An Epic Italian Ski Circus: Dolomiti Superski

The Dolomiti Superski suits every winter traveler: families seeking gentle, wide runs, couples dreaming of romantic alpine vistas, and expert skiers challenging the legendary Sella Ronda circuit. Expect impeccable grooming, a unique blend of Italian dolce vita and Tyrolean charm, and a sense of freedom that only this scale can provide. Read on to learn where to stay, what to ski, and how to experience the best of this alpine paradise.

The beauty of the Dolomiti Superski is its diversity. Each valley offers a unique character and terrain.

Alta Badia and Val Gardena: The heart of the circuit

These neighboring Ladin valleys are the epicenter of the Sella Ronda. Alta Badia is known for its gourmet mountain restaurants (including multiple Michelin-starred options on the slopes), wide, cruiser-friendly runs, and a refined, family-oriented atmosphere. Val Gardena is larger, with more challenging terrain, including the famous Saslong World Cup downhill course, and a slightly more vibrant après-ski scene in towns like Selva.

Cortina d’Ampezzo: The icon

Cortina exudes a glamorous, old-world Italian flair. The skiing on the Tofane range is spectacular, with long, scenic runs and the iconic Olympia delle Tofane slope. It’s a destination for those who appreciate style, history, and breathtaking beauty on and off the slopes.

Kronplatz: The champion’s mountain

A single, mighty peak dominating the Pustertal valley, Kronplatz is a skier’s dream with its state-of-the-art lifts and perfectly groomed slopes. It’s a day-trip destination from other bases, offering challenging blacks, fantastic intermediate cruising, and world-class museums at the summit.

Val di Fassa: The Italian spirit

Nestled on the southern side of the Sella Group, Val di Fassa has a strong, authentic Italian character. It’s a fantastic base for the Sella Ronda and offers access to the breathtaking Drei Zinnen (Tre Cime di Lavaredo) ski area, with its dramatic, iconic panoramas.

Civetta: The hidden gem

Known as the “Wall of Walls,” Civetta offers long, scenic runs that feel quieter and more remote than the main circuit. It’s a paradise for intermediates who love to explore endless miles of perfectly groomed trails with stunning Dolomite views.

Alpe di Siusi: The family paradise

Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow, Alpe di Siusi is a vast, sunny plateau with incredibly gentle, wide slopes. It’s absolutely ideal for beginners, families with young children, and snow lovers seeking breathtaking, peaceful scenery.

What to do: Beyond the slopes

The Dolomiti Superski offers more than just downhill skiing.

• Sella Ronda: Ski the legendary 26-mile circuit around the Sella Massif. It’s a must-do, achievable in a day by confident intermediates.

• Great War tours: Explore open-air museums and tunnels from WWI, high on the mountainsides. A poignant and fascinating historical experience.

• Snowshoeing and winter hiking: Miles of marked trails offer a peaceful way to experience the silent, snow-covered landscapes.

• Luxury Rifugio dining: Book a table at Rifugio Emilio Comici or Ütia de Börz for a gourmet lunch with unparalleled views.

• Heli-skiing: For experts, arrange a helicopter drop onto the majestic Marmolada glacier, the “Queen of the Dolomites.”

Sample itinerary

Days 1–3 (Val Gardena): Settle into Val Gardena. Spend your first day acclimatizing on the local slopes of Seceda and Ciampinoi. On day two, tackle the Sella Ronda (Orange route). Dedicate day three to exploring the challenging terrain of the Saslong area and enjoying après-ski in Selva.

Days 4–5 (Alta Badia & Kronplatz): Ski over to Alta Badia for a gourmet lunch on the slopes. The next day, take a short transfer to Kronplatz for a day of impeccable grooming and a visit to the LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography at the summit.

Day 6 (Alpe di Siusi & Relaxation): A perfect recovery day. Ski the gentle, breathtaking expanse of the Alpe di Siusi, then return to your hotel for a well-deserved spa treatment.

Day 7 (Departure): Enjoy one final Italian coffee and pastry before your transfer to the airport.

If you’re drawn to scale and alpine beauty but want to consider other options:

• The 3 Valleys, France: The world’s largest ski area, with a more vibrant party scene and higher altitude assurance.

• The Arlberg, Austria: Austria’s largest interconnected ski area, known for its challenging terrain and charming villages like Lech and Zürs.

• Zermatt, Switzerland: For the iconic Matterhorn views, extensive slopes, and a car-free, high-alpine village atmosphere.

On the mountain

• Rifugio Emilio Comici: (Val Gardena): A mountain hut famous for the seafood arriving daily from the Adriatic.

• Rifugio Punta Trieste (Alta Badia): Amazing grilled food and a spectacular sun terrace with views of the Marmolada glacier.

• Baita Checco (Civetta): A family-run favorite known for its massive and delicious shared platters.

In town

• CoCun (San Cassiano): A fine-dining experience in the charming Ciasa Salares

• Tivoli (Cortina): A historic chichi restaurant where the Italian jetset meet.

• Suinsom (Selva di Gardena): meaning “at the top” in Ladin, with a kitchen focused on combining tradition and innovation using high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Snow Cat Mountain dining

Some rifugios offer dining at the peak with a ride by cable car, snow cat, or snowmobile. Always an adventure with great food. Among your choices, you can book at Edelweiss (Colfosco), Las Vegas (La Villa), Averau (Cortina) or Emilio Comici (Selva di Gardena).

Late afternoon aprés ski at Club Moritzino (Piz La Ila) or at L’Murin (Hotel La Perla Corvara).