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Resort Guide

Suitability	Resort height: 1602m
Families:		[Yes]
Glacier:		[Yes]
Beginners:		[4]
Intermediates:		[5]
Advanced:		[4]
Snowboarding:		[3]

A traditional Italian resort with a relatively compact design, Arabba has built a reputation for being close to some of the most challenging skiing in the Dolomites, as well as for its unspoilt nature and spectacular location amongst the pink precipices of the towering mountains. Known as "Reba" in the local Ladin language, which remains strong in the region, the village sits at a snowsure altitude at the base of Sella Massif, and at the foot of the Pordoi and Campolongo passes, and close to the famous Marmolada glacier which offered summer skiing until recently.

Arabba is located on the Sella Ronda, one of the modern skiing world's greatest achievements; it links about a dozen villages and resorts by ski lifts around a central 'hub' of the spectacular Sella Mountain Group, (the highest, Piz Boe, at 3,151 m). Four famous ski valleys - Gardena, Fassa, Arabba's Livinallongo and neighbouring Badia radiate out like spokes on a wheel. From any point on the circuit, anyone of reasonable intermediate standard can travel clockwise or anti-clockwise around the lifts and ski runs of the Sella Ronda. It is a distance of about 26km (17 miles) to make the full circuit and the only advice is that you check weather forecasts before setting off and leave as early as possible in the morning, and not later than 10am, to be sure you complete the circuit before the last lift.

It used to be a harder slog because many of the lifts were long, slow drags, but most of these have now been replaced by fast chairs. Because all the lifts are on the bigger-still Dolomiti Superski Pass, which covers over 1200km (750 miles) of runs in the wider region there are no lift pass complications and you can also use the circuit to explore linked valleys in more detail – more than 500km (310 miles) of runs are in fact linked by the Sella Ronda's lifts – one of the world's largest lift linked ski areas.

Beginners

There are nursery slopes for beginners right by the village, and because Arabba is high with north facing slopes, and extensive snow making, these should normally be open right from the start and through to the end of the season, a claim most traditional resorts cannot match. The ski school is friendly and relaxed and the laid back nature of the village makes it an unintimidating as well as beautiful place to learn to ski.

Intermediates

A true intermediates paradise with near limitless blue and red runs. If you want to have some structure to your day you could try one of the themed on-piste tour routes in the area. For example The Ski Tour of The Great War 1914-1918 takes you beneath the faces of some of the most beautiful peaks in the Dolomites (Civetta, Pelmo, Nuvolau-Averau, 5 Torri, Tofane, Lagazuoi, Fanis Peaks, Conturines, Sassongher, Sella, and Marmolada). The heart of the tour is the symbolic mountain of the Great War, Col di Lana. If you take the tour with a guide he will show you structures remaining from the war in the region, including paths in the rock, tunnels and forts, built by Italian and Austrian soldiers at the time.

Advanced

Arabba and the Sella Ronda are a mecca for advanced skiers who may head to the steep terrain on the Marmolada glacier (heli skiing here is an option. Sign up for one of the ski tours in the region or just stick to one of the classic local blacks such as the 2.7km long Fodom. For touring, the Sella Massif appears to be mostly an unpenetrable massive rock face, but it is in fact cut by two famous valleys that begin on the wide summit plateau only a few metres apart. These are the Val Lasties ending at Canazei in Val di Fassa, and the Val Mezdi ending at Colfosco in Val Badia and accessed via the cable cars from the Pordoi Pass on to the Sass Pordoi.

Snowboarding

A mixed proposition for boarders, as there is excellent freeriding terrain served by easy to use gondolas and chairlifts, but those who enjoy prepared terrain park features may be disappointed as there is no commitment to providing a park above the resort. However other terrain parks in the region are easy to reach via the Sella Ronda connections. There is a snowboard park by the "Ciampai" slope in the neighbouring Badia valley above Corvara, and also a boardercross course by the La Para lift in San Cassiano.

Other Activities and Facilities

There are a number of additional things to do in Arabba when not skiing or boarding. The resort operates an ice stadium where you can try ice skating to music every day. Snowmobiles are available to rent at the Plan Boè hut, which is the starting point for the snowmobile trail. Snow shoes are also available to rent, with walks in the stunning Altopiano del Cherz area highly recommended. The paragliding club "Parapente Club Fodom" offers various types of free flying from its base at Livinallongo. Most of the large hotels have pools and spas which may be open to the public on request if you are not booked in to one already. Every third Monday of the month a market selling local goods takes place in the village square.

Après Ski and Dining Out

Arabba has about a dozen bars and restaurants which provide normally low-key après ski. The most popular venue is usually the Peter Bar, with the Brenta another choice, and La Stube sometimes has live music.

Most of the restaurants serve traditional Italian meals, with the Ru De Mont a specialist pizzeria. There is also the option to enjoy dinner on the mountain in a remote hut, by riding up in a trail-grooming tractor.

Families

Arabba has a Kindergarten for children aged two and older, operating daily except Saturday. Half day or full day cover including lunch is available. Children who are old enough to ski can take group or private lessons with the Arabba Ski School.

Piste Map for Arabba

Accommodation in Arabba

• Baita Antlia Apartments - 3 star, self catering
• Chalet Belvedere - 3 star, catered
• Chalet Brigitta - 4 star, catered
• Chalet Karin - 3 star, catered
• Chalet Res Panorama - 3 star, self catering
• Chalet Res Panorama - 3 star, self catering
• Hotel Barbara - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Evaldo - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Grifone - 4 star, half board
• Hotel Olympia - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Portavescovo - 3 star, half board
• Hotel Portavescovo - 3 star, half board
• Sport Hotel - 4 star, half board

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