Resort Check: The Dolomites

The Dolomiti Superski – is the world’s largest ski area and one pass will give you access to 12 areas, 1220 kilometres of pistes and 450 lifts

Rising from the depths of the primordial ocean 250 million years ago, the orangey Dolomites were shaped by the relentless effects of water, wind and ice, sculpting a natural masterpiece and building skiers a humongous playground that just happens to be home to the world’s biggest ski pass.

The natural terrain has been exploited to construct the Dolomiti Superski – the world’s largest ski area where one little chip card will give you access to 12 areas, 1220 kilometres of pistes, 450 lifts and at least a three hour drive from one side to the other. Oh, and did we mention the small matter of 300 days of sunshine and snowmaking on 90% of the slopes? And then there’s the highest concentration of decent mountain food to be found anywhere on the planet. Could this be heaven? Well, it’s not far from paradise.

Named for the geologist who first studied them, Déodat de Dolomieu, the Dolomites rise to an altitude of more than 3,000 m. The best known peaks, such as Marmolada (3,342 m), Tofana di Rozes (3,225 m), Three Peaks of Lavaredo (2,999 m), the Rosengarten (3,000 m) and the Latemar (2,700 m), the Mount Pelmo (3,169 m) and the Pale di San Martino (3,192m) are the centerpieces of one of the most engaging mountain landscapes on the planet. So charming, in fact, that in June this year the Dolomites were placed on the prestigious list of Natural World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. But what about the skiing, we here you cry… Well, where do we start?

Italy has a lot to offer – often a cheaper option than France, Switzerland and Austria, its atmosphere is great, as is the food and wine, while the scenery is simply stunning. The lift systems include some of the most modern in Europe and the snowmaking is state of the art, while the grooming is perfect and there’s enough variety in terrain to keep everyone happy, whether you’ve just four weeks on skis under your belt or you’re a right expert.

As early as 1895 the first skiers could be found around the mountain pastures of the Val Gardena and Cortina. In 1956, Cortina d’Ampezzo hosted the Winter Olympics and today the Dolomites are a backdrop for World Cup tournaments on an annual basis. Then there’s the legendary Sella Ronda, which links four ski zones and 500 km of slopes in the heart of the Dolomites.

And the best bit? You can have the whole lot for a full week for just under £200 for your Dolomiti Superski pass – pretty damn good, we say.