Torn between Austria and Italy for the next ski adventure? Find the best of both worlds in the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort, along with wide ranging skiing in the uniquely beautiful setting of the Italian Dolomites. Tucked away in the eastern corner of the Italian Sud Tirol and close to the Austrian border, the destination offers visitors a mouth-watering cocktail of classic Tyrolean gemütlichkeit, seamless skiing and the laid-back charm of good living, all’italiana.
In spite of many accolades – including the World Ski Awards title Italy’s Best Ski Resort last year and the year before – 3 Zinnen Dolomites remains largely under the radar. For those in the know it is high on the list of must-visit ski destinations, for the pleasure of exploring somewhere new. Highlights are uncrowded slopes, wall-to-wall snowmaking, sublime scenery and culinary treats at every turn.
Image: © Harald Wisthaler
3 Zinnen Dolomites’ 115 kilometres of immaculately maintained pistes offer exciting sport for all ages and abilities, over varied terrain with dedicated sectors for children and beginners. Ongoing investment in infrastructure guarantees a high level of comfort and minimal queuing. The most recent addition, to be unveiled in December, is a new 10-person gondola, Helmissimo. Skiers will love the swift and comfortable ride to top station of Monte Elmo, at heart of the skiing and the start of one of the resort’s signature descents – the Helmissimo, a breathless 4.75-kilometre cruise down to Versciaco. At the bottom there’s nothing for it but to reload and ski it again.
The ski area extends over five interconnected mountains (Monte Elmo, Stiergarten, Croda Rossa, Passo Monte Croce and Val Comelico) and offers skiers and snowboarders a well-balanced choice of wide open blues and long cruisy reds, seasoned with challenging black runs such as Holzriese 2 – Italy’s steepest @ 72% gradient – to keep the experts on their sharp edges.
For something different, early skiing is offered from 7.30am on selected dates at no extra charge. By contrast, floodlit skiing on specified evenings is also available. Alternatively, in the right conditions the Giro delle Cime, is an absolute must. The 35km circuit presents a lovely full day’s ski tour away from the piste network – and a chance to appreciate the scale and majesty of the mountain scene. It takes in all five mountains and their changing landscapes, from pastoral to dramatic.
Image: © Harald Wisthaler
3 Zinnen Dolomites: Villages with charm
Made up of five charming villages, the area takes its name from the distinctive Tre Cime (3 Zinnen/3 peaks) di Lavaredo, the signature image of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each has a special character and charm:
- San Candido, clustered around its medieval abbey, is the quintessential Alpine village. Immediate access to the Monte Baranci ski area and dedicated family zone make it ideal for families.
- Sesto, at the foot of the pistes, is a popular ski-in/ski-out location for quick access to the slopes and high mountain scenery.
- Dobbiaco, gateway to 3 Zinnen Dolomites, is a vibrant market town with the main ski gateway at Versciaco, a 10-minute train ride away.
- Villabassa, in a peaceful location mid-way between the 3 Zinnen Dolomites and Plan de Corones ski areas, is a good choice for skiers keen to explore both.
- Braies is a tranquil hamlet linked by bus to Villabassa and ideal for escapists and first-timers with a nursery slope, cross-country trails and idyllic walking paths on the doorstep.
Excellent ski schools, 100% snow-making cover from late November to April, 30 lifts – operating on renewable energy – between valley (1120-1200m) and top station (2225m), toboggan runs, night skiing, cross-country and ski touring, snowshoeing and on-slope attractions are among the good reasons to visit. Others include the wide-ranging choice of accommodation and an irresistible terroir: local specialities of Alpine-Mediterranean cuisine and fine Tyrolean wines are served in cosy mountain rifugi, gourmet restaurants, cafés and traditional bars. Cin Cin!
Access is quick and easy via Bolzano, Venice and Treviso airports in Italy or Innsbruck and Klagenfurt in Austria.
Visit dreizinnen.com
Image: © Harald Wisthaler
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Top Image: © www.wisthaler.com – Harald Wisthaler
