3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort, Hidden Gem In Sud Tyrol Is Ready For Winter
The Italian Dolomites were awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status over 16 years ago for their exceptional beauty and significant geological value. However, only recently has 3 Zinnen Dolomites (https://www.dreizinnen.com/en/ski) - home to the iconic Tre Cime (three peaks/drei zinnen) - surfaced on the British skier’s radar.
Breathtaking scenery and easy access aside, advantages of the region’s five ski mountains (Monte Elmo, Croda Rossa, Monte Baranci, Passo Monte Croce and Val Comelico) include 115 kms of blissfully uncrowded and immaculately groomed slopes, a varied terrain suitable for beginner to expert, a diverse range of on and off-slope attractions, and five charming villages – each with its own character and identity:
- Dobbiaco – vibrant market town and gateway to the area. Fast rail access to Versciaco, the main ski mountain.
- San Candido – historic village with a medieval abbey. Direct access to the Monte Baranci ski area and dedicated family zone.
- Sesto – friendly ski-in/ski-out village. Extensive skiing and breathtaking scenery.
- Villabassa – gentle paced community steeped in unspoilt nature. Between the 3 Zinnen Dolomites and Plan de Corones areas.
- Braies – tiny bucolic hamlet, has its own small ski area (Braies) and is bus-linked to Villabassa: easy access to nursery slopes, pistes, hiking and cross-country skiing trails.
Unveiled this summer, the Reinhold Messner Haus is the cultural attraction that honours one of the world’s greatest climbers, located at the summit of Monte Elmo in Sesto, in a repurposed former cable car station. Discovery of the history behind local Messner’s remarkable achievements, some never-before-seen memorabilia, and the Dolomites heritage will enrich every visitor’s holiday experience.
With the top station at 2225m and 100% snow-making cover, 3 Zinnen Dolomites guarantees skiing from late November into April. Connecting the slopes, a state-of-the-art network of 30 lifts operates entirely on renewable energy. Complementing the downhill pistes (115 kms) alternative activities are on offer such as snowshoeing, ski touring and tobogganing.
Excellent ski schools with English-speaking instructors, well-prepared nursery slopes with magic carpets and a family of giant snowmen that add quirky fun for kids, make 3 Zinnen Dolomites an ideal choice for families, especially those with first timers to skiing. For more accomplished skiers the full-day Giro delle Cime tour (35 km/5600m elevation change) is a lovely circuit away from the fray that takes in some of the most impressive peaks in the Dolomites. Thrill seekers will enjoy the challenge of Italy’s steepest slope - the Holzriese (71% gradient) in the Sesto area. Twice-weekly night-skiing and three great toboggan runs are also available.
For non-skiers winter hiking, snowshoeing and wellness facilities exceed expectation, and everyone will find the cuisine and hospitality outstanding. The best of Italy and South Tyrol is encapsulated in the lovely enclave that is the holiday region of 3 Zinnen Dolomites in the Sud Tirol.
Wide-ranging accommodation options cover cosy B&Bs, family run establishments, luxury hotels and fine spa and wellness retreats. All are complemented by irresistible cuisine: local specialities and Alpine-Mediterranean dishes are served throughout the mountain refuges, gourmet restaurants, cafes and bars. There is always something to suit every budget and taste
The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics take place from 6-22 February 2026. Why not combine the thrill of the Olympics with the tranquillity of 3 Zinnen Dolomites, it could be the ideal way to experience the Dolomites in 2026 — a unique blend of excitement and relaxation all in one trip.
Access the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort via Venice using the conveniently timed Cortina Express – operating daily this year. Other airports within a two- to three-hour journey time include Treviso and Bolzano in Italy and Innsbruck and Klagenfurt in Austria www.dreizinnen.com/ski
