8 Reasons to Visit the Dolomites in Winter
Ideally located just south of the main chain of the Alps, the Dolomite Mountains offer visitors the perfect combination of outdoor adventure and fascinating cultural discovery. Covering an area of 90,000 mountainous acres, the Dolomites are home to countless activities, from hiking and mountain biking to climbing via ferrata and, of course, world class skiing. And while a visit to this magnificent destination is enjoyable any time of year, it’s particularly great during the winter months. Here are eight compelling reasons why.
SKIING (AND OTHER WINTER ACTIVITIES)
Boasting over 5,000 vertical feet of skiable terrain, lift-service and off-piste adventures at the number one ski resort in the world, and countless miles of backcountry trails, the world-renowned Dolomiti are a winter sports paradise! Skiers can participate in an incredible 16 skiing tours through 12 different resorts with runs ranging from expert to beginner – perfect for the entire family. What’s more, all of the runs are lift-accessible on one single ski pass. It doesn’t get any better than that!
The Dolomiti Superski is the jewel in the crown of what’s on offer for skiing in the Dolomites. In fact, it’s known as the number one ski resort in the world! There are 12 resorts featuring 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) of prepared pistes, 460 lifts, and 475 interconnected runs to suit all levels. A single ski pass is all that is needed for this immense 12-valley winter carousel. For the 2012-2013 winter season, lifts will be open from 1 December 2012 to 7 April 2013.
In addition to world-class skiing, the Dolomites are also home to a number of other exhilarating outdoor winter activities. Visitors can strap on a snowboard and hit the slopes, enjoy the many cross country ski trails or head out on a snowshoe adventure to explore the breathtaking scenery. There’s also ice skating for those so inclined and bobsledding adventures that will have your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping.
The Dolomites offer something for everyone in winter – families, beginners, and champions alike.
INCREDIBLE WEATHER
The temperatures may be colder, but there’s certainly no shortage of sunshine in the Dolomites during the winter months. In fact, the sun shines an unparalleled 8 days out of 10 in this winter paradise – more than any other range in the Alps! Winter snow usually begins to accumulate in December, lasting through March, and sometimes April. This blanket of pristine white snow transforms the already beautiful landscape into a magical winter wonderland. The sunny nature of the Dolomite Mountains makes skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and other outdoor adventures here simply unbeatable!
GREAT FOOD
During the winter, many of the rifugi (traditional mountain huts) are open for lunch, dinner, and overnights, so you can take a break for a meal on the mountain, or take part in a winter traverse from hut-to-hut! Anyone who has visited the Dolomites during warmer months knows how mouthwatering the cuisine is. Well, the same incredible dining you’ll find during the summer is also available at local restaurants and hotels when the snow is falling, so you can delight your taste buds year-round. As a matter of fact, because winter is the busiest season in the dolomites and better known for their winter holidays than their summer ones, there are even MORE dining options available!
Santa Croce Ski Tour (Gourmet Tour)
This tour offers the best of everything in the Dolomites. Ski slopes that vary from easy to moderate offer enjoyment for families and skiers looking for a day of relaxation, enjoying the culture and natural beauty of the region. Skiing is accompanied by a feast of local delicacies which are available along the whole route of the tour. In fact, each family-owned refugio along the route is specially equipped with its own unique dish which can be enjoyed with a savory glass of local wine. From Col Alto or Piz Sorega to Santa Croce, the entire tour can be made without removing your skis. Skiers can stop, enjoy some delicious local cuisine and take in the breathtaking views of the area.
There are also many après ski options as well as nightlife to be found just steps away from the slopes!
THE DOLOMITES’ LEGENDARY BEAUTY
The Dolomite Mountains are simply breathtaking in winter – a pristine mountain landscape blanketed with gleaming white snow. While the mountainous terrain is spectacular to view any time of year, winter is perhaps the most magical. Witnessing this beautiful mountain region as it is transformed into a winter wonderland is unlike any other sight in the world. Warm, rich sunlight glistens off the snow that coats every mountaintop, creating a surreal environment that must be experienced to truly appreciate.
ESCAPE
Want to escape the crowds? Ski hut to hut – whether on or off piste – and enjoy a night (or two or three…) at a peaceful mountain rifugio. You’ll enjoy incredible hearty and/ or gourmet cuisine, great company, and the blissful quiet that comes with being high up in the Dolomites and having them all to yourself! And, did we mention the views? You’ll feel as if you’re literally on top of the world.
RELAXATION
If it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, look no further than the Dolomites. There are a number of luxury hotels in the region, which are only a short walk or shuttle ride from the lifts. Treat yourself to a jacuzzi, sauna, massage, or other spa treatment to soothe those weary muscles after a day on the slopes!
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Enjoy the captivating scents, sounds and sights of the holiday season as you stroll through the magical and world famous Christmas Markets that are held in the area each year in celebration of the holidays. From dazzling lights and vibrant holiday décor to local merchants peddling handcrafted, one of a kind treasures to peaceful horse drawn carriage rides along ancient cobblestone streets, from the moment you step foot in one of these enchanting markets you’re certain to be captivated by the holiday spirit.
HISTORY
The Dolomites are more than just a great place to escape and enjoy a memorable holiday. They’ve also been home to a number of infamous and historic events. For instance, Cortina d’Ampezzo was host to the 1956 Winter Olympics and Val Gardena was home to the 1970 World Championship. Presently there are ski tours that celebrate both events.
Ski Tour Olympia
In 1956, the Winter Olympics were broadcast on television for the first time – EVER. And these Winter Olympics took place in the Dolomites’ Cortina d’Ampezzo, right on these very slopes:
- Pista Olympia (Stratofana), the protagonist in the Downhill race
- Pista Vitelli, the protagonist in the Giant Slalom
- Pista “a” Col Druscié, the protagonist in the Slalom
The Ski Tour Olympia enables highly skilled skiers to experience those very same tracks. Not sure your skiing is up to Olympic caliber? The Olympia Tour also offers a variety of slopes to suit skiers of differing skill levels, so participants of all ability levels can participate in this historic and unique ski arena! And once you work up an appetite with all that skiing, the healthy and tasty ‘Olympia dish’ served at some traditional huts along the itinerary is worth trying.
The 1970 Gardena World Championship Tour
Located primarily in the Gröden Valley, this tour consists of some of the most amazing ski slopes in the world, and is the home of several 1970 World Champions, which is how the tour got its name. Karl Schranz became Giant Slalom World Champion on the very run where the tour now winds its way to Selva Gardena. Annerösli Zryd also bore the title of World Champion for conquering Dantecepies. And Swiss Bernard Russi was also crowned champion in 1970 on the Saslong, one of the most popular runs for skiing enthusiasts on the Gardena tour.
If these reasons aren’t enough to make you want to pack your bags and plan a winter getaway to the magnificent Dolomites, perhaps it’s time you come and experience your own reasons why this region is so spectacular. What are you waiting for? Your winter paradise awaits!