Arabba

We like Arabba! It's a small traditional village, set high in the Dolomites, close to the Marmolada Glacier and with access to the much-fêted Sella Ronda and Alta Badia area - so Arabba punches above its weight with the range of its skiing. It's invested heavily in snowmaking equipment so there's no worry about lack of coverage in milder seasons. For singles, for couples, for parties of friends, for all sorts of skiers, for everyone, it's a great place to go.

There's a nursery slope for beginners near the Burz chair. You intermediates will love the fun of the local slopes which offer varied challenges to test your legs and nerve. The Alta Badia sector is gentler if that's your preference - so you could start there and progress to the Arabba slopes. Experts - wahey! - the blacks and reds from Porta Vescovo will make you tingle with delight and that's before you start on the off-piste.

Then, of course, there's the Sella Ronda - a skiing network looping around the Sella Massif for 40 kms, including lifts. It's a satisfying day out, best started by 10 am to ensure making it back home at leisure.

Apres-Ski in Arabba

Plan Boè is a popular stop-off on the way back to town. Then you must drop in to Bar Peter - everyone does - and treat yourself to a bombardino or grappa alle prugna - that'll warm your cockles. There's also Mister X and Bar Heidi if you fancy a change of scene. Eating out is mostly eating in, if you like - in the hotels - try Miky's Grill or Al Table.

There's outdoor ice skating, snowshoe excursions and fantabulous helicopter rides, but most of all - just chill. Recharge your batteries. That's the wonder of Arabba.

Let GetSkiing take you away from it all.

Gary's Little Gems in Arabba

One of the most popular ski trips on the whole of the Sella Ronda is the trip from Arabba through to the Marmolada and the experience of skiing at nearly 3300m. A wide range of skiing includes very demanding slopes for experienced skiers, comfortable descents and easy practice slopes for beginners. The 175 km of slopes in the ski area Val Gardena offers several levels of difficulty for every taste.