Half a century of history, innovation and beauty: Dolomiti Superski celebrates 50 years of activity, and with it the evolution of skiing and winter tourism in the Dolomites. It is not just a consortium linking 12 ski areas, 450 lifts and over 1,200 kilometres of slopes: it is a way of experiencing the mountains, of breathing its essence and of being inspired by its grandeur. Every corner, every slope, every lift tells a story, and these fifty years are an invitation to experience it first hand.
The beginning of a dream: Dolomiti Superski is born
It all began on 14 November 1974 in Brunico, in a notary's office. On that date an agreement was signed that would forever change the face of winter tourism in the Dolomites: the document, entitled ‘Deed of Incorporation of the Superski Dolomiti Association’, sanctioned the birth of a visionary project.
It was signed by six mountain pioneers: Antonio Dal Pont (Cortina d'Ampezzo), Paul Schifferegger (Plan de Corones), Erich Kostner (Alta Badia), Franz Perathoner (Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi), Alceo Pastore (Val di Fassa) and Ugo De Battista (Arabba). At their side, as first president, was Gianni Marzola, a Milanese entrepreneur in love with Val Gardena, who remained in office for 26 years. Fiorenzo Perathoner succeeded him in 2000, followed by Sandro Lazzari in 2008. Today, Andy Varallo is the president, with a board of directors made up of representatives from the main valleys of the Dolomites.
This union of intentions marked the start of an extraordinary adventure, which led to the creation of the largest ski area in the world: the Dolomiti Superski, a symbol of innovation, collaboration and love for the mountains.
The Sellaronda: a ‘ski trip’ in the World Heritage mountains
Inventing the ‘ski trip’ was only the first step. The Sellaronda, the famous tour around the Sella massif, represents the soul of the Dolomiti Superski. With its slopes winding through the four Dolomite passes - Sella, Gardena, Campolongo and Pordoi - it offers emotions that only the Dolomites can offer. It is a sort of endless outing, with the golden rocks acting as a compass and nature that looks like something out of a painting. Crossing the Città dei Sassi (City of Stones), admiring the breathtaking opening of Porta Vescovo, or tackling the legendary black slopes such as the Ciampac slope, are experiences you won't forget.
Innovation and Sustainability: a vision for the future
Dolomiti Superski is synonymous with the avant-garde. For decades it has invested in technology to improve the experience of skiers: from modern and fast lifts to efficient snowmaking systems. This year, with the introduction of the smartpass at San Martino di Castrozza, a step is being taken towards greater sustainability, eliminating 10 tonnes of plastic thanks to the digitisation of the ski pass. But sustainability here is also synonymous with respect for the environment: hybrid snowcats, high-efficiency engines and the conscious use of water for snowmaking demonstrate an ongoing commitment to a greener future.
Legendary slopes and iconic places
There are downhill runs that leave their mark: the Gran Risa in Corvara, the Saslong in Val Gardena, the Tofane Olympia in Cortina. Each slope has its own character, its own history, its own challenges. Skiing on the Saslong, for example, allows you to discover every depression and counter-slope that World Cup champions face at breakneck speed. But the Dolomiti Superski is not just adrenaline: it is also contemplation. Admiring the sunset from the Alpe di Siusi, when the peaks turn pink in the alpenglow effect, is an experience that colours your soul.
The magic of the Dolomites
The Dolomiti Superski is much more than a ski area: it is a window on history and legend. At Lagazuoi, between ice and rock, the tales of the Great War echo, while the Foresta dei Violini (Violin Forest) at Paneveggio invites you to stop, to breathe in the silence. And then there are the little details that make this area unique: the ice sculptures along the Rio Gardena, the magic of Lake Carezza, or the solarium at the top of Ciampinoi where sunbathing becomes an irresistible choice, even with legendary slopes within skiing distance.
A timeless experience
Skiing in the Dolomiti Superski means immersing oneself in a world where past and future intertwine. It is rediscovering the pleasure of small things, such as a walk along the Avisio after a day on the slopes, or tasting unforgettable canederli in Ortisei. It is also to be amazed by visionary projects, such as the new 3S gondola lift in Campitello or the connection between San Martino di Castrozza and Passo Rolle, ready to revolutionise the way of experiencing the mountains.
A season-long celebration
With the opening of the ski resorts set for 5 December 2024, the 2024-2025 season will be a special occasion to celebrate this extraordinary anniversary. All that's left to do is get ready: every turn, every ascent, every descent is ready to tell you a piece of a fifty-year story, a story that continues to inspire anyone who puts skis on their feet.
