Why you should go skiing in the Dolomites this winter

Why choose a ski holiday in the Dolomites?

From the scenery to the sheer scale of the ski area, the Dolomites tick every box for a winter holiday. Here are five reasons to make it your next trip.

1. Unique mountain scenery

The Dolomites look nothing like the rest of the Alps. Instead of rounded, snow-capped summits, huge spires of pale limestone break through the snow. At sunset, these jagged rock faces glow pink and orange, a sight you should not miss.

A day on the slopes here means gliding past towering cliffs, through snow-covered forests and alongside traditional Italian mountain huts, with plenty of chances to stop for photos along the way.

2. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Dolomites were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 for their spectacular rock formations and geological history. These mountains began life as ancient coral reefs on the seabed over 200 million years ago. Today, they form a world-class ski area loved by skiers and snowboarders, hosting everything from Winter Olympic events to family ski trips.

3. A huge ski area

Staying in Val Gardena or Val di Fassa gives you access to the Dolomiti Superski, with around 1,200km of slopes and 450 lifts on a single pass. That breaks down into roughly 360km of blue runs, 720km of red runs and 120km of black runs, so whether you are a beginner, an expert or somewhere in between, you will be spoilt for choice.

4. Reliable snow all season

Ski areas in the Dolomites sit at high altitude, with the top lifts reaching around 3,000m. The region sees less snowfall on average than some other parts of the Alps, but that does not stop it from being snow sure. In fact, it means more sunny days on the slopes.

If nature does not deliver, the snowmakers will. Around 97% of the Dolomiti Superski is covered by modern snowmaking, and the Brenta Dolomites are well equipped too. The result is well-groomed pistes from the start of the season to the end.

5. Relaxed après-ski

For many skiers, après-ski is one of the best parts of the holiday, and the Dolomites cater for every taste. Enjoy a drink in a high-altitude mountain hut, catch live music at a slope-side bar or unwind in an Italian wine bar. If you prefer something quieter, the mountain restaurants are perfect for a long lunch or a hot chocolate with a view.

Best ski resorts in the Dolomites

Booking a ski holiday in the Dolomites with Topflight means choosing between some of the region's best resorts, each suited to a different kind of trip. They sit in two areas: the Eastern Dolomites, home to Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, and the Brenta Dolomites, home to Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo. Here is a closer look at each one to help you choose.

Val Gardena ski resort

Val Gardena is a great choice if you want to be connected to the Dolomiti Superski, with slopes to suit every level. The transfer from Verona airport takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.

Families and first-timers will love the Alpe di Siusi ski area, with its gentle, open slopes. Intermediate and advanced skiers can take on the Saslong, the famous World Cup downhill piste, or La Longia, a 10km run with a range of terrain.

Val Gardena is made up of three main villages: Selva, Ortisei and Santa Cristina.

Selva (1,563m)

• - Great for groups
• - Lively après-ski
• - Direct access to the Sellaronda

Ortisei (1,236m)

• - Perfect for families and beginners
• - Direct access to the Alpe di Siusi ski area
• -Traditional village with plenty of cafés and restaurants

Santa Cristina (1,428m)

• Easy access to skiing on both sides of the valley
• Relaxed pace and peaceful evenings

Val di Fassa ski resort

Set in the heart of the Dolomiti Superski, Val di Fassa is another great option if you are looking for endless slopes. The transfer from Verona airport takes around 2 hours 30 minutes.

Val di Fassa is made up of four main villages: Canazei, Campitello di Fassa, Pozza di Fassa and Vigo di Fassa.

Canazei (1,465m)

• One of the liveliest resorts in Val di Fassa
• Easy access to the Sellaronda
• Good choice of bars and restaurants
• Ideal for intermediates, couples and après-ski fans

Campitello di Fassa (1,448m)

• Quick Sellaronda access via the Col Rodella cable car
• Quieter atmosphere
• Ideal for keen skiers and couples who prefer relaxed evenings

Pozza di Fassa (around 1,320m)

• Traditional, relaxed resort
• Convenient local skiing
• Good base for families and couples

Vigo di Fassa (around 1,380m)

• Ideal for beginners and families
• Access to the scenic Catinaccio ski area
• Wide, gentle, quieter slopes with beautiful views

Madonna di Campiglio ski resort

Unlike Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, the Brenta Dolomites have their own ski network, with around 150km of slopes and 60 lifts. It does not connect to the Sellaronda or the Dolomiti Superski. The transfer from Verona to Madonna di Campiglio takes around 3 hours 15 minutes.

• Extensive skiing paired with one of Italy's most stylish mountain towns
• Restaurants, shops and a lively après-ski scene
• A strong all-round choice for couples, groups and intermediate skiers

Pinzolo ski resort

Also in the Brenta Dolomites, Pinzolo is around 2 hours 30 minutes from Verona.

• A quieter, more traditional Italian atmosphere
• Linked to the wider Madonna di Campiglio ski area
• Appeals to families and couples who want great skiing without a busy resort feel

What is the Sellaronda ski circuit?

The Sellaronda is a famous ski circuit around the Sella Massif, a group of mountains within the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 40km loop passes through five villages and crosses four mountain passes, with incredible views the whole way round.

You can join the circuit from several points, including Selva in Val Gardena and Canazei in Val di Fassa. The full loop takes around six hours, so start early. You do not want to miss the last lift home!

The route is made up of easy to moderate runs, and you can ski it clockwise, following the orange signs, or anticlockwise, following the green signs, which is slightly easier. There is a lot of skiing involved in a single day, so it is best suited to confident intermediates rather than beginners.

Which Dolomites ski resort is best for your ability?

The Dolomites have terrain for every level of skier and snowboarder, but picking the right base makes a big difference to your holiday. Here is a quick guide.

Best Dolomites resorts for beginners

Ortisei, Vigo di Fassa and Pinzolo are all great choices for beginners. Each has easy access to gentle slopes, making them perfect for anyone on skis for the first time.

Best Dolomites resorts for intermediates

Canazei and Campitello di Fassa in Val di Fassa, or Madonna di Campiglio in the Brenta Dolomites, all offer a great mix of blue and red runs. Choose Canazei or Campitello and you can also take on the Sellaronda when you are ready to push yourself.

Best Dolomites resort for advanced skiers

Selva in Val Gardena is our top pick, with direct access to the Sellaronda, the Saslong World Cup downhill and the whole of the Dolomiti Superski on your doorstep.

When is the best time to ski in the Dolomites?

As a snow-sure region, the Dolomites are a safe bet at any point in the season, which runs from late November or early December through to April. January and February usually bring the most snowfall, while March offers longer, sunnier days.

Best time for quieter slopes

January is usually a good bet for quieter pistes, falling after the Christmas and New Year rush and before the school holidays. Colder temperatures keep the snow in great shape too. March is another good option for smaller crowds, with conditions still excellent and the slopes quieter than the busiest February weeks.

Christmas, New Year and February mid-term

If you want to spend Christmas or New Year on the slopes, book as early as you can. These are the busiest and most expensive weeks of the season. February mid-term is also popular, so expect higher prices and busier pistes. Keep an eye on our ski holiday deals for the best value.

Skiing in the Dolomites FAQs

Where are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are a mountain range in north-east Italy, spread across the regions of South Tyrol, Trentino and Veneto. The closest international airports include Verona, Venice and Innsbruck.

When does the ski season in the Dolomites start and end?

The ski season usually starts in late November or early December and runs through to April, giving you plenty of time to plan your trip. Read more about the best time to ski in the Dolomites.

Are the Dolomites good for beginners?

Yes. The ski area is huge, so there is something for every level. Beginners can cruise down wide, gentle blue runs, while more advanced skiers can take on the famous Sellaronda circuit. See our guide to resorts by ability.

How big is the Dolomiti Superski area?

The Dolomiti Superski, which includes Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, has around 1,200km of slopes and 450 lifts. That includes roughly 360km of blue runs, 720km of red runs and 120km of black runs.

How big is the Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo ski area?

Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo share a ski area in the Brenta Dolomites, with around 150km of slopes and 60 lifts. It is separate from the Dolomiti Superski.

Should I choose the Eastern Dolomites or the Brenta Dolomites?

It depends on the kind of holiday you want and who you are skiing with. The Eastern Dolomites, including Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, are ideal for keen skiers who want access to the Dolomiti Superski and as much variety as possible. The Brenta Dolomites, including Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo, suit anyone who prefers a slower pace and a quieter area without sacrificing great skiing.