Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Arabba, Canazei: Italy's skiing paradise. Hundreds of kilometres linked together with skis on your feet, surrounded by unforgettable Dolomite landscapes, connected by the world's most famous ski route, the "Sella Ronda", among unforgettable slopes, mountain villages of ancient traditions, superb mountains such as the Sella, the Sassolungo, the Marmolada, in a setting of woods, rocky peaks and snow-covered expanses. Lodgings across the whole area are rather expensive (these resorts are among the most renowned internationally); every type of accommodation, from the smallest B&B to the luxurious 5-star hotel, stands out for punctual service, courtesy and the typical, carefully tended Tyrolean atmosphere. There are countless possible options for an overnight stay.
Day 19 Mar 2002
Sella Ronda
(information taken directly from the ski map "Sella Ronda")
Sella Ronda indicates the loop around the Sella massif, a true ski carousel, unique of its kind. You can start from four locations: Selva, Canazei, Arabba and Corvara. The total route between lifts and slopes is about 40 km, but it can become much more by customizing the itinerary and skiing in the various distinct ski areas you pass through. The total duration of the climbs is about 2 hours, not counting any waiting times. One warning: after 2 or 3 days of bad weather, crowding and queues on the circuit will be very likely. From this point of view, the safest and most advisable day to do the Sella Ronda is Saturday. You can do the loop clockwise (with orange-colored signs) or counterclockwise (green signs).
The most spectacular point of the entire itinerary is the crossing of the evocative "Città dei Sassi" (City of Stones), not so much for the slope, which is almost flat, as for the splendid landscape. You cross it directly on the counterclockwise itinerary or, with a short detour, on the clockwise one (you go back with the Sassolungo ski lift). I recommend the clockwise direction because it avoids the long climb from Corvara to Dantercepies (6 consecutive lifts without a descent). On both itineraries, absolutely not to be missed are the climb to Porta Vescovo at Arabba (splendid view of the Marmolada and beautiful descents down to the village), and the famous Sasslong slope at Selva, where the men's downhill race is held every year.
Counterclockwise: You cover 15,705 m. with the ski lifts and 22,950 m. of slopes. Total 38 km and 655 m. Clockwise: You cover 13,518 m. with the ski lifts and 23,100 m. of slopes. Total 36 km and 618 m.
Child on blue sled in the snow, woman in white suit beside, mountains and firs
Day 210 Mar 2002
San Cassiano
Located in a very quiet area, it is one of the minor resorts of Alta Badia, but also one of the most characteristic and elegant (here you find the highest concentration of 5-star hotels in the Dolomites, flanked by very famous and award-winning restaurants). The only way to access the Sella Ronda and the entire ski area is via a chairlift, about 100-200 m from the town center. Moreover, for those who don't ski, you need to use the lifts to reach beautiful snowy expanses. The streets are very elegant, with nice shops and typical venues; the only flaw is the free circulation of cars, which on a mountain walk ruin both the environment and your lungs. In summer, at certain hours the center is closed to traffic, a solution that should be adopted much more often. Except for the luxurious 5-star hotels, the hotel accommodations and apartments are less expensive than in Corvara.
With a few minutes by car or a walk of about 2 km, you can reach the enchanting resort of Armentarola, immersed in splendid, pristine nature, with beautiful snowfields surrounded by pine woods, where you can launch yourself with a sled on long, solitary descents.
Man in colorful suit skiing on snow, rocky mountains behind
Day 311 Mar 2002
Corvara
The main resort of Alta Badia, the best known and most famous, in a spectacular position at the foot of the Sassongher; this is where you find the widest choice for overnight stays, although prices are very high. The ski slopes practically cross the town, with several ski lifts departing directly from the hotel complexes and the town center. The slopes in the ski area are easy and often uncrowded; it's hard to find queues at the lifts, except for those connecting the resort with the Sella Ronda. Not to be missed is the "Gran Risa" slope at La Villa, the men's World Cup giant slalom course.
Life's comfortable...
Day 412 Mar 2002
Selva Val Gardena
From Alta Badia, crossing the Sella pass, you reach the splendid and unspoiled Val Gardena, where Selva is the most important resort for skiing, at the center of the Sella Ronda ski area. Here too, as in Corvara, the slopes cross the town, and sometimes the same streets can be skied on. Countless possibilities to start from the town "skiing at your feet" to reach the highest and most famous peaks, such as Dantercepies or Ciampinoi. In the town center there is also an ideal area for children, with short and easy ski lifts and an area where they can play in complete safety in the snow.
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