As December’s winter sun catches the limestone peaks of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites, turning them a blushing rose-pink in the famous alpenglow, it’s easy to understand why this corner of northern Italy has enchanted visitors for generations. If it’s your first time here and you’re looking for a sense of luxury, here’s our guide to the most spectacular mountain retreats in the Dolomites.
Cortina d’Ampezzo: The Star Of The Show
Cortina isn’t just a ski resort; it’s Italian high society’s winter playground. The host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and soon to dazzle again in 2026, this glamorous town marries serious skiing with the kind of sophisticated charm that Italy does so well.
The legendary Cristallo hotel, perched like an eagle’s nest above the town since 1901, has hosted everyone from Leo Tolstoy to Frank Sinatra. Today, its 74 rooms and suites blend Belle Époque grandeur with modern luxury, while the 1901 Ultimate Spa offers spectacular mountain views from its treatment rooms.
The real magic happens on the slopes, though – 120km of them, spread across three main skiing areas, each with its own distinct personality. The Faloria-Cristallo area offers heart-stopping views across to Cortina’s famous Corso Italia, while Tofana serves up some of the most challenging skiing in the Dolomites.
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Alta Badia: Where Gourmets Meet Gondolas
If Cortina is the Dolomites’ catwalk, Alta Badia is its kitchen. This collection of six historic villages serves up some of the most spectacular dining in the Alps, all against a backdrop of pristine pistes and soaring spires.
The Savoy hotel in Alta Badia, part of La Villa, stands as a testament to traditional Alpine hospitality, offering direct access to the famous Sellaronda circuit – a 40km ski safari that loops around the mighty Sella massif. Positioned just 15 metres from the World Cup Gran Risa piste, its wellness centre, with its indoor pool facing the mountains, provides the perfect après-ski sanctuary.
Meanwhile, over in San Cassiano, the Rosa Alpina (now part of the Aman group) has quietly set the standard for mountain luxury for generations. Its three Michelin-starred St. Hubertus restaurant isn’t just a meal – it’s a love letter to Alpine cuisine.
Madonna di Campiglio: Habsburg Heritage & Modern Luxury
Nestled between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello-Presanella Alps, Madonna di Campiglio still carries echoes of its imperial past – Emperor Franz Josef used to winter here, and the town has maintained its aristocratic air. Its 150km of immaculately groomed pistes range from gentle blues to the legendary Canalone Miramonti, a black run that turns into a floodlit theatre of skiing prowess several nights each week.
The DV Chalet Boutique Hotel captures this blend of history and contemporary luxury perfectly. With just 20 rooms, it feels more like a private club than a hotel, while the Biohotel Hermitage’s Michelin-starred Il Gallo Cedrone restaurant proves that sustainability and luxury can coexist beautifully.
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Val Gardena: The Heart Of The Dolomites
It could be said that Val Gardena reads like a fairytale – three villages, each with its own character, linked by lifts and loves of skiing. With 175km of local runs (and access to the broader Dolomiti Superski area), it’s a paradise for skiers of all abilities. The Alpenroyal Grand Hotel in Selva offers ski-in/ski-out convenience wrapped in five-star luxury, with a 2,000m² spa that’s worth visiting for the mountain views alone.
San Martino Di Castrozza: The Hidden Gem
While its bigger siblings grab the headlines, San Martino di Castrozza offers a more intimate take on Dolomiti luxury. Set against the dramatic Pale di San Martino range, this former climbing hub has evolved into a sophisticated ski resort without losing its soul. The Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel exemplifies this balance, with its panoramic spa offering views that rival any in the region.
When To Go
The Dolomites’ ski season typically runs from early December to mid-April, but timing is everything. Visit in January for reliable snow and quieter slopes, or catch the famous alpenglow at its most spectacular in February and March. Early December can offer excellent value, while March brings spring skiing at its finest – think sun-drenched terraces and perfect afternoon snow.
Getting There
Venice Marco Polo, Innsbruck, and Verona airports all serve the region, each offering transfer times between 2-3 hours depending on your final destination. The journey itself is part of the experience – you’ll wind through valleys and past peaks that seem to touch the sky, offering a dramatic preview of what’s to come.
The Dolomiti Superski Skipass unlocks 1,200km of pistes and 450 lifts across 12 valleys, making it one of the world’s largest ski areas. But numbers tell only part of the story – it’s the combination of spectacular scenery, exceptional hospitality, and that unique Italian flair that makes the Dolomites an unmatched winter destination.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re carving through fresh powder, dining on Michelin-starred delicacies, hiking adventurously or simply soaking in those extraordinary views, these resorts offer some of the finest mountain experiences in the world.