Dolomites Tips

Off-Piste Ski Descents in Alta Badia

The Dolomites seem to have a never-ending supply of lift-accessible off-piste ski descents! From Alta Badia there are incredible off-piste descents of Marmolada, Piz Boè, Sella, and Tofane, to name just a few.

Off-Piste Ski Descents in Cortina d'Ampezzo

There seems to be a never-ending supply of lift-accessible off-piste ski descents in the Dolomites! From Cortina d'Ampezzo there are incredible off-piste descents of Cinque Torri, Lagazuoi, Tofana, and Cristallo Massifs, to name a few.

6 Dolomites Winter Ski and Snowboard Races Not to Miss

Featuring over 90,000 acres of incredible mountainous terrain, it’s no surprise that Italy’s Dolomite Mountains remains one of the world’s most sought after destinations for winter sport enthusiasts. It also happens to be the locale of some of the most infamous ski and snowboard events the world over. If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the Dolomites in winter, here are 6 spectacular events you won’t want to miss.

5 Dolomites Winter Experiences Not to Miss

The Dolomite Mountains of Italy are certainly known for their world-class ski runs and snowboarding adventures, but there’s much more to this breathtaking region than outdoor sporting events. In fact, the Dolomites feature an incredibly robust list of activities that are perfect for those who prefer to wear shoes instead of skis. Here are 5 amazing winter experiences that you won’t want to miss while you’re visiting the Dolomites.

4 More Dolomites Winter Experiences Not to Miss

We recently shared an article which featured 5 incredible winter experiences not to be missed in the Dolomites. Once again, there were almost too many to mention, so we’ve decided to share a few more to round out the list. The Dolomites in winter remain one of the most sought after destinations, both for outdoor sports enthusiasts and those who prefer a more laid back approach to exploring the mountains. Here are 4 more amazing things you can experience while visiting the Dolomites during the winter.

6 More Dolomites Winter Ski and Snowboard Races Not to Miss

We recently highlighted 6 spectacular winter sporting events that are set to take place in the Dolomite Mountains this 2012/2013 season. Well, with so many exciting things going on in this area during the colder months, that article simply wasn’t enough! That’s really no surprise, considering the incredible mountainous terrain and charming atmosphere of the Dolomites. Here are 6 more fantastic winter ski and snowboard events that you should have on your travel to-do list!

The Not to Miss Ski Tours of the Dolomites

The Dolomites offers some of the best on-piste ski touring in the world! 16 skiing tours through 12 different ski resorts with runs ranging from expert to runs for the entire family, all lift-accessible on a single ski pass!

Dolomites Ski Resorts

The Dolomite Mountains offer an amazing wealth and variety of skiable terrain for those who visit. While each of the 15 Dolomiti Superski resorts provides its own unique surroundings, with differing specialties and activities for visitors to try, they all offer the same rich tradition, friendly atmosphere, and some of the most spectacular scenic views on earth.

Snowshoeing in the Dolomites

For outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the unique experience that traditional winter sports have to offer, snowshoeing, or winter hiking, is the perfect sport. Add in the magnificent natural beauty and perfect snow-covered terrain of the Dolomites, and you’ve got the perfect setting for an unforgettable snowshoeing adventure

Tips for Hiking in the Dolomites

These mountains are traversed by a network of trails that cross through entire Dolomite groups offering innumerable hiking trails – enough for even the most discriminating adventure traveler. If you’re lucky enough to hike in the Dolomites, there are several ways you can explore the region on foot:

Rifugios in the Dolomites

The term “rifugi” translates to mountain refuge, and the Dolomites offer a vast network of these mountain huts located throughout the region. Ranging from simple and rugged to more comfortable amenities, they all offer suitable and welcome shelter to walkers, mountaineers, skiers and anyone desiring to get up close and personal with the beautiful terrain of the Dolomite Mountains.

Rock Climbing in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are hailed as one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world because of the abundance and variety of rock faces. Stretching nearly 50 miles east of Bolzano, the area is vast and is split into groups connected by a network of roads, allowing climbers to easily cover several areas in one trip.

5 Easy Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

These routes vary in difficulty and allow access to areas otherwise unreachable, thus providing breathtaking views and an experience not to be forgotten. Of the many available via ferrata paths found in the Dolomites, the following five are relatively easy to tackle and are excellent for first time climbers.

Choirs in the Mountain Huts

The cozy atmosphere of the Alta Badia mountain huts creates the perfect setting for choral events, against the beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Dolomites Mountains which can only be enhanced further by the sound of the angelic voices of the typical mountain choirs of the area.

Alta Badia Orienteering

Orienteering is an age-old sport that originated in the Scandinavian countries. It has since spread and continues to gain popularity amongst sports enthusiasts from around the world. Each year Alta Badia is home to several fantastic orienteering events.

Sellaronda Bike Day

The Sellaronda Bike Day is a relaxing, non-competitive bicycling event that is open to anyone who wishes to participate. During this day, held twice per year, the world famous Sellaronda tour that travels around the Sella Mountain in the beautiful Dolomites is reserved for visitors who prefer to enjoy the area on two wheels.

Christmas Market of Bolzano

Modern day Bolzano presents a magical convergence of the area’s rich, ancient past with its modern, vibrant present. One of the best times to visit is from mid-November through most of December, when the area is transformed into a winter wonderland and is bustling with visitors who come to experience the famous Christmas Market of Bolzano.

Christmas Market of Vipiteno

Visitors who come during the Christmas Market of Vipiteno are treated to a dazzling display of shimmering decorations and holiday spirit as the town is transformed into a real-life winter fairytale.

Christmas Market of Merano

The Christmas Market of Merano can be enjoyed each year in the Passeggiata Lungo Passirio area of the town. The dates are typically the third week of November through the first week of January with this year’s event scheduled to take place from 30 November 2012 through 6 January 2013 (closed on December 25).

Christmas Market of Brunico

During the market, which is usually held from the end of November through the beginning of January the Brunico is transformed from quaint ski village to a glistening Christmas wonderland. The atmosphere is permeated by an air of romance and peace as the charming little town prepares to celebrate the holidays.