3 Zinnen Dolomites – Italy’s Best-Kept Ski Secret

Sponsored by 3 Zinnen Dolomites

It’s no secret that Italy, home to hundreds of ski resorts, is one of the best winter destinations in the world. You may know some of the big-name ski resorts, which can be crowded and have limited accommodations during the winter. But enter 3 Zinnen Dolomites, one of Europe’s best ski destinations, tucked away in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) of terrain, world-class skiing, charming Italian villages, and extraordinary beauty converge for a one-of-a-kind winter experience in Italy’s South Tyrol. 

Skiing At 3 Zinnen Dolomites 

The last decade has seen 3 Zinnen Dolomites, recently named “Italy’s Best Ski Area” by the World Ski Awards, rapidly grow from two small ski areas to five interconnected mountains with 115 kilomters (71 miles) of impeccably groomed runs served by 31 lifts. Headlining its lift system is the 10-passenger premium gondola lift, Helmjet Sexten, the most modern lift in the Alps, and the new Porzen 6-seater chairlift on Croda Rossa. 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 tons of runs 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 kilometers of slopes, four ski huts, and a 2.1-km sledding run. Monte Baranci also has night skiing and night sledding, under World Cup-standard floodlights, 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.    

Skiers who are up for a unique challenge can take on 3 Zinnen Dolomite’s Giro delle Cime. This legendary ski circuit traverses all five mountains, 43 kilometers of terrain, and involves 11 cable cars and lifts—all on one ski pass. Get the complete experience by skiing it with an expert guide. For those who are new to skiing and riding, 3 Zinnen Dolomites also boasts a number of incredible ski schools for every type of skier and rider. Many of these schools go beyond traditional lessons, offering guided excursions, cross-country lessons, and more. 

Discover The Five Villages Of 3 Zinnen Dolomites 

3 Zinnen Dolomites’ five mountains are home to five unique villages, each with their own character. Villabassa, the first spa adventure village in Italy, is the cradle of the region, and a wonderful blend of nature and wellness. San Candido, at the base of Monte Baranci, is easily walkable, and full of historic buildings, boutique shops, and inviting cafes and restaurants. The small village of Sesto is perfect for those skiers and riders who want to ski directly from their accommodations. Bad Moos – Aqua Spa Resort, a historic 4-star hotel in Sesto, is among 3 Zinnen Dolomite’s top hotels, and located right next to the ski slopes and the entrance of Fischleintal/Val Fiscalina, where you can take the three-hour hike up to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo (1,000 meters, or 3,200 feet, of altitude).  

The village of Dobbiaco is ideal for those outdoor adventurers who want to do more than just ski, since it’s located near cross-country skiing runs, hiking trails, and more outdoor adventures. And 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. 

Experience 3 Zinnen Dolomites Food, Drinks, And Culture 

It’s time to experience the food, drinks, and culture of 3 Zinnen Dolomites once the lifts stop spinning. Come golden hour, you can clink glasses on any number of outdoor terraces, like Ristorante Monte Elmo, Rifugio Gigante Baranci, and Rifugio Rudi. Rifugio Gigante Baranci is a great spot to get introduced to Tyrolean food.  

Come dinnertime, you’ll find no shortage of amazing restaurants dotting the slopes and villages of 3 Zinnen Dolomites. Jora Mountain Dining is among the highlights, located on Monte Baranci, overlooking San Candido. Chef Markus Holzer, primarily using ingredients and products from local farms, specializes in South Tyrolean dishes in a warm, homey setting. Other standouts include Restaurant Froneben, a family-run inn and farm, featuring a restaurant above the Sesto Valley with views that are as stunning as the food. In Villabassa, at the Hotel Adler, don’t miss Adler Stube. Enjoy regionally inspired delicacies in its historic parlor with paneled ceilings that date back to the 16th century. 

When you’re not enjoying 3 Zinnen Dolomites great skiing, food, and drinks, experience the history and culture of the region. In San Candido visit the DoloMythos Museum, the largest Dolomites museum, dedicated to the history and geology of the Dolomites. Art lovers may enjoy visiting the Rudolf Stolz Museum in Sesto, featuring more than 160 pieces of art by famous Tyrolean painter Rudolf Stolz. The most unique cultural attraction is the Reinhold Messner Haus on Monte Elmo. Located in a former cable car station, this contemporary space celebrates alpine values and mountain heritage through art, history, and storytelling. It’s the perfect complement to a day on the slopes. 

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/80 miles), Treviso (170 km/105 miles), and Venice (190 km/118 miles). 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.   

• Go carless with 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 12 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. 

• Where to stay. 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.