Dolomites Freeride
This trip uses our 1-10 overall difficulty scale (technical + fitness + exposure + environment). How this scale works
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights
- Off-piste skiing across the Dolomites, with the area agreed before the day.
- Lift access for repeated descents or a longer route beyond the pistes.
- A few initial runs together before choosing where to continue.
- Time to discuss the lines and the snow as we ski.
OVERVIEW
About this trip
Freeride in the Dolomites can be very different from one day to the next. Sometimes the best skiing is close to the lifts; on other days, it is worth travelling further for a longer descent away from the ski area.
Val di Fassa, the Sella, Val Gardena, Arabba and Marmolada all offer plenty of options. Tell us where you are staying and a little about your off-piste experience, and we can start to work out what would suit you best.
Around the Sella and Sass Pordoi, classic descents such as Val Lasties and Val Mesdì take you through some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. Arabba and Marmolada have a different feel, with more open terrain, higher-altitude skiing and some longer descents. We usually prefer to spend the day in one area rather than rushing from place to place.
Most of the uphill is done using the lifts, although some routes may involve a short walk or a section on skins. Depending on where we ski, the descent can also finish away from where we started.
The plan is never completely fixed in advance. We have an idea before the day, but the final choice depends on the snow, weather, avalanche conditions and the level of the group.
If you are fairly new to off-piste skiing, we can keep the terrain easier and give you time to get used to skiing variable snow. You should already be able to make controlled parallel turns. Longer descents, steeper terrain and glacier routes require more off-piste experience and confidence in different snow conditions.
The idea is simply to make the best of the day we have. That might mean several good descents close to the lifts, or spending more time getting to one long run into a quieter part of the mountains.
ITINERARY
Itinerary
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Day 1A freeride day in the Dolomites
We meet in the agreed ski area, check the equipment and start with a few runs together. This gives us a chance to see how you ski, get a feel for the snow and decide how to shape the rest of the day.
From there, we move off-piste. Depending on the conditions and the group, we might spend the day exploring several descents in one area or head for a longer route.
Val di Fassa and the Sella, Val Gardena, Arabba and Marmolada all offer different possibilities, but we normally focus on one area rather than trying to cover too much in a single day. Classic descents such as Val Lasties or Val Mesdì can be part of the plan when the conditions are right and the group has the right level of off-piste experience.
Some routes may involve a short walk, a section on skins or additional technical equipment. We go through anything like this beforehand so you know what to expect.
We stop when it makes sense during the day and normally finish skiing sometime in the afternoon.
REQUIREMENTS
Requirements
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Is this the right starting point?If red pistes already feel difficult, or changing snow makes it hard to stay in control, start with ski lessons before booking this outing.
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FitnessYou should be comfortable skiing for a full day, with repeated runs and occasional short walks carrying your skis.
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Avalanche kit and basic awarenessEach participant must carry a modern avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe. If you don't have much practice yet, that's fine, we will review basic use and simple terrain choices together.
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Skiing levelYou should make controlled parallel turns on red pistes and manage uneven snow without losing control of your speed. For a first off-piste day, we choose less committing terrain. Longer Sella descents and glacier routes require previous off-piste experience; we discuss the demands of the proposed route before confirming.
GEAR CHECKLIST
Gear list
clothing
4-
Gloves & hatLight gloves, warm gloves or mittens, wool hat / buff. Bring light gloves, a warmer pair and a hat or buff.
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Insulated jacketWarm insulated jacket (down or synthetic) for stops, summits and emergency situations. Pack a warm layer for stops and colder conditions.
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Shell jacket & trousersWaterproof / windproof jacket and overtrousers (Gore-Tex or similar). Bring weather protection for the climb, exposed ground and changing conditions.
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Ski clothing (layers)Breathable base layers, fleece or light insulating jacket, ski touring pants. Wear winter ski layers with enough warmth for the lifts as well as the descents.
emergency
1-
Emergency bivouac shelterLightweight emergency bivouac shelter or thermal blanket for unexpected stops or emergencies. Recommended extra safety item (emergency bivy/thermal blanket).
personal
6-
BackpackBackpack with a gear-carry option; recommended size varies by trip, see the note. A backpack with room for avalanche equipment, spare clothing, food and drinks.
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Mobile phoneFully charged mobile phone for communication and emergency use.
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Personal kit & snacks1L thermos or bottle, small personal first aid, snacks for the day. Pack food and drinks for the planned outing, plus any personal medication. We will confirm how much to carry for your route.
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Sun protectionHigh SPF sunscreen and lip balm for protection against sun and wind at altitude. Bring sunscreen and lip protection for the day.
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Sunglasses & gogglesCategory 3–4 sunglasses and ski goggles for bad weather. Bring sunglasses for bright snow and goggles for wind, snowfall and the descent.
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Power bank & cablePower bank and charging cable to keep devices operational in cold conditions. Recommended to keep devices operational in cold conditions.
safety
8-
Avalanche transceiver / beacon (ARTVA)Modern 3-antenna transceiver/beacon with fresh batteries. Each participant needs a working avalanche transceiver. We check the equipment together before setting off.
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ProbeAvalanche probe (240–300 cm). Each participant needs an avalanche probe; rental is available through us.
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ShovelMetal avalanche shovel (no plastic models). Each participant needs an avalanche shovel; rental is available through us.
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Skimo HelmetSki Mountaineering helmet. A helmet suitable for the planned skiing is required. Available to rent through us.
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Avalanche airbag backpackAirbag-compatible ski backpack (ABS, Avabag, Jetforce or similar). Increases chances of staying on the surface in an avalanche event. Optional. Available to rent through us; an airbag does not replace a transceiver, shovel and probe.
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Back protectorBack protection suitable for freeride and heliski skiing. Strongly recommended.
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Lightweight harnessLightweight harness for glacier travel or short roped sections. Required for glacier travel or roped sections if these are part of the agreed route. We confirm this before the outing. Available to rent through us.
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WhistleEmergency whistle, often integrated into backpacks or chest straps. Recommended (often integrated into backpacks).
technical
9-
Freeride skisSkis and bindings suitable for skiing off-piste. Touring bindings are only needed if we agree on an uphill approach beforehand.
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PolesAdjustable ski poles for touring.
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Ski bootsBoots compatible with your ski bindings. Tell us your boot size if you need rental. We confirm a compatible setup for the agreed outing.
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Radio (group communication)Two-way radio for group communication in freeride/heliski terrain (provided or checked by the guide).
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Boot cramponsCrampons compatible with your boots (if conditions require). Required only if the agreed route calls for travel on foot on firm snow or ice. We confirm this beforehand.
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Climbing skinsSkins cut to size and in good condition, with reliable glue. Only needed if a route with an uphill approach is agreed beforehand.
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Ice axeLightweight ice axe for ski mountaineering (if conditions require). Required if specified for the agreed route, including sections on firm snow or ice. We confirm this beforehand. Available to rent through us.
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Ski cramponsSki crampons compatible with your bindings, for hard or icy snow. Required if specified for the agreed uphill approach; must match your bindings.
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Ski strapsStrong ski straps for carrying skis, securing gear or emergency repairs.
PRICES
Prices
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1 people€450 Per person / day
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2 people€280 Per person / day
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3 people€210 Per person / day
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4 people€175 Per person / day
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5 people€155 Per person / day
INCLUDED
Included
Included
- IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide for the full freeride day.
- Planning and line choice in the agreed area of the Dolomites.
- Group first-aid, communication and emergency equipment carried by the guide.
- A morning equipment check and a briefing before the first runs.
- Practical pointers on skiing, line choice and managing the terrain.
Not included
- Personal clothing and other personal items.
- Personal technical equipment rental, unless specifically included in your quote.
- Lift passes and any local mountain transport used during the day.
- Travel to and from the meeting point and any transfers needed for the agreed route. We confirm the arrangements and costs before booking.
- Food and drinks during the day and after-ski.
- Personal travel, health and mountain rescue insurance.
- Anything not explicitly listed under "Included"
Optional
- All personal technical equipment needed for the outing is available to rent through us. Tell us what you need when you send your request; we will confirm the equipment and rental cost before you book.
- Advice on where to stay near the agreed ski area. Participants book and pay for accommodation directly.