Skiing & Snowboarding
In the Dolomites, pistes (ski runs) are classified by a color-coded system – blue (easy), red (intermediate), and black (expert). Easier skiing trips will stay on-piste on easier runs. As trips increase in activity level, you will encounter more difficult pistes, off-piste skiing, and ski safaris (where your move from valley to valley skiing and using lifts). The most challenging trips include backcountry ski tours, where you hike and skin up in search of fresh powder before skiing down. Read on to pick the ski trip of your dreams that awaits you in the Dolomites!
Our easy trips are perfect for people who want to see the Dolomites at a relaxed pace, are more interested in the flora and fauna and the cultural and historical aspects of the region, and for families with small children. Our easy classic ski trips include groomed, lift service skiing on blue and red (easy and intermediate) pistes.
Our easy to moderate trips are great for people who want to see the Dolomites at a relatively relaxed pace, yet still want to feel like they got some exercise, and for families with children. Classic ski trips include groomed, lift service skiing on blue and red (easy and intermediate) pistes, with options for expert black runs.
Ski safaris also feature lift service skiing on blue and red pistes, with the addition of moving from valley to valley, skiing different resort areas on different days. On some trips, you will also move to a hotel in a different region during the trip (your luggage will be transferred for you), or enjoy an overnight in a rifugio (mountain inn).
Moderate trips are active, with full days of activities. These trips are perfect for people who want to be active, yet still have some time to explore the cultural aspects and opportunities for relaxation available in the Dolomites in the afternoon. You can expect to ski 4 to 6 hours per day, with a stop for lunch.
Classic ski trips include groomed, lift service skiing on red and black (intermediate and expert) pistes, and the option for an introduction to easier off-piste runs. Ski safaris also feature lift service skiing on red and black pistes, moving from valley to valley, skiing different resort areas, and changing accommodations one or more times during the trip. While luggage will be transferred between hotel accommodations, on trips that include one (or more) nights at a rifugio, you will need to carry a small backpack with your personal belongings for the night (meals and bedding are provided).
Our moderate to challenging trips are demanding, with a whole lot of fun along the way. There will be no question in your mind whether you accomplished something at the end of each day! Plan to ski all day on most days (4-8 hours), with a stop for lunch.
Classic ski tripsfocus on expert black groomed slopes and off-piste skiing. Ski safaris also feature lift service skiing on groomed black pistes and off-piste, moving from valley to valley, skiing different resort areas, and changing accommodations one or more times during the trip. While luggage will be transferred between hotel accommodations, on trips that include one (or more) nights at a refuge, you will need to carry a small backpack with your personal belongings for the night (meals and bedding are provided). Stamina-wise, you need to be able to ski all day at a steady pace for consecutive days throughout itinerary. On these itinerary we will mostly use the lift systems to gain altitude, but you can expect some walking in order to access some runs. For off-piste trips,
Our Backcountry Tours are for those looking for an additional challenge. Also referred to as ski touring, these itineraries you will be skinning 2-4 hours per day, in addition to skiing downhill – no lift service here! Participants should be competent skiers with ski touring experience, experienced in all kinds of snow conditions, and preferably able to do parallel turns in powder snow and linked stem turns in more difficult snow. Stamina-wise, you need to be able to ski and skin all day for 3-5 consecutive days at a steady pace.
Our challenging trips are exactly that – challenging! These trips are designed for guests in excellent physical condition, who have a strong spirit of adventure. You can expect to ski all day, every day (6-8 hours), with a stop for lunch.
Classic ski trips focus on expert black groomed pistes and off-piste skiing. Ski safaris also feature lift service skiing on groomed black pistes and off-piste, moving from valley to valley, skiing different resort areas, and changing accommodations multiple times during the trip. Most trips include multiple nights at a rifugio, and you will need to carry a small backpack with your personal belongings for the night (meals and bedding are provided). Stamina-wise, you need to be able to ski all day at a steady pace for consecutive days throughout itinerary. On these itinerary we will mostly use the lift systems to gain altitude, but you can expect some walking in order to access some runs. For off-piste trips, skiers should be able to do parallel turns in powder snow and linked stem turns in more difficult snow.
Our Backcountry Tours are for those looking for an additional challenge. Also referred to as ski touring, these itineraries you will be skinning up to 5 hours per day, in addition to skiing downhill – no lift service here! Participants should be competent skiers with ski touring experience, experienced in all kinds of snow conditions, and preferably able to do parallel turns in powder snow and linked stem turns in more difficult snow. Stamina-wise, you need to be able to ski and skin all day for 5+ consecutive days at a steady pace. You’ll definitely earn your turns on these trips!
Choose Your Ski Level
Use the reference videos below to accurately assess your skiing ability and help us design the experience best suited to you. Watch each video, compare your technique and confidence on the slopes, and select the ski level that matches you most closely. Sharing your level with the Dolomite Mountains team is an essential step in creating your ideal bespoke ski trip, ensuring the right terrain, pace, and overall experience.
Ski Level: BEGINNER
If you still rely on snowplow turns, feel unconfident on steeper or unfamiliar slopes, or have not skied recently, our team will recommend a relaxed, private, and fully tailor-made ski experience designed entirely around your level.
Ski Level: INTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED
You are comfortable skiing on a wide range of slopes and can handle varied snow conditions with confidence. You enjoy skiing at a relaxed, comfortable pace, with natural breaks to recharge, take in the mountain atmosphere, and fully appreciate the overall experience on the slopes.
Ski Level: ADVANCED – EXPERT ENDURANCE
You are confident in all conditions and adapt easily to any slope, snow type, and level of traffic without losing rhythm. You ski with consistency, energy, and control from the first run to the last. Long days on skis are something you look forward to, and you are physically prepared to keep pace across multiple consecutive ski days, hut-to-hut.
A Note on Physical Preparation
Regardless of your skill level, some targeted preparation in the weeks before your trip can make a meaningful difference to how you experience each day on the mountain. Core strength, leg endurance, and cardiovascular fitness are your key allies for a ski holiday—especially on a ski safari, where each day demands consistent technique, flow, and stamina on the snow.
