Dolomites Snow Conditions

The Dolomites are situated in north-east Italy on the border of Austria, and are home to 12 resorts including ski centres such as Selva, Cortina d'Amprezzo and Arabba. The ski area has an excellent snow record, thanks to the proximity of the Marmolada Glacier which rises up to 3,342m, and the slopes make up the massive Dolomiti Superski area, home to a vast 1,220 km of terrain to explore, served by 450 lifts, meaning plenty of diverse range of skiing for all abilities. 

 

The ski resorts in the Dolomites sit between 1,220m (Cortina) and 1,602m (Arraba), with most of the skiing offered above 2,500m, and Arraba reaching a top elevation of 2,959m. Terrain is made up of everything from wide easy beginner slopes to steep blacks and challenging World Cup runs, and in general there's excellent intermediate ground, with individual resorts in the area suiting different abilities. Beginners have good learning ground throughout, with resorts such as Madonna di Campiglio best-suited to novices, with advanced skiers in Val Gardena, Valle di Fasse and Alta Bada having access to the world-famous 24km Sella Ronda circuit, which offers exceptional challenges in either direction, and takes in four different passes.

 

The ski season starts in December and runs until early April, with late February and March seeing the best snow each year. The Dolomites receive an average of 250cm of snow throughout the winter, with upper slope averages for 2010 in the region reaching 215cm in Arraba and 147cm in Val Gardena. There's extensive snowmaking throughout the region, with both Arraba and Val Gardena seeing coverage on 90% of their slopes.