A mountain village at 1,600 meters in the Dolomites, surrounded by limestone peaks. Popular base for skiing the Sella Ronda circuit and summer hiking trails.
At 1,600 meters in Italy's Dolomites, Arabba is a mountain village with wooden Alpine houses and narrow streets. From here, you can ski the Sella Ronda circuit, take the Sass Pordoi cable car to 2,950 meters for views of the surrounding peaks, or visit the Museum of the First World War to learn about the area's military past. The village sits where three mountain passes meet: Passo Pordoi, Passo Campolongo, and Passo Pordoi.
Getting Around the Dolomites
Three mountain passes connect through Arabba: Passo Pordoi, Passo Campolongo, and Passo Pordon. You can reach the Sella Ronda ski circuit and Marmolada glacier directly from the village. Venice airport is three hours away by car, and the nearest train station is in Brunico.
Winter Sports and Activities
The ski area has 47 trails and 26 lifts, reaching 3,269 meters at its highest point. The north-facing Portavescovo ridge keeps snow on the slopes longer throughout the season. You'll find 7.5 kilometers of cross-country trails and a terrain park for snowboarders. Snow machines cover most slopes, extending the ski season from December through April.
Mountain Exploration
Take the Sass Pordoi cable car to Mount Pordoi's summit for panoramic views and hiking trails. In summer, follow the 6-mile round-trip Passo Pordoi trail from the village center through rocky mountain terrain. The Marmolada glacier, the Dolomites' largest, is accessible to experienced hikers during summer months.
Evening Activities
After dark, most social life happens in hotel restaurants and bars. Bar Peter in the town center draws both locals and visitors. The Stube and Treina are two other evening spots. On Thursdays, you can join a snowmobile ride to Rifugio Plan Boe for a three-course dinner and dancing.
Local Culture and History
Arabba is part of the Ladin-speaking Dolomites region. The village's first recorded building was its church, built in the late 1600s. Near the village, Livinallongo del Col di Lana has archaeological sites dating back 10,000 years. Visit the Museum of the First World War to see artifacts and documents from the mountain warfare, or stop at the German Memorial, which remembers soldiers from both World Wars.
