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Hello friends! Today I want to tell you about a place that has stolen a little piece of our hearts: the Marmolada in the Dolomites.
A place where the word "spectacular» falls short. So, fasten your seatbelts, we're going to Marmolada Dolomites. In this article we tell you everything you need to know so as not to miss anything about this incredible place that we enjoyed on our visit to the Dolomites Family during our 10-day route through the Dolomites in motorhome.
About us
We are the kucavana familyWe traveled with our two children, ages 8 and 11, and our adopted dog Max. We usually travel in our motorhome called Kucavana, hence the name of our blog (Anna as a baby didn't know how to say motorhome and said Kucavana), but we also like to travel by bicycle touring or by plane and backpacking. We enjoy every learning experience as a family and we hope to help you enjoy it as much as we do. We do it by traveling.
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The Marmolada of the Dolomites what is it
Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites. World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, with Punta Penia, highest peak of Dolomites with their 3343 meters above sea level. Famous for its ski slopes. But it's not just that. It is a gem that shines with its own light in winter with many more things to offer than just skiing.
| Appearance | Description |
| Location | Rocca Pietore, Dolomites |
| Altitude | 3343 meters above sea level |
| Famous for | Ski slopes, impressive views, World War I Museum, Sottoguda one of the most beautiful towns in Italy... and much more that you will soon discover in this article... keep reading! |
How to get to the Marmolada in Dolomites
Marmolada Italy It is located in the territory of Rocca Pietore, its main town, right in the heart of the Dolomites, World Heritage Site.
In own vehicle
From Barcelona, it is 1300 km and almost 12,5 hours of driving, but every kilometer is worth it! And if you have winter wheels it is worth bringing your vehicle in winter. In Italy they do not rent cars with winter wheels.
| From | Destination | Distance and Time |
| Barcelona | Marmolada, Italy | Approx. 1300 km / 14 hours of driving |
In this case we do not advise you to take ferry. From Barcelona you can go to Civitavecchia by ferry but the journey lasts almost 24 hours and then you will still have to drive 8 hours.
To get to the Marmolada in the Dolomites by plane, you will first have to fly to one of the nearby airports in northern Italy.
By plane + rental car
The closest airports are usually those of Venice, Verona, Bolzano or Innsbruck in Austria. From the airport, you can rent a car. The choice of airport and transportation method may depend on your initial location, budget, and travel preferences. If you go to an airport in Germany or Austria in winter, the good thing is that even further away the rental cars have winter wheels. In Italy, it's like in Spain, at most they rent you snow chains.
A tip: Don't travel without travel insurance. Avoid medical co-payments, have a lawyer who specializes in what may happen to you during the trip and avoid bad times due to cancellations or incidents on your route. The travel insurance that so far convinces us most for traveling as a family is Iati Family, Coverage price is ideal for traveling both in Spain, Europe and outside of it. It covers everything on your trip, not just medical topics essentials with a doctor and pediatrician 24 hours a day through the chat of your App. I leave you here a discount that they will give you at the end of requesting the quote.
Why visit the Marmolada Dolomites
Visit the Marmolada in the Dolomites It's like entering a live postcard. It is a place where nature speaks and we listen in silence, amazed by its greatness.
You can't miss the Marmolada. Not only because it is the highest mountain of the Dolomites, and that makes it the best viewpoint of them, but also because in it and in its valley you will find history, dream paths full of nature, fairytale villages and unbeatable gastronomy in the area.
What to see and do in the Marmolada Dolomites and its Rocca Pietore valley
Video summary of what to do and what to see in La Marmolada
Take the Marmolada cable car to Punta Rocca
From Malga Ciapela, with skis on, you can reach one of the great peaks of Marmolada, Punta Rocca, in 12 minutes, thanks to Marmolada Dolomites cable car. The view from above is like having the sky in your hands.
| Activity | Description |
| Marmolada Cable Car to Punta Rocca in Malga Ciapela | Access to the top of the Marmolada Dolomites in 12 min |
When you go up to Punta Rocca you can visit part of the panoramic terrace and the cave-chapel that houses the statue of the Virgin. Consecrated by Pope John Paul II. An exceptional place.
And if you go with skis, from the Punta Rocha stop on the Marmolada cable car you can begin the descent to the historic ski slope «La Bellunese». With their 12 km long and 1.810 m of unevenness, which leads back to the base of the Malga Ciapèla cable car. On this track, in 1935 the “Gigantissimo della Marmolada” took place, the first slalom race in the history of skiing.
Visit the Museum of the Great War in the Marmolada Dolomites, the highest in Europe
El tallest museum in Europe He tells you stories that will make you vibrate. Is in the Marmolada in Dolomites, located Meters 2950, to be exact in the slopes of the Marmolad glaciera, between rock and ice. and each corner tells you a piece of history.
For to access You have to take the Marmolada cable car in Malga Ciapela, the same one that goes to Punta Rocca, but get off at the Serauta at 2950 meters.
The museum has a part interior and exterior. In winter, the outside area of the museum of the trenches and walkways of the Monumental Sacred Zone is closed.
The interior area of the museum houses a collection of utensils and clothes found in Marmolada and in the neighboring towns of the World War I. An exhibition to publicize the suffering of the soldiers who were fighting in this icy area, both on the Italian side and on the Austrian side.
Discover the traditional crafts of Sottoguda, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
In Sottoguda, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy, a small village belonging to Rocca Pietore, in the valley that forms the Marmolada, you will find small handmade jewels that are the reflection of the culture and tradition of the region of the Dolomites.
Known for its picturesque narrow streets and old stone houses, Sottoguda offers an atmosphere calm and authentic.
It is famous for its natural canyon, Serrai of Sottoguda, one of the most beautiful in Europe, attracting ice climbers in winter and nature lovers all year round. A canyon that will reopen its doors in the summer of 2024 and is currently closed to the public. In winter, this beautiful canyon allows for an incredible descent from Malga Ciapela to Sottuguda on skis while climbers scale the ice of its waterfalls.
Furthermore, the town is known for its craftsmanship in wrought iron and wood, keeping local traditions alive.
Don't miss these two iron and wood craft shops:
Sottoguda is an ideal starting point for exploring the region's hiking trails and ski slopes. Becoming an essential destination for any traveler visiting the Dolomites.
Taste the local Ladin delicacies of the Marmolada Dolomites
For lunch, local shelters and restaurants await you with delicacies such as 'casunziei' and the special 'pastin'.
And don't forget the staple to finish!
| Ladin plate | Description |
| Casunziei | Crescent-shaped ravioli, typically filled with red beet and ricotta, served with melted butter and sprinkled with poppy or parmesan cheese. |
| dumplings | Balls of seasoned bread, mixed with milk, eggs, and sometimes speck or cheese, cooked in broth or served with butter and cheese. |
| Speck | Tyrolean smoked cured ham, with a distinctive flavor and smoky aroma, often served as an antipasto or used in cooking to flavor various dishes. |
| Polenta | A basic dish made of cooked cornmeal, often served with cheese, mushrooms, or meat. It can be creamy or hardened and then roasted or fried. |
| Barley Soup | A comforting soup made with barley, vegetables, and sometimes meat, typical of the region and known for being nutritious and comforting. |
| Goulash | A spicy meat stew, native to Hungary but popular in the Dolomites, often prepared with paprika, tomatoes, and onions. |
| Strangolapreti | Spinach gnocchi, often mixed with breadcrumbs and cheese, cooked and served with butter and Parmesan cheese. |
| Tutres | Dumplings filled with spinach, cottage cheese or cabbage, traditionally steamed and served with melted butter. |
| Apple strudel | A popular dessert, puff pastry filled with apples, raisins, sugar and cinnamon, heritage of the Austrian influence in the region. |
| Grappa | Brandy distilled from the pomace of grapes, a strong and clear drink, often enjoyed after meals as a digestive. |
Recipes from Rocca Pietore and the Marmolada in Dolomites
The traditional recipes of Rocca Pietore are simple but valuable, today rediscovered by prestigious restaurants and based on pure ingredients such as game and mountain cheeses.
The 'casunziei' They are an emblematic example, crescent-shaped ravioli typically filled with ricotta and melted butter, although they can also contain spinach, potatoes or the tasty wild herbs known as “grìsoi or gameita”.
Another distinctive dish of the region is 'balao balòte', dumplings stuffed with speck, spinach and cheese, served with stew, in broth or with coleslaw.
Speck is a type of cured ham that comes mainly from the Tyrol region, in northern Italy and Austria. It is known for its distinctive flavor that combines smoking and air curing techniques.
As for the desserts, the 'fiorostido', the 'fortresses', and the 'tortilla de pom', delicious apple fritters.
The culinary experience is completed with the traditional grappa, traditional Italian brandy,
The staple, also known as grappa, is a traditional Italian spirit distilled from pomace, which is the residue of pressed grapes used in the production of wine, including the skins, seeds and stems. Flavored with herbs and wild fruits such as cumin, mountain pine, juniper, blueberries and wild strawberries, representing the essence of Rocca Pietore's gastronomy.
Enjoy alpine skiing in the most privileged place in the Dolomites: Marmolada ski yes or yes
For ski lovers, here is the marbled ski, where the winter season offers adrenaline-filled curves with breathtaking views.
There are two main ski resorts in the queen of the Dolomites:
| Ski resort | Description |
| Marmolada – Malga Ciapela | The most direct access point to the Marmolada, known for the Bellunese track, one of the longest and most spectacular in the Dolomites that descends from the highest point below in 12 km and 1800 meters of elevation gain. It offers stunning views and challenging descents. |
| Arabba | Part of the famous Sella Ronda, Arabba is known for its technical and challenging slopes, as well as its access to extensive ski areas in the Dolomites. |
The ski resort Arabba Marmolada, belonging to the Dolomiti Superski, is recognized as one of the most impressive areas of the Dolomites for its panoramic views.
From the terrace of Punta Rocca, accessible by the advanced cable car from Malga Ciapela, views reaching as far as Venice and the Austrian Alps are revealed on clear days.
The Marmolada – Move to the Top cable car in Malga Ciapela takes you up to the highest peak in the Dolomites, where the Bellunese track, the largest in the region and a jewel within the Alpine chain for its beauty. Imagine descending from the 3265 m of Punta Rocca, crossing a slope of more than 1800 m along 12 km of piste: skiing here is an experience like no other, a dance with the “Queen of the Dolomites”.
Sellaronda Ski Tour
From Malga Ciapèla, skiers can also embark on the Sellaronda Ski Tour, a route that stands out among the most spectacular of the Dolomiti Superski.
| Appearance | Details of the Sellaronda Ski Tour |
| Location | It surrounds the Sella massif in the Dolomites, northern Italy, connecting Val Gardena, Val di Fassa, Alta Badia and Arabba. |
| Type of Tour | Circular, allowing skiers to circle the Sella massif in one day using a series of lifts and ski slopes. |
| Distance and Time | Approximately 40 kilometers in total, 26 of which are ski slopes. It is typically completed in 5 to 6 hours, including time for skiing and taking the lifts. Variable time depending on the skier's ability. |
| Addresses | Two directions: orange (clockwise) and green (anti-clockwise). Both offer spectacular views and access to various slopes. |
| Accessibility | Suitable for skiers of intermediate ability. Requires good physical condition due to the length of the route. |
| Landscapes and Experience | It offers stunning views of the Dolomites and the opportunity to visit cozy alpine huts. An immersive experience that combines sport, nature and culture. |
| Meaning | More than a ski route, it is a panoramic adventure that attracts skiers from all over the world to experience the beauty of the Dolomites in winter. |
Great War Tour
For history enthusiasts, the evocative Great War Tour runs through this area, offering a skiing experience that combines sport and culture. And for future skiers, the Marmolada Ski School in Malga Ciapela provides an ideal environment to learn and enjoy the snow safely.
| Appearance | Detail of the Great War of the Dolomites Tour |
| Location | Tour the Dolomites, passing through significant World War I areas such as Marmolada, Pelmo, Civetta, and others. |
| Type of Tour | Circular, allowing skiers to experience a journey through history and nature. |
| Distance and Time | It varies, but is generally a full-day tour, depending on the skier's abilities and specific route conditions. |
| Addresses | Generally, you follow a path marked with specific signs that guide skiers through the slopes and lifts that are part of the tour. |
| Accessibility | Suitable for skiers with intermediate to advanced skills due to the length and complexity of some sections. |
| Landscapes and Experience | It offers stunning views of the Dolomites and the opportunity to see historic sites from the First World War. Skiers can learn about history through museums and monuments along the way. |
| Meaning | It is an educational and commemorative ski trip, which not only challenges skiers physically, but also provides a deep understanding of the historical events that took place in the mountains during the Great War, connecting the sport with the historical memory of the region. |
And for beginners, the Marmolada Ski School In Malga Cipela remember it is always available.
Take a snowshoe excursion in Marmolada
Snowshoeing in the Rocca Pietore region is becoming a essential experience For those who want to immerse themselves in the serenity and beauty of the landscape winter view of the Marmolada in Dolomites. These activities not only offer a unique opportunity to connect intimately with pristine nature but are also a wonderful and accessible alternative for those who don't ski or are simply looking for a change of pace from the traditional slopes.
Using snowshoes allows you to walk through deep snow without sinking, opening up a world of calm, slow-paced exploration. It is an exceptional way to absorb the fresh winter air, while you immerse yourself in the magical silence of snowy forests and discover hidden corners and spectacular panoramas that often remain invisible to skiers.
The Rocca Pietore area is full of suggestive routes that cross these impressive alpine landscapes. Val Franzei, Val Franzedaz and Bramezza are just a few of the captivating routes available to snowshoe adventurers. Each route offers its own collection of natural wonders, from tranquil valleys and frozen streams to dense forests and panoramic views of the Marmolada, the "Queen of the Dolomites."
Table summary of main snowshoe routes
| Route Name | Brief description | Difficulty level | Approximate Distance |
| Route Val Franzei | A beautiful drive through the Franzei Valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. | Moderate | 10 km |
| Route Val Franzedaz | A quiet and picturesque route ideal for lovers of nature and photography. | Easy | 8 km |
| Bramezza Route | Explore the Bramezza area with this route that takes you through forests and snowy fields. | Hard | 12 km |
| Malga Ciapela Route | Enjoy a relaxing excursion around Malga Ciapela, perfect for beginners. | Easy | 5 km |
Additionally, for those looking for a truly unique experience, The local consortium organizes evening snowshoe outings. These excursions guided by alpine experts will take you through the stillness of the winter night, under starry skies and surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Dolomites. Imagine the tranquility of the night as you walk along paths illuminated only by moonlight and headlamps, a truly unforgettable experience.
More information: https://www.visitmarmolada.com/eventi/#/eventi/TRN/1095ae33-5452-4e36-af38-2582e9b1780b/escursioni-serali-con-le-ciaspe
Nordic skiing in Marmolada
Cross-country skiing, or Nordic skiing, is an ancient discipline with origins in the Nordic countries of Europe and that has found a special place in the hearts of sports enthusiasts in the Dolomites. This practice is not only a sport, but also a traditional and harmonious way to explore and enjoy winter landscapes, combining physical exercise with a deep connection with nature.
In the Rocca Pietore area, near the majestic Marmolada in the Dolomites, cross-country ski fans will find a real paradise.
Here there is 3 cross-country ski trails with different levels of difficulty, designed to accommodate both beginners and advanced skiers. These slopes are not only a place for exercise and personal enjoyment, but also the training ground of the local Ski Club, the Marmolada Nordic Ski.
The main runway is conveniently located in Malga Ciapela, right next to the exit of the cableway. What makes it even more attractive is that the access is free, as it is prepared in parallel to the team's training, offering everyone the opportunity to experience this traditional sport in a spectacular environment.
Summary table of Nordic ski slopes in the Marmolada Dolomites
| Appearance | Detail on Cross Country Skiing near the Marmolada Dolomites |
| Slopes at Rocca Pietore | The area has 3 slopes of different levels of difficulty in Malga Ciapela, next to the cable car exit. These slopes are used by both amateurs and members of the MARMOLADA NORDIC SKI Ski Club, an association dedicated to cultivating and transmitting the passion for cross-country skiing. |
| Access to the Tracks | Access to the slopes is free, as they are prepared in parallel with the MARMOLADA NORDIC SKI team's training sessions. This offers an excellent opportunity for everyone to experience the sport in a spectacular setting. |
| Experience Offered | Practicing cross-country skiing in this area allows visitors to enjoy the winter beauty of the Dolomites, improve techniques, and immerse themselves in a stunning natural environment. It is a unique opportunity to combine physical exercise with a deep connection with nature, whether seeking tranquility or a new and exciting sporting adventure. |
If the idea of gliding through snowy landscapes with stunning views of the Dolomite peaks appeals to you, cross-country skiing at Rocca Pietore offers an unparalleled experience. Whether you are looking to improve your technique, enjoy a quiet day in the snow, or simply try something new and exciting, the slopes near Marmolada are waiting to offer you a Nordic adventure that you will not forget.
Where to sleep in the Marmolada Dolomites
Here is a summary table of the Accommodations available in Rocca Pietore -Marmolada:
| Type of accommodation | Description |
| Hotels | They range from budget-friendly to luxurious options. Often run by local families, they offer amenities like restaurants, spas, and ski access. Ideal for those looking for comfort and services during their stay. |
| Bed and Breakfasts/Guest Houses | Smaller establishments that offer a cozy and personalized atmosphere. Perfect for a close experience with local culture and enjoying homemade breakfasts. |
| Vacation Apartments | They provide flexibility and space, ideal for families or groups who prefer a home environment with the option of cooking. |
| Mountain Refuges (Rifugios) | Located at higher altitudes, they offer direct access to trails and ski slopes with stunning views. They are an excellent choice for adventurers who want an immersive mountain experience. |
| Agriturismos | Working farm accommodations allow guests to experience rural life and enjoy meals using farm-fresh ingredients. Ideal for those seeking a deeper connection with nature and local culture. |
each type of accommodation in Rocca Pietore offers a unique perspective and experience to enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of the Marmolada region. From the comfort of hotels to the authenticity of mountain lodges, there are options to meet the needs and preferences of every traveler.
For the full experience and to see all available accommodations, visit www.visitamarmolada.com and find the perfect accommodation for you.
Official tourism websites about the Marmolada Dolomites
For any questions about this area, do not forget to visit the websites of the official organizations in this area:
https://www.visitmarmolada.com/
https://www.provincia.belluno.it/home
Well, friends, this was just a glimpse of what the Marmolada offers. Do you dare to discover more? See you on the slopes! And remember, the Marmolada is not just a place, it is an experience that you carry in your heart forever!
Until the next adventure!
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