Magnificent Dolomites panorama...

The classic ski circuits in the Dolomites, such as the Sellaronda and the Giro della Grande Guerra, are already very well known; in contrast, the “Latemar Ronda”, which was only conceived two years ago, is still an insider’s tip! We gave the circuit a try and put together a summary for you of our day’s skiing at the foot of the Latemar. 

Skiing that’s three times the fun

When two of the best Dolomiti Superski regions make common cause, then you should probably tighten your bootstraps that little bit tighter and get ready for a wild ride. No matter whether you're in racing mode or you prefer a stylish old-school technique – on this skiing circuit you can look forward to tasty ski slopes that demand a fair amount even from really top-notch skiers. Of course you can also rely on the fact that the slopes are extremely well prepared, and that the most innovative and safest lifts are available for your ascent up the mountain, since around the Latemar the passion for skiing is tangible on every inch of piste – after all, skiing is close to everyone’s hearts here.

The meeting place for our day’s skiing today is the valley station in Welschnofen/Nova Levante, where a free ski bus takes us to the starting point of the Latemar Ronda in Obereggen. We then take the Oberholz lift up to 2,100 metres above sea level – right beneath the pale rocky crags of the Latemar. Before we tighten our ski boots and head out onto the freshly groomed slopes, we just have time for a quick espresso stop at the Oberholz mountain chalet. The panoramic view and coffee are not the only pleasures to be had here, there is also the unique architecture, built in sustainable wood. It’s a pity that we cannot stay here for lunch, since the Oberholz steak looks extremely promising :-). 

“The food most certainly doesn’t come up short on this ski circuit,” Jürgen, our ski guide, assures me, smiling. The head of the Carezza Ski School is evidently enjoying this relaxed day on ski safari with wonderful weather just as much as we are! The snow conditions and sunshine could not be more perfect, and we dash past the Mayrl Alm, which is famed far beyond the region’s borders for its Spaghetti allo Scoglio. After a few blue slopes between the resorts of Obereggen and Pampeago, we look forward to the next highlight: the Zanggen or Pala di Santa at 2,315 metres. This steep hill with its ruggedly sloping southern face has an average downward gradient of 58% – which also means that this run is graded black. And it gives our calf muscles a proper work-out!

Before we ride on the gondola to Predazzo, where the ski shuttle awaits us, we have another leisurely break at the Baita Gardonè ski chalet, where, along with a glass of fruity Kerner, we are served a hissing wood-framed griddle covered with sizzling fresh prawns. The passion and quality with which the chalets on this ski circuit spoil their guests has to be seen to be believed. To ensure that all these delicacies can be properly enjoyed, however, a sporty skiing style is essential, especially if you want to experience some of your favourite slopes twice. We do not recommend the Latemar Ronda for skiing newbies – anyone who has not yet properly found their ski legs would be better advised only to book the refreshment stops :-)

In 25 minutes the shuttle bus brings us to the Karer/Costalunga Pass. Once arrived, the summits of the Latemar soar into the heavens to our left and opposite, the steep crags of the Rosengarten glow a pale pink. The Carezza ski resort stretches out below us, inclining to the south like a giant sun terrace. Wow – what a spectacle! 
The last few hours of the Latemar Ronda ski safari promise only good things – including a gourmet lunch special in the newly opened Franzin Alm Mountain Restaurant, where we enjoy delicious, home-made tortelloni with venison ragout and truffles. After swooshing over the famous Pra di Torri slope for a while, we take a short break in the sunshine at the Paolina Hut directly beneath the Croda Rossa. “Only flying is better,” grins Jürgen, who has not failed to notice our amazement at the overwhelming mountain panorama. It almost looks as though the whole of South Tyrol is lying at our feet! A cappuccino on the panoramic terrace of Laurin’s Lounge crowns this picture-book day’s skiing in the winter wonderland of Val d’Ega.

Positively exhausted after all the exercise, up to our ears in culinary treats, and with rosy red cheeks, in the late afternoon we take the valley run back down to our starting point in Welschnofen. On just a single day we have explored two valley communities and three of the loveliest skiing areas in the Dolomiti Superski alliance – and the Latemar Ronda is what makes it possible! Despite what is overall an extremely long route, if you move quickly there is still enough free time to perhaps have more than one go on one or two special slopes. Anyone, however, who finds it hard to resist the many sunny refreshment stops should make haste, since at some point even the best day's skiing has to come to an end, so that the PistenBully snow groomers can get to work.

The Latemar Ronda ski circuit can be enjoyed in both directions (clockwise and anti-clockwise) and is offered as a package by the Val d’Ega tourism association, including shuttle service, ski guide and food. In each of the two ski resorts comprising the Latemar Ronda, there are over 40 km of perfectly groomed slopes for ardent skiers to make the most of: ENJOY THE DOLOMITES – HAPPY SKIING!

For all further information, prices and dates, please click here.