Dolomites Haute Route Ski Tour

Looking for a challenge? Join us on one of the most memorable backcountry and off-piste ski tours in the Dolomites. Follow Haute Routes, or Alta Via, as you hike, skin, and ski the dramatic hidden backcountry of Marmolada, Sella, and Val di Fassa, far from the crowds.

  • Days 6
  • Pax 4
  • Val di Fassa - Val Badia

Highlights

  • Backcountry ski across a Haute Route – High Route or Alta Via – experiencing the distinctive geology and fascinating blend of cultures found in the Dolomite Mountains
  • Ascend the Marmolada (3,350m / 10,990'), the highest mountain and only remaining glacier in the Dolomites, and ski down its incredible open bowls
  • Enjoy superb skiing with our Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Ski Guides, who will show you the best of the Dolomites backcountry on skis
  • Ski tour from hut-to-hut, staying in cozy mountain rifugi with the civilized comforts of a warm bed and the delicious hearty cuisine the Dolomites are known for
  • Perfect for experienced skiers looking for a challenging ski tour

Itinerary

Did you know there were Haute Routes in the Dolomites!? Known in Italy as Alta Via, these long-distance north-to-south High Routes – or Haute Routes, wind their way across The Dolomite Mountains, over some of the most challenging terrain available in this vertical wonderland, and offer unparalleled, ever-changing vistas of these breathtaking jagged mountains!

On this backcountry tour, you’ll ski following one of the Dolomite Alta Via. Traveling from hut-to-hut over mountain passes and down exhilarating backcountry runs and off-piste slopes, you’ll discover a world that most skiers never get to experience. Explore the Ciampac, one of the most famous and exciting black slopes of the entire Val di Fassa; ski the Marmolada, the highest peak of the Dolomite Mountains and home to the largest remaining glacier here, as well as host to some of the most spectacular off-piste skiing experiences on earth; the Sella Massif, with spectacular descents including the Val Mezdi – the "Valle Blanche of the Dolomites," and the Joel and Holtzer Couloirs on the Sass Pordoi – considered the gateway of extreme skiing in the Dolomites.

This superb ski touring and off-piste adventure will show you not only the best descents in the region, but breathtaking terrain and panoramic vistas that surpass what you could possibly imagine. And the Dolomites have much more to offer than the skiing and vistas. Throughout you’ll experience the rich combination of cultures, traditions, and cuisines – Italian, German, and Ladin – found in northern Italy, that make this region so unique. Join us!

Programma ( 6 )

  • Day 1

    Arrive in Canazei, Val di Fassa

    Arrive in Canazei (1,842m / 6,043') in Val di Fassa at your leisure (private transfer available on request), and check into your hotel.

    The 20-kilometer (12 mile) Val di Fassa (Fassa Valley) runs from Moena to Canazei, surrounded by the “masterpiece” mountains of the Dolomites including the Catinaccio with the Torri del Vajolet, the Sella Group, Sassolungo, and Marmolada. Canazei is one of seven municipalities of the Val di Fassa, and, surrounded by the most important Dolomite peaks, Canazei is one of the most famous Alpine resorts worldwide.
    Enjoy dinner at the hotel, with your first taste of the fantastic regional cuisine.





  • Day 2

    Val di Fassa

    In the morning, meet your professional UIAGM/IFMGA ski guide for a trip briefing and equipment check (and rent any equipment if needed).

    Begin your ski tour in the Ciampac area. Ride the cableway from the centre of Alba di Canazei up to Ciampac, a natural viewpoint in the Sassolungo Group, of the Sella and over towards the Marmolada, the "Queen of the Dolomites." The Ciampac is one of the most famous and exciting black slopes of the entire Val di Fassa. It is a very technical run, about 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), long with a 660-meter (1,969-foot) descent, dropping sheerly right down to the village.
    After you’ve enjoyed a few runs, continue to Poza Buffaure, which links directly from Ciampac, and on to Pozza di Fassa. From Pozza di Fassa, the “real fun” begins! Strap your climbing skins onto your skis and ascend the Val dei Monzoni (Monzoni Valley). Once you reach the top, enjoy a superb downhill run to your rifugio (1,982m / 6,503') for tonight.

  • Day 3

    Marmolada Glacier

    Today begins with a skin up to the Passo di Forca Rossa (2,490m / 8,169'), following the Alta Via 2 between the Ombretta mountains. From the pass, enjoy a long, pleasant downhill ski to Malga Ciapela (1,446m / 4,744'), at the foot of the Marmolada Massif. Marmolada, aptly named as “Queen of the Dolomites,” boasts the highest peak of all the Dolomites, reaching a height of 3,342 meters (10,965'), features the largest remaining glacier in the Dolomite Mountains. It also provides some of the most spectacular off-piste skiing experiences on earth. Tackle Antermoia, Bellunese Vecchia, Punta Penia, In Fra i Sass, Lydia, or the Forcella Marmolada (Marmolada Pass) itself!

  • Day 4

    Val Contrin

    Departing Malga Ciapela, skin up Val Pettorina, and then descend to Alpe di Malga Ombretta (1,904m / 6,247') at the bottom of the majestic south face of the Marmolada Glacier. Ascend again on skins, this time up the Val Ombretta, beneath the sheer cliffs of the Parete Sud, passing by the Rifugio Falier (2,074m / 6,804'). When you reach Passo Ombretta (2,730m / 8,957'), a nice descent awaits you, bringing you to Penia (1,556m / 5,105') at the bottom of the Val Contrin. Still want more today? You’ll have ample opportunity to take additional runs on the Marmolada Massif, doing laps on your favorite runs from yesterday, or exploring new territory on this incredible mountain!

  • Day 5

    Sella Massif

    From your rifugio, take the cable-car to the top of Sella Massif and then skin up to Piz Boè (3,156m / 10,354') along the south ridge (about 2.5 hours of climbing), and descend through the Val Litres to Colfosco-Corvara. As with the Marmolada area, there are endless off-piste skiing options in the Sella Massif. Ski some famous descents such as Val Mezdi – the "Valle Blanche of the Dolomites", Val Setus – with its 1,400 meter (4,595') vertical drop, Val Lasties – or Witch’s Valley, Piz Boe – with various descents and fantastic steeps, and Joel and Holtzer Couloirs on the Sass Pordoi – considered the gateway of extreme skiing in the Dolomites.

    At the end of your exciting day, reach your hotel in Val Badia.

  • Day 6

    Departure

    Breakfast and departure at your discretion (private transfer available on request).

More information

Participants minimum:
4 people

Guided: 
Guide Ratio 1:4 (maximum 4 skiers per guide)

Dolomite 360 Professional UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Ski Guides have many years of experience skiing the Dolomites. We have guides that speak Italian, English, Germany. From the moment you arrive in the Dolomites they will look after you. They know the best ski runs, mountain restaurants, and how things work in the Italian mountains.

Technical Equipment for Backcountry Ski Touring Trips

Ski crampons (aka harscheisen): most randonnee bindings have ski crampons specifically designed for the binding. We always carry these just in case. Fritschi now make them an integral part of their ski binding and although there were some initial teething problems, the newer models are now working well.
Ski skins: fitted skins are recommended especially if you have very wide skis.
Boot crampons: Ideally lightweight aluminum with ‘quick fit clip-on bindings.'
Climbing harness: a simple lightweight climbing harness. The key feature should be that it has fully adjustable leg loops for putting on over ski boots, crampons, etc.
Boot/ski crampons and climbing harness can be rented locally at an extra cost, your guide will advise according to the local conditions and activity.

Safety Equipment for Off-Piste trips
The “Safety Trilogy” – applicable for all our off-piste trips involves the use of the items listed below. These can be rented in resort at an extra cost:
Avalanche beacon / transceiver (be sure to bring two sets of fresh batteries!)
Snow shovel
Avalanche probe

Remember it is not enough just to carry this equipment; you have to know how to use it. Most mountain resort areas offer courses where you can learn and practice these skills. If you are not familiar with this equipment, are unable to attend a course before your trip, or simply would like a refresher, we can provide training for you as part of your trip!

OFF-PISTE SKI DESCENTS
The Dolomites seem to have a never-ending supply of lift-accessible off-piste ski descents!
On this great itinerary, you'll enjoy lift-serviced off-piste skiing in the Alta Badia area. From Alta Badia there are incredible off-piste descents of Marmolada, Piz Boè, Sella, and Tofane, to name a few.

Rifugi – or mountain huts in English – are the classic accommodation for hikers, climbers, mountaineers, and ski mountaineers in the Alps. Set in spectacular locations high in the Dolomites, most rifugi are accessible only on foot, some by cable car, and a few exceptions that are reachable by car. These marvelous establishments are open primarily in the summer, with a select few in winter, and offer meals and sleeping facilities.

The Dolomites rifugi are considered the best in the Alps. While some are dormitory style with bunk beds, many meet the standard of a simple guest house with private rooms and en-suite bathrooms, and each has its own unique character and charm. Bedding and linens are provided (in private rooms only), hot showers are available, and meals are served in common dining areas – like a small mountain inn set high in the mountains with the most incredible vistas in the Dolomites. Whether you’re hiking in summer or skiing in winter, an overnight rifugio stay is not to miss on a Dolomite holiday.
DOLOMITE 360

YOUR JOURNEY, OUR EXPERTISE. EVERYDAY.

When you embark on an adventure, you want the assurance of being supported by experts who share your passion. Every day, we strive to offer you the best, making our expertise available to make your adventure an extraordinary experience. By choosing us, you are guaranteed professional and dedicated support at every step of your journey.

CONTACT US info@dolomite360.com
OUR PARTNERS

SUPPORTED BY

Thank you to our sponsors for making our mission possible.
You are a fundamental part of our family..