Sellaronda, Italy
Drop dead gorgeous scenery, slopes for everyone or consider it a multi-day ski adventure you can do with a pair of undies in your pocket, Andrea and the team who run Swiss ski and culinary tours tell us why they have a soft spot for the Dolomites in Italy.
DOLOMITES, ITALY
The Italian Dolomites are one of the most popular skiing destinations in the world. Majestic alpine landscapes, a fantastic choice of slopes for all ski levels, and a distinct Italian flair make people come back year after year. But among many fantastic resorts in the area, there’s one that clearly stands out: the famous skiing circuit in Sellaronda.
Sellaronda is one of the most famous ski areas in the Dolomites, located on the border between the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto in northern Italy. It’s home to some of the most beautiful ski slopes of the Ski World Cup Circuit, including the well-known Sasslong and Gran Risa. The Sellaronda itself is a 40 km (25 miles) long ski circuit spread over four mountain valleys surrounding the circular Sella massif: Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo Campolongo, and Passo Gardena.
The Sella group, together with the rest of the Italian Dolomites, was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. Looking at the breathtaking beauty of the plateau with rugged peaks and steep cliffs, one doesn’t need to wonder why. Culturally, the Dolomites are a curious mix of German and Italian influences. So, if you’re looking for a unique skiing experience in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe, Sellaronda should be your next choice.
Why Sellaronda?
But what makes Sellaronda, and this part of Italian Dolomites, a great choice for your skiing holiday is not only its beauty and unique culture. What brings people back year after year is hundreds of miles of beautiful, perfectly groomed slopes. Sellaronda is a great option for beginners and advanced skiers alike, as every valley offers a good variety of runs, from easy and wide blue slopes to challenging black pistes.
Sellaronda characterisation
The Sellaronda loop covers 40 km (25 miles) of runs: around 26 km (16 miles) are downhill runs, and the rest is covered by ski lifts. You can start skiing Sellaronda from any valley that connects to the four passes: Selva in Val Gardena, Corvara in Alta Badia, Canazei in Val di Fassa and Arabba. It doesn’t matter where you start or which direction you go – the distances and difficulty of the slopes are pretty much the same in each direction. We recommend skiing Sellaronda in both directions as the views are different, though equally spectacular.
Intermediate and advanced skiers will have no trouble skiing the Sellaronda circuit, but beginners are not advised to attempt it. Though there are a few blue pistes included in the circuit, most runs are red – some quite challenging. The average time to close the Sellaronda loop is 6 to 7 hours, depending on your pace, how many breaks you’ve planned, and where and how long your lunch is. Planning to ski the Sellaronda circuit is a bit challenging, especially as you will be in a time crunch. Most lifts close around 4 pm, and you must be done before that – unless you’re willing to pay for a very expensive cab back to your hotel.
If you wish to ski the Sellaronda circuit but don’t want to bother with careful planning, hiring a ski guide is the best option. Local guides know the route like the back of their hand. They will suggest the proper starting time, lead you to the right lifts and even modify the route according to your preferences – for instance, by guiding you to more challenging slopes. With them by your side, you will make the best of your Sellaronda challenge and come back on time. They will also be happy to show you the best restaurants and chalets for your lunch break.
Skiing day on the Sellaronda loop requires good nourishment. There are plenty of fantastic restaurants to choose from along the way. Each village offers a variety of local eateries, both budget-friendly and high-end. Mixed cultural influences that shape Ladinia are also visible in food options. Next to typical pizza and pasta, one can find in the restaurant’s menu canederli, bread dumplings inspired by Austrian knödels, sausage and sauerkraut, and rye bread, unseen in the southern parts of Italy.
Gems outside Sellaronda
Your skiing holidays in the Dolomites should not only include Sellaronda. There are tons of hidden gems around. With the Dolomiti Superpass, all runs and lifts across 12 ski areas in the region stand open to you, together with 1200 km or 745 miles of pristine slopes. Advanced skiers will be delighted to test their skills on the most beautiful and technically challenging run in the Italian Alps, the Gran Risa.
Another downhill run featured in the World Cup is the Saslong, located in Val Gardena. Don’t miss our skiing on the glacier in Marmolada: here, the conditions are fantastic, even early and late in the season. Those who love a bit of adventure will be excited to ski on the slopes of a sleeping volcano in Pozza di Fassa.
Are you afraid to miss out on the adventures and hidden gems in the Italian Alps? If so, then having a skiing guide at your side is a way to go. Local guides will plan and manage your transfers to each place, making sure you milk every opportunity to ski on one of the best slopes in the world.
Guided ski holidays in the Dolomites with My-Mountains
Skiing in the Dolomites is a fantastic adventure every ski enthusiast should tick off at least once in their lifetime. My-Mountains Dolomites ski holiday package in the Italian Alps offers a seamless experience where Swiss efficiency meets Italian flair. A unique element of My-Mountains ski holiday packages is guided assistance.
Having a ski instructor and a guide at your side will boost your experience and help you make the best of your holiday. Forget searching for the next ski lift, a restaurant to have lunch at or worrying about time management. With a guide, skiing circuits like Sellaronda will be a piece of cake.
My-Mountains Dolomites ski holiday package will be perfect for people who simply want to enjoy the sun, ski and the slopes. Forget standing in line at the ticket office: your ski passes will be waiting for you when you arrive. The packages include pre-arranged transfers from the biggest airports in northern Italy (Milan, Bergamo, Venice, Trieste, Bolzano), 3 and 4-star accommodations close to the ski lifts, breakfasts and dinners (either at the hotel or at a local restaurant), as well as ski passes and assistance of a guide.
All our guides speak a local language as well as English, helping you with any arrangements and communication you may need. And what about the non-skiing family members? The Ladinia region is perfect for winter hikes and snowshoe walks. Your guide will be more than happy to show you the best routes and give you tips for your first snowshoe experience.
Skiing at Sellaronda in the Italian Dolomites is a one-of-a-kind experience. This unique area offers breathtaking views, amazing runs, a great variety of pistes and top-tier infrastructure. The four Ladin valleys offer unparalleled views of the UNESCO World Heritage Sella massif, paired with excellent skiing conditions and a variety of local food options. Squeeze everything out of your holiday in Italy with the My-Mountains Dolomites ski holiday package and enjoy the safety, confidence and convenience provided by our guides. Immerse yourself in the world of top-class winter skiing and find out why so many people keep coming back to South Tirol. Get in touch for a personal offer for your Dolomite ski holiday package. We also do tailor made trips throughout Switzerland as well.
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