Ski Safari Dolomites: Custom Guided Ski Tours (2–10 Days)

What is a Dolomites Ski Safari?

Enjoy a ski holiday in Italy with a Ski Safari in the Dolomites. I offer flexible, customised Ski Safari Dolomites itineraries from 2 to 10 days, linking the best ski areas of the region. Whether you want a short 3-day ski break or a longer multi-day ski journey, your trip is designed around your schedule, pace, and preferences.

The connected ski resorts of Dolomiti Superski form an extraordinary network of slopes and lift connections—one of the largest ski areas in the world—allowing you to travel valley to valley and pass to pass entirely on skis.

On your Ski Safari Dolomites, we typically spend 5–6 hours per day skiing, exploring wide valleys and high passes and choosing the most scenic and enjoyable routes for the conditions.

Read the basic information below about the different combinations of Ski Safari Dolomites (reading time: about 10–15 minutes) and email me with any questions or preferences.

Your Dolomites Ski Safari will begin in Bolzano (easy to reach by train from your arrival airport). From there we ski as far as Cortina d’Ampezzo and then return on a classic figure-8 route. In the traditional 7-day version, only a few unavoidable connections are repeated, while the itinerary crosses the heart of the Dolomites.

Along the way, with my suggestions, you will discover traditional alpine villages and the distinctive valleys of this beautiful mountain landscape.

Before contacting me, please read the Ski Safari FAQ to understand how the trip works and whether it fits your skiing level.

Getting to Bolzano, the starting point

Bolzano is well connected and easy to reach. Detailed travel information, including flight, train, and rental car combinations, can be found in the right-hand sidebar and on the logistical maps below.

Bolzano lies on the Brenner railway line, one of Europe’s most important north–south rail corridors, connecting Northern Europe with the Mediterranean region. The number of daily train connections varies by season, but there are generally 7–8 trains per day.

To ensure a smooth journey, I’m happy to advise you on the best airport transfers and travel combinations. Simply email me your arrival airport and landing times, and I will take care of the rest. If you prefer, I can also collect your group directly from the airport (up to 4 people with my car; larger groups via a minibus service).

A smooth journey is the best way to begin your Ski Safari Dolomites. Everything starts with your travel plan.

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The Dolomites: the greatest ski area of the world!

Click on the Ski Safari Dolomites map below to explore the different possible day-by-day combinations. Follow the sequence of information on this page to get a clear and realistic idea of the various Ski Safari Dolomites options from 3 to 10 days.

The map shows how the ski areas of the Dolomites are connected, allowing you to travel continuously on skis across valleys and mountain passes while adapting the itinerary to your available time and skiing level.

How do I transport my luggage each day while on my Ski Safari?

There are two different strategies, depending on the number of participants in your group.

Large group option (6–12 people)

For larger groups, I can arrange a daily minibus luggage transfer between accommodations. The average cost for this service is approximately €200 per day. For smaller groups, I usually recommend the option below.

Individual or small group option (1–5 people)

When skiing in nomadic style, it’s best not to carry too much luggage. I recommend preparing only a small backpack with the essential items, as explained in the guide below.

Should I bring my own skis or rent skis?

In most cases, the easiest—and often the most cost-effective—solution is to bring only your ski boots and rent skis and poles locally. This helps avoid extra airline charges for oversized or sports luggage.

On the first day of your Ski Safari Dolomites, we can stop at the K&K Sport Shop, located directly at the starting point. At the end of the trip, I’ll help arrange the return of the rented equipment in a simple and efficient way.

Of course, you’re also very welcome to bring your own skis and personal equipment if you prefer.

Ski Safari Dolomites: customised tours from 2 to 10 days

The Ski Safari Dolomites is an authentic and unique ski exploration journey, shaped by over 30 years of guiding experience and a lifelong connection with these mountains.

You can choose your preferred itinerary length, from 2 to 10 days, combining different valleys and ski areas according to your time, skiing level, and personal interests. Each Ski Safari is fully customised and adapted to conditions and group preferences.

The 7-day itinerary outlined below represents the most classic version of the Ski Safari Dolomites. Strong and experienced skiers can complete the same route in 5 days under favourable snow and weather conditions.

Your arrival at Bolzano - The day before

Most guests arrive in Bolzano by train, followed by a short 15-minute walk to Villa Anita, where we’ll stay the night before the Ski Safari begins.

In the evening, we’ll have an initial briefing to check equipment and review the general organisation of the Ski Safari Dolomites. This hotel will serve as your base camp, and the friendly staff will store any extra luggage you won’t need during the ski days.

Your Dolomites experience officially begins with dinner at the traditional Hopfen Restaurant, well known for its homemade beer and bread—an excellent way to start the journey.

Ski Safari Dolomites: DAY 1

Ski trip section: From Bolzano to Sella Pass (5-6 hours of skiing)

The Ski Safari Dolomites begins with an early start. At 07:30 we leave Bolzano by local ski bus and reach the Seiser Alm cableway around 08:30. If needed, we can rent skis at the K&K Sport Shop, located directly at the starting point.

In the morning, we traverse the wide and sunny plateau of Seiser Alm, then ski down into Val Gardena to the village of Ortisei. From there, we cross the valley to the Seceda/Rasciesa ski area and descend to Santa Cristina.

In the afternoon, we continue through the Ciampinoi ski area, skiing the famous Saslong slope, before reaching Sella Pass, where we stay overnight at Rifugio Monti Pallidi.

Ski Safari Dolomites: DAY 2

Ski trip section: From Sella pass to Sottoguda/Alleghe (about 6 hours of skiing)

The second day of the Ski Safari Dolomites explores the central heart of the Dolomites. From the rifugio, we descend to the Lupo Bianco junction and continue towards Pordoi Pass, then ski down to the village of Arabba and up again to Padon Pass.

From here we descend to Malga Ciapela, where we take a series of cable cars to reach the summit of Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites at 3,365 m (11,040 ft). After taking time to enjoy the breathtaking panorama, we ski a spectacular descent of nearly 2,000 vertical metres back down to Malga Ciapela.

We then continue along the impressive Sottoguda canyon, finishing the day in the charming alpine village of Sottoguda. Overnight accommodation is at Hotel La Montanara or, alternatively, in a hotel near Lake Alleghe.

Ski Safari Dolomites: DAY 3

Ski trip section: From Sottoguda/Alleghe to Cortina d’Ampezzo (about 5 hours of skiing).

From the centre of Alleghe (reached with a short ski bus transfer), we take the first cable car of the Civetta ski area. This is often one of the quietest days of the Ski Safari Dolomites, as Civetta is a true hidden gem, still largely known only to local Italian skiers.

Here we ski through wide, peaceful terrain beneath the impressive north face of Monte Civetta, enjoying long, flowing descents in a spectacular alpine setting. From Pescul, we take the local ski bus to the Averau ski area.

We then cross the Averau–Cinque Torri area, famous for its panoramic slopes and dramatic rock towers, before continuing by ski bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Overnight accommodation is at Rifugio Col Gallina, located at Passo Falzarego.

Ski Safari Dolomites: DAY 4

Ski trip section: The three ski areas of Cortina – Tofane, Faloria and Cristallo (about 6 hours of skiing)

The fourth day of the Ski Safari Dolomites is entirely dedicated to the three magnificent ski areas of Cortina d’Ampezzo. In the morning, we start on the Tofane ski area, the largest in Cortina and home to the famous black run of the Canalone di Tofana.

After lunch, we move to the opposite side of the valley to explore the Faloria ski area, followed by the Cristallo ski area. These areas offer a different character and perspective, with wide-open slopes and impressive alpine scenery.

We spend a second night at Rifugio Col Gallina, at Passo Falzarego, preparing for the next stage of the Ski Safari.

Ski Safari Dolomites: DAY 5

Ski trip section: The ski areas of the Badia Valley (about 6 hours of skiing)

From Cortina, the Ski Safari Dolomites continues into the wide and varied ski areas of the Badia Valley, one of the most extensive ski regions in the Dolomites. On this day, we travel from east to west, linking long and enjoyable descents.

We begin with the spectacular Lagazuoi descent, one of the most iconic runs in the Dolomites. The run ends with a short flat section where a horse-drawn tow helps us glide back to the lifts—yes, exactly that: a traditional horse transfer.

We finish the day near the Sanctuary of Sass dl Crusc (Holy Cross). This site was a pagan sanctuary long before the Christian era, and the church and pilgrim hospice visible today date back to medieval times. Overnight accommodation is at Rifugio La Viza.

Ski Safari Dolomites: DAY 6

Ski trip section: The ski areas of the Fassa valley (about 7 hours of skiing)

On this day, the Ski Safari Dolomites heads into the heart of the Fassa Valley. Our first objective is Gardena Pass, from where we ski down to Selva di Val Gardena and then return once again to Sella Pass.

From Sella Pass, we descend to Canazei, in the Fassa Valley. A short five-minute ski bus transfer connects us to the ski areas of Colac, Giumela, and Buffaure, allowing us to continue skiing without interruption.

After this long and rewarding day on skis, we finish at the spectacularly panoramic Rifugio Baita Cuz, where we spend the night surrounded by wide mountain views.

Ski Safari Dolomites: DAY 7

Ski trip section: The ski areas of Predazzo, Pampeago and Obereggen (about 4 hours of skiing)

This is the final day of the full Ski Safari Dolomites itinerary. We start the morning enjoying the sunrise and panoramic views from Rifugio Baita Cuz, before skiing the long descent down to Pozza di Fassa.

A short 15-minute ski bus transfer takes us to the ski areas of Predazzo, Pampeago, and Obereggen. This is a relaxed final day, perfect for enjoying smooth skiing and taking in the last wide panoramas of the Dolomites.

From Obereggen, we return to Bolzano by local ski bus. In the afternoon, there’s time to visit the famous Ötzi – the Iceman Museum, followed by a farewell dinner at the historic Ca’ de Bezzi Restaurant, open since 1487—a fitting end to a memorable Ski Safari week.

Current prices for the winter season 2025/2026

Below you’ll find the current prices for the Ski Safari Dolomites winter season 2025/2026.

Prices vary depending on:

• number of days

• group size

• level of customisation

All Ski Safari Dolomites itineraries are private and tailor-made, and prices are calculated accordingly. For a precise quotation, please contact me with your preferred dates and group details.

When is the best time to experience a Ski Safari in the Dolomites?

When you have time off, of course!

That said, the best overall period for a Ski Safari Dolomites is usually between January 6th and January 31st.

The winter season in the Dolomites starts in December. From the second week of December, ski lifts gradually open, but the full connections between valleys and passes are usually completed only by Christmas.

The Christmas period is best avoided: it is the peak holiday season, with higher prices and crowded slopes.

From January 6th onward, the Christmas holidays are over and the ski areas become wonderfully quiet. Accommodation availability improves, and skiing conditions are often excellent.

From early February until the end of the season (typically late March or early April, depending on the year), the Dolomites enter the high winter season. Slopes can be busier, especially in popular areas, but days are longer and temperatures are often milder than in January.

OK, how do I book a ski safari in the Dolomites?

Simply email me with the following information:

• how many days you would like for your Ski Safari Dolomites (2 to 10 days)

• your preferred dates

• the number of people in your group

• the composition of the group (skiers and/or snowboarders)

• the skiing level of each participant

Based on this information, I’ll prepare a personalised Ski Safari proposal tailored to your needs.

The Ski Safari Dolomites awaits you.

If you still have questions after reading the Dolomites Ski Safari FAQ, feel free to email me.

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Ulrich Schwingshackl

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