There is a phenomenal concentration of village ski resorts in the stunningly beautiful Italian Dolomites, that centre around the mighty limestone massif of the Gruppo Sella. Many of these are linked to make up the renowned intermediate paradise of the Sella Ronda circuit – Selva Val Gardena being one of the largest, along with Arabba – best for more challenging skiing and quick access to the Marmolada glacier – and Corvara which enjoys a great location from which to explore the different linked sections of this vast area. There are plenty of other villages in the area, some linked to the main lift system and others that are more isolated hidden gems worth exploring for their deserted slopes. The whole area is also blessed with a huge number of top restaurants – another resort worth a specific mention is San Cassiano, at the heart of this gourmet hot spot and home to some notable hotels such as the wonderful Rosa Alpina.
The village of Corvara enjoys one of the best locations for accessing both the vast Sella Ronda and Alta Badia areas of the Dolomiti Superski region. The Miramonti is set in a quiet spot on the edge of this pleasant and relaxed village with 91 spacious rooms and is surrounded by the impressive rock faces of the stunning Dolomitic scenery.
Although not linked directly to the Sella Ronda ski area, Cortina d’Ampezzo is still part of the Dolomiti Superski pass and is one of the most well-known resorts in the Dolomites, further cemented by being selected as the host city for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Dominated by its magnificent green-and-white bell tower and a glittering confection of grand 19th-century mansions, it is one of Italy’s most iconic winter destinations. Located just a two-hour drive from Venice, it’s also one of the easiest resorts to access in the area making it extremely suitable for short breaks.
A great location, just 250 metres from the Faloria cable car and right in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, just off the main Corso Italia. It has 86 spacious rooms and a nice lounge area with fireplace. Parts of the hotel are a little dated, but this is made up for by the location and generally excellent value 4* rates.
Via Lattea, or Milkyway in English, offers 400 kilometres of pistes that link Sestriere, Sauze d’Oulx, Sansicario, Pragelato and Montgenevre in France to provide an impressive amount of mainly intermediate, high altitude skiing. Home to the mountain-based disciplines of the 2006 Turin winter Olympics, the resorts are all conveniently close to the city, meaning relatively short transfer times. Sestriere in particular was built for snow being at over 2000 metres with north-west facing slopes and extensive snowmaking.
Often referred to as Italy’s 3 valleys but the absolute antithesis of the French version beyond the geographical comparison: underrated skiing, quiet, great value and a wonderful sense of space on the mountain. On top of the well-groomed pistes, the off-piste terrain and heliskiing on the Monte Rosa are the real draw. Champoluc at the western end of the area is the most substantial village, popular with families and those that want a little more going on. Gressoney, in the middle valley, is really a collection of three smaller villages, St Jean, La Trinite and Stafal that all have a raw alpine feel. This is the best place to stay to access the full extent of the mountain and is home to the excellent local guiding and heliskiing operation. The perfect destination for a weekend of heliskiing and off-piste action. Alagna is the third valley for serious off-pisters only.