The 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort has a grand vision. It’s the aim of the South Tyrolean ski resort in the heart of the Italian Dolomites to be one of the best ski resorts in the Alps. Which is why the ski resort right next to the Austrian border is currently working on a structured expansion plan and a major, future-oriented project.

Work starts with the dismantling of a piece of history: after being in operation for more than 40 years, the nostalgic two-seater "middle station" chairlift is being replaced by a new detachable 6-seater chairlift made by Leitner ropeways, with protective bubbles and heated seats. In addition to protective bubbles and the luxury of heated seats, the new 6-seater chairlift will offer visitors to the ski resort extraordinary comfort, especially our younger guests: the child-friendly boarding conveyor belt, which goes up or down depending on children’s the size, makes getting into the chairlift as easy and straightforward as possible for young skiers. This is the way to get a fun day of skiing off to a great start. The new 6-seater chairlift will provide almost complete access to the entire ski slope area beneath the extensive Monte Elmo plateau. Mark Winkler, Managing Director of Drei Zinnen plc, comments: “From the start of the next winter season, the very wide slopes with their gentle gradients will become some of the most popular in the ski resort, thanks to the new, fast and comfortable chairlift.”

The 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort is also investing heavily in its technical snow making: the new snow making system will become the most powerful in the whole of northern Italy. Initial Snow making for the resort will be reduced to a possibly record-breaking 40 hours. Part of the snow making system is a new, state-of-the-art pumping station: the first in Italy with a complete, stainless steel hydraulic system. Also part of the snow making system is a water reservoir with a capacity of almost 100,000 m³. As Mark Winkler explains: "Without such snow making, it would no longer be possible to meet the increased demands of our customers and to guarantee optimum snow quality on the slopes at the beginning of the season."

The variety of slopes in the ski resort is also being expanded. From winter 2018/19 there will be two new slopes: a easy blue alternative to the existing black "Kristlerhang" valley run, and a new valley run from the Croda Rossa ski mountain towards Signaue, an easy blue slope ideal for wide carving.

Two new attractions will also extend the existing range of provisions for families. Two new Family Funslopes, one at the Croda Rossa and the other at the Monte Elmo ski mountain, will complement the already extensive provision for families, which at present consists of: the Monte Baranci family ski hut; various valley ski lifts for beginners; the only reindeer herd in the Alps; the Rudi the Reindeer ‘learn to ski’ trail; the family of giant snowmen; the two toboggan runs with connecting cable cars and lifts; and numerous family restaurants and ski schools. The new fun slopes are a special mix of banked turns, waves, snow tunnels, bridges and even a snail. Fun for the whole family is guaranteed.
In the winter season 2018/19 a new gourmet star will be rising in the ski resort: the new hut called "Zin Fux" in the Signaue, opposite the Pollaio cult ski hut, is built in modern, alpine style with local wood and glazed façades and will be an irresistible attraction for foodies and other pleasure skiers in the future.

The jewel in the crown, which will certainly bring promotion to the Champions League of Alpine ski resorts, will be added in a few years: the South Tyrolean 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort is to be connected with the "Thurnthaler" ski resort on the Austrian side and the "Skiarea Val Comelico" in the Veneto. This connection increases the existing 110 kilometres of slopes to 160 in arguably the most beautiful corner of the UNSECO Dolomites.

The planned expansion will make the ski resort the first and only ski resort in the entire Dolomiti Superski area to extend beyond the Italian border and connect two countries and three regions. Getting in touch with three different cultures and cuisines - South Tyrolean, Italian and Austrian - will be possible on a single day’s skiing. This should ensure promotion to the Champions League!