Day Trips: Guided Backcountry Ski Tours in the Dolomites

Detail and Logistics

Day Trip Suggestions 

Explore famous ski areas like:

• The Marmolada, AKA ‘Queen of the Dolomites’ and “Queen of the Ski” where the Northern face often has excellent powder skiing
• Sassolungo, AKA ‘Majesty of the Dolomites’ where steep couloirs and technical skiing are plenty.
• The Sellamassif in the Sellaronda features steep couloirs for advanced riders and wide open slopes with long descents for the intermediates. We could also attempt the Sellaronda Circuit, a 40 km circumnavigation of the entire Sella Group. Approx 24 km is covered with ski lifts. Can be completed in 1 day, suitable for skiers with a high level of fitness.
• Cortina D’Ampezzo is home to the Cinque Torri, Lagazuoi, Tofane, and Faloria – all unique and stunning ski areas. The Olympics were held here in 1956 and are returning in 2026!
• Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime di Lavaredo – the most photographed mountain range in the Dolomites, Drei Zinnen/Tre Cime di Lavaredo is a great choice for families and intermediate skiers.

Location, Location, Location

Or as the Italians would say “La posizione! La posizione! La posizione!” Choosing the right valley for your basecamp is important. We can guide you in the right direction whether you are looking for family-friendly suggestions, easy public transportation, steep couloir skiing, Apres Ski, etc,

Here are our favourites:

Arabba – best for Marmolada and the Sellaronda
Cortina D’Ampezzo – best for Falzarego, Cinque Torri, Tofane,  and Faloria.
Canazei – best for Sellaronda
Val Gardena or Ortisei – best for Sassolungo

Limited Time?

We have removed our 2-day minimum requirement so you can now book 1-day day trips for a 10% premium.

Want to Make it an Overnight Trip?

Hut-to-hut or hotel-based custom trip package information is available here!

Can you already see your vision? Share it with our trip specialists now and we’ll send you a custom trip proposal and quote.

The options are endless.

Gear List

*Optional
**Optional but recommended

Technical Gear

Bring, Buy, or Rent the Following:

• Alpine touring skis or splitboard
• Alpine touring boots (compatible with touring binding) or snowboard boots
• Adjustable ski poles
• Climbing skins, well glued and precisely fitted to your skis or splitboard
• Modern, 3-antenna avalanche transceiver
• Lightweight, metal snow shovel
• Avalanche probe (two to three meters long)
• Daypack for ski touring (recommended 20-30L)
• Spare parts specific to your equipment
• Goggles (we recommend easy change goggles with 2 lenses: high-light and low-light conditions)
• Ski helmet**
• Ski/ splitboard crampons compatible with your skis and bindings/ splitboard (depending on snow conditions)
• Boot crampons (depending on snow conditions)

Clothing

We suggest using the layering system: Bring light, technical clothing that doesn’t take much space in your backpack and dries quickly when sweaty or wet. Layers can be added and taken off quickly when weather conditions change during the day.

• Wind and waterproof shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Wind and waterproof shell pants with side zippers (Gore-Tex or similar)
• Medium weight Primaloft “puffy” jacket
• Medium weight fleece sweater
• Thin synthetic or wool base layers
• Two pairs of gloves (one pair lightweight and one pair waterproof with heavier weight)
• Ski/snowboard socks
• Wool or fleece hat that covers your ears
• Sun hat, preferably with a wide rim
• Bandana or neck gaiter (eg. Buff)*
• Winter boots for walking in the snow

Extras

• Sunglasses with high UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip protection with high SPF
• One or two one-litre water bottles/ hydration pack
• Snacks
• Personal first aid kit and other needs (eg. blister kit, prescription medicine, anti-inflammatory, contact lenses, prescription glasses, etc.)
• Toilet paper – small amount for daytime emergencies
• Cellphone*

FAQ

Do I need to sign a Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (a.ka. liability waiver)?

Yes, you do. Mountaineering, skiing, climbing, hiking, via ferrata and all other wilderness and adventure travel activities are inherently risky with potential for injuries or even death.
It is very important to us that you are aware of those risks before you start the booking process, which includes filling out a booking form and paying a deposit.
With signing the liability waiver, you confirm that you understand the potential risks and hazards, and are willing to accept the risks, which includes giving up legal rights you may have.
This would also be the time to ask questions or address concerns before you book.
For your reference here is a link to our Liability Waiver. Our booking terms & cancellation policy with more details can be found here