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

Corvara, nestled in Italy's Alta Badia region, is a premier destination for intermediate skiers. Its extensive, well-groomed slopes and access to the expansive Dolomiti Superski area make it ideal for those seeking both scenic runs and technical challenges.​

 Why Corvara is Ideal for                 Intermediates

  • Extensive Intermediate Terrain: Approximately 69% of Corvara's 70 local runs are classified as intermediate, providing a diverse range of options for skiers looking to improve their skills. ​
  • Pralongià Plateau: This area offers wide, ego-boosting red runs with stunning Dolomite views, perfect for building confidence. ​
  • Sella Ronda Access: Corvara serves as a gateway to the renowned 40km Sella Ronda circuit. The anti-clockwise route is slightly easier, making it suitable for intermediates. ​
  • Proximity to Challenging Runs: Nearby areas like Arabba and Selva offer more demanding terrain, such as the Portavescovo red and the Costorata run, for those seeking to push their limits




Advanced

Corvara, nestled in Italy's Alta Badia region, offers a variety of options for advanced skiers seeking challenging terrain and scenic descents. While the immediate area around Corvara is known for its intermediate-friendly slopes, there are several notable runs and circuits that Arabba, located in the heart of the Dolomites in northern Italy, is a top-tier destination for advanced skiers. It offers a mix of steep terrain, off-piste challenges, and high alpine descents, all set within the spectacular scenery of the Dolomiti Superski area.

Key Highlights of Advanced Skiing in Arabba:

1. Direct Access to the Sella Ronda

Arabba is one of the best access points for the Sella Ronda circuit, a world-famous ski route that links four valleys around the Sella Massif. While the Sella Ronda itself is not extremely difficult, advanced skiers can use it as a gateway to more challenging terrain, including steep black runs and off-piste zones around the massif.

2. Challenging Black Runs

Arabba has some of the steepest and most technical pistes in the Dolomites, such as:

  • Fodoma (run 1): A long, steep black piste under the Porta Vescovo lift, offering sustained gradients and often icy conditions—perfect for expert carving and control.
  • Ornella (run 2): Another black descent from Porta Vescovo, often quieter and great for pushing limits.

3. Porta Vescovo Area

This is the epicentre of advanced skiing in Arabba. From the summit (2,478m), you get access to:

  • High-altitude, steep reds and blacks
  • Backcountry access into the Marmolada glacier or down toward Arabba itself, with options for guided freeride itineraries

4. Off-Piste & Freeride Potential

While Arabba isn't a wild freeride mecca like Chamonix, its back bowls, hidden couloirs, and descents toward Malga Ciapela and the Marmolada glacier offer plenty of opportunities for skilled skiers—especially with a guide.

5. Marmolada Glacier (accessed via nearby Malga Ciapela)

The glacier provides a 12 km top-to-bottom run and access to long off-piste descents, including serious backcountry options that can involve avalanche risk—so guidance and proper gear are essential.

6. Snow Reliability

Thanks to high altitude and north-facing slopes, Arabba has some of the best snow retention in the Dolomites, making it ideal for late-season advanced skiing.

Tips for Advanced Skiers in Arabba:

  • Hire a local guide for off-piste or glacier descents.
  • Explore early or late in the day to avoid crowded bottlenecks on the Sella Ronda.
  • Combine with nearby resorts like Alta Badia or Val di Fassa for more variety and vertical.

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 >

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