As is often the case, the Dolomites are not seeing the snow action of places further North and West that catch the Atlantic storms, but looks like a SW front will be pushing through at the weekend delivering a dump at altitude. Forecast suggest 26cm on the Marmolada and snowline down to 2300m, so some more white tops to pretty up the webcams!
Following this thread with eagerness/anxiety as I'm all booked up for week commencing 13th December. Can anyone advise (if we assume average snow conditions) the approximate percentage of pistes that might be expected to be open by then? Conscious that it's only a week after the expected opening so perhaps they gradually open the slopes in stages?
So keen I've already booked accommodation, equipment hire, and have my finger poised over the lessons
Thanks
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Im looking to go that week too - booking self catering accommodation in the region is like going back to the dawn of the internet with every apartment owner managing their own bookings via their own website. Very old school and time consuming.
Keen to hear what early season weather is like, i had a good look through webcam archives and seems like fairly good coverage early season and can see they already have the cannons going in some places.
Following this thread with eagerness/anxiety as I'm all booked up for week commencing 13th December. Can anyone advise (if we assume average snow conditions) the approximate percentage of pistes that might be expected to be open by then? Conscious that it's only a week after the expected opening so perhaps they gradually open the slopes in stages?
So keen I've already booked accommodation, equipment hire, and have my finger poised over the lessons
Thanks
The area has world class snowmaking -- in my experience the majority of pistes will be ready for the new season by the first week of December.
I skied there one year with just white strips of snow surrounded by 'brownness' !! : I can't tell the difference between real and artificial snow
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
@albob, good to know thanks
@therock, Have you tried altabadia.org for accommodation? If you’re travelling alone I’d be happy to meet for a coffee/beer. Travelling without Mrs H and the manchildren this time (and actually quite excited to be doing so )
Im looking to go that week too - booking self catering accommodation in the region is like going back to the dawn of the internet with every apartment owner managing their own bookings via their own website. Very old school and time consuming.
Keen to hear what early season weather is like, i had a good look through webcam archives and seems like fairly good coverage early season and can see they already have the cannons going in some places.
Just checked the webcams in Selva -- Snow cannons have been working on the Sasslong slopes
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@Halitosis,
Just had a look back and the stats for the sella Ronda connected resorts show what was open by the 12th of December each of the last 4 years:
12/12/24: 375kms and 169 lifts running
12/12/23: 396kms and 187 lifts open
7/12/22: 388kms and 162 lifts open
14/12/21: 333kms and 174 lift open
12/20. Lots of snow but closed due to Covid
13/12/19. Superski area* 959kms and 351 lifts open
Also Kronplatz was almost fully open by then each year, offering a further 100plus kms and 30 lifts
So probably a good chance of plenty of skiing, perhaps the most of any interconnected area in the Alps by then.
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Sat 1-11-25 8:08; edited 4 times in total
After all it is free
After all it is free
albob wrote:
therock wrote:
Im looking to go that week too - booking self catering accommodation in the region is like going back to the dawn of the internet with every apartment owner managing their own bookings via their own website. Very old school and time consuming.
Keen to hear what early season weather is like, i had a good look through webcam archives and seems like fairly good coverage early season and can see they already have the cannons going in some places.
Just checked the webcams in Selva -- Snow cannons have been working on the Sasslong slopes
Can't see much there now. I'm hoping the snow clouds are gathering!
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
melbouch wrote:
albob wrote:
therock wrote:
Im looking to go that week too - booking self catering accommodation in the region is like going back to the dawn of the internet with every apartment owner managing their own bookings via their own website. Very old school and time consuming.
Keen to hear what early season weather is like, i had a good look through webcam archives and seems like fairly good coverage early season and can see they already have the cannons going in some places.
Just checked the webcams in Selva -- Snow cannons have been working on the Sasslong slopes
Can't see much there now. I'm hoping the snow clouds are gathering!
@Peter S, Great info and most reassuring thanks Peter
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
I am also watching this thread with anticipation as will coming to Dolomites for the first time on 14 December for two weeks! Will stay in Arabba the first week and Corvara the second week. A few questions:
1) The first week there is a ski pass offer with one day free.. should l buy ski passes separately for the first and second week ? ( it is two of us first week- me and my younger son with husband and older son joining the second week) Both my kids normally qualify for disability discount too ( neurodiverse) but not from reading the ski pass page seems like it is less than a junior discount anyway
2) Ski equipment, is there a way to rent in Arabba and return in Corvara or should l rent separately for both weeks?
3) Any recommendations for snowboarding instructors or school for kids in Corvara?
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
Alta Badia webcams finally looking the right colours this morning!
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
JDL65 wrote:
Alta Badia webcams finally looking the right colours this morning!
Yes very interesting! There was a melt on the north side but the white seems to have finally arrived down south. I actually wondered were the resorts marketing for hikers by showing cameras with less snow until now or something.
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
JDL65 wrote:
Alta Badia webcams finally looking the right colours this morning!
looks a good dump
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
What a difference a day makes!!
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Not sure how long it will all stick around with the mild sunny daytime temps in the forecast
At least it's cold at night, so the snow cannons can do their work
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Halitosis wrote:
@albob, good to know thanks
@therock, Have you tried altabadia.org for accommodation? If you’re travelling alone I’d be happy to meet for a coffee/beer. Travelling without Mrs H and the manchildren this time (and actually quite excited to be doing so )
Potentially, struggling with accommodation currently as we can only do odd dates due to some existing commitments and its putting us into the peak Christmas week. Either super expensive or not in a great location so may be looking at alternatives now.
@albob, good to know thanks
@therock, Have you tried altabadia.org for accommodation? If you’re travelling alone I’d be happy to meet for a coffee/beer. Travelling without Mrs H and the manchildren this time (and actually quite excited to be doing so )
Potentially, struggling with accommodation currently as we can only do odd dates due to some existing commitments and its putting us into the peak Christmas week. Either super expensive or not in a great location so may be looking at alternatives now.
Could you split your stay? Stay up to Saturday in your preferred spot and move somewhere else for the Xmas week??
Tell us the dates, arrival airport and what you're looking for, someone will have some suggestions for you.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Hello folks - looking for some tips for my first trip to the dolomites. Me and my wife are avid skiers but spent all our hols skiing in France. Due to work, I will be going on 27th Dec for a week (probably book a crystal deal last minute). Cost is so high for this week but it is what it is given it’s the typical office shutdown week. Val Di Fassa seems to be the most cost effective - is there anything to be aware before booking? We don’t mind queues etc given it will be Xmas - but we are going as a semi bucket list tick too as I want to ski Arabba, Selva etc. So hoping that the Sellaronda circuits are doable from Val Di Fassa? Thanks in advance.
One lift out of Val di Fassa and you're on the Sella Ronda, so no issues there. NY week can be busy as the Italians like to stay at home for Christmas week and ski NY week, but it won't be high season levels of crazy busy. There's a brand new lift out of Campitello which is about to come online which should make a big difference. Try to look for accomm close to the lift stations in which ever village you choose. The villages are quite strung out in the valley and you could end up with a long walk if you're not careful.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Moorzee10 wrote:
Hello folks - looking for some tips for my first trip to the dolomites. Me and my wife are avid skiers but spent all our hols skiing in France. Due to work, I will be going on 27th Dec for a week (probably book a crystal deal last minute). Cost is so high for this week but it is what it is given it’s the typical office shutdown week. Val Di Fassa seems to be the most cost effective - is there anything to be aware before booking? We don’t mind queues etc given it will be Xmas - but we are going as a semi bucket list tick too as I want to ski Arabba, Selva etc. So hoping that the Sellaronda circuits are doable from Val Di Fassa? Thanks in advance.
Yeah, as @Mollerski says, it will be busy as Italians love to ski New Year.
The Val di Fassa corner is generally the cheapest part of the Sella Ronda. It's probably because the pistes don't pass through at valley level and it's not as Germanic as the other areas, so the overall quality isn't at quite the same level. There is one return piste that leads to Canazei, but not back to the lift station, so generally you need to download at the end of the skiing day. If you don't mind that inconvenience, it provides good value compared to Selva, Arabba & Corvara as you do have access to the same Sella Ronda linked ski area .
There are 3 lifts accessing into the Sella Ronda, ideally you want to be near one of these as not all the accommodation is a short walk...though there is a regular ski bus service that links through the villages...
*Campitello- Brand new 3S gondola due for completion for the start of this season should ease queues there.
*Canazei- older gondola can be busy first thing, but at least the queue keeps moving.
*Alba- there is a modern 3S cablecar up to the Sella Ronda side, as well as the gondola up to Ciampac-Buffaure sector.
Stunning views on that corner of the Sella Ronda...can't promise it will be as snowy or empty an New Year though!
After all it is free
After all it is free
I always like to remind people visiting the Val Di Fassa that there is quieter skiing at the valley side opposite the 'Ronda' -- Ciampac and Buffare
Lift from Alba or bus around to Buffaure (Pozza di Fassa is the village)
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
albob wrote:
I always like to remind people visiting the Val Di Fassa that there is quieter skiing at the valley side opposite the 'Ronda' -- Ciampac and Buffare
Lift from Alba or bus around to Buffaure (Pozza di Fassa is the village)
...and some superb eating places out that way. The area always sees us once or often twice on a trip.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@albob, That's almost a 'first tracks' photo, barely a mark in the corduroy. Hopefully the lad was getting good reception with those twin aerials?
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
Mollerski wrote:
@albob, That's almost a 'first tracks' photo, barely a mark in the corduroy. Hopefully the lad was getting good reception with those twin aerials?
It is a favourite of @luigi's -- I wonder if it is one he took??
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
@luigi, @Mollerski, plus others - thank you for the detailed insight! Much appreciated.
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
So if you're just off somewhere snowy come back and post a snow report of your own and we'll all love you very much
@Mollerski, I always enjoy the Volcano or the red alternative but have always turned back at the bottom. Is it worth venturing further on? Is there a bus to Vigo Di Fassa from the bottom of those runs and can you advise on lunch spots out that way, Many thanks in advance.
You know it makes sense.
You know it makes sense.
peter w wrote:
@Mollerski, I always enjoy the Volcano or the red alternative but have always turned back at the bottom. Is it worth venturing further on? Is there a bus to Vigo Di Fassa from the bottom of those runs and can you advise on lunch spots out that way, Many thanks in advance.
Fair bit of info re route options from this guys you tube post
@Mollerski, I always enjoy the Volcano or the red alternative but have always turned back at the bottom. Is it worth venturing further on? Is there a bus to Vigo Di Fassa from the bottom of those runs and can you advise on lunch spots out that way, Many thanks in advance.
There's a little road train that crosses Pozza to the chairlift at Pera that then goes up to the small but scenic Catinaccio ski area, there are a few shortish runs off the top, including the Tomba black, but the long red Thoni down to the cablecar at Vigo is a blast. You can catch a (normal) bus back up the valley to Campitello/Canazei from Pera when you've finished.
There's a couple of nice places to eat on the Ciampedie plateau near the top of the ski area.
Worth a go if you haven't been and don't mind waiting for a bus!
Last edited by Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name: on Wed 12-11-25 21:11; edited 2 times in total
Poster: A snowHead
Poster: A snowHead
albob wrote:
Mollerski wrote:
@albob, That's almost a 'first tracks' photo, barely a mark in the corduroy. Hopefully the lad was getting good reception with those twin aerials?
It is a favourite of @luigi's -- I wonder if it is one he took??
Nope, cribbed from Val di Fassa tourist website
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Back to weather, looks like a mild dry spell, even some Sahara dust for some parts of the Alps. Definitely too warm for the season.
A chance of some snow at altitude Sunday night. Hopefully cooling further into next week so snowmaking can continue in earnest for season start!
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
@luigi, Commendatore, come sta? Could I ask you for some advice please?
I'm thinking of venturing away from Val Gardena in the third week of February as a mitigation for the large expected crowds.
I've skied as far as Catinaccio but never San Pellegrino, Carezza nor Latemar. If you were to base yourself somewhere to explore those areas, where would you choose? I would be using the bus services and am currently trying to make sense of the Val di Fassa bus timetables.
@luigi, Commendatore, come sta? Could I ask you for some advice please?
I'm thinking of venturing away from Val Gardena in the third week of February as a mitigation for the large expected crowds.
I've skied as far as Catinaccio but never San Pellegrino, Carezza nor Latemar. If you were to base yourself somewhere to explore those areas, where would you choose? I would be using the bus services and am currently trying to make sense of the Val di Fassa bus timetables.
Grazie mille
Tutto bene grazie
Those three areas are definitely worth exploring, great views, runs and pitstops. Carezza tends to be quietest as there's no real accommodation base there, though I think it can be busier weekends with folks coming up from Bolzano. You must visit the swish new modern Laurin's Lounge and terrace at the top of the Konig Laurin gondola, even if it's just for coffee. PSP has great snow and some really testing runs of the south face of Col Margherita and long runs down to Falcade village. Latemar is very pretty and varied, some steep testing runs too, Germanic/Austrian feel on the Obereggen side. I reckon you will have fun exploring!
I usually have a car, so not totally sure about the bus connections either. I should imagine Moena would be the best spot with regular buses along the valley to the Latemar gondola and up the side valley to PSP. There's also the smaller Alpe Lusia area not too not far out of town. Getting to Carezza from there might need a change somewhere in Vigo, but still probably doable. Moena has a pretty centre with a bit of life, even better now the main road bypasses it.
Just looking at the bus map, it looks like all the routes go through the stop marked as Hotel Dolomiti in Moena, so if you can find somewhere to stay near that stop, that looks ideal. Pozza and Vigo would work too if you were near one of the stops along the main road, you can get directly along the purple & light blue valley lines south to Latemar gondola, the black line up the pass to Carezza and the dark green to Alpe Lusia but you would need to change there for onward connection to PSP on the red or mustard lines.
The weather is looking a bit more hopeful for snow with up to 25cm forecast at altitude and a snowline of 1700m over the weekend and deep cold coming in midweek with maybe a light snowfall at the end of the week down to really low levels (300-400m).
With daytime maximum temperatures struggling to get above freezing in resort and overnights well below, I'm sure the snowmaking will pick up a pace next week, only 2-3 weeks until the start of the season!
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
OK, let's do a comparison today before the snow arrives and Tuesday morning after it has done its magic...
This is a view of the Pordoi Pass area between Canazei and Arabba...a bit poignant as somewhere along that cliff of the Sella massif under the cloud is where Shane McConkey died doing his disastrous wingsuited ski base jump nearly 17 years ago!
Webcams definitely show the Dolomites behind the rest of the Alps in terms of natural snow cover so will be good to see some improvement this week.
I would be foolish to argue with Luigi's local knowledge but I thought he was on Sassongher which you can see really well from Corvara, but is away from the (central) sella massif
The only reason I know is because I am mildly obsessed with the off piste line there, Val Scura, which I suspect he skied half of to get to the ski base launch slope. Must be one of the most aesthetic lines in the world. Great views of it as I recall as you ski along above Corvara, possibly on the route back from Hidden Valley.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
8611 wrote:
Webcams definitely show the Dolomites behind the rest of the Alps in terms of natural snow cover so will be good to see some improvement this week.
I would be foolish to argue with Luigi's local knowledge but I thought he was on Sassongher which you can see really well from Corvara, but is away from the (central) sella massif
The only reason I know is because I am mildly obsessed with the off piste line there, Val Scura, which I suspect he skied half of to get to the ski base launch slope. Must be one of the most aesthetic lines in the world. Great views of it as I recall as you ski along above Corvara, possibly on the route back from Hidden Valley.
Yeah, I've seen conflicting reports on that, some say he was trying a double jump using a snowy ledge near the Val Scura part-way down Sassongher, some say it was a wingsuit jump off the Sella Massif cliffs near Sass Pordoi, not sure which is the truth...and BTW I have no special knowledge!
Either way he definitely lived life on the edge and took one risk too many...I suppose it was foreseeable that his luck would run out at some point, but there is some consolation that he died with his ski boots on, doing what he loved!
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Sat 15-11-25 14:25; edited 2 times in total
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
luigi wrote:
O.a bit poignant as somewhere along that cliff of the Sella massif under the cloud is where Shane McConkey died doing his disastrous wingsuited ski base jump nearly 17 years ago!
I was aware of Shane McConkey and his untimely death, but had missed that it happened at Passo Pordoi, or there abouts
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
)
getting good reception with those twin aerials?
