A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites boast some of the most beautiful natural landscapes and fascinating historical sites in the entire world. The mountains are also home to the epic Dolomiti Superski region; 120,000 hectares of ski terrain under one lift ticket, multiple ski areas and some of the best resorts in Italy. With that in mind, choosing which destination to go on a luxury ski vacation in Dolomites can be overwhelming. Therefore, we have run down some of the best mountain resorts and ski cabins in this extraordinary ski region in Europe.
For those unfamiliar, the Dolomiti Superski region is best looked at similarly to a smaller scale Rocky Mountains. Not all 1,200km of ski slopes are connected. The region features 15 different ski areas, with several mountain resorts and towns, some completely separated and others that interlink. Each area hosts a number of Italian ski resorts, from cozy settlements, to glamorous, world-famous towns. Skiing in the Dolomites has everything from smaller family-friendly areas, to the massive 500km of interconnected ski slopes found across the several different ski areas that link up on the iconic skiing the Sella Ronda circuit. Here are some of our highlights…
Cortina
The most glamorous of mountain towns in Italy. The Queen of the Dolomites, and co-host of the 2026 Winter Games alongside Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo is renowned around the world. In terms of mountain resorts in Italy, there aren’t many more famous than Cortina. The town is an illustrious destination for both skiers and non-skiers alike. Cortina has become synonymous with those looking to experience the ultimate in luxury. Head downtown for a combination of a rich heritage immersed in traditions. Luxury stores, gourmet restaurants (including two with Michelin stars), and an unmistakable sense of style are at the core. On a luxury ski vacation to Cortina, you can’t miss out on a snowy stroll along the famous Corso Italia. Browse through the many stylish boutiques that lead towards the iconic bell tower of the church. For a greater insight into the entire resort, check out our insider’s guide to Cortina.
Of course, it is not only the town’s prestige that makes Cortina one of the best resorts in the Dolomites. Cortina has two main ski terrains (Tofana & Faloria-Cristallo), offering approximately 120km of local pistes. It is connected with a ski trail into Alta Badia and boasts fantastic access to further ski resorts in the Dolomites. There’s an exceptional variety to skiing in Cortina, with something to suit every level of skier. Novices will love the easy blue trails of Socrepes and Pocol in Tofana. Intermediates are well challenged with the long cruisy pistes of the Super 8 Ski Tour in Cinque Torri. Advanced skiers can travel over to Faloria for some iconic steep black runs. There are powdery tree-lined runs, World Cup slopes and a never-ending supply of breathtaking panoramas to discover. Check out our list of the top 5 ski runs in Cortina for some highlights.
Luxury Ski Cabins in Cortina
LV | 01 Dolce Vita & LV | 02 Perla are perhaps the two best luxury catered ski lodges in Italy. Located on the exclusive LV Estate, these mountain cabins are the pinnacle of luxury in Cortina. They have the style, services and facilities to rival any in the Alps. The lodges are brimming with features: spa areas with indoor swimming pools and Jacuzzis, plush movie theatres, multiple living areas of elegant luxury, spacious outdoor areas, unmatched vistas of the Dolomite peaks and so much more. Enjoy the use of a 24/7 chauffeur service to explore the fantastic resort; then return to gourmet meals made by an in-house Michelin chef. You won;t have to lift a finger! Each mountain lodge welcomes up to 12 guests on a luxury ski vacation to Italy.
Selva Val Gardena
One of three towns in the Val Gardena ski area, Selva is the perfect microcosm of Dolomites ski resorts. Selva Val Gardena mountain resort perfectly captures the charm of ski vacations in the Dolomites: a historic, picturesque village surrounded by beautiful alpine forests and majestic mountain cliffs. The South Tyrolean resort, sometimes known by its German name of Wolkenstein, exhibits the unique Ladin culture of the valley.
At an altitude of 5,128 feet (1,563 meters), Selva is the highest mountain resort in the Val Gardena ski area. It is also one of the main ski resorts along the Sella Ronda ski circuit. This means it provides you with unbeatable access to 50,000 hectares (310 miles) of interconnected ski terrain, the largest area for skiing in the Dolomites. If you stick within the local Val Gardena area, you’re still treated to 18,000 hectares (112 miles) of skiable terrain. The challenge for your luxury ski vacation in Selva Val Gardena will be to complete “The Legendary 8” ski trails, including the fabled Saslong World Cup run.
Selva has so much to offer, for families and non-skiers, as well as those wanting to hit the slopes. There is an abundance of apres-ski activities, from exciting on-snow activities such as sledding and snowshoeing, to special cultural experiences where you can sample the local cuisine. Incidentally, the food in Selva is incredible, with an interesting mix of Italian and Austrian influences. Our insider’s guide to Selva Val Gardena will tell you everything you need to know.
Luxury Ski Condos in Selva Val Gardena
The accommodation on a luxury ski vacation in Italy is just as important as the resort or ski area. Thankfully, Selva Val Gardena delivers with a great selection of options. For small groups looking for a luxury catered ski trip in Italy, the aptly named Chalet Selva welcomes up to 4 guests. This stylish 2-bedroom condo affords stunning panoramic views thanks to its elevated location in the resort. Additionally, the luxury condo comes with the use of the facilities and spa of the Hotel Rodella. There’s an impressive list of wellness facilities, including an outdoor swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi and several types of sauna. A chauffeur service will have you at any major lift within minutes, allowing you to maximize time on the hill. There are several further condo and ski cabin options, with the same great services and facilities, for larger groups between 5 and 8.
If the freedom of a self catered ski vacation in Selva Val Gardena appeals, then consider Chalet Villa Carolina. It is structured as two self-contained condos, with a third floor for entertainment. The ski lodge is ideal for groups of up to 10 guests who value their autonomy. There are separate lounge/dining/kitchen areas in each condo, but the true gem of the property is in its lower level. This social space features a chic sunken lounge with fireplace, an elegant dining space and a bar with pool table and wine cellar, functioning as the perfect space for late night parties. Outside, you’ll find a private yard with hot tub and firepit, all surrounded by spellbinding Dolomites vistas.
Arabba
Another stop along the Sella Ronda, Arabba is a charming, little mountain resort in the Dolomites with an exceptional offering. Lovers of winter sports, nature and history should flock to Arabba for their luxury ski vacation to Italy. The small town is a quiet, peaceful resort of immeasurable natural beauty. Many pass by Arabba without truly taking the time to appreciate it. With the same Ladin culture as found throughout much of the Dolomites, and nearby local settlements dating back 10,000 years, it is an excellent place to visit if you want an authentic experience on your luxury ski trip to Italy.
Arabba forms part of the Arabba-Marmolada ski area, with over 6,000 hectares (37 miles) of skiable terrain. Expert skiers will love Arabba, finding several long and tricky black runs leading into the resort. The area also offers glacier skiing on the Marmolada, which at 10,968 feet (3,343 meters) is the tallest mountain in the Dolomites. This is also home to the Dolomites’ longest ski run, the Bellunese. It’s a 7.5 mile winding route that starts at the top of the Punta Rocca cable car station (10,712 feet) and ends up in the village of Malga Ciapela (4,757 feet).
Arabba is a prime spot to set off on the Grande Guerra – First World War ski tour. The First World War ski tour combines skiing and history in one. Taking you on an 50 mile route (with some short bus journeys involved) through many Italian mountain resorts around the Col di Lana, where Austrian, German and Italian armies fought in World War 1, the route now acts as a war memorial. It also takes you along some of the best pistes in the Dolomites, including the aforementioned longest run.
Luxury Ski Cabins in Arabba
One of the best mountain resorts in Italy wouldn’t be complete without one of the best luxury ski cabins in Italy. Cesa del Louf is a beautiful alpine retreat, providing the perfect blend of authenticity and luxury. Set up for anywhere between 10 and 20 guests, Cesa del Louf has a number of unique facilities that make it stand out. The ski lodge oozes character, spread over two buildings, and maintaining many original features of its converted farmhouse structure. There’s an incredible wellness area, found enveloped by old stone walls and arched ceilings. Additionally, the wellness space has an indoor swimming pool with views to the snow-capped Dolomite peaks.
Cesa del Louf is ski on ski off cabin in the Dolomites for anyone comfortable skiing off-piste. The lodge also comes with a special chauffeur service, unlike any other in the Alps. Either take a snowcat or a VM90, a specialized Italian military vehicle, to get to the main Arabba lifts. If that’s not enough, there’s even a heliport! The chalet is in a secluded location up the mountain, while still only half a mile from the Italian ski resort of Arabba.
Ortisei
Ortisei is another Val Gardena ski resort, found slightly lower down the valley from Selva, at an altitude of 1,236 feet. On top of history, culture and beautiful scenery, Ortisei presents a chic and cosmopolitan vibe for your luxury ski vacation in Italy. The Dolomites mountain resort has been a tourist favorite since the 1800’s. Moreover, Ortisei is a fantastic place for boutique shopping, alongside café lunches surrounded by majestic scenery. This elegant mountain town is also famed for traditional craftwork of ornate and intricate wood carvings — a detailed, centuries-old craft that predates its ski resort days.
Skiing in Ortisei offers the same brilliant access to the Val Gardena ski area, much like neighboring resort Selva. However, while situated further away from the Sella Ronda circuit, Ortisei instead offers easy access to ski terrain on the Alpe di Siusi. The Alpe di Siusi, also referred to as the Seiser Alm, is Europe’s largest alpine pasture. The Seiser Alm is a 5,600 hectares plateau with pistes ranging in altitude from 5,906 – 8,038 feet. There is a terrific selection of gentle reds and long easy blues on a high altitude plateau, which makes it the perfect snow-sure spot for progressing beginners and family ski vacations. There is also a large snowpark in this area, and more advanced skiers will still get to enjoy skiing the terrain of the other Val Gardena ski resorts, all within the setting of remarkable natural beauty and reliable snowfall.
Luxury Chalets in Ortisei
Chalet Vilaiet is a stylish ski lodge of modern alpine elegance to match the atmosphere of Ortisei. The chalet welcomes 6-7 guests for a stay in total luxury. Chalet Vilaiet is ski in/ski out, with an outdoor heated swimming pool and private yard. There’s also a 150m² wellness area, full of incredible facilities. This fully catered ski chalet in Italy comes with both a driver service and a number of noteworthy complimentary experiences. Perhaps the highlight is the day of ski guiding with former World Cup ski legend Isolde Kostner, who also owns the lodge. This is a really special offering amongst our list of luxury ski cabins in Italy.
On your luxury ski trip to Italy, the Dolomites are simply a magnificent place to visit. While I’ve talked about some of the best ski resorts in the Dolomites, this is by no means an exhaustive list. There are plenty of resorts to choose from, with an ever-growing collection of luxury chalets in the Dolomites on offer. Should you be interested in a summer Dolomites vacation, many of these ski resorts make our list of top Dolomites summer resorts too.
If you are interested in any of the ski lodges or mountain resorts on our list, or simply want to learn more about a luxury ski vacation to the Dolomites, then you can speak to one of our Italian Ski Specialists. Simply give us a call on +44 1202 203650 or send us an email. Start planning your Italian luxury ski vacation now!
