My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy the third week of March, and we are looking for suggestions for resorts to visit. We are going to fly into Venice and head out from there. We are looking for resorts that are on the quieter side – we are less concerned about access to the Sellaronda and the 'big name" resorts. I've done some research on Civetta, Arraba, and San Pellegrino, all look like they would work for us, but curious to see what you all think?
We are expert East Coast US skiers but we are looking for scenery, food, and vibes (although we wouldn't mind access to a black run or two). We are hoping to ski for 4 days, and are happy to ski the same runs over again in one place if access to other mountains is challenging. We are also avid nordic skiiers so nearby nordic trails (with snowmaking!) are a bonus.
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
It's impossible to say now what 3rd week of March will be like this year, but Spring seems to have been arriving earlier in recent years and snow conditions have suffered as a result. Equally you could have a Spring storm pass through and be the best week of the season!
Arabba should have preserved snow on its N-facing runs, so probably your safest bet that week. It is on the Sella Ronda.
Or you could just wait until nearer the time and see where the best snow is??
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?
As at @luigi has said -- that time of year I would only go to Arabba for its north facing slopes (it is very quiet though!)
Be prepared to ski in the AM and chill out in the PM.
For Nordic I would suggest Canazei (val di fassa) ; they have very good trails along the valley
Not my area of expertise, but for Nordic skiing, I've noticed Passo San Pellegrino has a lot of cross-country trails at a good altitude, so should be OK mid-March.
It might suit you all-round as it's higher than most base areas, though one side of the pass faces south. The north facing Col Margherita side has some good testing runs that are sometimes used for competition, these would likely be in good condition.
PSP is only a small collection of hotels and restaurants, no real centre and would be super quiet of an evening. If you have a car, staying down at Moena would be an option for a bit more life.
As to Alleghe, it is a great spot with its lakeside setting and mellow scenic ski area, but I would hesistate to recommmend the ski area as fully snowsure in mid-March as it tops out quite low. There would be snow as they anticipate staying open until April 6th, but what exactly it would be like, I wouldn't like to offer a guarantee. Of course you could well get a cold snap and a storm pass through on 10th March and you'd be set up in a stunning spot and have it practically to yourselves on weekdays. Also, you could day trip to PSP & Arabba (both 35-40mins, Marmolada cablecar is only 18mins) from there if you had a car.
The season so far in the Dolomites started well with some heavy snowfalls in November, but then there was a mild spell in December and there has only been a few sporadic snowfalls since, last one on Xmas Eve. It's been cold for a while, so snow making has progressed. I'm pretty sure this video was made in Alleghe /Civetta around New Year...gives an idea of current conditions...not the best, but not the worst at this time of year...
Actually thinking about it...base yourselves in Alleghe, nice spot with nice restaurants and a little bit of life, then if the snow is good locally, all well and good, but you have the option of driving up to Arabba or PSP in search of better snow...and don't forget to have at least a day in Venice before you go home!
Last edited by You need to Login to know who's really who. on Wed 7-01-26 19:29; edited 3 times in total
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Kronplatz is also an option from Venice, a bit further but they seem to have a longer season.
There is a good reason that Arabba has a longer season than the rest of the villages on the SR.... its orientation and it's higher with access to Marmolada
I go that week every year. I think you want Kronplatz. KP has some serious vertical (equal to Jackson Hole's) that is vertical you'd actually ski (rather than some contrived route just for a big number), including some top-to-bottom runs like Sylvester and Piculin, both blacks. Skiing at KP is just a little more like skiing in North America...more runs you feel like taking laps on, and a little less skiing from place to place. Great lift system as well, unless you hate gondolas which they seem to have gotten a quantity discount on! KP also has two cool museums at the summit. My vote for the most underrated ski area I've ever seen.
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
Then you can post your own questions or snow reports...
@Scooter in Seattle, I've noticed you contributing over the years..... curious as to why you started and still come over on a year basis..... hope I'm not being to nosey (English style )
After all it is free
After all it is free
Stay loose as a goose.
Accommodation options will be vast at that time of year. Make a late decision based on the conditions and forecast at the time. I'm a Dolomites guy but skied Ischgl last year in April.
Don't restrict yourself to Italy. If conditions are tip top a bit further north you could easily drive to Austria in a few hours. Or even use public transport.
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.
@Gaz_H, no worries at all. I started coming to the Alps regularly about 12 years ago for the sake of variety, and I found it. I think the snow is better in NA, and maybe the skiing itself too (I love tree skiing). But in spite of the jet lag which vexes me, the overall experience of skiing in the Alps is a gas. It combines my first love, skiing, with my second love, travel. And if you fly coach, it can be cheaper as well. Then there's the food. I can't imagine how it all would have gone without knowing what I've learned on this site, my only social media presence. Very grateful to the SH community; hopefully I've steered some folks in the right direction myself.
Ski the Net with snowHeads
Ski the Net with snowHeads
@Scooter in Seattle, good to have you here!
I remember chatting to an older guy from California on a chairlift in Selva who was a multiple visitor.
I asked why he chooses to come so far to ski. He said 'we have mountains back home, but it's nothing like this!!'
I have noticed more N American accents in the Dolomites recent years, particularly a younger demographic, I guess it's the IKON effect!
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
We regularly have Canadians on the BB.
Last year, we had a large group.
One of them said, in his 70 years of skiing, in terms of steepness, length of runs and distance you could travel, it was the best he had experienced.
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.
We stayed in Arraba in mid-March and had a great time. "Social side" is more limited than in larger villages, but as it was mentioned it is north facing. Also you will be closer to Marmolada, Cortina for a day trip and Hidden Valley, which is a must if snow is good.
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
@luigi, thanks and same to you. Your Dolomite chops are impressive. As for that younger NA demographic, I do not qualify!
I will add that on my first trip to Serfaus, the hotelier said he'd checked with his dad and I was the first Yank to ever stay there. So if anybody wants to get away from Yanks, skip the Dolomites and try Serfaus!
FAQ
Poster: A snowHead
)
