The New York Times - Skiing’s Budget Secret: It Can Be Cheaper in Europe

The New York Times - Skiing's Budget Secret: It Can Be Cheaper in Europe

In northern Italy, the limestone cliffs, pinnacles and dipping plateaus — once primordial coral reefs that rose from the ocean some 250 million years ago — are so geologically fantastic that the entire region is deemed a UNESCO  World Heritage  site. The  Dolomiti Superski , an area of ​​12 linked resorts, with 800 miles of terrain and 450 lifts, is all accessible on one pass. Intermediates will love the wide groomers at Val di Fassa, Alta Badia and Cortina, specifically around Olimpia delle Tofane, the site of the 1956 Olympics. But there is plenty of advanced stuff, too. Val Gardena, Kronplatz and Arabba have steep black runs and off-piste options. 

Navigating among the mountains and valleys that make up Dolomiti Superski, particularly transfers, can suck valuable time from your holiday.  Dolomite Mountains , a local company, can organize the entire trip, from lodging and transfers to ski guides and meals, allowing you to experience multiple resorts in a few days. They can also organize a  trip that lets you stay at the rustic inns  known as refuges on the mountains.

Ski Pass:  83 euros or about $87 per day in high season, 75 euros or about $80 during regular season; a seven-day pass is 449 euros in high season and 404 euros in regular season; the Ikon pass is also accepted.