Before the next stage, we treat ourselves to an Italian-style espresso at the summit station of the Sass Pordoi. Because of the good taste and the low price and because we are waiting for spring-like conditions in the south-facing Canale Joel, we treat ourselves to another one. The short ascent is no problem with so much caffeine in our blood and we use the energy to take what is probably the most shot ski photo in the Dolomites: right at the entrance to the couloir, the left side offers plenty of steepness and a breathtaking view of the Marmolada massif - as well as a little snow for a successful turn. The gully had already been skied several times in the previous days, but now at midday the conditions are not too bad - pure sunshine and spring firn and that in the middle of February! Nonetheless, we are drawn back to the shady side of the resort to search for powder. We decide to go the extra mile and take the first track from Porta Vescovo over to Le Forfesc to enjoy the north-west-facing slopes of the Salere at the end of the day. We soon regret this decision, as the ascent and the tracks are far more strenuous than expected. Once we reach the top, however, we forget all about the effort just as quickly, as the view of the unspoilt slope in the evening light alone removes any doubts. The descent confirms this once again, as the powder here is still light and fluffy. The evening pizza tastes even better than usual. We didn't meet any police all day, but we had actually expected to be whistled back by the piste patrol during the ascent on the easily visible slope. Slowly but surely, our fears about freeriding in Italy were relativised...
Weather change on the fourth day
With the forecast for the fourth day - cloudy and light precipitation from midday - the decision to go treeskiing again was quickly made. But not before starting the day with the descent we had finished the previous one with. The good weather and, above all, the track we had already made should be reason enough to ski the variation from the previous evening again. This time the ascent was much less strenuous and after a good quarter of an hour we were able to strap on our skis. A north-west-facing slope is known to be in the shade in our latitudes, but we hadn't thought that we would not be able to see so few contours before planning. However, the untouched snow and the right goggles made it possible to enjoy the descent to the full. For the afternoon, we then set our sights on the variants around the Pizac. Very varied terrain, great snow and plenty of skiable slopes made it difficult for us to say goodbye in the evening. Not before the last pizza and espresso, of course. Ciao, Dolomiti! See you again soon.
Conclusion
In the four days we only got to ski a fraction of the downhill options in the ski resorts around the Sella Group, but even that was impressive! The versatility in particular is impressive. Whether it's treeskiing in Alta Badia, high-speed freeriding on the Marmolada or steep couloirs on the Sass Pordoi: everything is possible - even all on the same day. As long as there is enough snow (which the Dolomites have real problems with in some years), you can adapt to all weather scenarios and make the most of every day in the world's largest interconnected ski resort network. If you stick to certain rules and avoid endangering other skiers, freeriders have no problems and are even welcome. Last but not least, the culinary delicacies and the favourable costs speak in favour of planning a trip to the Dolomites in the near future.
All pictures of the Dolomites trip in the gallery
Helmcam video by Fabian Lentsch
Here's a video of Fabian Lentsch, who was out and about with us in the Dolomites. See for yourself, but it's no wonder he dominated the FWT Junior events and won in Fieberbrunn!
4 days in the Dolomites from Fabian Lentsch on Vimeo.
