidden Valley is easily reached by a short bus ride from Cortina d’Ampezzo or directly from the Sella Ronda via San Cassiano or Armentarola.

  Skier’s point of view video: The Hidden Valley