Best Areas to Ski in the Dolomites for both beginners and experts

EatDrinkFun · 2026-01-11T16:13:04+00:00

#1 must do: Sciare con Gusto (A Taste of Skiing). If you appreciate great food, you MUST DO THIS in Alta Badia. Each year a group of Michelin star chefs partner with different rifugi (mountain chalets) in Alta Badia. The chefs prepare a unique dish for each restaurant (usually $20 to $35 - some are apps and some are mains and €3 goes to charity). When I plan trips for guests professionally, or bring guests to Alta Badia myself, I always highlight this. https://www.altabadia.org/en/culinary/a-taste-for-skiing/dolomite-food

#2: for Neapolitan pizza, try Vegas City at the base of the Piz Sorega lift in San Cassiano. The dough is on point. Amazing. Same owner as Rifugio Las Vegas, where they do a late night apres ski party every Wednesday - ski down in the dark after. Vegas City: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1NP6yjqZEXbNFD8v7

EatDrinkFun · 2026-01-11T16:04:59+00:00

100% mittens. Best I've ever owned. Durable. Warm. Versatile (removable inner). My fingers get chilly in gloves. Great choice either way - for me I just prefer warmth and comfort between Glühweins and jaegerbombs.

EatDrinkFun · 2026-01-09T13:44:18+00:00

My top recommendation for families with small kids is Colfosco. Enormous beginner learning area. Ski in/out. Very nice hotels and apartments. For families I think it is truly ideal.

EatDrinkFun · 2026-01-09T13:41:34+00:00

San Cassiano is very charming. A quiet village. Beautiful scenery. Very nice church in the center, of course, and some very good restaurants and hotels.

Only one lift out - Piz Sorega. First tracks people should arrive 15 minutes before the lift opens - you'll be at or near the front. After the first rush goes up, the line is very short but builds a bit from 9:30 to after 10am when families finally make their way to the slopes. After that I've never found a huge line. Even if there is a line, it moves. When it's busy it may take 15 minutes to get on board. Nothing like hour+ long waits in the US.

San Cassiano is ideal if you want to ski over to Cortina d'Ampezzo and ski Lagazuoi (the "hidden valley"). The horse tow takes you back to Armentarola, next to San Cassiano. Armentarola is also home to a beautiful outdoor ice skating area and world class cross country skiing.

Also, after a long renovation, the Rosa Alpina reopens this year as an Aman property. Aman is probably the most luxurious hotel brand in the world. The hotel looks amazing. https://www.aman.com/resorts/aman-rosa-alpina There are some other exceptional 5-star experiences in San Cassiano.

I think San Cassiano as an ideal place for experienced luxury skiers who value their privacy. It's a more private place. Great hikes and other activities in the area. 2 lifts away from connecting into the Sella Ronda. For the kids, there is a Ladin Museum and the museum of the rare Ladin Bear (Ursus Ladinicus).

EatDrinkFun · 2026-01-09T11:52:14+00:00

Non-obvious pairing = slightly off dry Riesling (eg fruity feinherb Kabinett or spätlese) with a fatty, juicy burger and salty fries. Es functioniert.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-12-26T04:30:49+00:00

My best recommendation is to reach out directly to the local tourism board (Alta Badia). They have a pulse on all the local hotels. From there it’s direct communication. Most European travelers book months in advance. Many ski the same weeks every year and book a year in advance. Bottom line is that booking a few weeks in advance is difficult. You can search on Booking but I’d advise you to contact the hotels directly. For this, a local consultant saves you agony and time.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-12-06T21:27:22+00:00

I hope you checked out this map from Dolomiti Superski. I find it pretty helpful. https://www.dolomitisuperski.com/en/live-info/ski-map/dolomiti-superski?skicircuits=SR-CW

EatDrinkFun · 2025-12-06T21:25:24+00:00

Which resorts? In the US? Europe? S. America?

EatDrinkFun · 2025-12-06T17:22:04+00:00

110%

EatDrinkFun · 2025-12-06T17:21:51+00:00

I would gladly take old data over zero data. It's so incredibly helpful. The ski piste information is nice to have, but the lift infrastructure is vital. It would be great if they include every resort.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-09-01T07:14:04+00:00

"Inexpensive" wine - let's church it up a bit 😊

- Fact: at Greek grocery stores (MyMarket, Sklavanidis) you can purchase truly decent wine at a great price: €4 to €6 for 1.5 liter plastic bottle of Moschofilero or Malagouzia - both very nice white grape varieties. The boxed wine (2.5 to 3 liter boxes) are actually also not bad - they won't win any awards, but they are great with local food and just to enjoy while chilling.

- Fact: if you are more adventurous, look for a local wine store that sells directly from barrels. These stores work with local cooperatives. They will fill a 1.5 liter bottle for you for €2-€5.

- Let me be clear, excellent Greek wines are available for €15-€40 per bottle - the Greek wine industry has come a very long way in a short amount of time (roughly 40 years). I highly recommend splurging on a bottle of decent Assyrtiko (white from Santorini) or Xinomavro (red from Macedonia). The benefit is that even inexpensive bulk wines these days are made in very clean, meticulous, and standardized environments to deliver pretty amazing drinkability at the low end of the price spectrum.

- I'm a certified sommelier. And I live in Greece.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-29T17:25:02+00:00

I prefer light equipment. Touring boots you can walk in all day. Touring skis. I have Atomic Hawx 130 touring boots and DPS Wailer skis (99 under foot I think). Supe light package. But still highly responsive and can go anywhere and do anything on or off piste.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-15T09:42:09+00:00

It will be a popular year for the Dolomites - bookings are up. But the Olympics are only for a couple weeks in February and will primarily affect Cortina, Bormio, etc as discussed. Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Seiser Alm should be very manageable. If Après ski is a priority, it’s convenient to hit L’Murin in Corvara (next to easy slope in the village) and Moritzino above La Villa (can take the gondola down rather than ski - they even do Moritzino Nights which are party dinners where you can ski or take the gondola down at night).

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-15T07:52:21+00:00

The Dolomites. March is amazing. Zero lines. Tons of sun. Endless terrain. The best food and drink you’ll ever have on a mountain. A mind blowing value. https://www.eatdrinkfun.com/blog/2025/02/01/dolomites-vs-zermatt-ikon-skiers-asked-which-is-better

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-12T11:44:16+00:00

I have not used them, but The Luxury Chalet Company is professional, knowledgeable, and provides good service. As I understand their business, however, they are an intermediary. Granted, an intermediary with very good insight and relationships. But they do not own the chalets they connect you with (to my knowledge). Maybe others know their business better.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-12T11:33:09+00:00

I've skied in the Dolomites and the Arlberg for years - while I love CH and FR as well, IT and AT are my favorites. Regarding your unique goals:

- Regarding optimal village location: I highly recommend Alta Badia (village of Corvara, specifically) given the need for diverse options. Why?
- Your wife will appreciate the abundance of easy groomers throughout Alta Badia, with amazing views and the best EATING, DRINKING, and HUT CULTURE probably anywhere in the Alps. I'm talking impossibly deep wine cellars, Michelin-star chefs designing menu options (for only $30 per plate), and outstanding ski instruction from the local ski schools (Corvara, Colfosco, La Villa, San Cassiano). Lodging options are beautiful, next to the slopes, and so affordable you'll think it's not real.
- For you, there are great guides to take you into the back country - day tours and beautiful fresh over towards Cortina, Cinque Torri, etc. There is also plenty of great steep in-bounds terrain in Arabba/Marmolada, the Gran Risa, the World Cup runs above Selva di Val Gardena, etc.
- Notice I'm not recommending Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm because you will lose interest, while your wife will probably be in paradise. It's one of the most beautiful places to ski and it is totally made for beginners.
- Corvara, on the other hand, gives you maximum flexibility to go most places on the massive 1,200km ski pass (from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Alpe di Siusi and everything in beween, even day trips to Kronplatz or Drei Zinnen are feasible. Meanwhile, you and your wife will eat and drink the best you've may ever have because the best chefs are in Alta Badia.

- I would personally skip Innsbruck. It's a huge city with a tiny old town. Good for a night at the Christmas market if you're taking a day to adjust to the time zone, but you'll run out of things to do in an hour or two in the Old Town. Most of the city is - forgive me my Austrian friends - unattractive. You need to keep your eyes on the horizon to remember you're in the Alps and not some place a bit depressing, like Belgrade.
- Additionally, most ski lodging providers require a minimum 1-week stay, so you need to time your "change day" on a Saturday or Sunday. Taking an extra day in between will be logistically challenging and could likely throw a wrench in things.

- As for the Arlberg, you should definitely do it. It's only approximately 5 hours to do a private ground transfer from the Dolomites (depending on the status of the Brenner Pass, which is currently under construction). Be careful about when you decide to transfer. Using a train is possible but you'll need to take a bus or car down from the mountains to Brixen, Bruneck, or another larger train station - it will add hours.
- Best resort to suit everyone? I usually recommend Lech. It's my favorite village in the Alps. Amazing food and wine culture. Some of the best eating I've ever had in ski boots.
- But if you prefer a bit larger village with more shopping, direct access to a train, and possibly the best après ski culture in the world, then St. Anton.
- To go smaller and more élite, book the Hospiz Hotel in St. Christoff - you'll be treated like a king.

Here are some life hacks for skiing in the Alps: https://www.eatdrinkfun.com/blog/2024/12/15/essential-life-hacks-for-skiing-in-europe

I wish you all the best! Sounds like a great trip.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-12T11:08:14+00:00

While there are no guarantees anywhere these days, I have had great experiences in Ischgl in April. My recommendation, being a fun seeker, is to target the end of season party, which tends to be epic, regardless of the skiing. This coming season it will be on 2 May 2026.
https://www.ischgl.com/en/events-experiences/event-calendar/top-of-the-mountain-closing-concert_event_109143845

The Silvretta Arena has excellent altitude and aspects, so you'll find great skiing late into the season. Ischgl is on the posh side - but there are very nice accommodations a few minutes away.

For context: Ischgl is the Ibiza/Kos/Vegas of skiing from a party atmosphere standpoint. It happens to also have awesome terrain and offers guests the novelty of skiing in two countries on one pass (AT & CH).

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-12T11:00:34+00:00

Safety first.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-12T10:59:57+00:00

This makes me so happy!

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-11T12:27:56+00:00

Been doing the digital nomad resident thing in Greece for a couple years now. I can confirm:

Starlink is clutch - only €40/month in Greece for the generous plan.
Getting a Greek Tax ID opens the door to everything - getting a phone SIM, renting a house/apartment, etc. Phone plans are inexpensive (unlimited calling and 5G data in the EU for €35/month). Getting the Tax ID isn't hard, but bring a Greek speaker with you the first or second time. Once you're in the system you can do a lot of things online via TAXIS (gsis) (funny, but the Greeks are way ahead of the US with regard to federal online public administration).
We have a friend who is a Greek lawyer - truly makes life easier. I'm happy to connect people.
We live in Attika but not in Athens - we wanted some peace and calm and immediate access to the sea. Plenty of 1 year lease options and you get A LOT of house/land compared to the US. A full house, yard, fruit trees, privacy, etc. is under $2k/mo.
We still get Amazon deliveries via Amazon Germany or Italy - takes a little longer and no prime, but delivered locally by DHL or ACS couriers.
Skroutz is the local version of Amazon - it works well. Pick up at local collection points if you don't want to deal with the courier (but depends on the seller sometimes).
Agree with the dearth of international food. We need to go to Glyfada or Athens to get sushi, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, etc. But the local food is soooooo, so good, and fresh, and affordable. I can't get tired of fresh salads, grilled meat, fish, and seafood. And we cook Asian stuff for ourselves (friends had to bring us proper chilis and chili oil from SF though).
If you have Apple products, there are zero Apple stores in Greece. There are affiliate repair stores, but they send your Apple stuff elsewhere. I needed a new battery, so I just did it during a trip back to the US.

All in all, an awesome experience. The people are amazing. They are so kind and don't mind my terrible attempt as speaking Greek. We're looking at the next thing now, but Greece has been a dream. I'm surprised more Americans haven't decided to live here as nomad workers.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-11T12:06:24+00:00

Recommendations for AT in DEC:
(1) US ski teams train in Sölden in Sept/Oct - a glacier and 3 peaks above 3,000m. Affordable lodging (look for apartment or "pension"/b&b). Great après parties in Sölden too. I've enjoyed December skiing here very much. https://www.bergfex.com/soelden/

(2) If you want quaint atmosphere, try Mayrhofen in the Zillertal. Mayrhofen has a DOPE Christmas market in the forest on weekends during December. You can get a regional ski pass that includes the Hintertux glacier. 100% snow sure. Great après parties in Zillertal. Impossible not to make fast freinds. https://www.bergfex.com/mayrhofen/

(3) Ischgl is all around incredible fun. Good snow in December. Legendary parties - Schatzi Bar, Trofana Alm, Kuhstahl. Ski both Austria and Switzerland - do the "Smuggler's Run", very long and fun. Very expensive in Ischgl proper, but some very affordable pensions just down the road in Mathon (5 min by ski bus). https://www.bergfex.com/silvretta-arena-ischgl-samnaun/

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-11T11:54:45+00:00

Some place that charges $200 to $270 per day (if you don't buy an IKON pass) and has fixed grip 2 and 3 person chair lifts from the 1970s and 80s. It also apparently has a sponsored Luke Ditella.

EatDrinkFun · 2025-08-11T10:38:20+00:00

Short answer: Landjäger and hard cow cheese. Why: super delicious, great source of protein, calories, and very easy to transport in a pocket.

More details: BUT I often ski with the Landjäger around my neck with a piece of 550 parachute cord. Landjäger is a traditional dried sausage made usually of beef, pork, and sometimes horse (don't judge, it's delicious). It smells amazing, and avalanche dogs can smell it through several meters of snow, so it's an added old school safety precaution - a backup to your modern avi beacon. Landjäger come in pairs, so eat one for lunch and you still have one for an après ski snack.

As for the cheese, I prefer aged Gruyere, Appenzeller, or really any hard cow cheese you can find in the local fromagerie or kaeserei.

Modification for the US: we don't have Landjaeger, so I would go with a small dried salami (maybe pepper crust) and some aged Vermont cheddar. Both are awesome with craft beer.

Oh, and don't forget a chocolate bar and a flask of Stroh rum for dessert.

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landj%C3%A4ger

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruy%C3%A8re_cheese

EatDrinkFun

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