Skiing In The Dolomites: Full Guide & My Experience

The Dolomites – my favorite mountains in Europe! I came here for my 2-week hiking trip in the summer to reflect on my life… I was at the point, a bit lost, with many changes happening, not knowing where to go and what to do. My heart led me here, and I fell in love with these mountains and places in the Dolomites so much so that I’ve moved here.

So, I’m writing this article for you from my home base in the Dolomites, my dream come true. I’ve skied in the Dolomites at least 7 times before I moved here, and now it’s on my weekly schedule. It’s my absolute passion, and I keep exploring new areas and slopes.

So, I’d love to give you all my insider tips about skiing in the Dolomites, where to go, best ski slopes, and hotels, so you’ll get the most out of your stay.

Ski Resorts In The Dolomites & My Favorites

If we put all the ski resorts in the Dolomites together, it’s called ‘Dolomiti Superski‘. It’s the largest ski resort in Europe, some say even in the world.

It’s massive – and unique. I’m confident to say there is nothing quite like the Dolomites. The breathtaking peaks, stunning slopes, rifugios with delicious Italian food, and Aperol Spritz at high altitudes… what else could you ask for? I have goosebumps when writing and thinking about skiing here :D.

The Dolomiti Superski area consists of:

❄ 12 ski regions
❄ 450 lifts
❄ 1200 km (750 miles) of ski slopes

And the best part of it all? They’re all well-connected. You can easily ski from one region to another, and if not, take a bus or ride on the windy mountain roads to access a different area.

So, in this section, we’ll talk about the 12 ski regions in the Dolomites, what you can expect, where to stay, and things to look out for when you plan your holiday here:

Here is a list of the 12 ski regions:

📍 Kronplatz
📍 Cortina d’Ampezzo
📍 3 Zinnen Dolomites
📍 Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi
📍 Val di Fassa/Carezza
📍 Alta Badia
📍 Arabba/Marmolada
📍 Val di Fiemme/Obereggen
📍 Gitschberg/Jochtal
📍 San Martino di Castrozza/Passo Rolle
📍 Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino
📍 Civetta

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📍 Kronplatz

Kronplatz was the first-ever ski resort in the Dolomites I visited. I remember when my dad took me here when I was 6 years old with his friends. As they wanted to have some ‘guy time’, he let me ski alone on my favorite slope as a little kid.

I was scared to death, but as long as I made it to the cable car station, I kept skiing with a smile on my face. I think that must have been the first time I truly fell in love with the Dolomites.

It’s one of the easiest accessible areas in the Dolomites. The closest town is Bruneck, and you can reach it from Austria and Germany within a few hours.

Kronplatz offers a great mix of beginner-friendly and more advanced slopes. It’s great for families with children as it has many ski schools, fun tracks on the slopes, and a great vibe.

If you’re an advanced skier, you’ll love the black slopes from the top to the villages like Hernegg (my favorite slope), Olang, and Silverster. The only downside is that if you’re a good skier, you can easily ski everywhere within 3 days, which might get boring. It’s not a big ski area (when I compare it to other ones).

Overall, it’s great for groups and families with different types of skiers, offers a lot of fun and après-ski, and, what can I say, you’ll love it here. It’s my third-favorite ski resort in the Dolomites.

Where To Stay In Kronplatz

To ski in Kronplatz, I recommend staying around the talstation Plan de Corones (15-minute drive from Bruneck), in Santo Stefano, Pfalzen town (budget-friendly options), Olang-Valdaora on the slopes.

Here are my favorite hotels in the area:

🏰 Hotel Winkler Sport & Spa Resort – in Santo Stefano
🏰 Majestic – Unique Spa Resort (ski-to-door) – below the talstation near Bruneck
🏰 Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus – Olang Valdaora on the slopes
🏰 Bärenhotel (ski-to-door) – Olang Valdaora on the slopes – love this hotel
🏰 Hotel Gasthof Jochele – in Pfalzen

📍 Cortina d’Ampezzo

Now, a major competitor to Kronplatz is the nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo. Its major advantage is that it’s easily accessible from Venice Airport (within 3 hours). So, if you don’t want to spend hours traveling, this is your spot.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, just like Kronplatz, is a great resort for a variety of skiers. Yet, it’s a lot bigger than Kronplatz and the scenery is a lot more beautiful, too.

It has 3 main ski resorts:

🏂 Tofana
🏂 Faloria
🏂 Cinque Torri-Lagazuoi

Tofana offers a nice mix of slopes for beginners and advanced skiers. As a beginner skier, you’ll love the slopes: Socrepes and the Rumerlo area. As an advanced skier, head to Olympia delle Tofane and Forcella Rossa.

Faloria is a bit smaller than Tofana, but it also offers a great mix. And the scenery is breathtaking.

Many people skip Conque Torri-Lagazuoi, but don’t make this mistake, please – it’s a hidden gem in Cortina. I love skiing here, especially on the slope from the top of Lagazuoi Rifugio. Have lunch there, and then enjoy the long ski run down.

What I love about Cortina is its charm, high-end luxury hotels, and the fact that it includes 3 regions, so you won’t get bored here even if you spend a week. You know that it hosted the 2021 Alpine World Ski Championships and the 2026 Winter Olympics, and there is a reason for it – the slopes are excellent.

Where To Stay In Cortina d’Ampezzo

Here are the hotels I recommend in Cortina d’Ampezzo for your stay:

🏰 Hotel de Len – in Cortina
🏰 Hotel Tofana Cortina (ski-to-door) – in Pocol
🏰 Dolomiti Lodge Alverà – approx. 15-minute drive from Cortina
🏰 Faloria Mountain Spa Resort – approx. 15-minute drive from Cortina

📍 3 Zinnen Dolomites

Now, it’s only getting better here… welcome to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (3 Zinnen), the famous 3 iconic peaks you see all over Instagram/Google when you type in the word ‘Dolomites’. It’s here that you can ski against the breathtaking backdrop of these 3 peaks.

This area is absolutely stunning, it’s located in the Sexten Alps at the border with Austria. It’s also close to Kronplatz and Cortina. So, if you want to stay for 2 weeks, you can visit all of them during your holidays.

3 Zinnen consists of 5 main resorts:

🏂 Monte Elmo
🏂 Croda Rossa
🏂 Stiergarten
🏂 Comelico
🏂 Rienza

As an advanced skier, my favorite part is to make the Ski tour from Monte Elmo – Stiergarten – Croda Rossa. It’s super iconic, and you can hit all these areas within a day. Another great steep run is from the top of Monte Elmo.

As with other areas, you’ll rock here even as a beginner skier. Head to Croda Rossa base area, Rienza, or hang around the middle station area at Monte Elmo.

Not only that, it’s also a cross-country skiing paradise, which I love. And you can also enjoy night skiing at the Rienza slope.

Where To Stay In 3 Zinnen

To ski here, I suggest staying in Sexten and Moos (the mains town in the area connected to the slopes), San Candido, or even Dobbiaco (not connected to the slopes, but it’s close).

These are the hotels I recommend for your stay:

🏰 Hotel Waldheim (ski-to-door) – near Sexten
🏰 Ariane’s Guesthouse – Boutique Apartments (ski-to-door) – in Sexten
🏰 Family Resort Rainer Sexten (ski-to-door) – in Moos
🏰 Naturhotel Leitlhof – in San Candido
🏰 Hotel Patris – in Dobbiacho

📍 Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi

Val Gardena is a beloved destination thanks to its charming alpine towns, hospitality, and amazing hotels.

To be completely honest with you, it’s one of my favorite parts of the Dolomites, but only in the summer. It’s not necessarily the best for intermediate/advanced skiers. I’m talking from the perspective of a skier who needs a vast ski area with multiple great slopes. 😅

Val Gardena, although great, has its ski resorts scattered across 3 main towns (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva di Val Gardena) and different mountains. They’re not well-connected, and you’ll get easily bored as a good skier in just one area. And then you’d have to travel to get to the next one.

Though it’s amazing for beginner skiers, families with kids, and those who want to enjoy slow-paced skiing and take the afternoon relaxing in a hot outdoor pool at their hotel.

The main ski resorts are:

🏂 Seceda
🏂 Alpe di Siusi
🏂 Ciampinoi-Dantercepies

Seceda has only a few slopes, making it great for intermediate skiers. If you want to perfect your ski technique and enjoy the one long slope, which I loved, + delicious cuisine at the local huts, and take it easy, you’ll love it here.

Head to the Alpe di Siusi if you’re a beginner or have kids. It’s the highest meadow in Europe – the area is extensive and beautiful. The slopes aren’t steep (though you’ll find a few), and they’re well connected. It’s also a great romantic getaway, perfect for relaxing.

Ciampinoi-Dantercepies is the largest ski resort in Val Gardena, so go here if you’re an advanced or intermediate skier. You’ll love the long runs (my favorites are from the top of Dantercepies to Selva and from Sassolungo all the way down to Selva).

It’s also part of my absolute favorite ski area in the Dolomites – Sellaronda Circuit. It connects 4 main ski regions: Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, and Val di Fassa. If you’re staying in the area, dedicate 1 full day to skiing the Sellaronda Circuit – you’ll love it!

Where To Stay In Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi

Being in Val Gardena, I recommend staying in Selva or Ortisei. If you want to be more remote, surrounded by nature, stay in Alpe di Siusi.

Here are my favorite hotels in the area:

🏰 Hotel Garni Walter – in Ortisei
🏰 Gardena Grodnerhof Hotel & Spa – in Ortisei
🏰 Boutique Hotel Nives – in Selva
🏰 Passo Sella Dolomiti Mountain Resort (ski-to-door) – on Passo Sella mountain pass – love this hotel – on the Sellaronda ski route
🏰 ICARO Hotel (ski-to-door) – Alpe di Siusi

📍 Val di Fassa/Carezza

Now, I’ve got what I think is the best ski resort in the Dolomites for families. To be completely honest with you, I was quite bored at the slopes in Carezza as an advanced skier.

It’s beautiful here, but there aren’t many slopes, and it’s not very challenging. Yet, it’s great for kids and families. You can enjoy the snowpark, fun runs, and beginner-friendly slopes.

As an intermediate/advanced skier, I suggest staying in Val di Fassa, which is again connected to the Sellaronda Circuit. I love Val di Fassa and especially its Ski Tour Panorama. It consists of the zones Catinaccio‑Ciampedie, Buffaure‑Ciampac, and Belvedere‑Col Rodella, and you’ll love the views from here.

I recommend skiing the Ski Tour Panorama and then heading to the Sellaronda on one of the days.

Where To Stay Val di Fassa/Carezza

Here are the hotels I suggest in the area for you:

🏰 Hotel Alpenrose (ski-to-door) – in Carezza
🏰 Hotel Castel Latemar (ski-to-door) – in Carezza
🏰 Olympic SPA Hotel – Adults Only – in Vigo di Fassa
🏰 Hotel Terme Antico Bagno – in Pozza di Fassa
🏰 Hotel Valacia (ski-to-door) – in Pozza di Fassa

📍 Alta Badia

Alta Badia is another very famous area in the heart of the Dolomites. The disadvantage is that it’s in the middle, and so you’ll have to travel a bit more to get here. But you’ll be rewarded with some of the most spectacular views of the Dolomites all around.

It offers a great variety of ski slopes for beginner-friendly to advanced skiers. And it’s again part of Sellaronda – so it’s amazing for all the advanced skiers looking for some challenge.

I suggest staying in Corvara, the main town, which is well accessible from other parts (Val Gardena and Kronplatz). It has many slopes around and even a snowpark. And the mountain huts with their cuisine and drinks are perfect.

Where To Stay In Alta Badia

In Alta Badia area, I suggest staying in La Villa or Corvara. These are the hotels I recommend for you:

🏰 Ciasa Agreiter – in La Villa
🏰 Sportony Mountain Lodges (ski-to-door) – in La Villa
🏰 Hotel La Majun (ski-to-door) – in La Villa
🏰 Hotel La Perla (ski-to-door) – in Corvara

📍 Arabba/Marmolada

Fasten your seatbelts, you guys – because we have made it to the highest peak in the Dolomites. Welcome to the majestic Marmolada, which was once the pain point of my skiing time, where I tore my ACL and could not ski the entire season, sadly… Luckily, I recovered – the worst part was that I didn’t fall on the slopes; I was already down in the valley on the ice. 🙈

So, yes, it’s quite icy here – be careful. This is the best challenge for all my fellow advanced skiers here – you’ll absolutely love the slope from the top of Marmolada to the bottom. It’s called the ‘Flagship run‘, La Bellunese: about 12 km long, descending from Punta Rocca (3,265 m) down to Malga Ciapela (~1,446 m) with ~1,800 m vertical drop.

I am always tearing up with happiness as I ski down – it must be truly my favorite ski slope in the Dolomites, because it’s so long and almost endless. Even my torn ACL didn’t stop me, and I keep coming back – but now, being more careful about the ice, lol.

The views are spectacular! But please, don’t come here as a beginner skier, it’s really not easy.

This part is also part of another ski circuit in the Dolomites called ‘Grande Guerra‘, following the traces, routes, and slopes which were near front‑line positions during World War I.

Arabba has many amazing intermediate-advanced ski slopes and long, vast runs. It’s connected to the Sellaronda circuit and the nearby Val di Fassa and Alta Badia – so you can ski everywhere and go absolutely crazy.

Where To Stay In Arabba

I suggest staying in Arabba in these hotels:

🏰 Hotel Mesdi (ski-to-door)
🏰 Sporthotel Arabba (ski-to-door)
🏰 HOTEL B&B MARILENA

📍 Val di Fiemme/Obereggen

Val di Fiemme/Obereggen is very similar to Kronplatz in terms of style and slope variety. It has an amazing location – it’s the closest to Trento and Bolzano. So if you’re arriving from Milan, it’s a great place to start skiing.

It’s also called the Latemar Ski Center, with about 50km of slopes and 18 lifts, so it’s a bit on the smaller side but great for a ski day trip from Trento/Bolzano.

You’ll find a good mixture of beginner-friendly slopes to more advanced ones. And it’s a lot less crowded than the other popular resorts in the Dolomites.

Where To Stay In Val di Fiemme/Obereggen

I recommend staying in Obereggen or Predazzo as these are the main towns connected to the main Latemar Ski Resort. Alternatively, you can also stay in Cavalese, which also has a few slopes, but you’d have to drive to the Latemar resort.

These are the hotels I recommend:

🏰 Hotel Cristal (ski-to-door) – in Obereggen
🏰 Sporthotel Obereggen (ski-to-door) – in Obereggen
🏰 Hotel Bellaria – in Predazzo
🏰 Mountain Dolomiti Apartments – in Predazzo

📍 Gitschberg/Jochtal

Another more relaxed/quieter ski resort is located at the entrance of the Pustertal (Val Pusteria), at the foot of Brixen and close to Bruneck and Kronplatz. It’s particularly good for families and beginners, and it consists of 2 major areas – Gitschberg and Jochtal – which are well connected by slopes and cable cars.

It’s not very popular, so it’s not so crowded, which is amazing. Again, another great area if you just want to ski a bit and combine it with a relaxing winter holiday in a wellness hotel.

The Gitschberg area is especially great, as it gets a lot of sun, so you can relax in a mountain hut while sipping hot chocolate and enjoying the warmth.

Where To Stay In Gitschberg/Jochtal

To ski here, I suggest booking a stay in Valles or Maransa, which are the 2 main towns in the area.

These are the hotels I suggest:

🏰 Aparthotel Panorama Living Dolomites (ski-to-door) – in Maranza
🏰 Hotel Ambet (ski-to-door) – in Maranza
🏰 Tratterhof Mountain Sky Hotel – in Maranza
🏰 Falkensteiner Hotel & Spa Falkensteinerhof (ski-to-door) – in Valles
🏰 Familienhotel Huber (ski-to-door) – in Valles

📍 San Martino di Castrozza/Passo Rolle

We’re moving from the South Tyrol part of the Dolomites, more south to the Trentino region. And leaving behind the thrill of advanced slopes again.

San Martino di Castrozza is a small town, and it’s another great destination for families with kids and beginner skiers. It has a few slopes, and it’s better for you if you’re looking for a little bit of skiing and relaxing in nice hotels in the afternoon.

If you’re here with a family and still want to enjoy some black runs, head to Fantasia 2000 & Paradiso slopes.

The town has a traditional Alpine charm; it’s a bit further away from major cities, so you’ll love the mountain vibes.

It’s connected to Passo Rolle, which is one of the most iconic mountain passes in the Dolomites. It’s a bit secluded, and you’ll have to travel to get to other ski areas in the Dolomites.

Where To Stay In San Martino di Castrozza

I recommend the following hotels in San Martino di Catrozza:

🏰 Hotel Garni Suisse
🏰 Baita Dani
🏰 G. Hotel Des Alpes
🏰 Hotel Cima Rosetta

📍 Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino

Another less-crowded ski resort in the Dolomites is Alpe Lusia (Moena) and San Pellegrino. Similar to San Martino di Castrozza, it’s more relaxed and great for beginners and families with kids.

Advanced skiers might get easily bored here. But again, it’s quiet and away from the major ski resorts. So, if you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the middle of the mountains, it’s a great spot.

For a bit more adventure, you’ll love their two snowparks: ‘Morea Snowpark‘ (on the San Pellegrino side) and the ‘Sanpe Snowpark‘ (in Alpe Lusia).

Where To Stay In Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino

To ski in the area, I suggest staying in Moena (the main base) or in San Pellegrino, on the mountain pass, surrounded by nature with ski-to-door access.

These are the hotels I recommend for your stay:

🏰 Chalet Cima Uomo (ski-to-door) – in San Pellegrino
🏰 Hotel Malga Passerella (ski-to-door) – in Moena
🏰 Hotel Faloria – in Moena
🏰 Adler ApartHotel – in Moena

📍 Civetta

And last but not least, we’ve got the cute resort of Civetta, which is actually closer to Venice (even closer than Cortina d’Ampezzo). So, it could be a great ski day trip from Venice.

It’s located in the Veneto region, and you can access it from 3 towns: Alleghe, Selva di Cadore, and Val di Zoldo. I suggest driving to Alleghe as it’s the base.

As with the other ski resorts in the southern Dolomites (San Martino di Castrozza/Passo Rolle & Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino), it’s more on a relaxed side and less crowded.

Families and beginner skiers will thrive here, and you’ll love the night skiing in the Val di Zoldo.

Where To Stay In Civetta

To be completely honest with you, Civetta doesn’t have such nice accommodations and hotels as the other resorts in the Dolomites. But some are worth it. So here they are.

I suggest staying in Alleghe (the main town), or, if you want to be more in nature and away from crowds, in Val di Zoldo or Selva di Cadore.

🏰 Naturae Lodge Wellness & Spa – in Alleghe
🏰 Hotel Sporting (ski-to-door) – in Val di Zoldo
🏰 Casa dei Gigli – in Selva di Cadore

Overview Of The Ski Resorts In The Dolomites

Here is a quick overview of the ski areas and which one is best for whom. I believe this list will help you choose your perfect fit:

👉 BEST FOR FAMILIES WITH KIDS & BEGINNERS: Kronplatz, Alpe di Siusi, Carezza, Gitschberg/Jochtal, San Martino di Castrozza/Passo Rolle, Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino, Civetta

👉 BEST FOR INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED SKIERS (looking for a challenge and vast areas): Cortina d’Ampezzo, 3 Zinnen Dolomites, Val Gardena, Arabba/Marmolada

👉 BEST FOR GROUPS & DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKIERS: Kronplatz, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia, Val di Fiemme/Obereggen

👉 BEST FOR A RELAXING SKI HOLIDAY: Kronplatz, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, Gitschberg/Jochtal, San Martino di Castrozza/Passo Rolle

👉 OVERALL LONGEST SKIP SLOPE: Flagship Run – Marmolada!

Best Ski Resorts In The Dolomites: My Favorites

Speaking from an advanced skier perspective, looking for a challenge, but mainly vast ski resorts with many different slopes, great mountain huts for places to eat, and spectacular scenery, here are my favorite ski resorts in the Dolomites.

If you can’t choose, let this list help you plan where to go:

1. VAL GARDENA – stay in Selva di Val Gardena and enjoy skiing around + Sellaronda Circuit + you can also connect to Marmolada & Arabba.
2. ARABBA/MARMOLADA – my absolute favorite ski run in the Dolomites (the majestic Flagship Run)
3. CORTINA D’AMPEZZO – amazing variety of slopes with 3 main ski areas, delicious food in the huts, and amazing views – you won’t get bored here
4. KRONPLATZ – a great mixture for groups and families – everyone will find their perfect slope fit

Dolomites Ski Resorts Map

To help you visualize the entire area a bit better, here is a map for you. I also recommend going to the Dolomiti Superski website to see their interactive map, which will help you plan even more:

Dolomites Ski Pass

The flexibility of the ski passes in the Dolomites is another great advantage of skiing in this part of Europe.

You can get the so-called Dolomiti Superski Pass, which covers all 12 ski resorts in the Dolomites that I described above. It’s usually only slightly more expensive than the ski passes for individual resorts. So if you’re an advanced/intermediate skier and want to enjoy at least 2 different ski resorts, go for the Dolomiti Superski Pass.

If you plan to stay in 1 ski area, you can purchase a local ski pass individually.

The prices of a ski pass per day range around $80, depending on the resort. The more days you buy the ski pass for, the more affordable it is.

➡ Check out the ski pass prices for individual areas here or the Dolomiti Superski Pass prices here.

Dolomites Apres Ski

Après-ski in the Dolomites is a bit different from that in other Alpine countries in Europe. Let me explain.

Here, you have the regular après-ski bars with a DJ and fun, of course… but you also have 1 mountain hut on the top of the mountains that is open as long as the slopes and cable cars are operating. So you can enjoy a wonderful sunset on the top of your ski resort with an Aperol Spritz or Hugo, before you make the last, longest ski run back to the village (always my favorite).

And there you continue with the DJ après-ski bar :D. Staying at the top of the mountains, waiting until everyone is already down, soaking up the sunset, and then skiing down is always my favorite part of skiing in the Dolomites. I’ve always done it on Kronplatz.

So, here are the best après-ski spots in the Dolomites you can’t miss:

🎶 Chalet Tofane – in Cortina d’Ampezzo
🎶 La Stua Aprés Ski – my favorite aprés ski (great after Sellaronda) – in Selva di Val Gardena
🎶 Luislkeller & Bar Saltos – in Selva di Val Gardena
🎶 Max Alm – in Versciaco (3 Zinnen Ski Resort)
🎶 Rifugio Corones – Kronplatz
🎶 Apres Ski Giggeralm – Kronplatz (at the talstation Bruneck)

Ski Rentals & Ski Schools In The Dolomites

Every town in the Dolomites has one or multiple ski rental shops. You can come completely without equipment and get everything on the spot. There are also many sports shops, so you can buy everything you need

If you like shopping and don’t want to go skiing, you can enjoy a shopping day in local boutique shops – you’ll love them. Especially in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, Ortisei, Corvara (Alta Badia), and Bruneck (Kronplatz) – all of them are great for sport shops and luxury/boutique shops.

➡ Look up a ski rental shop in your ski area here.

As for ski schools, there are again many options. Each resort has several ski schools with which you can book lessons. The instructors speak perfect English, German, Italian, and some even Russian, Spanish, and other languages.

➡ Check out the best schools in your ski resort here.

Dolomites In The Winter: Activities For Non-Skiers

If you’re a non-skier and want to visit the Dolomites in the winter, don’t worry. There are so many amazing things you can do here, except skiing/snowboarding.

I’ve put together a full article about the best things to do in the Dolomites in winter. Here is a list of the activities you can enjoy, or click on the image below and read the full article:

1. Enjoy winter hiking
2. Explore The Mountains On Cable Cars
3. Visit The Highest Mountain In The Dolomites
4. Follow The Trenches From WWI.
5. Go Cross-Country Skiing
6. Visit The Rifugios
7. Indulge In A Local Cuisine
8. Make A Road Trip Through The Mountain Passes
9. Relax In A Wellness Hotel

Skiing In The Dolomites Itinerary

Do you want to experience multiple ski resorts in the Dolomites within a couple of days? I’d love to create a customized skiing itinerary for you.

Here is the thing – people often call me crazy for researching every single little detail when I travel and ski, waking up early in the morning just to check the best fresh slopes, hopping into restaurants and bars to experience the vibe, and hiking all the mountains in the Dolomites and staying in local rifugios to know which ones are the most worth the effort.

I’ve been skiing in the Dolomites for over 7 years now and hiking for 2 years. And I’ve discovered the best spots.

I can create a skiing itinerary for you that includes visits to major ski resorts such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, Alta Badia, Marmolada/Arabba, and Val Gardena. I’ll suggest how to get around (even without a car), where to stay, best restaurants, and apres-ski, and you’ll save a lot of time planning.

Send me an email info(at)voicesoftravel.com, or fill out the form below:

Practical Tips For Skiing In The Dolomites

I also have some practical tips for your visit to the Dolomites and skiing in the wintertime. Check out how to get there, the closest ski area to major airports, the best time to visit, and what to look out for when planning your stay:

Where Are The Dolomites

The Dolomites are located in northern Italy, close to the Austrian border. It’s a major mountain range in Europe in the Italian Alps.

The mountains stretch from Bolzano (on the west) towards the Sexten Alps (3 Zinnen) and Cortina d’Ampezzo in the east, Bruneck/Brunico in the north (close to Kronplatz), and San Martino di Castrozza in Trentino, the southern part of the Dolomites.

Getting To The Dolomites

The best way to get to the Dolomites is from Venice (Italy), Milan (Italy), Innsbruck (Austria), or even Munich (Germany).

If you travel from Venice, you can easily reach Civetta in 2 hours and Cortina d’Ampezzo in 2.5 hours, and even 3 Zinnen ski resort in 3.5 hours. From Venice, you’ll also easily access San Martino di Castrozza in 2 hours and the Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino ski resort in 3 hours.

If you’re traveling from Milan, you’ll get to Val di Fiemme/Obereggen in 3 hours and San Martino di Castrozza with Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino in 4 hours. Val Gardena is also about 4 hours from Milan.

Traveling from Innsbruck in Austria, you can reach the Gitschberg-Jochtal ski resort in 2 hours, as well as Bruneck with Kronplatz. From there, you can keep driving to Alta Badia for an extra hour or to Cortina d’Ampezzo for 2 hours.

And if you fly to Munich, you’ll get to Gitschberg-Jochtal & Kronplatz in about 3.5 hours.

Getting Around The Dolomites

The best way to get around the Dolomites is by car. I highly recommend renting a car at the airport and driving to your resort.

You’ll be flexible, and the roads are stunning. The mountain passes and roads are also open in the wintertime and connect all the ski resorts in the Dolomites. So you can easily drive from one resort to another. You’ll be skiing alongside the windy mountain roads and seeing skiers as you drive through; it’s pretty amazing.

Nevertheless, it’s also pretty easy to reach the Dolomites by local transportation. There is a regular bus between Venice and Cortina d’Ampezzo that departs from the main train station area in Mestre (Venice). You can also take a train from Milan to Bolzano, then change to a local bus to reach Val Gardena.

Or take a direct train from Innsbruck to Bruneck and start skiing at Kronplatz. Kronplatz and 3 Zinnen are connected by train, too.

Some buses drive on the mountain passes, but they are not as frequent as in the summer. Yet, if you plan a bit, you’ll be able to get around everywhere even without a car.

NOTE: If you stay in Val Gardena, you’ll even get a guest card that lets you travel for free on all buses and trains (pretty much anywhere).

Best Time To Ski In The Dolomites

The best time to ski in the Dolomites is around Christmas time (or just before), and in January. You’ll have great ski conditions and a lot of fun on the slopes. Christmas time is magical, and the season is in full swing.

January is usually the least crowded month, and the snow conditions are amazing.

February is the busiest month, as many families with kids come during the winter school holidays. But don’t worry – the Dolomites and the slopes are so huge that the crowds always get lost on the way.

I also find March amazing for skiing – there is still a lot of snow. Still, towards the end of the month, some ski resorts like Kronplatz, San Martino di Castrozza, and Civetta can already have less snow.

The majority of ski resorts in the Dolomites are open from 6th December to about 6th April each season. Some have a longer season, even until May (Marmolada).

Where To Stay In The Dolomites For Skiing

I recommend first choosing the ski resort in the Dolomites where you want to spend most of your holiday, and then picking a place to stay.

Generally, the best places to stay are:

👉 Cortina d’Ampezzo: If you’re travelling from Venice
👉 Civetta (Alleghe): If you’re travelling from Venice
👉 Bruneck: If you’re traveling from Austria (Innsbruck) or Germany (Munich)
👉 Val Gardena (Ortisei or Selva): If you’re traveling from Milan
👉 San Martino di Castrozza: if you’re traveling from Milan

NOTE: The accommodation sells out very fast – so make sure to start booking at least 8 months before your holidays, no joke! If you want to get the best spots, book asap.

Check out my full article about where to stay in the Dolomites with the best hotels and a description of each area:

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the frequently asked questions about skiing in the Dolomites for you, so check them out below:

Is Skiing In The Dolomites Expensive?

Not so much, the prices are moderate. The value you’ll get for the ski pass is amazing. The ski pass per day costs about $80, and you’ll get to ski in many different resorts and slopes. It’s 100% worth every penny.

Is Skiing Good In The Dolomites?

Yes, a thousand times yes. The Dolomites are my favorite skiing mountains in Europe. They comprise 12 ski regions and are considered the largest ski area in Europe (some say the world). So, you don’t even have to hesitate.

Can Beginners Ski In The Dolomites?

Yes, the Dolomites have so many beginner-friendly ski slopes that are also great for families with kids. The best ski regions for beginners are Kronplatz, Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, San Martino di Castrozza, Civetta, Carezza, Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino, and Gitschberg-Jochtal.

Where Do You Fly Into For The Dolomites Skiing?

Venice is the closest airport to the Dolomites – you can reach Cortina d’Ampezzo in 2.5 hours and Civetta in 2 hours.

You can also fly to Milan and Munich and reach the Dolomites within 3.5 hours of each airport.

WRAP-UP: Skiing In The Dolomites

This is skiing in the Dolomites with its full beauty. If you can’t feel my enthusiasm through the words I wrote in this article for you, then I don’t know what will convince you to come and experience the Dolomites on your own.

No, but seriously, my heart is dancing as I am writing this for you, and I’d love for you to have the best experience possible. So I hope my tips and tricks will help you plan your stay and have an unforgettable ski holiday in the Dolomites. You won’t be disappointed, I promise.

If you have any questions or need help planning your time in the Dolomites, contact me at info(at)voicesoftravel.com. I also create customized travel itineraries, so if you want me to plan your journey within Italy (or anywhere else in Europe), let me know.

Have fun skiing!

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