In the world of ski destinations, there are places that whisper to those in the know—destinations where the snow is plentiful, the crowds are sparse, and the mountains exude character. 3 Zinnen Dolomites, tucked away in Italy’s far northeastern corner, is one such place. And for British skiers craving something beyond the mainstream—authentic, serene, and spectacular—it might just be the find of the season.
Voted Italy’s Best Ski Resort at the 2024 World Ski Awards, this relatively under-the-radar gem is everything a modern skier could hope for—just without the queues, the bling, or the big-resort chaos. If you’re a UK skier looking for a different kind of winter, one that blends raw alpine splendour with refined Italian flair, you’ve just found your next destination.
A Landscape to Stir the Soul
Set within the UNESCO-protected Dolomites, the landscape at 3 Zinnen is nothing short of theatrical. These are not the rounded, snowy peaks of other ranges. The Dolomites pierce the sky—cathedral spires of limestone that glow pink at sundown, a phenomenon known locally as enrosadira. Watch it from a mountaintop terrace or a quiet hiking path above 2,000 metres, and you’ll understand why artists, poets, and climbers have been drawn here for generations.
But this region doesn’t just rest on its natural beauty. It has poured investment and intelligence into building one of the most efficient and environmentally conscious ski infrastructures in the Alps. That includes 31 lifts running on renewable energy, 100% snow-making coverage from late November through April, and a layout that brings variety and convenience, together in seamless fashion.
Five Peaks, Six Areas, Endless Character
Skiers are treated to 115km of immaculately groomed pistes, spanning six well linked ski areas and rising from the base villages at around 1,120 metres to summit stations at 2,225 metres. But what gives the resort its distinct personality are the signature mountains, each with its own feel and flow. Five are interconnected and the sixth accessible by public transport:
- Monte Elmo is a cruiser’s dream—broad, high-altitude runs with sweeping views and a mellow vibe.
- Croda Rossa is home to the resort’s crown jewel for thrill-seekers: Holzriese, Italy’s steepest piste with a 71% gradient that tests even the most confident carvers. A long blue piste down to Passo Monte Croce provides the link with Val Comelico’s varied slopes and splendid views, with a free skibus service for the return connection.
- Stiergarten, perched high, wide and handsome, is a paradise for ski tourers hikers and skiers of all levels
- Monte Baranci, easily accessible from San Candido, is where families and beginners feel most at home, with gentle slopes and playful snow features—including a whimsical parade of giant snowmen that children adore.
Together, they form the stage for one of the Dolomites’ most exhilarating full-day adventures: the Giro delle Cime. This 43km circuit takes skiers across all five mountains, weaving through diverse terrain and stunning vistas with a 5,600m elevation change along the way. In the right snow conditions, it’s a bucket-list experience—accessible not only to expert skiers but also to strong intermediates, offering the rare thrill of a truly immersive, panoramic journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes in the Alps.
Skiing, Touring, and So Much More
For Alpine piste skiers, the resort hits all the right notes—long runs, modern lifts, few bottlenecks, and terrain that rewards progression. But 3 Zinnen Dolomites is just as attractive for those whose passion lies in the solitude of ski touring or the rhythmic grace of cross-country skiing.
With 200km of high-altitude trails winding through untouched natural parks like Parato Piazza and Nemesalm, it’s one of the best places in the Alps to find peace and powder away from the crowds. These are trails where the only sounds are your skis, your breath, and the cry of an eagle.
And while the mountains here are serious, the resort never forgets that skiing is for fun. Twice a week, the slopes stay open after dark for night skiing—an experience that transforms the mountains into a glittering amphitheatre. There’s also a lift-served toboggan run, which is a firm favourite for both kids and adults. It’s pure joy, and a reminder that play is an essential part of mountain life.
A Taste of the Dolomites
Skiers know that food matters—and in South Tyrol, it matters deeply. The region’s Alpine-Mediterranean cuisine is a revelation, balancing the richness of mountain fare with the finesse of Italian cooking. Expect fluffy dumplings alongside handmade pasta, polenta with truffle, or venison stew followed by strudel and espresso.
Pair your meal with a glass of Lagrein, Gewürztraminer, or Schiava—all distinctive South Tyrolean wines from the sunny slopes of the Adige Valley—and you’ll understand why this region has become a culinary destination in its own right.
On the mountain, rifugi (mountain huts) are warm and welcoming, offering local delicacies with spectacular views. In the villages below, cosy family-run trattorie sit alongside stylish wine bars, offering the perfect wind-down after a day on the slopes.
Villages With Personality
Unlike purpose-built ski towns, the five villages of the 3 Zinnen Dolomites destination each have their own identity and history. San Candido, with its cobbled streets and elegant boutiques, feels refined and romantic. Sesto, surrounded by rugged cliffs, is a hiker’s and mountaineer’s haven. Dobbiaco, by contrast, offers cultural depth and musical ties—it’s where Gustav Mahler found inspiration. Braies, home to the famous lake, exudes peace and picture-postcard beauty. Authentic Villabassa is a great base for those looking to escape the tourist buzz.
From family-run B&Bs to five-star spa hotels, accommodation here reflects the South Tyrolean knack for hospitality: efficient, warm, and never overbearing. Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, or someone special, you’ll find a stay that suits your style.
Easy Access from the UK
Getting here is easier than you might think. Venice Marco Polo, Treviso, and Bolzano airports are all about two hours away by car or shuttle. The Cortina Express runs direct from Venice to the resort every Saturday—perfect for British travellers flying in for a week’s skiing. You can also fly into Innsbruck or Klagenfurt in Austria, giving you even more flexibility on flights and transfers.
Why It Belongs on Your List
3 Zinnen Dolomites is not about hype or headline acts. It’s about authenticity. It’s about skiing in sublime surroundings, where the rhythm of the mountains sets the pace, not the clock. It’s about the real luxury of space, fresh air, and the simple joy of finding somewhere that still feels like a secret.
It’s a place where skiing, food, wine, wellness, and scenery come together in one remarkable package. A place that rewards the curious and the discerning. A place that leaves you glowing—not just from sun and snow, but from a sense of having discovered something special.
Before the rest of the world catches on, make this the winter you ski 3 Zinnen Dolomites. It may be Italy’s best-kept secret … for now.