Winter Activities in the Dolomites

The village of San Cassiano, in the heart of the Italian Dolomites' Alta Badia region, boasts some of the most spectacular alpine scenery as well as a reputation for excellent cuisine.

The village nestles just 15km, as the crow flies, due West of Cortina d'Ampezzo (or 30km by road and the Falzarego Pass) with the Fanes Natural Park on one side and the Dolomiti Superski area on the other. With over 1,200km of slopes this is one of the biggest connected ski areas in the world and includes a fabulous ski tour, the Sella Ronda, around the Sella mountain range.

This beautiful alpine area provides plenty of winter activity options with three cross country ski areas in San Cassiano, Corvara and Armentara, 80km of marked winter walking tracks, a 3km toboggan run, 13 snowshoe hikes (with the option to have a guide for these) and an immense connected downhill ski area. As well as alpine meadows dotted with traditional wooden mountain huts, there are the most amazing panoramic views. At some points you have a 360-degree vista that spans from the Austrian Alps to the North to the Marmolada range to the South (the highest peaks in the Dolomites), the Fanes Natural Park to the East and the Sella mountain range and Gardena Pass to the West - all stunning views in their own rights but when combined and covered with snow it's almost mind-blowing!

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Visa

Italy

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Italy. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/italy
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/italy
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/italy/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Italy.html

Please note: it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times in Italy.

Vaccination

Italy

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and dinners are included.

Weather

The Dolomite Mountains offer some of the best weather in all of the Alps – perfect for year-round active adventures. As a mountain range, the Dolomites receive less precipitation on an annual basis than do the majority of the Alps. Winter snow usually begins to accumulate in December, lasting through March, and sometimes April. While temperatures fall below freezing, and snowfall is ample, the sun shines an unparalleled 8 days out of 10. During the winter temperatures vary between -5°C to 9°C. Keep in mind, that as you gain elevation it will be colder. For every 1,000 ft you climb, the temperature will drop by 3.6°F (or 6.5°C for every 1,000 metres). Equally, at all times you need to be ready for the occasional snowy or grey day.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

This trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater, who offer more flexibility, so you can ski as much or as little as you like and as it's a self-guided trip you can also choose between different activities from one day to the next. There are some subtle differences between the way Exodus and Headwater trips run which may appeal to you:

Minimum age: children over the age of 6 are welcome to join as long as they are able to participate in the activities.
No minimum group size: departures are not subject to a minimum group size in order to run, although a ‘sole traveller’ supplement will apply.
Sole travellers: if travelling on your own a compulsory single supplement will apply.
Local agent: Headwater's local agent offers the possibility of booking private ski lessons or ski guides who will ski with you during the day (payable locally). The hotel will also help you to arrange other activities and rent equipment locally.
Insurance: insurance details are required at the time of booking.

Cross-country skiing is an increasingly popular winter pastime. Compared to those used for downhill, the skis are longer, thinner and lighter with bindings that allow you to lift up your heel. Most cross-country skiing is undertaken on prepared tracks (loipe) covering flat and hillier terrain enabling you to explore the winter landscapes away from the confines of the alpine pistes. The ski area is one of the best in Italy for downhill skiing but there are 3 cross-country skiing areas in the local area with the largest being just 300m from the hotel. The snowy meadows also offer the perfect location for winter walking, snowshoeing and tobogganing - ideal for families and for those who enjoy a challenge. For those looking to do downhill skiing the Dolomiti Super Ski area is vast offering 1200km of interconnected slopes with this area and the celebrated Sella Ronda circuit accessible from the ski lift on the slope opposite the hotel.

This holiday is suitable for beginners and intermediate cross country skiiers as well as all levels of downhill skier. With the other activities in the local area, the excellent facilities available at the hotel and in the local village it's also suitable for families and non-skiers alike.