Dolomites: Marmolada

Today was our last day skiing in the Dolomites. The clouds were hanging around the valley Val di Fassa all morning, but a perusal of the webcams revealed crystal clear skies on the high slopes of the Marmolada, so we decided to give it a shot.

At nearly 11,000' the Marmolada is the highest peak in the region and a tram takes skiers and sightseers near the summit.

First we had to get over to the base of the Marmolada to board the trams to the top. No easy task as the visibility was quite poor and we had a good distance to travel.

Our first glimpse of the lower slopes of the Marmolada. Much of the snowy area in the center is in fact a glacier.

Five lift rides, four tram rides and four gondola rides after we started we arrived at the high point.

A sea of clouds with jagged peaks as archipelagos! 

The Sassolungo group.

The Sella Massif

The view down our ski run from the top of the tram. Complete with a black crow flying by.

 Inside the tram building a short tunnel leads to this Catholic shrine inside a grotto.

We were indeed blessed to ski this spectacular slope! That's Mary in the center.

I worked the lightly tracked powder over here. Grand fun!

Mary got in on the powder fun too.

This is the tram heading up. Note the large avalanche crown just below the ridge here.

Our run up top was short but oh so sweet. Time to descend into the clouds.

More fine scenery on the lower slopes.

After the long and enjoyable descent we stopped here for a snack and a glass of celebratory Prosecco.

The skiing back was rigorous with slush, bumps, and near zero visibility.

It was the worst fog skiing I've ever encountered. Thankfully there are some visual cues from the signs which mark the edge of the runs.

We definitely payed our dues to get to and from the Marmolda, but it was completely worth it. The scenery up there today was unworldly. We finished the day tired but elated.

Now we rest and prepare for the next leg of our journey!