Arabba – Skiing & hiking in the Sella Massif in Belluno

Arabba is a mountain village at 1,602 metres in the Belluno Dolomites, at the foot of the Sella massif. Located between Passo Pordoi and Passo Campolongo, it is particularly popular for its direct access to the Sellaronda ski circuit, challenging slopes and panoramic hiking and cycling routes.

Hotels in Belluno
Apartments in Belluno

Selected accommodations in Arabba

Albergo - Hotel Pordoi - Arabba in Belluno

Albergo - Hotel Pordoi

Arabba in Belluno
4.2 Very good
535 Reviews
  • Historic mountain hotel at the foot of Sella Group
  • Alpine-style rooms & superior annex with balconies
  • Wellness area with sauna & steam bath
  • Prime location for skiers, hikers, motor-tourers
  • Family-managed & rooted in local tradition
from 74.00 € per night
Ciasa Odlina - Alta Badia in South Tyrol

Ciasa Odlina

Alta Badia in South Tyrol
5.0 Excellent
27 Reviews
  • Comfortable apartments in the heart of the Dolomites
  • Ideal starting point for hiking and skiing
  • Fresh bread service on request
  • Spacious garden with barbecue
  • Children's playground & animal corner
from 120.00 € per night
Hotel Jan Maria - Canazei in Trentino

Hotel Jan Maria

Canazei in Trentino
4.4 Very good
367 Reviews
  • Hotel in quiet and sunny location in Canazei
  • Comfortable rooms with functional alpine-style interiors
  • Wellness area with sauna and relaxation space
  • Restaurant serving regional and Italian cuisine
  • Good access to ski lifts and hiking routes in the Dolomites
Hotel Malita - Arabba in Belluno

Hotel Malita

Arabba in Belluno
4.6 Excellent
587 Reviews
  • Central location near the Sellaronda lifts
  • Sport-hotel with wellness & bike/moto services
  • Sauna, steam bath & indoor whirlpool
  • Comfortable alpine rooms & family options
  • Ideal for summer hikes & winter skiing
from 78.00 € per night
Browse & request

Discover Arabba in the Dolomites

Arabba belongs to the municipality of Livinallongo del Col di Lana in the Veneto region and is the main tourist centre of the Ladin-speaking Fodom Valley. Known locally as Rèba, the village lies between the Sella massif and the Padon mountains, with impressive views towards the Marmolada.

Its location is particularly convenient for exploring the surrounding Dolomites passes. Passo Campolongo (1,875 m) connects Arabba with Alta Badia, while Passo Pordoi (2,239 m) leads towards Canazei in Val di Fassa.

Unlike larger Dolomites resorts, Arabba is a relatively small mountain village where skiing, hiking and cycling routes are closely connected to the village centre.

Winter in Arabba: Skiing on the Sellaronda & Marmolada

Sellaronda & Porta Vescovo

Arabba is one of the four main access points to the famous Sellaronda, the ski circuit around the Sella massif. The route connects Arabba with Alta Badia, Val Gardena and Val di Fassa and can be completed in either direction, provided lifts and slopes are open.

The Porta Vescovo ski area, reached directly from Arabba, is particularly attractive to experienced skiers. Its steep, challenging slopes descend towards the village and offer spectacular views of the Marmolada.

Beginners and families can also find suitable slopes and ski schools in the Arabba area, although the resort is especially well known for its more demanding terrain.

Skiing on the Marmolada

Another advantage of staying in Arabba is the ski connection towards Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites at 3,343 metres. From Malga Ciapela, cable cars ascend to Punta Rocca at 3,265 metres.

The famous, 12-km long La Bellunese slope descends for approximately 12 km from the Marmolada area towards Malga Ciapela, making it one of the longest ski descents in the Dolomites.

Arabba is particularly suitable for confident skiers who want to combine the Sellaronda with challenging Porta Vescovo slopes and an excursion to the Marmolada.

Impressions

Summer in Arabba: Hiking & cycling

Hiking around Porta Vescovo & Passo Pordoi

In summer, Arabba is an excellent starting point for hikes around the Sella massif, Padon ridge and Marmolada.

One of the best-known routes is the Viel dal Pan, a historic panoramic trail between the Porta Vescovo area and Passo Pordoi. The path follows the mountainside opposite the Marmolada and offers views of its glacier and Lake Fedaia.

A particularly useful option is to take the Porta Vescovo cable car from Arabba and follow trail no. 601 towards Passo Pordoi. This route is approximately 6 km long, takes around 2½ hours and involves about 260 metres of descent. It is a rewarding alternative to a more demanding summit hike.

More experienced mountain enthusiasts can explore the Ferrata delle Trincee, a challenging protected climbing route along the Padon ridge that also passes historical First World War positions. Suitable equipment and via ferrata experience are essential.

Cycling the famous Dolomite passes

Arabba is an important starting point for road cyclists tackling the legendary passes of the Sellaronda: Campolongo, Gardena, Sella and Pordoi.

The circuit around the Sella massif is approximately 55-60 km long, depending on the starting point and route, with several demanding climbs. These roads are also closely associated with the Maratona dles Dolomites, one of the best-known cycling events in the Alps.

Mountain bikers can explore the Sellaronda MTB Tour, which uses mountain lifts to connect trails around the massif. The route includes technical sections and requires suitable riding experience.

Ladin culture & First World War history

Arabba is part of the Ladin cultural area, where the local language and mountain traditions remain important. The nearby village of Pieve di Livinallongo is home to the Museum of Ladin History, Customs and Traditions.

The surrounding mountains also preserve traces of the First World War. Col di Lana was the scene of intense fighting, while historic military paths and remains can still be found in the surrounding area.

Another important cultural landmark is Andraz Castle, an 11th-century fortress built on a rocky outcrop along a historic route through the Dolomites.

These sites offer an interesting alternative to outdoor sports and help visitors understand the history of the Fodom Valley.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit?

Winter, generally from December to April, is ideal for skiing, with the actual season depending on snow conditions and lift operations. Summer, particularly from June to September, is best for hiking, road cycling and mountain biking.

Is Arabba suitable for beginners and families?

Arabba offers ski schools, beginner areas and family-friendly activities. However, its challenging slopes and mountain terrain make it especially attractive to experienced skiers, hikers and cyclists. Families should choose routes and ski areas carefully according to ability.

Why choose Arabba?

Arabba combines direct Sellaronda access, challenging Porta Vescovo slopes, the Marmolada ski connection and some of the Dolomites' most famous cycling passes. Its compact village centre and Ladin heritage add to its distinctive character.