3 Zinnen Dolomites is the Ultimate Ski Vacation in Italy

Sponsored by 3 Zinnen Dolomites

It’s no secret that the Italian Alps is one of the most renowned ski destinations in the world. All told there are more than 100 ski resorts spread throughout Italy’s Alps, featuring some of the world’s best ski terrain, jaw-dropping landscapes, charming towns, and unique experiences. And located in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Europe’s most incredible ski destinations, 3 Zinnen Dolomites. Stunning alpine landscapes, world-class skiing, and urban life all converge at 3 Zinnen Dolomites, in South Tyrol, for an unmatched winter experience.  

Skiing at 3 Zinnen Dolomites  

What was previously a destination of two small ski areas has grown extensively in the last decade into one large connected ski destination. Today, 3 Zinnen Dolomites, is comprised of five interconnected mountains, with 115 km (71 miles) of expansive runs served by 31 lifts, including the 10-passenger premium gondola lift, Helmjet Sexten, the most modern lift in the Alps. What’s more, 3 Zinnen Dolomites will soon be connected with Thurnthaler ski resort in Austria and Skiarea Val Comelico in Veneto. This connection will increase the terrain to 160 km (100 miles) of ski runs. 

While there are five ski mountains, guests don’t even need a car thanks to the connectedness of 3 Zinnen Dolomites. The three mountains of Monte Elmo, Stiergarten and Croda Rossa, each of which are connected to one another, are the center of the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort. These slopes have guaranteed snow, boast some of the resort’s best views, and have more runs than you could possibly ski in a weekend, while offering terrain for every type of skier and rider.   

Monte Baranci is 3 Zinnen Dolomites’ family paradise. The 4-seater chairlift takes guests up to the Baranci Mountain Station from San Candido Village. Guests then have access to five lifts, 23 km of slopes, four ski huts, and a 2.1-km sledding run. There’s also night skiing on Monte Baranci every Tuesday and Friday. Braies, below the north face of the Picco di Vallandro, is a smaller, quieter ski area, but perfect for families and beginners.  

Experience 3 Zinnen Dolomites Off The Slopes  

In addition to five ski mountains, 3 Zinnen Dolomites is also home to five ski villages. At the base of Monte Baranci, San Candido is perfectly walkable, and full of historic buildings, boutique shops, and inviting cafes and restaurants. The small village of Sesto is a great destination for skiers and riders who want to ski directly from their accommodations. Dobbiaco is the perfect adventure basecamp, located near cross-country skiing runs, hiking trails, and more outdoor adventures. Villabassa, the first spa adventure village in Italy, is the cradle of the region, and the central village of 3 Zinnen Dolomites. Finally, Braies is popular for its location near the famous Lake Braies, and convenience to a broad network of cross-country trails and hiking trails. 

The resort’s location, in South Tyrol, and near the Austrian border, affords guests some unique food and drink experiences at 3 Zinnen Dolomites. Ristorante Monte Elmo, with its panoramic outdoor terrace, is the perfect spot for an aperitif or a glass of sparkling wine to toast the end of a perfect ski day. Rifugio Gigante Baranci has a great patio, too, and features a menu of traditional Mediterranean and South Tyrolean cuisine. This is also your best bet if you or someone in your group is gluten-free. Jora Mountain Dining is one of the resort’s most popular restaurants, located on Monte Baranci, overlooking San Candido. Chef Markus Holzer, primarily using products from local farms, specializes in South Tyrolean dishes in a warm, homey setting. These represent just a few of 3 Zinnen Dolomites’ great food and drink experiences. You can see more restaurants here.   

Plan your trip to 3 Zinnen Dolomites 

• Getting there. Bolzano Airport is the closest airport, located 100 km (62 miles) from 3 Zinnen Dolomites. Südtirol Bus provides bus service from Bolzano Airport to 3 Zinnen Dolomites, or you can rent a car. There’s also shuttle service from several other airports that are further away, including Innsbruck (130 km), Treviso (170 km), and Venice (190 km). Train service is available to South Tyrol from a number of European destinations. There are railway stations in the villages of Villabassa, Dobbiaco, San Candido, and Versciaco/Monte Elmo.  

• Travel between villages on the Ski Pustertal Express. Travelers to 3 Zinnen Dolomites don’t even need a car thanks to the Ski Pustertal Express. The ski train makes it easy for skiers and riders to get around the region and access each of the different villages and mountains. 

• Dolomiti Superski Skipass. 3 Zinnen Dolomites is one of 15 ski regions that are a part of the Dolomiti Superski Skipass, which provides access to 1,200 km (745 miles) of ski terrain in the heart of the Dolomites. It features daily, multi-day, and seasonal ski passes, and offers discounts when you purchase a daily or multi-day pass at least two days prior to the day you’re skiing. 

• Where to stay. Each of 3 Zinnen Dolomites’ villages are like their own ski town, full of great restaurants, bars, shops, and accommodations. Travelers may want to pick a village based on where they plan on skiing and spending most of their time. Families, for example, who plan on primarily skiing at Monte Baranci, will likely want to stay in San Candido, at the base of Monte Baranci. Those who want more of a ski-in and ski-out experience should consider Sesto, where a number of accommodations are close to the slopes. Browse and book accommodations on 3 Zinnen Dolomites website.