Ski off-piste in the Dolomites is a type of skiing which takes place in unmarked areas outside a ski resort. Also known as ski touring and backcountry skiing (mostly in the United States), it's a challenging and physically demanding form of skiing. Unlike alpine skiing, ski touring is not simply a physical and sporting practice, but a true snow hiking activity. Ski touring is off-piste: away from the hustle and bustle of the slopes, lifts - this is the realm of ski touring.
Ski touring is an activity that is gaining many new admirers, and involves venturing up and downhill on skis along marked trails or off-piste. Ski touring is more about the uphill -going off-the-beaten-tracks and away from crowds, enjoying rewarding views after an intense physical effort - than the downhill. However, descents involve the thrill of skiing on fresh tracks.
It’s a great way of exploring remote mountain areas and enjoying a deep contact with nature.
Since it is an activity to be performed in a group, moreover, ski touring fosters the spirit of sharing both fatigue and emotions, as well as making new friends.
Ski touring, then, is the perfect combination of a complete and healthy physical activity, mental relaxation and the adventurous spirit!
Ski touring is made of:
- Demanding ascents
- Thrill descents
The most classic and ancient discipline of the winter mountain finds, in the Dolomites, an ideal place to experience a dual thrill: first you climb to the top with skins, admiring nature and landscapes, and then you descend into the fresh snow, enjoying to the fullest the adrenaline rush that a descent in "wild" nature gives.
Keep reading: The best Destinations for your Ski Touring Holiday
More than a sport, it is a way of life: ski mountaineers enjoy the descents only after they have conquered them. It is a sport that requires a certain amount of physical preparation and experience. It is best to be accompanied by experienced mountain guides and always carry self-rescue equipment: avalanche beacon, necessary for searching for missing persons under the snow, probe and shovel.
We have identified 5 top routes in the Dolomites, which are characterized by moderate difficulty and spectacular views.
Where can you Ski Tour in the Dolomites?
- Cornetto di Folgaria - the route has recently been restored on the tracks of the historic ski slope. This route has a North/Northeast exposure with good snow grip. Reaching 1,700 m altitude, the panorama has it all!
- Val Gelada - A classic hike in the northern Brenta Dolomites that often provides excellent ski conditions given its northern exposure. It’s the most popular route in Madonna di Campiglio. Its exposure, traced slopes with even gradients and no vegetation make this route a "must" for all ski mountaineers.
- Cima Juribrutto - hike in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Dolomites: you reach Cima Juribrutto starting from Malga Vallazza, on the road to Passo Valles in the Park Pavaneggio-Pale di San Martino. The even gradients make the route suitable for even untrained skiers.
- Monte Sole - Monte Sole in winter is an ideal peak ideal for climbing high and enjoying the snow in the beautiful scenery of Val di Rabbi (with the added value of a splendid mountain hut also open in winter along the way, Malga Monte Sole Alta)