- One Dolomiti Superski pass covers 12 ski areas and around 1,200km of pistes
- A high-season adult day pass is €89 for 2026/27, or €453 for six days
- Base yourself in Val Gardena, Alta Badia or Val di Fassa to ski the Sella Ronda
- Helmets are compulsory for all skiers in Italy and third-party liability insurance is required
- Airports
- Verona (VRN), Venice (VCE), Innsbruck (INN), Bolzano (BZO)
- Best time to go
- Mid-December to March for skiing; late June to September for hiking
- Type
- Ski area
The Dolomites are the most beautiful ski region in the Alps, and arguably the best value of the big names. Sheer limestone towers glow pink at sunset above wide, well-groomed pistes, mountain huts serve proper Italian food with South Tyrolean touches, and a single lift pass opens up one of the largest ski networks on earth.
Intermediates are spoilt for choice, but there are tough descents and ski touring too. For more on the country, see our Italy guide, and for current offers browse our Italy ski deals.
Why go
The scenery is the headline: the Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and skiing between these peaks feels unlike anywhere else. Then there is the food: a mountain-hut lunch here costs far less than in France or Switzerland. The region co-hosted the 2026 Winter Olympics, at Cortina d'Ampezzo and Val di Fiemme, and in summer the same valleys are among Europe's top hiking destinations.
Where to stay
- Val Gardena (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva) – direct access to the Sella Ronda, the famous Saslong World Cup piste and Seceda. Selva is best placed for skiing; Ortisei is the prettiest town.
- Alta Badia (Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano) – gentle, sunny pistes, excellent food and a quieter, upmarket feel. Ideal for intermediates and families.
- Val di Fassa (Canazei, Campitello) – livelier and often better value, on the Sella Ronda and close to the Marmolada glacier.
- Kronplatz (Plan de Corones) – a single mountain above Brunico with modern lifts on every side and runs for all levels. Great for a relaxed week.
- Seiser Alm (Alpe di Siusi) – Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow, with easy runs and superb cross-country skiing. Very good for beginners.
- 3 Zinnen Dolomites – near Sesto, with views of the Tre Cime and quieter slopes.
To ski the Sella Ronda every day, stay in Selva, Corvara, Canazei or Arabba, which sit directly on the circuit.
Top things to do
- The Sella Ronda – a ski circuit of around 40km (about 26km of it on piste) around the Sella massif, linking four valleys. Most intermediates can complete it in a day; go clockwise or anticlockwise and start early.
- Seceda – the dramatic ridge above Ortisei, reached by cable car, with one of the most photographed views in the Alps.
- The Hidden Valley (Lagazuoi) – a long, scenic red run from the Lagazuoi cable car, finishing with a horse-drawn tow.
- Marmolada – the highest peak in the Dolomites, with a cable car to around 3,250m and a long descent.
- Mountain hut lunches – book the popular rifugi in high season.
- Summer hiking – walk the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop or try a via ferrata with a guide.
Getting there and around from the UK
The closest airports with UK flights are Verona and Venice (Marco Polo or Treviso), around 2.5-3.5 hours by road from most resorts, and Innsbruck, about two to two and a half hours from Val Gardena. Bolzano airport is closest but has very limited flights. Flying time to Verona or Venice is around two hours from London.
Transfers run on Saturdays in winter and are usually included in packages. Ski buses link the villages, often free with a guest card.
Best time to visit
The ski season runs from late November or early December to early April. January (after the New Year holiday) and March offer the best mix of conditions, quieter slopes and lower prices. Christmas, New Year and February half-term are busiest. Extensive snowmaking makes the Dolomites more reliable than their altitude suggests. For hiking, late June to September is best. If you also like France, compare our French Alps guide.
Budget tips
- The Dolomiti Superski pass for 2026/27 costs €80 a day in low season and €89 in high season for adults, with six days at €407 (low) or €453 (high). Buying at least two days before your first ski day online earns a small discount.
- High season for 2026/27 runs from 20 December to 9 January and 31 January to 20 March. Moving your week to mid-January or late March saves money.
- Look out for early-season offers such as Dolomiti Superpremière, with free ski days and nights.
See all 211 dealsLive prices per person from our partners' feeds. Check the final price on the partner's site.
Top attractions in Dolomites
Dolomites on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dolomites good for beginners?
Yes. Seiser Alm, Alta Badia and Kronplatz have wide, gentle slopes and good ski schools. Beginners can buy a cheaper local pass.
Can intermediates ski the Sella Ronda?
Yes. The circuit uses mostly blue and red runs and is well within the ability of confident intermediates. Allow a full day, start by 10am and check the time of the last lifts so you get back to your valley.
Do you need a helmet to ski in Italy?
Yes. Since the 2025/26 season helmets have been compulsory for all skiers and snowboarders in Italy, not just children. Third-party liability insurance is also required, so check your travel insurance covers it or buy it with your lift pass.
Where is the best place to stay in the Dolomites for skiing?
Selva in Val Gardena and Corvara in Alta Badia are the best all-round bases for skiing the Sella Ronda and the wider network. Canazei in Val di Fassa is a good alternative that is often cheaper.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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