Arabba

Transfer Time

2HRS

Best For

Beginners , Intermediates & Advanced

Skiing

Dolomiti Superski Pass includes 1200km of marked piste and 450 lifts.




Ideal For

Families & Couples

ARABBA AT A GLANCE.

Arabba is a picturesque mountain village nestled in the Dolomites of northern Italy, in the Veneto region, within the province of Belluno. It sits at an altitude of about 1,602 meters (5,256 feet) and is part of the municipality of Livinallongo del Col di Lana. Known for its stunning alpine scenery, Arabba is a gateway to some of the most dramatic and iconic peaks in the Dolomites, including the Sella Group.

Key Highlights of Arabba:

  • Outdoor Activities: Arabba is a year-round destination. In winter, it’s a major ski resort and part of the Dolomiti Superski area, including direct access to the famous Sella Ronda ski circuit. In summer, it transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and motorcycling along scenic alpine passes like Passo Pordoi and Passo Campolongo.
  • Skiing: The village is known for its challenging terrain and excellent snow conditions. The slopes around Arabba are among the most technical in the Sella Ronda loop, attracting advanced skiers.
  • Culture and Language: Arabba lies in Ladin-speaking territory, and the local culture reflects a blend of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin influences. The Ladin people have a unique heritage, language, and traditions that are distinct from the rest of Italy.
  • Access: Though relatively remote, Arabba is accessible by road and is about 2.5–3 hours from Venice or Innsbruck by car. The nearest larger towns are Cortina d’Ampezzo and Canazei.
  • Atmosphere: Compared to larger resorts, Arabba is quiet and authentic, with a small-town charm that appeals to those looking for a more relaxed and less commercial alpine experience.


Arabba SKI HOLIDAYS

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Beginners

Arabba, located in the Italian Dolomites, is best known for its challenging slopes and access to the Sella Ronda ski circuit, which makes it more popular with intermediate and advanced skiers. However, beginners can still enjoy skiing in Arabba with the right planning. Here's a breakdown for beginners:

 Beginner Skiing in Arabba

 Pros:

  • Dedicated beginner slopes: There are nursery slopes and magic carpets near the town center, ideal for first-timers.
  • Ski schools: Several ski schools offer private and group lessons tailored to beginners (e.g., Scuola Sci & Snowboard Arabba).
  • Beautiful surroundings: You'll be learning in one of the most scenic parts of the Dolomites.

 Things to Consider:

  • Limited beginner terrain: Most of Arabba’ s slopes are red or black, so there's not a wide range of green or easy blue runs.
  • Better for progression if you’re a quick learner: If you pick up skiing fast, you'll soon be able to try some of the easier blues that connect to nearby resorts.

Tip: Use Arabba as a base, but ski nearby beginner-friendly areas:

  • Alta Badia (Corvara/Colfosco) – very beginner-friendly and just a lift ride away.
  • Plan your day with the lift pass: The Dolomiti Superski pass gives you access to multiple resorts.

 Recommendations:

  • Start your lessons in Arabba's baby slopes (Burz or near the Campolongo pass).
  • Consider a few days of lessons before trying the blue runs toward Corvara.
  • Look into accommodation near the beginner slopes or ski schools for convenience.



WHY WE LOVE ARABBA?

Stunning Mountain Scenery

Arabba sits in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering jaw-dropping views of rugged peaks like the Sella Group and Marmolada (the highest mountain in the Dolomites). The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons.

 Winter Paradise for Skiers

  • Part of the Dolomiti Superski area—one of the largest ski networks in the world.
  • Direct access to the famous Sellaronda ski circuit.
  • Great for both beginners and advanced skiers, with reliable snow conditions.


 Authentic Alpine Charm

  • A small, cozy village with a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Family-run hotels, traditional Ladin culture, and local cuisine make for an intimate and warm experience.
  • Less commercialised than other Alpine resorts.

Delicious Local Food

  • Enjoy hearty Ladin dishes, alpine Italian cuisine, and excellent wine.
  • Cozy mountain huts (rifugi) serve up unforgettable meals with panoramic views.

Great Location for Exploring

  • Well connected to nearby highlights like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena, and Alta Badia.

 Intermediates

Arabba, a ski resort in the Dolomites of northern Italy, is a popular destination for intermediate skiers due to its diverse terrain and access to the Sella Ronda circuit. Here's an overview of what intermediates can expect:

Terrain Overview for Intermediates in Arabba

1. Variety of Red Runs (Intermediate Pistes):

  • Arabba offers plenty of red runs, which are ideal for confident intermediate skiers. These pistes are more challenging than blue runs but not as steep or technical as black runs.
  • Notable red runs include those on Porta Vescovo, which offer long, satisfying descents and incredible Dolomite views.

2. Access to Sella Ronda:

  • Arabba is one of the main gateways to the Sella Ronda ski circuit, a famous loop that connects four valleys and covers around 40km of skiable terrain.
  • This circuit is mostly composed of red and blue runs, making it perfect for intermediates seeking a scenic and adventurous day on skis.

3. Blue Runs for Progression:

  • While Arabba is not known for having a huge number of easy slopes, there are some blue runs around the resort that are useful for warming up or for less confident intermediates.
  • The blue runs near the Burz and Bec de Roces lifts are smoother and well-groomed.

4. Link to Alta Badia and Val di Fassa:

  • From Arabba, intermediate skiers can easily connect to Alta Badia and Val di Fassa, both of which offer more extensive networks of red and blue runs.

Tips for Intermediates:

  • Early starts are ideal to avoid icy or crowded conditions on steeper reds.
  • Avoid peak times on narrow connecting trails on the Sella Ronda to keep the experience enjoyable.
  • Try a guide or ski school for a day to explore confidently and find the best snow conditions.

Would you like a suggested route for a day of intermediate skiing in Arabba and the Sella Ronda?



Advanced

Advanced skiing in Arabba, part of Italy’s Dolomiti Superski area, is a thrilling experience known for its steep terrain, challenging descents, and direct access to some of the most demanding runs in the Dolomites. Here’s a breakdown of what makes Arabba ideal for advanced skiers:

1. Terrain & Slopes

  • Steep Reds and Blacks: Arabba boasts a high concentration of red and black runs. The Porta Vescovo area is particularly famous for its steep, north-facing black runs, like the Fodoma and Ornella pistes, which remain in excellent condition due to limited sun exposure.
  • Long Descents: Runs in Arabba often have significant vertical drops, providing long, uninterrupted skiing that challenges stamina and technique.
  • Off-Piste Opportunities: There are several off-piste routes in and around Arabba, particularly accessible from the Marmolada glacier, but avalanche awareness and gear are a must.

2. Access to Marmolada Glacier

  • Marmolada (3,343 m) is the highest peak in the Dolomites and can be accessed from Arabba via Malga Ciapela. The Bellunese run from the top is over 12 km long and offers a stunning, sustained descent that's often uncrowded and technically varied.

3. Sella Ronda Connection

  • Arabba is on the Sella Ronda, the renowned ski circuit around the Sella massif. While the Ronda itself is intermediate-friendly, expert skiers can use it to branch off into more difficult terrain in areas like Val di Fassa, Alta Badia, and Selva di Val Gardena.

4. Freeride and Ski Touring

  • Arabba is a base for ski touring and freeriding in the Dolomites. Local guides offer tours into the Padon, Mesola, and Col di Lana areas—less crowded and filled with technical lines and couloirs.
  • Good knowledge of snow conditions or hiring a guide is essential due to avalanche risk and technical complexity.

5. Snow Conditions and Lifts

  • The area has reliable snow cover, particularly on north-facing slopes and the Marmolada, even late into the season.
  • Modern lifts help reduce waiting times, though Arabba is less commercialized than other Dolomite resorts, making for a more relaxed but still high-performance skiing environment.

If you'd like to discuss a holiday to La Thuile mn , get in touch via the online chat, send us an email or give us a call on 01248 712567.

Places to eat and drink in Arabba? 

Arabba, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, offers a delightful array of dining and drinking establishments that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here's a curated selection of notable spots to consider:

Notable Restaurants in Arabba

  • Stube Ladina: Located within Hotel Alpenrose, this MICHELIN Guide-listed restaurant offers traditional Alpine cuisine crafted from regional ingredients in a cozy, wood-paneled setting.
  • Miky’ s Grill: Situated on Via Mesdì, Miky's is renowned for its grilled meats, pasta dishes, and hearty fare, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors.
  • Restaurant Pizzeria Bar Peter: A popular après-ski destination, this establishment features a sun terrace and serves a variety of pizzas and local dishes.
  • Restaurant Pizzeria 7 Sass: Known for its wood-fired pizzas and selection of cold dishes, this spot offers a casual dining experience. ​
  • Restaurant Al Forte: Located in the Pezzei area, Al Forte is celebrated for its traditional Ladin dishes and a well-curated wine list, all set in a rustic ambiance.

Mountain Huts & Scenic Dining

  • Rifugio Luigi Gorza: Perched at Portavescovo, this elegant mountaintop refuge offers panoramic views and a menu featuring hearty Alpine cuisine.
  • Rifugio Fodom: Situated at Passo Pordoi, this hut provides traditional dishes and is a perfect stop for skiers seeking authentic local flavors.
  • Monte Cherz Restaurant: Located at Passo Campolongo, it offers quality and tradition in the heart of the Dolomites.

 Bars & Après-Ski Spots

  • Snack & Wine Bar Heidi: A cozy wine bar offering a curated selection of wines and drinks in a warm, alpine-modern atmosphere.
  • Pico Café: Situated in the center of Arabba, this trendy lounge bar serves refined coffee blends, homemade pastries, and a selection of cocktails and wines


Ski schools

For information on ski schools, click here.


Ski hire

For information on ski hire, click here.

In the Snow >

Our Recommended Hotels in arabba.

Hotel Al Forte i arabba


  • 3* hotel.
  • Spa and wellness centre.
  • Free parking.
  • Free WiFi.
  • Family rooms.
  • Skiing.
  • Restaurant.
  • Fitness centre.
  • Bar.

Hotel Alpenrose | arabba

  • 3* Hotel.
  • Spa and wellness centre.
  • Free parking.
  • Free WiFi.
  • Family rooms.
  • Restaurant.
  • Skiing.
  • Bar.
  • Ski storage.

Hotel Portavescovo i  Arabba

  • 3* Hotel.
  • Spa and wellness centre.
  • Free parking.
  • Free WiFi.
  • Family rooms.
  • Restaurant.
  • Skiing.
  • Bar.
  • Ski storage.

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