2027 | SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari

⭐️ NEW for 2027

Head South of the Sella and discover a different side of the Dolomites.

Explore Wilder, Quieter Terrain that Most Skiers Never Find

The SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari follows the same proven principles as our famous hut-to-hut journeys — entirely on groomed slopes — but ventures deep into the southern reaches of the Dolomiti Superski, exploring wilder, quieter terrain that most skiers never find.

Suitable for Fit, Intermediate or Better Skiers with a Taste for Discovery

Prices from $4,658 per person View Prices

“I had never skied in Europe before and for anyone considering it, do yourself a favor, go to the Dolomites, and have Inspired Italy be your guide.”

Tom Heflin 🇺🇸 First Time Skiing Europe

Summary

  • SMALL GROUP: Max 7 guests
  • 7 Nights
  • 4★ Base Hotel
  • 7 Nights Half Board
  • 5 Rifugio Nights
  • 6 Day Full Area Ski Pass
  • 6 Days Ski Rental
  • Ski Areas: San Martion di Castrozza | Lusia | Carezza | Obereggen | San Pellegrino | Val Gardena | Val di Fassa | Alpe di Siusi

Statistics

  • ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
  • SKI DISTANCE: 120+ miles | 230+ Km
  • COFFEE STOPS: Yes
  • MINIMUM SKI ABILITY: Intermediate or better
  • IKON PASS? GET YOUR DISCOUNT

Day by day

A Different Side of the Dolomites.

The first time I stayed in a rifugio south of the Sella, I knew we had found something special. Quieter. Wilder. A place where the mountains feel bigger and the valleys feel further away — and where the evening belongs entirely to you.

While other skiers head home to the valley, you cosy down on the mountain. Watch the sun disappear behind peaks that most skiers have never skied, as dinner is served and the southern Dolomites settle into a deep, beautiful silence.

Itinerary shown is typical. Rifugi and base hotel may vary by departure date and availability.

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

A 90-minute transfer from Innsbruck (or Verona -  other transfers available on request) through the wonderful Brenner Pass to your 4✩-base hotel via Carlos Ski Rental for your Ski Equipment.

Following your ski fitting you enjoy your Ski Safari Briefing [18:00], welcome drinks with your ski host, and get to meet your fellow adventurers!

Highlights

★ Private Taxi Transfer ★ Equipment Collection ★ Arrival at the Base hotel ★ Welcome Drinks ★ Meet your Ski Host & your Back-Pack

Accommodation

Hotel Cavallino d'Oro, Castlerotto

The Cavallino d'Oro is located at the very heart of Castlerotto in the ancient market place dating from 1326.

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 2: Take it Easy

08:15 - Hotel Pick-Up - the arrival on to the plateau of Alpe di Siusi is a spectacular start and a wonderful introduction to the wonderful Dolomites as we head south, to Passo San Pellegrino - where the water doesn't come from!

Highlights

★Alpe di Siusi ★ Europes Highest Largest Ski Plateau

Statistics

Alpe di Siusi to Val di Fassa to Passo San Pellegrino

Accommodation

Chalet Cima Uomo, Passo San Pellegrino

Stay in the very heart of the Passo San Pellegrino ski area

Day 3: The Slopes We Carve

08:20 - Explore the carving magic that San Pellegrino offers. Long runs, perfect pitch slopes and and the magic that is VolaTa - OMG!

With a late afternoon transfer to San Martino di Castrozza.

Highlights

★ Carving San Pellegrino ★ VolaTa

Statistics

High-altitude slopes (up to 2,513m) and sunny exposure with 60 km of groomed runs.

Accommodation

Rifugio Malga Ces, San Martino di Castrozza

Malga Ces is a historic mountain rifugio and restaurant, located in San Martino di Castrozza, Trentino. Situated at an altitude of 1,658 meters, it sits directly on the ski slopes of the Ces Ski Area, offering a panoramic view of the Pale di San Martino.

Day 4: San Martino di Castrozza

Carving beneath the jagged peaks of the Pale di San Martino, where 60 km of pristine slopes await.
The legendary Tognola 1 piste, a 5 km red run with a massive 1,000m vertical drop, or explore the Carosello delle Malghe, a high-speed safari connecting technical black runs and wide, sunny cruisers with authentic mountain huts.
A mid afternoon transfer to Luisa for a memorable night on the mountain.

Highlights

★ Tognola 1 ★ Rifugio Malga Ces

Statistics

60km of skiing heaven!

Accommodation

Rifugio Lusia, Lusia

Lusia Rifugio, at 2,056 meters is a historic landmark for hikers and skiers alike, positioned right on the slopes of the Alpe Lusia Ski Area.

Day 5: Luisa for the Day

8:15: Fresh Tracks straight out of the door - Rifugio Lusia (2,056 m) offers a perfect "base camp" experience on the Lusia Pass, sitting right on the border between the technical north-facing slopes of Moena and the sunny, beginner-friendly runs of Bellamonte.

Start your day by heading up to Le Cune
(2,200 m) to catch the morning light on the Dolomites morning light. Then try Piavac to warm up your legs on this legendary black run, famous for its steep first wall.

Highlights

★ Le Cune ★ Piavac

Statistics

Over 24-27 km of slopes; 70% gradient Piavac run;

Accommodation

Rifugio Lusia, Lusia

Back to Rifugio Lusia

Day 6: Grande Giro

Its a BIG Ski Day: 8:15: Wake to the first light hitting the peaks from Rifugio Lusia, carving fresh tracks down toward the valley and our transition to the legendary Latemar massif.
You’ll dance across the snow toward Obereggen, framed by the cathedral-like spires of the Dolomites, then hop a quick taxi to find the sun-drenched, fairy-tale slopes of Carezza resting under the shadow of the Rosengarten.
As the afternoon gold deepens, whisk across to Pozza di Fassa for a final ascent into the heart of the Buffaure and the Panorama run, arriving at Rifugio Baita Cuz exactly as the Enrosadira ignites the sky in brilliant pink.

Highlights

★Lusia ★Obereggen ★ Carezza

Statistics

4 Ski areas; Loads of Views!

Accommodation

Rifugio Baita Cuz, Val di Fassa

Rifugio Baita Cuz

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 7: Out on a Bang!

8:27: This high-altitude ski day starts at Rifugio Baita Cuz in the Buffaure-Ciampac area, challenging the steep Vulcano black slope before crossing to Ciampac for a 1,000m vertical drop.

The route proceeds through the Sellaronda to Val Gardena to tackle the legendary Saslong and finishes with the 10km "La Longia" run into Ortisei.

Highlights

★Vulcano ★Ciampac ★Saslong ★La Longia

Statistics

BIG Vertical!

Accommodation

Cavallino d'Oro, Castlerotto

Hotel Cavallino d'Oro in the ancient Market Place

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 8: Departure

Enjoy your Cavallino d'Oro breakfast and should time allow, wander the streets the wonderful Tyrol village.

Your transfer to Innsbruck is only 90mins. If your going to the local station, its 20mins.

Highlights

Breakfast

The Cavallino d'Oro Breakfast! Don't miss it!

Journey Map

“You guys really knocked it out of the park….accommodations, food, communication, terrain, local knowledge- it was all there, and more!💯”

Mike Price 🇺🇸 Private CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari

“We had the most marvellous Dolomites Ski Safari, it was beyond anything I had ever expected. Such an adventure in such an awe inspiring landscape, all so well planned and executed. Our guide wasn't half bad either, in fact he was terrific.”

Belinda Callaway on a Dolomites Ski Safari 🇳🇿

“The route had been thoughtfully put together, it was incredibly varied. It did put us through our paces, both physically and mentally (one of us is in our late seventies)”

Alistair M 🇨🇦

“We were concerned that we wouldn’t have enough snow on this trip and that it would be difficult to backpack each day but that wasn’t an issue at all.”

Katie Price 🇺🇸

Best Bits

  • Only On-Piste & Groomed Ski Slopes
  • Fresh Tracks Each & Every Morning
  • Great Food & Wine!
  • Sunsets & Sunrises!
  • San Martino di Castrozza | Lusia | Obereggen | Carezza | San Pellegrino

A Steadier Paced Ski Journey through the Italian Dolomite Mountains all on Groomed Ski Slopes

“..each morning begins on a newly prepared groomed slope and no one else on the mountain.”

Travel through the Dolomite Mountains with the Inspired Italy's SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari.

Stay the night high on the mountain in a warm and comfortable rifugio and experience the best on-piste skiing that the Dolomites has to offer.

Find the best snow, stunning mountain vistas, enjoy local cuisine and some lesser-known, quieter ski slopes.

Six Full Ski Days

Enjoy six varied ski days where each morning begins on a newly prepared groomed ski slope and no one else on the mountain. Each and every morning we say, "the mountain is yours".

A Ski Journey through the Dolomite Mountains

Using only groomed ski slopes you travel from high-mountain rifugio-to-rifugio through the most beautiful scenery in the world - the Dolomite Mountains.

This seven-night ‘soft adventure’ ski tour is fully guided by your own dedicated ski leader. You never have to puzzle over your piste map or think about where you're going. Just enjoy the slopes as they keep on coming!

Small Groups

The Inspired Italy SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari is restricted to a maximum of seven per group, plus your ski leader.

We qualify all our guests before booking to ensure that all guests are of the necessary fitness and ski ability.

Suitable for fit, intermediate skiers

FAQ's

“The SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari - Explore the Deep South”

Still not sure if the SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari is for you?

Here are the most common questions that prospective guests ask us ...

 

What makes the Inspired Italy SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari ‘different'?

Simple: We go further south than any other Inspired Italy Dolomites Ski Safari.

 

I don't want to hold up the group; Is my ski ability good enough? Am I fit enough?

This is probably the number one concern of many booking an Inspired Italy SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari. Dolomites Ski Safari. The SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari isn't about 'speed'. It’s about 'pace'. And it is partly why groups are restricted to 7 guests. This helps the rhythm of the ski safari day. But don't worry, when you contact us, we will discuss your ski ability and fitness before you book.

 

What is 'intermediate' ski ability?

The term 'intermediate skier' is liberally banded about. Some over estimate, some under estimate. We have some clear, detailed descriptions of ski ability and we will send these to you as we pre-qualify every guest before booking and we do our best to match groups with similar abilities. Together we can then ensure that your ski ability is what is needed for the itinerary of your choice.

But remember, it is your fitness that is key.

 

How fit do you need to be?

One person's park run is another's marathon. You need to be able to ski steadily at a good speed all day and maintain a reasonable pace/speed - each itinerary differs, so please ensure that you understand the itinerary that you have selected. Our ski days start around 8:30 and finish usually around 15:30. Although we get a great number of bluebird days when conditions are tough, you still have to go skiing to get to the next Rifugio!

 

NO FAFFING!

The Inspired Italy SOUTH of the SELLA Dolomites Ski Safari is not a sightseeing ski tour! It is about skiing. On some days you will ride 25 or more ski lifts; 2 mins lost 'faffing' on each lift losses an hour a day from an already short day. Whilst we build in a certain amount of 'wiggle' room, we do keep the pace steady and constant.

 

I don’t normally ski with a Backpack.

That’s OK! As long as you’re fit, the additional weight makes little difference. We provide you with a suggested packing list and as long as you take the advice you will hardly notice the weight. How you deal with the backpack on the ski lift is a personal preference. Most people keep the pack on but some prefer to slide them around their shoulders and place the pack on their knees. It’s whatever is most comfortable and safe for you. The lift company advise that you remove the pack. Our backpacks are carefully chosen and specially designed for skiers. You get to keep the pack after your Dolomites Ski Safari. There are opportunities to ski without a backpack.

 

What about helmets?

Since 2025, all skiers must wear a helmet while skiing.

 

What about my main luggage?

Your luggage is left at the base hotel ready for your return. We do not transport the luggage from Rifugio to Rifugio, for a variety of reasons mainly the great distances we cover, the complex logistics and entrusting your luggage via taxi and multiple chair lifts that make luggage transportation rather hazardous!

 

Do the Rifugio have WiFi?

All Rifugi have WiFi. Some are better than others but posting your pictures to Instagram and picking up email shouldn’t be a problem.

 

I’m a vegetarian/celiac/gluten-free.

Let us know in advance and we’ll let the Rifugi know so that you won't be eating cheese omelette every night! Vegetarian options are usually, pasta or polenta based. If you are vegan, gluten-free or have nut allergies, you will have a restricted choice in the menu. The kitchens in the Rifugi produce some excellent culinary experiences, but they are often limited in what they can offer! Remember, you are staying on the very top of a mountain!

 

What happens if you cannot get to the Rifugio?

The main threat to a Dolomites Ski Safari is strong wind. These can cause chair lift connections to close. Although we have encountered this on several occasions, we’ve never failed yet to get to our destination! In the 2015/16 season, major snow storms meant we had to reroute and spend two nights in one Rifugio. Eventually, we decided to call the helicopter to get us out!

 

What happens if someone gets lost?

It's never happened yet, but it will! We brief each group on safety and operational protocol before departure, which is probably why we’ve always successfully counted them all out, and back again! In the event mobile/cell phone coverage in the Dolomites is superb!

Also, we make extensive use of WhatsApp. We create a WhatsApp group for each Ski Safari and this can be used to help locate anyone who takes a wrong turn!

 

Do we stop for coffee/comfort breaks?

It depends upon the itinerary.

For faster-paced trips like the Super 7, Venture and SuperSki, non-lunch stops are minimal and skiing is the priority. The Dolce Collection and the Special are designed to have coffee stops and offer greater flexibility in the itinerary. However, some groups wish to stop more regularly, and so long as the group is happy, then we are here to show you the very best hot chocolate stops!

Other than this, we always stop for lunch and we select our lunch venues with great care!

Many lift stations are equipped with toilets.

 

What are the Rifugi like?

A rifugio is a mountain shelter or hut but the days of snow blowing in under the door while in the corner, a small wood stove struggles to heat a pan of boiling pasta, horse hair blankets and smelly socks hanging over the end of the bed are long forgotten.

The Italian Rifugio is a skier's oasis on top of the mountain or high pass. A warm and welcoming place where food, wine and hospitality are in abundance and some, just a few, have beds for the night. The wine list, choice of homemade grappa, the home-cooked food and the views are second to none. Some rifugi offer comfortable private, en suite rooms, while others are more basic with shared bathrooms and showers.

Most of all, rifugi are welcoming, warm and cosy and, being on the mountain, right on the piste!

 

Do I  have to share a room?

You should arrive expecting to share a room with another member(s) of your group at some point on the trip, whether you’re a couple, a solo skier or travelling with friends and family.

Rifugi sell beds, rather than rooms and because we pre-book our rooms well in advance, most couples get their own private rooms with en suite but we cannot guarantee this. It is most likely that you will, at some point, have to share a room and a bathroom with other members of your group.

We do not use large, multi-occupancy dormitory-style accommodation.

Read On a Ski Safari in the Dolomites, by Christian Wolmar, published in The Times.

 

Can I ski Off-Piste?

No, we don’t do off-piste!

The Inspired Italy Dolomite Ski Safari is an on-piste ski tour. Some clients do choose to test out the off-piste conditions when circumstances allow, but this is done entirely at their own risk. If you wish to ski off-piste we advise that you first familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations in Italy for off-piste skiing.

 

Can I come on a snowboard?

No! The nature of the Inspired Italy Dolomites Ski Safari makes it difficult to mix skiers with snowboarders.

 

Am I protected?

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Inspired Italy Limited #5377, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for:

- Non-flight packages

ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Inspired Italy.

In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT-protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/contents/made

 

Which are the best airports for the Dolomites?

  1. Bolzano - you can get flights from the UK direct to Bolzano https://www.skyalps.com/en/flights-packages/london/england
  2. Innsbruck! Yes, fly to Austria, and ski in Italy! The transfer from Innsbruck to your Ski Safari base hotel is no more than 90 minutes in normal traffic.
  3. Verona is the next best option at around 2hrs transfer
  4. Munich airport has a great train link for intercontinental travellers.
  5. Venice and Bergamo are also possible options.
  6. Rome - why not? Fly to Rome and take the high-speed Frecciarossa direct from Rome to Bolzano for less than €100 per person which takes around 5 hours.

 

How do Transfers work?

Make your way to the designated pick-up point - see below - to meet the Inspired Italy transfer to Cavallino d’Oro, Castletrotto (via Carlos Ski Rental, Ortisei). Transfers are included based upon a minimum of 4 people sharing.

INBOUND:

Innsbruck Station  - 14.00

Innsbruck Airport - 14.30

Verona Airport - 14.00

Bolzano Station - 14.30

Bolzano Airport - 14.40

 

OUTBOUND DEPARTURE TIMES:

Cavallino d’Oro, Castletrotto to Innsbruck Airport & Station - 7.30

Cavallino d’Oro, Castletrotto to Verona Airport - 7:30

Cavallino d’Oro, Castletrotto to Bolzano Station & Airport - 11:00

 

NOTE

  1. Significant roadworks are planned for the Austrian/Italian border, and transfers to/from Innsbruck are expected to take longer than in previous years. For example, a 7:30 departure from the Cavallino d’Oro, Castletrotto, will likely result in an arrival in Innsbruck around 9:30.
  2. Private transfers are available upon request through our taxi partner, Taxi Albert. Please get in touch with us for details.

 

What if my flight is delayed?

Flight delays happen and we will work with you in real time to manage this. However, inevitably you will need to pay for any additional expenses incurred.

 

How do I book?

You can call us at +44 (0) 1733 865 443, drop us an email with the details of the trip that you want to book at my@Inspireditaly.com, or CLICK HERE.

 

Price

$4,658 per person

Your adventure includes:

Your adventure includes:

  • 7 Nights accommodation
  • Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
  • Six Day Full Area Ski Pass
  • Six Days Ski Rental [skis + poles]
  • Six Full Ski Days
  • 5 Rifugio Nights
  • 2 Nights 4✩ BASE HOTEL
  • Private Taxi Transfers from Innsbruck or Verona based on 4 people
  • All on Safari Transfers
  • Dedicated native English Speaking Ski Safari Leader
  • Inspired ITALY Back Pack - to keep
  • Maps, Detailed Itinerary
  • The final itinerary may vary slightly from that shown.
  • ❌ EXCLUDED Flights, Ski Boots, Helmet Drinks & Lunches

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A sensational skiing experience well above my expectation. The coordination, execution and outcome was fantastic.

Andrew Ramsey

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