Arabba

 Arabba

One of the highest points of the Sella Ronda ski circuit is Arabba village. This resort is located at the foot of Passo Pordoi and considered to be the largest skiing area in the whole region. It's also possible to reach Alta Badia and Val di Fassa, the two neighboring resorts, from here. Both skilifts and taxi in Italy can be used for this purpose.

The resort is located between two passes: there are 3 miles (5 kilometers) to Passo Campolongo and 5 miles (8 kilometers) to Passo Pordoi. If going to the south from Arabba, we can see Mesola peak (8,530 feet or 2,600 meters high) and Porta Vescovo peak (7,875 feet or 2,400 meters high). Behind them is Lado di Fedaia, located conveniently in the pass. Next to the lake is another massif. It's more than 9,842 feet (3,000 meters) high. This is Marmolada, the highest peak of the Dolomites.

Sightseeing in resort

The first thing to know about Arabba resort: a part of the Sella Ronda ski circuit runs through the village. That's why skiers are passing here from dusk till dawn. One more important thing: the main street leads to the pass located between two slopes. The length of the pass is about 820 feet (250 meters). It's here, in this pass, where one can see the tourists 'traveling' in Sella Ronda in both directions (clockwise and counter clockwise).

This resort is an optimal place for experienced skiers. Very few training slopes can be found here. Moreover, they are always overcrowded. On the contrary, there are plenty of steep slopes and high elevations here, and most of them have a complicated relief. It attracts fans of extreme skiing to Arabba. Local cuisine can also be considered a local hallmark. It's known for mushroom delicacies and pasta. Even during the evenings tourists won't be bothered here, because modern restaurants and fashionable clubs are open until dawn.

Where to live

Arabba is a comparatively small village, with its main street gradually becoming a ski trail. Less of half an hour is necessary to see everything in Arabba. On its small territory, however, dozens of guesthouses and 2-star and 3-star hotels are located. Transfer in Italy can help tourists reach their accommodation directly from the airport, without any problems and delays. Keep in mind, that during high season you might not find any vacant room here. Local citizens, however, gladly welcome visitors and allow them to stay in their houses, even if they hardly have a space to accommodate themselves. 

One of the downsides of staying here is poor infrastructure. A couple of food stores with endless lines, no wellness centers or swimming pools. Hotel Portavescovo has its own swimming pool, but only the guests are allowed to use it. That's why it's better to choose other places for accommodation, if your goal is more than skiing in Arabba and Sella Ronda. Especially, when you can reach Arabba using skilifts.