Dolomiti Superski celebrates 50 years as one of the world's leading Alpine tourist destinations.
Founded in 1973 and operational since 1974, initially as Superski Dolomiti and then, since 1984, as Federconsorzi Dolomiti Superski, it has united 12 Dolomite valleys into a single system.
This consortium offers access to 1,200 km of slopes and 450 lift facilities with a single ski pass. The Federconsorzi manages ski pass sales, marketing and relations with local authorities, without directly owning the infrastructure, which is instead managed by the individual local companies.
Events & the work of art
To celebrate the first 50 years of Dolomiti Superski, all 12 Dolomiti Superski resorts are planning dedicated events or integrating the birthday celebration into existing local events. During these events, the work of art ENROSADIRA created by the Piedmontese artist Daniele Basso will be presented and awards will be presented to people who have distinguished themselves over the course of half a century within Dolomiti Superski. Below is the calendar of events.
Description ENROSADIRA
‘Under the same sky at sunset, all the peoples of the Dolomites experience the iconic monumental mountain profiles as a common horizon beyond which they imagine a future together. Enrosadira, between legend and reality, becomes a symbol in art of experiences, messages, emotions and visions, which become common projects and programmes of Dolomiti Superski’. Dolomiti Superski, 50 years after its birth, is still today the only project common to all the consortia of the Dolomites: a true ambassador of the Dolomite peoples and lands in the world.
Events:
Cortina d'Ampezzo - 20 August 2024
Val di Fassa/Carezza - 8 September 2024
Val di Fiemme/Obereggen - 15 September 2024
Arabba/Marmolada - 21 September 2024
San Martino di Castrozza/Passo Rolle - 08 November 2024
DOLOMITI SUPERSKI - 14 November 2024
3 Zinnen - 30 November 2024
Alpe Lusia/San Pellegrino - Beginning of December
Gitschberg Jochtal - Brixen - 07 December 2024 morning
Kronplatz - 07 December 2024 afternoon
Civetta - 14 December 2024
Gröden/Seiser Alm - 20 December 2024
Alta Badia - 23 December 2024
The beginnings of ski tourism
Skiing in the Dolomites has roots dating back to the late 19th century, when the first winter tourists, mainly Habsburg, German and English nobility, tackled the snowy slopes on foot, with skis on their backs. Initially, the transport infrastructure was absent, and skiing was practised in forms similar to today's ski touring.
With time, the inventiveness of the pioneers led to the construction of the first cable cars for summer transport and, in the 1920s, to sled lifts in Alta Badia, Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
In 1946, Italy's first single-seat chairlift was installed in Corvara, marking a technological leap forward.
Another significant advance came in 1978 with the introduction of the first detachable chairlifts in Italy, in the Dolomites. Since then, technological evolution has led to the installation of increasingly advanced lifts, many of which have been introduced in the Dolomites.
The pioneers
In the 1960s, a group of tourism operators tried to unite the different ski areas in the Dolomites, but the heterogeneity of the area made the project unfeasible.
In 1973, the idea was taken up by some entrepreneurs in the sector, who presented a map with all the lifts and slopes in the area. However, the public wanted more, and so in 1974 Superski Dolomiti was born, offering a single ski pass for access to all participating lifts. Fiorenzo Perathoner recounts that the initiative started from an idea of Erich Kostner, who proposed to create a single ski pass for the valleys around the Sella Group. The meeting with other entrepreneurs was positive and the project took shape. Gianni Marzola, a well-known cableway entrepreneur, enthusiastic and well-connected on a national and international level, was chosen as president of Superski Dolomiti, a position he held for 26 years, profoundly influencing the development of winter tourism in the Dolomites.
Initial Developments
In 1974, the new ski carousel in the Dolomites, called Superski Dolomiti, included 250 ski lifts spread over 6 valleys, including Cortina d'Ampezzo, Plan de Corones, Alta Badia, Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi, Val di Fassa and Arabba. Skiers had access to 740 km of slopes.
Gianni Marzola, originally from Milan and transplanted to Selva Gardena, was the first president, a position he held for 26 years. Fiorenzo Perathoner succeeded him in 2000, followed by Sandro Lazzari in 2008. Among the founders were key figures such as Franz Perathoner, who became General Manager in 1979, a position he held until 2012. Today, Andrea Varallo is the president, with a board of directors made up of representatives from the main valleys of the Dolomites.
Expansion and consolidation
After its foundation, Dolomiti Superski rapidly expanded its offer.
In 1975, the Alta Pusteria lifts (today 3 Cime Dolomites) were added, bringing the total to 306 lifts. In 1976, Val di Fiemme/Obereggen and San Martino di Castrozza were added, raising the number to 347 lifts and 930 km of slopes. In 1979, Valle Isarco (today Rio Pusteria-Bressanone) was also added, increasing the offer to 1,000 km of pistes. In 1984, Tre Valli (today Alpe Lusia-San Pellegrino) separated from Val di Fassa, becoming an independent valley. In 1993, the Civetta ski area joined the circuit, bringing the total to 1,200 km of slopes and 450 lifts. Finally, in 2000, Marmolada also became part of Dolomiti Superski.
After 50 years since its foundation, Dolomiti Superski has become a world-class ski destination. With 450 lifts and 1,200 km of slopes, it is at the global top in terms of both size and quality of infrastructure and services. Since 2009, the Dolomites have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, enhancing the destination's international reputation. Dolomiti Superski is now a benchmark for technological innovation and communication, often imitated as an example of success.
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Prospects
Currently, Dolomiti Superski is characterised by a high level of organisation that allows it to manage the technical and administrative complexity of the ski area. President Andy Varallo emphasises that service quality and sustainability remain the guiding principles for the future.
Dolomiti Superski continues to focus on technological innovation to optimise emissions, consumption and performance, thus contributing both to business efficiency and environmental protection.
Sustainability and technology are integrated in the management of ski areas, with innovative projects that include direct connections between railways and lifts and alternatives to motorised traffic. Despite a decline in the Italian market due to the economic crisis, Dolomiti Superski successfully compensated thanks to its diversification strategy, including entry into the North American Ikon Pass system and an increase in international guests. The preparation and marketing strategy proved to be effective in maintaining and increasing the tourist presence.
50 Years Dolomiti Superski
