HIGH AND MIGHTY

The Dolomites offer some of the best skiing in Europe. Annabel Grossman picks where to play, and where to stay

-  Annabel Grossman

Having once sat in the shadow of the French Alps – a longtime favourite among British skiers – the Dolomites has surged in popularity as a snowsports destination in recent years thanks to breathtaking scenery, charming chalets and family-run hotels, and a culinary scene that’s distinct from anything else you’ll find in Europe.

With 1,200km of slopes, the Dolomiti Superski area offers something for everyone – whether that’s gentle blues and greens in Corvara, Kronplatz’s kid-friendly nursery runs, or tackling the challenging Sellaronda from your base in Arabba.

And the scenery is unparalleled. The Dolomites is a Unesco World Heritage site, with jagged peaks towering over sweeping snow-blanketed slopes, alongside picture-perfect villages nestled in the valleys. The moment when the sun hits the mountains at dusk and dawn, turning them a soft rose pink hue, is truly gorgeous.

The region is served by a number of airports, including Venice, Verona and Innsbruck, which require a transfer of around three hours (traffic dependent). The arrival of the SkyAlps airline at the end of 2023 made it even easier to reach the mountains, with direct flights from London Gatwick into Bolzano, which is a very pleasant hour-and-a-half drive from most resorts.

Admittedly, the Dolomites is not known to be the most budgetfriendly ski region – a daily ski pass is roughly €70 (£58) for one resort, rising to around €80 (£66) for the full Dolomiti Superski area. But it offers a richness of experience that is distinct from any other ski region in Europe or beyond. The mountains are filled with ancient traditions, myths and legends, many of these relating to the Ladin communities that have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The Ladin language is still spoken throughout the region, while the traditional barley soup, hearty dumplings and ravioli stuffed with spinach are served at village restaurants and mountain huts across the ski resorts.