Ready to say goodbye to resort skiing or snowboarding and explore some of the world’s most pristine and scenic backcountry skiing? Enter the Dolomites. Located at close to 10,000 feet of elevation in Northern Italy, this region offers incredible off-piste terrain for experienced, adventure-minded skiers and snowboarders.
Not sure how to make the most of the beautiful backcountry in the northern Italian Alps? Read on for three incredible off-piste Dolomites skiing and snowboarding destinations, plus pro tips on how to make the most of your trip.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
Also a world-famous destination for resort skiing, the historic town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is the perfect home base for your high elevation powder skiing adventure. After all, it was the site of the 1956 Winter Olympics. This mountain town is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, the country’s biggest ski area — and the largest single-pass ski area in the world. With pass in hand, you’ll have access to an incredible lift system of more than 500 lifts, connecting you to incredible off-piste skiing including steep, broad valley descents, high altitude powder, and even runs on Marmolada, the largest glacier in the Dolomites.
Pro tip: Consider hiring an alpine guide company to create the perfect off-piste ski vacation for you. Not only do they know the best ski runs based on weather and snow conditions, but they can also coordinate the logistics of your trip, allowing you to spend more time enjoying skiing steep slopes, relaxing in mountain huts, and savoring the beauty of the Dolomites backcountry.
Alta Badia
Ideal for those planning shorter trips or visiting the Dolomites as part of a longer Italian vacation, the Alta Badia region offers ample off-piste skiing opportunities that are accessible via ski lifts, saving you hiking time and getting you to the slopes sooner — while also ensuring you always escape the crowds. Sella Massif is home to some of the most famous descents in the region, including Val Setus, with a 4,595-foot vertical drop. What’s more, the high altitude and low air humidity in this area mean that incredible powder is practically guaranteed.
Pro tip: At extremely high altitudes in winter, the snow and weather conditions can change in an instant. That’s why it’s important to have a travel insurance policy in place in case extreme weather or other covered reasons mean you have to cancel your trip.
Bus de Tofana
Considered one of the most beautiful — and challenging backcountry skiing experiences in the Dolomites, Bus de Tofana is a true bucket-list destination for anyone that loves skiing off-piste terrain. A highly technical experience, tackling Bus de Tofana requires considerable skiing expertise and prowess. But it’s worth all the concentration and effort, as you’ll be rewarded with some of the most incredible views in all of northern Italy, framed by the wind-hewn Bus Tofana hole itself. As you near the end of a descent of more than 6,500 feet in total, stop and recharge your batteries at Rifugio Dibona, a classic Italian Dolomites mountain hut offering both hearty local fare and comfortable overnight accommodations.
Pro tip: Even the most seasoned skiers and snowboarders know that sometimes accidents happen. That’s why it’s important to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place for every ski trip. And not just your standard insurance policy — one that explicitly covers adventure travel and backcountry skiing. battleface travel insurance plans can include travel medical insurance that offers coverage if you’re injured or taken ill while traveling and require medical treatment. battleface travel insurance policies can also include emergency medical evacuation which may prove crucial in the worst case scenario of you being seriously injured and needing emergency transportation to the nearest available quality medical care.
Plan your Dolomites trip with battleface by your side
Whether you’re a backcountry skier, prefer exploring local ski resorts, or are even planning a trip to the Dolomites during the warmer summer months when hiking and mountaineering are the activities of the day, one thing’s for sure: it’s extremely important that your investment and your health are well protected. With a battleface travel insurance policy in place, you can enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime Dolomites vacation, without having to worry about health coverage, challenges in your itinerary, or even lost or delayed luggage.