Spring Skiing in Italy’s Dolomites

It’s easy to think of northern Italy’s ragged peaks as places where only experts should ski. But below, among those spectacular alpine heights, are slopes and ski trails for the whole family, from kids on their first skis to polished experts. Traveling there in the early spring gives family travelers the best of two worlds: plenty of snow on the slopes and milder, sunny days for skiing.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites cover more than 6,000 square miles and more than 2,000 named mountain peaks. Among these lie a dozen ski resorts interconnected by a variety of lifts to form Dolomiti Superski, the world’s largest ski domain. A single pass, priced less than $100 a day, is good at all 12 resorts.

Best known is Cortina D’Ampezzo, located beneath the five jagged peaks of the Cinque Torri and the most glamorous of the resorts. Olympics and major ski events have been held here, but families with beginners and intermediate skiers have plenty of choices, too. The Mietres area’s trails gently run through the woods, suitable for children and beginners. Experts can ride lifts to just below the summits and ski all the way into the center of town.

For a laid-back atmosphere with less flash, try the neighboring resort of Val Gardena, one of the interconnected valleys between the Gruppo del Sella peaks. These combine to offer nearly 250 miles of skiing, plus access to the Marmolada Glacier.

Also in the Gruppo del Sella, Alta Badia is considered the best of all Italian ski resorts for families with children, with gentle beginner terrain and about half its slopes rated for intermediate skiers.

Canazei is another good choice for families with young children, with supervised play areas for toddlers and ski instruction for kids of all ages. Older kids can head for the big airbag and boardercross at Belvedere Park, and families can ski together on wide, gentle trails.

Snow boarders will also like the equally family-friendly resort of Alpe di Siusi, and parents will appreciate the ski kindergarten and safety features for kids on ski lifts. Fun parks and children’s activities are bonuses for families.

Lodgings of all ranges are plentiful, and the Dolomite experience doesn’t have to mean skiing for everyone, or all the time. Make the trip into a ski-spa vacation by staying at Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti in Val Gardena. Skiers can reach the lifts on the Alpe di Siusi and Sellaronda straight from the hotel, and the resort can arrange ski classes for children. While others ski, non-skiers can rejuvenate in the spa or take winter hikes; two guided hikes a day are included in a stay. Or just relax and enjoy local life in the picturesque Alpine villages.