The Dolomiti are magical under a blanket of snow. Snowed-over wooden huts, tree boughs leaden with powder, untrammeled vistas under blue skies, and the sound-absorbing deep forest are a few of the winter scenes to record here.
Skiing, whether downhill or cross-country, has developed into one of the most important industries in the region, which is well equipped with hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and mountain chalets to accommodate visitors. Lift capacity is first class, with many of the valleys connected by mostly high-speed chairlifts and modern gondolas and cablecars. The largest of the interconnected areas is the Sella Ronda, so called because the connected valleys circle the gigantic Sella Group.

Four major valleys are interconnected: Val Gardena, with its principal town Ortisei; Val Badia (La Villa); Arabba, which itself is connected to the Marmolada; and Val di Fassa (Canazei). On the same "Dolomiti Superski" lift ticket one may ski all the valleys, including the Marmolada.

Intermediates on up may complete the gorgeous Sella Ronda loop in one day, from any direction. It is advised to start the Sella Ronda early in the day since weather and trail conditions may make things more difficult by day's end. Beginners will enjoy the easy slopes near Colfosco and the great Alpe di Siusi, while experts will relish the challenge of Arabba, Marmolada, and Sass Pordoi. There is enough skiing here to last several life times, and the off-piste is also superb. With a guide experts may ski from Sass Pordoi to Colfosco, through the heart of the Sella Group. Summer skiing is also possible on the Marmolada, whose glaciers paint it forever white.