Exploring Dolomiti Superski: A Four-Day Adventure Through the Heart of the Alps

Brett Ploss | | Post Tag for Conditions ReportConditions Report
Dolomites as seen from Rifugio Lagazuoi | Image: Brett Ploss

Trip Report From January 21-24, 2025

Dolomiti Superski is a skierโ€™s paradise, offering over 750 miles (1,200 kilometers) of slopes, 450 lifts, breathtaking scenery, and a rich cultural experience. We had the chance to explore this iconic region over four days, skiing from Val Gardena to Cortina Dโ€™Ampezzo and back while completing the legendary Grande Guerra Tour.

Day 1: Val Gardena to Marmolada โ€“ A Scenic Start

View of dolomites while heading to Marmolada | Image: Brett Ploss

Our adventure began in Val Gardena, a charming valley known for its world-class skiing and vibrant aprรจs-ski scene. We hopped off the bus with only skis and a backpack for the next three nights.

After soaking in the scenery, we explored the area via a series of scenic lifts, making our way to the top of Pordoi via the Sass Pordoi cable car. The panoramic views from the top were nothing short of spectacular, offering a birdโ€™s-eye view of the sprawling ski area below from the Sella Ronda.

As we continued, we stopped for a traditional Tyrolean dish, Kaiserschmarrenโ€”a fluffy shredded pancake served with powdered sugar and fruit compote. It was the perfect fuel for the rest of the day (maybe slightly too much sugar).

From here, we skied to the top of Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites at 10,968 feet (3,343 meters.) The descent was equally thrilling, with perfectly groomed runs and stunning vistas at every turn.

As the sun set, we headed to Rifugio Fedaia, a cozy mountain hut near the Marmolada glacier. The warm hospitality and hearty food made it the ideal resting spot after an exhilarating first day.

Day 2: Fedaia to Lagazuoi โ€“ A Journey Through History

Lagazuoi Cable Car | Image: Brett Ploss

Day two began with a ski from Fedaia to Lagazuoi, a route steeped in history from World War I. To get there, we took a bus to Alleghe, a picturesque town surrounded by dramatic peaks. We spent the morning skiing Civettaโ€™s quiet slopes before hopping on another bus to the Fedare two-seater lift. The ride was long but incredibly scenic, offering uninterrupted views of the Dolomitesโ€™ jagged peaks.

Rifugio Lagazuoi, where we spent two nights | Image: Brett Ploss

From there, we went to the Lagazuoi cable car, which whisked us to Rifugio Lagazuoi, our home for the next two nights. Perched at 9,028 feet (2,752 meters), the rifugio offered jaw-dropping views of the Sella Ronda and the surrounding Dolomites. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we marveled at the alpenglow illuminating the peaksโ€”a sight we will never forget.

Day 3: Cortina dโ€™Ampezzo โ€“ Skiing in Olympic Territory

View from Cortina Dโ€™Ampezzo | Image: Brett Ploss

Day three was dedicated to exploring Cortina dโ€™Ampezzo, one of Italyโ€™s most famous ski resorts and the host of the 2026 Winter Olympics. We started our day by taking the Skyline Cortina, then a bus across town to Funivia Faloria. The skiing here was exceptional, with wide, empty slopes on the less-traveled side of the resort.

After a morning of unforgettable runs, we walked through Cortinaโ€™s charming town center, where preparations for the Olympics were in full swing. The atmosphere was electric, with anticipation for the world-class events to come.

Back to the area west of the city, we could ride above the new bobsled track under construction. The terrain was varied here, offering something for everyone, from gentle cruisers to challenging descents. One of the highlights was skiing the Olympia delle Tofane, a World Cup downhill run that will be featured in the 2026 Olympics. The sense of history and excitement was palpable as we carved down the same slopes that will soon host the worldโ€™s best skiers.

Bobsled track under construction in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics | Image: Brett Ploss

In the afternoon, we took a series of lifts back to Lagazuoi. Though clouds obscured the views, the journey was still incredible.

We enjoyed an incredible three-course meal at the rifugio: tagliatelle with mushrooms, tender beef that fell apart at the touch of a fork, and a decadent Tyrolean dessert. It was the perfect way to end the day.

Day 4: Lagazuoi to Val Gardena – Completing the Grande Guerra Tour

Getting pulled from Cortina to Alta Badia by horse | Image: Brett Ploss

On our final day, we skied from Lagazuoi back to Val Gardena, completing the Grande Guerra Tour. This iconic route traced the front lines of World War I, offering a unique blend of history and skiing. The descent began off the backside of Lagazuoi, followed by a series of lifts, first including a four-euro pull by horse, an iconic must-do in the Dolomites.

The skiing was thrilling, with sweeping views of the Dolomites and well-maintained runs that made for an enjoyable ride. Along the way, we passed historical landmarks, including trenches and tunnels from World War I, which added a poignant layer to the experience.

Why Dolomiti Superski?

Dolomiti Superski App
Dolomiti Superski Named Resorts | Dolomiti Superski Website

Dolomiti Superski is more than just a ski destinationโ€”itโ€™s an experience. From the dramatic peaks of Marmolada and Lagazuoi, the Olympic slopes of Cortina to the horse-drawn ski lift, every moment felt like a postcard coming to life. The rifugios added a touch of authenticity, offering warm hospitality and delicious Tyrolean cuisine.

Whether youโ€™re a history buff, a foodie, or a skier looking for world-class terrain, Dolomiti Superski has something for everyone.

Plan your own Dolomiti Superski adventure and experience the magic for yourself. With its endless slopes, stunning scenery, and rich culture, itโ€™s a destination on every skierโ€™s bucket list.

Photos

A dog prances on a roof watching skiers go by during the descent from Rifugio Lagazuoi | Image: Brett Ploss
Sass Pordoi Cable Car at Dolomiti Superski | Image: Brett Ploss
Skiers descending from Rifugio Lagazuoi | Image: Brett Ploss
Distance from where we started skiing on day 2 | Image: Brett Ploss | Google Maps
View from our bed at Rifugio Lagazuoi | Image: Brett Ploss
Our appetizer at Rifugio Lagazuoi | Image: Brett Ploss
Our aprรจs view at Rifugio Lagazuoi | Image: Brett Ploss
Rifugio Fedaia | Image: Brett Ploss
Getting ready to be pulled by horseback up to Alta Badia | Image: Brett Ploss
Kaiserschmarren | Image: Brett Ploss

Related Articles

2 thoughts on “Exploring Dolomiti Superski: A Four-Day Adventure Through the Heart of the Alps

Got an opinion? Let us know...