The best ski runs in the Dolomites

It's one of the world's longest black slopes, located in Val Gardena and one of the most popular in the Dolomiti Superski ski resort. But the Saslong also preserves the memory of  world ski champions achievements. It's on this ski run that Val Gardena has hosted the World Cup races almost every year since 1969. Skiers break a speed of 130 km/h and plunge over 80 m on the "Camel Humps". If you think you are among expert skiers, you should accept the challenge. You can get to the slope from both Sëlva/Selva or Santa Cristina Gherdëina/Santa Cristina, where you can rent your ski gear or enhance your technique with specially-designed instructor training program at a ski school. World's best athletes descend the 3.7 km of the Saslong in less than two minutes, what's your record? 

• Difficulty: black
• Length: 3.750 m
• Elevation difference: 830 m
• Average gradient: 24.95 %
• Maximum gradient: 56.9 %

The Ochsenweide ski run is wide and pleasant and offers stunning winter views spanning the Obereggen ski area. and one of the most remarkable examples of nature-integrated design. Speeding down the slope, in fact, you come closer to the Oberholz refuge, an eco-sustainable building that has successfully incorporated state-of-the-art design, tradition and South Tyrolean hospitality. Are you seeking a new adventure? Have fun night skiing: the ski run is illuminated every Tuesday and Friday from 7 pm to 10 pm.

The Gran Risa ski run has challenged ski champions ever since. Its inclination and curves turn it into one of the most beautiful black pistes in Alta Badia. The descent winds through the forest and starts just below the fork of the Piz La Ila'sa black and red ski runs and extends close to the village of La Villa. Winding mostly northwards, long stretches are in the woods and the ski run hence lies in the shade for most of the day. The snow doesn't melt easily and it's even icy sometimes on this part of the trail. You can rent proper equipment at the rental shops.

• Length: 1,255 m
• Elevation differnce: 448 m
• Average gradient: 36%
• Maximum gradient: 69%

The Haunold mountain,  at the foot of the majestic namesake mountain range, is a winter paradise. The small 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort is ideal for families, even with small children: the easy ski runs, trails and a 3 km long sled run guarantee to amuse people of all ages. The four-seater chairlift on Hounold mountain, at 1,500 m above sea level, starts directly from downtown Innichen/San Candido. Five ski lifts, 23 km of ski slopes, four mountain huts and night skiing under floodlights are the icing on the cake. Up here, kids can follow in the footsteps of the Haunold's giant to unveil the legend that made him famous and try their hand at the Kids-Ski-Cross route. You can rent ski gear for the whole family at one our ski rentals and rely on the offer of a professional ski school. 

The Sylvester slope is one of the most challenging and insane pistes among the Kronplatz ski resort's ski runs and around Italy. Don't be fooled by the first few meters: they're relatively easy! You'll soon be faced with towering rock walls, different slope steepness and curves in the woods. Only the last section - which is 1 km long - is flat. Considering its length and steepness, the Sylvester is a demanding ski run which is quite technical and requires trained legs and the proper equipment. When you're half done, you can choose the direction that takes you to the middle stop of the  Kronplatz gondola lift 1 + 2  and can thus speed down the upper section of the slope again without having to head back to the valley. Usually it has the best snow. Once you are at the finish line down in the valley, you can indulge in relaxing moments at one of the Alpine huts in Kronplatz.

• Elevation difference: 1,296 m
• Length: 4.950 m
• Maximum gradient: 60%