Arabba: Ski Routes, Mountain Trails and History

Arabba combines winter sports with road cycling routes, via ferratas and trails that reveal the region’s history. If you’re looking for a hotel in Arabba, deciding on the main focus of your trip can help: will it be primarily about skiing, a road cycling loop or hikes with a historical connection? The local and route details below show which aspects you can include in your plans.

Skiing and winter activities

The Arabba-Marmolada ski area is directly connected to the Marmolada Glacier. At 3,342 metres, the glacier offers skiing at high altitude. The Giro della Grande Guerra ski circuit also combines winter sports with history, passing the remains of trenches and forts from the First World War. If you’re looking for a winter alternative to skiing, you can go snowshoeing in Arabba.

FunPark Arabba is designed as a family-friendly snow course. Small jumps, rollers, steep turns and obstacles shape the course. It lies at almost 2,000 metres in a sunny, peaceful part of the Arabba-Marmolada ski area. You can reach the area by taking the Le Pale chairlift, which connects Burz with Bec de Roces. FunPark is seasonal, and its operating conditions may vary from one winter season to another. Check lift operations before making your plans.

Road cycling, viewpoints and hiking trails

The Sellaronda road cycling loop starts and finishes in Arabba. The Panoramic Tour Arabba uses ski lifts to reach high-altitude viewpoints such as Porta Vescovo and Passo Pordoi. As lift operations are seasonal, it’s a good idea to check them before setting out.

The Sentiero Geologico di Arabba begins at the 19th hairpin bend on the road to Passo Pordoi. A comfortable farm track leads to Lake Col Vescovo. The trail includes caves, trenches, a large flight of steps and a water collection basin dating from the First World War. Its route and these relics make it a distinctive way to experience the landscape and its history together. Seasonal mountain conditions may affect access.

Another hike, Arabba–Pizac, reaches Pizac at 2,222 metres, with panoramic views over the Alto Agordino from there. From Piza, it’s possible to return to Arabba via the Teriòl de le Velme, also known as the Erlenweg trail, no. 699. For planning purposes, these offer two distinct points of reference: a named viewpoint on the Arabba–Pizac hike and a described return route from Piza.

Via ferratas and traces of history

Via ferratas around Arabba lead to a variety of destinations. The Ferrata Cesare Piazzetta reaches Piz Boè. Before setting out, find out about the technical difficulty and conditions. The approach to the Ferrata delle Trincee begins in Arabba: you can take the cable car to Porta Vescovo, then walk 15 minutes to the start. The via ferrata ends at Passo Padon and passes Bivacco Bontadini, which is surrounded by numerous military relics. The area also features fortifications, tunnels carved into the rock and turn-offs to machine-gun emplacements and observation points on the Marmolada. These structures bear witness to the area’s importance in connection with the First World War. Exposed sections require suitable conditions and experience; check lift operations and mountain conditions in advance.

Local heritage can also be found away from the via ferratas. Il Vecchio Mulino di Arabba is considered a place of remembrance and a masterpiece of simple mechanics. Its gears, made from very hard wood, are completely intact. Viel dal Pan tells a different kind of story: the old trail connected the Ladin areas with the Belluno region and was used by flour merchants. The mill and the trail highlight different themes: mechanical craftsmanship at a place of remembrance, and historic movement between areas.

Discover more destinations: Fonzaso, Dosoledo, Sappada, Perarolo di Cadore, Lamon, Agordo, Villapiana-ronchena, Danta.

Go to the main travel overview: Belluno.