Skiing in the Italian Dolomites offers an experience quite unlike anywhere else in the Alps. The drama of the Dolomites, with their soaring limestone spires, forms the backdrop to days spent exploring an immense network of valleys and villages where culture and delicious regional cuisine are as integral as the slopes themselves. With the Dolomiti Superski Pass covering more than 700 miles of pistes – and now included within the Ikon Pass – a new dimension of European skiing awaits.
WHEN IS SKI SEASON IN ITALY?
The ski season in Italy runs from early December to early April. Within that time, we particularly recommend travel between January to mid-March. It will be a little quieter than the festive season, but still offers good chances of snowfall. Even at times of lighter snow, all the main ski resorts in the Dolomites can produce very good artificial snow.
WHERE ARE THE BEST PLACES TO SKI IN ITALY?
Credit Alta Badia / Alex Moling
Skiing in Italy centres around the Dolomites – a truly spectacular mountain range in northeastern Italy, covering over 6,000 square miles, and recognised by UNESCO for its geographical uniqueness. All the best areas to ski are covered by the Dolomiti Superski Pass. Included in the global Ikon Pass, the Dolomiti Superski Pass is one of the largest ski passes in the world that affords access to over 700 miles of immaculately maintained pistes, spread across 12 individual ski areas. Within the Dolomites, our guide below highlights the very best places to consider for your ski vacation.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Cradled in a wide valley of the Ampezzo Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo is Italy’s most glamorous ski resort. This sophisticated alpine enclave has long drawn royalty, film stars, and those seeking exclusive luxury for their skiing holiday. There are over 70 miles of pistes to enjoy here, as well as a quintessentially Italian resort town dotted with elegant boutiques, fine-dining venues, and a lively social scene. The ski terrain around Cortina d’Ampezzo caters to all levels, from leisurely scenic descents to exhilarating Olympic runs once raced by the world’s best (Cortina hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, and takes centre stage again in 2026). Wide, sunlit slopes unfurl beneath the towering cliffs of the Tofane massif, while the high-altitude pistes of Faloria and Cristallo deliver sweeping views across the Ampezzo Valley. For those seeking a touch of drama, the Lagazuoi area offers legendary red runs and access to the Great War Ski Tour, a route through landscapes steeped in alpine history.
Alpe di Siusi
The largest mountain plateau in Europe, the Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) is one of Italy’s most rewarding and family-friendly ski regions. Over 30 miles of slopes cater to every level, from wide, forgiving blue and green runs – ideal for beginners – to flowing reds and a handful of challenging black pistes. Advanced skiers can sharpen their skills on four racetracks and a dedicated high-speed course, while the Alpe di Siusi Terrain Park is a haven for snowboarders. For a gentler pace, the region also boasts an extensive network of cross-country trails across meadows and forests, all set against the dramatic limestone spires of the Dolomites. Thanks to state-of-the-art snowmaking facilities, reliable conditions are assured throughout the season here.
The Sella Ronda Circuit
This 16-mile circuit is often referred to as one of Europe’s most scenic ski loops, with ever-changing vistas of jagged sunlit peaks to shaded trails through alpine forests. The Sella Ronda is a continuous loop of runs and lifts encircling the vast Sella Massif, a monumental limestone plateau at the heart of the Dolomites. Linking the valleys of Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Arabba, and Val di Fassa, the circuit’s pistes are all navigable in a single day with a Dolomiti Superski pass. Within the Sella Ronda, there are two valleys we feel are particularly noteworthy.
Selva di Val Gardena
Part of the wider Val Gardena, Selva di Val Gardena is an accessible paradise for intermediate skiers with a selection of wide-open blue pistes, perfectly groomed for great big carving turns (many of which are intersected with thrilling, tree-lined red runs). Ski in / ski out access via the lifts in the village make things incredibly easy, and an ice rink adds further enjoyment during the winter months.
Alta Badia
Credit Alta Badia / Alex Moling
Against the dramatic backdrop of the Sella Massif, Alta Badia offers both relaxed cruising runs – ideal for long ski days – and access to more challenging descents nearby. Around 70% of the area is made up of blue runs, but a good selection of red runs provides some welcome challenges. Thrill seekers, meanwhile, may be drawn to the notorious ‘Gran Risa’ – a vertiginous black piste that frequently hosts FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races. Whatever your preferred pace on the slopes, you will find delicious food to fuel your adventures. Alta Badia has a longstanding reputation as the culinary heartland of the Sella Ronda circuit.
THE BEST SKI HOTELS IN ITALY
We have first-hand knowledge of the best ski resorts and hotels in Italy, and only work with those we can personally vouch for the quality of. Our specialists can recommend a variety of options to suit your individual needs, but the below are just a few of our favourites.
Best for families – COMO Alpina Dolomites
For a family-friendly ski resort in Italy, it doesn’t get much better than COMO Alpina Dolomites. The Alpe di Siusi location affords easy access to skiing for all abilities, including beginner runs. The hotel can even arrange ski hire, sleds and e-bikes for children. Ski in / ski out access with a cable car station opposite the hotel maximises convenience, and children are very well catered for with a kids' club, babysitting services, and family-friendly dining options. Weary adults can take advantage of one of the best hotel spas in the Dolomites.
Best for boutique style – Hotel de Len
Sister property to the highly acclaimed Borgo Egnazia hotel in Puglia, Hotel de Len is a stylish and design-led boutique gem, located in the heart of the action in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The on-site ski room offers equipment hire, and a complimentary shuttle whisks you off to Cortina’s ski lifts. An intimate spa on the top floor includes a salt sauna and hot tub, and there is a superb onsite restaurant and Speakeasy bar if you do not wish to venture into the bustle of Cortina.
Best for romance (and adventure) – La Perla
The epitome of Alpine chic, La Perla is a place to hide away in a picturesque mountain setting and enjoy access to incredible Sella Ronda skiing on the doorstep. La Perla is a ski in / ski out lodge positioned in Corvara – a picturesque Alta Badia village, wedged between the towering mountain passes of Gardena and Campolongo. Cosy suites offer stunning mountain views, and food here is some of the finest in the region.
SPECIAL SKI EXPERIENCES IN THE DOLOMITES
In addition to classic skiing in no end of picturesque settings, our expert local team based in the Dolomites can arrange a number of extra special experiences on the slopes to elevate your Italy ski vacation to new heights. These include:
- Heli-ski safaris
- Following the Great War Ski Tour through valleys, mountain passes and bunkers that were battlefronts during the First World War
- Gourmet ski safaris, and private fine dining experiences in remote mountain huts
- Skiing with an IFMGA certified professional mountain guide
WINTER IN THE DOLOMITES WITHOUT SKIS
Credit Alta Badia / Alex Moling
There is far more than just skiing to keep you occupied during your winter vacation in the Dolomites. Whether you are looking for a morning or two without skiing – or you are a non-skiing travel companion who simply wants to enjoy being in the mountains – there is a wealth of activities to choose from. Some of our favourite activities include:
- Snow shoeing to a frozen lake or under the ridges of the Odle Peaks
- Outdoor hot tub and aperitifs in the mountains
- Power biking across snowy Alpe di Siusi trails, on e-bikes equipped with winter tyres
- Dog sledding through wintry forests
- Ice climbing and mountaineering lessons
- Guided snowmobiling and wine tasting
- Gliding through the forests of Piz Sorega on a wooden toboggan
To find out how to incorporate these activities into your Italy skiing vacation, call or email our expert team.
