Dolomites Ski Touring

Backcountry Skiing Adventure in the Dolomiti di Brenta

This seven day back-country skiing trip around the Brenta Dolomites will show you the best of this region while offering you many of the best descents in the area: long runs down remote valleys, dominated by the towering limestone cliffs.

Trip Overview

Idyllic valleys set beneath Dolomite spires, high alpine plains rising up to meet majestic pale mountain landscapes – sound familiar? Well, yes, but no! The Western Dolomites, while officially part of the Dolomite Mountains, are isolated from the rest of the Dolomite range. Officially known as the Dolomiti di Brenta, or Brenta Group, they lie two hours to the west of what most think of as the Dolomite Mountains – like an outlying island of dolomitic rock. Geographically these mountains have not always been considered a part of the Dolomites, but geologically they undeniably are, and today they are officially recognized as a part of the Dolomite Mountains UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Western Dolomites offer all of the same activities that you find in the rest of the Dolomite Mountains – hiking, mountain and road biking, via ferrata and rock climbing, and skiing and snowboarding. But in the Brenta Group, the sharp, majestic peaks play host to numerous remnant hanging glaciers, or vedretta in Italian. And unlike the rest of the Dolomites, the light-colored dolomitic spires of the Western Dolomites are provided a stark and beautiful metamorphic contrast by the Adamello-Presanella group of mountains across the valley. The wildlife found here is different too – while home to all of the usual mountain fauna, the Western Dolomites is among the richest of the Alps, even including a small, protected population of brown bears!

We have become positively captivated by the amazing opportunities for adventure and breathtaking landscapes the Western Dolomites offer. But don’t take our word for it – come see for yourself!

Highlights

  • Discover some of the less well traveled areas of the Italian Alps – the Dolomiti di Brenta, Val di Sole, and Adamello Glacier
  • Experience the fairy tale world of the Brenta Dolomites in winter, skiing its beautiful valleys on- and off-piste
  • Enjoy superb daily excursions with our Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Ski Guides, who will show you the best of the Dolomites on skis!
  • Admire the distinctive geology and dramatic landscapes of the Dolomiti di Brenta
  • Return to your luxury hotel every evening and savor the refined cuisine of northern Italy accompanied by excellent wines

Day By Day

Trip itinerary may vary based on weather conditions, fitness levels and abilities of participants, and/or the recommendations of the Dolomite Mountains Team and your mountain guide. Daily mileage and altitude gain may vary depending on the device used.

  • Day 1

    Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio (D)

  • Day 2

    Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio (B,D)

  • Day 3

    Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio (B,D)

  • Day 4

    Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio (B,D)

  • Day 5

    Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio (B,D)

  • Day 6

    Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio (B,D)

  • Day 7

Accommodation

Great hotels with Dolomite Mountains. Whether intimate lodge, family run B&B, or luxury spa resort, our hotels are unique, eminently local, and hard to leave.

Want to learn more about our Hotels and B&Bs? 
The Dolomites has a multi-faceted culture and history that is reflected in each village we visit, and we make sure to provide you with the most authentic experience of the region possible through the hotels and B&Bs we offer. Hotels and chalets are available in the larger villages, while agriturismos (working farms with accommodations similar to B&Bs) are more common in rural areas. And we always make sure you have access to inspired regional cuisine, and the best panoramas you can get in the Dolomites!

Guided: Guide Ratio 1:4 (maximum 4 skiers per guide)
Dolomite Mountains Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Ski Guides have many years of experience skiing the Dolomites. We have guides that speak Italian, English, French and Spanish. From the moment you arrive in the Dolomites they will look after you. They know the best ski runs, mountain restaurants, and how things work in the Italian mountains.

Technical Equipment for Backcountry Ski Touring Trips

  • Ski crampons (aka harscheisen): most randonnee bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding. We always carry these just in case. Fritschi now make them an integral part of their ski binding and although there were some initial teething problems, the newer models are now working well.
  • Ski skins:  fitted skins are recommended especially if you have very wide skis.
  • Boot crampons:  Ideally lightweight aluminum with ‘quick fit clip-on bindings.'
  • Climbing harness:  a simple lightweight climbing harness. The key feature should be that it has fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots, crampons, etc.

Boot/ski crampons and climbing harness can be rented locally at an extra cost, your guide will advise according to the local conditions and activity.

Safety Equipment for Off-Piste trips
The “Safety Trilogy” – applicable for all our off-piste trips involves the use of the items listed below. These can be rented in resort at an extra cost:

  • Avalanche beacon / transceiver (be sure to bring two sets of fresh batteries!)
  • Snow shovel
  • Avalanche probe

Remember it is not enough just to carry this equipment; you have to know how to use it.  Most mountain resort areas offer courses where you can learn and practice these skills. If you are not familiar with this equipment, are unable to attend a course before your trip, or simply would like a refresher, we can provide training for you as part of your trip!

LEARN MORE
Want to learn more about skiing in the Dolomite Mountains? Check out our Winter Article Resources, featuring articles on The Not to Miss Ski Tours of the DolomitesDolomites Ski ResortsTransitioning from On- to Off-Piste, and MORE

EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE

Why not extend your adventure!

Dolomite Mountains offers fantastic extensions that you can enjoy before or after your trip in the Dolomites. Explore VeniceVeronaLake GardaFlorence, or Milan, or any of the many other magical places found throughout Italy. There's no more perfect way to recover from jet lag upon arrival, or delay your return to reality at the end of your trip!

Cost

All itineraries are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including, weather, road or trail conditions.

Private Guided Trip:
€ 5.920 per person (minimum 2 members) 
€ 4.360 per person (minimum 4 members)
€ 4.640 per person (minimum 6 members) > 2 guides

Single room supplement: on request

High Season Dates: 24th January – 16th March --- 15% surcharge
Holiday Blackout Dates:  (7-night minimum hotel stay required)
Christmas / New Year — 22nd December – 7th January

Cost Includes:

  • Trip briefing
  • Logistics and map of the area
  • 6 nights accommodation in 5-star hotel in Madonna di Campiglio
  • All breakfasts & dinners
  • Local English speaking Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Ski Guide for 5 days
  • Lifts mentioned in itinerary
  • Private transfers mentioned in itinerary
  • A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral 
  • Local tourist tax
  • Italian VAT tax

Area Map