Arabba

Photo: skionline.pl. Arabba is a ski resort where the Trentino and Veneto regions meet, near the Marmolada, the highest massif in the Dolomites. The Sella massif rises in the background, and Arabba itself is an excellent base for the scenic Sella Ronda pistes, which stretch for 26 km. The main ski area of Arabba, which lies at 1,610 m, is the pistes on Porta Vescovo (2,600 m), a mountain prized even by skiing connoisseurs, offering varied runs and some of the finest views in the whole Dolomites. Snow conditions are always excellent on the north-facing slopes, which has earned Arabba a reputation as a true "snow oasis". From the summit of Porta Vescovo numerous pistes lead to Passo Pordoi (towards the Sella Ronda) and Passo Padon (towards the Marmolada). From Passo Belvedere and Passo Pordoi you can get across to Canazei. A trip to Campolongo and the slopes around Corvara is no problem either. It is precisely this well-developed lift network, allowing quick access to the ski areas neighbouring Arabba, that is the great strength of this resort. It is also a very attractive area for all freeride fans. Excellent off-piste terrain is found in Val Mesdi, Val Lasties, Val de la Mesola and on the Pordoi saddle (which also has a snow park with a halfpipe). Arabba can boast one of the biggest attractions in the whole Dolomites: the cable car that runs from the Pordoi pass (2,239 m) up to Sasso Pordoi (2,950 m) along the edge of the Sella plateau. The views on the way stay in the memory for a long time. Arabba is not one of the big, bustling ski resorts. Much more goes on in Corvara, on the other side of the Sella massif. That does not mean you will be bored in the evenings, though. The local bars and restaurants have a cosy atmosphere until late in the evening, and the culinary specialities they serve have a long tradition.