Dolomites ski resorts once seen are never forgotten. The Dolomites region is an enchanting mountain landscape with soaring peaks reaching more than 3000m high. Vertical cliffs, deep valleys and unique rock formations rise from the gentle foothills, creating a stunning environment all year round. You just have to take a hot air balloon flight over the Dolomites to fully appreciate their glory.
Quaint little hamlets nestle amid glassy lakes and dense forests and cling to steep slopes, and the region’s culture is a mix of Italian and Austrian influences. One of the most exclusive ski resorts and a gastronomic hotspot, is Alta Badia, on the Sella Ronda ski circuit. Cortina oozes Italian glamour while Selva Gardena is a party town and Arraba has a quiet village atmosphere so there is something for everyone on a luxury ski holiday in the Dolomites.
Famous for its health-giving spas in the 19th century, the Dolomites continue to boast many luxury spa resorts as well as luxury ski chalets with their very own spas. The area is also a paradise for hikers. There is a strong focus on families in the resorts, most of which have children’s play areas, mini clubs and family-friendly hotels.
The Summer season for the Dolomites extends from June through to September, and in Winter the ski lifts are usually open from November through to April, and there is limited Summer skiing on the highest slopes and glaciers. Winters in the mountains are long and cold, and Summers are warm with temperatures reaching the mid-to low-twenties in June, July and August.
The luminous pink and orange glow of the mountains at dusk is a magical vision. No wonder the Dolomites area has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Innsbruck and Verona are the closest international airports to the Dolomites area. The resort of Selva Val Gardena for example is 1.5 hours from Innsbruck and 2.5 hours from Verona by car.
In Winter, The Dolomites have excellent ski, snowboard and cross-country facilities across two main ski areas. The Dolomiti Superski has an incredible 450 lifts and over 1,200km of pistes across 12 valleys, whilst the Skirama Dolomiti has 140 lifts and 360km, some of them high enough to be skiable in the Summer.
Enjoy traditional local produce when on a luxury ski holiday in the Dolomites, such as smoked ham, wild mushrooms, cheese and honey are served up alongside more sophisticated dishes in a region which revels in gastronomy and has strong Italian and Austrian influences. The wines of the Dolomites are well-known, and a third of Italy’s sparkling wines are produced here. Some of the better-known wine regions are Marzemino and Teroldigo.
Award-winning restaurants can be found all over the area offering plenty of choice, particularly when heading out of your Dolomites luxury ski chalet. Particularly in Alta Badia where there are no less than three Michelin-starred establishments. The same resort runs a ‘Taste For Skiing’ scheme whereby top chefs create wonderful dishes for the area’s mountain huts.
Author
Will is a keen traveller and writer. When he's not travelling the world or writing about it, he's managing the marketing for Firefly Collection.
3 October 2024
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