Arabba / Marmolada

Arabba is the most technically demanding resort on the Sellaronda circuit, with direct access to the Marmolada glacier (3,342 m, the highest mountain in the Dolomites). Sitting between Passo Pordoi and Passo Campolongo, it is where the Sellaronda gets serious: genuine black runs, glacial descents, and the longest run in the Dolomites (12 km from Punta Rocca to Malga Ciapela).

Why Go Snowboarding

For an advanced rider, Arabba/Marmolada is arguably the most rewarding resort in the entire Dolomiti Superski system. The Marmolada offers something unique in Italy: snowboarding on a glacier up to 3,269 m, with near-powder conditions even late in the season. The Bellunese run (12 km, 1,800 m of vertical from Punta Rocca to Malga Ciapela) is epic. Arabba’s own slopes — fast reds and serious blacks — make for excellent high-speed carving sessions. Integration into the Sellaronda circuit lets you vary the day by heading towards Corvara, Canazei or Val Gardena.

Terrain & Slopes

The 63 km of official pistes span around 40 runs between Arabba and the Marmolada sector (Malga Ciapela). The resort has 30% difficult runs — a higher ratio than the Dolomite average. Arabba’s black runs are among the most technical in the area: the Padon and Burz are serious tests for any rider. The Marmolada glacier adds 800 m of vertical on compact snow with unmatched glacial and rock scenery. The Dolomiti Superski pass opens the full 1,200 km network.

Snowpark

The Arabba Superpark at Le Pale chairlift (1,915 m) is a compact but functional park with rails, boxes and jumps for beginner-to-advanced-intermediate riders. The Funslope Arabba — curves, small jumps, tunnels and a snail — is fun even for non-park riders.

Getting There

Car: Arabba is accessible via the SS48 from Passo Pordoi (from Trento/Canazei) or from Cortina heading west. Mountain passes may close in severe weather — always check conditions. Bus: Dolomiti Bus from Belluno. Train: Belluno station (55 km) is the nearest rail hub.

Tips

Arabba is a small, authentic village — far less touristy than Cortina or Selva. Best season is January–April, with the glacier providing the most reliable late-season conditions. The Dolomiti Superski pass is versatile but expensive — worth it if you plan excursions to other sectors. For the Marmolada, the Malga Ciapela base (Veneto side) requires a car or bus connection; the direct link from Arabba uses dedicated lifts. Sharp edge preparation is strongly recommended for glacier riding.