How to Ski the Hidden Valley Run: Lagazuoi – Armentarola Piste, Dolomites

The Hidden Valley Run, also known as the Armentarola piste, is a red ski slope that stretches from the Lagazuoi cable car’s mountain station all the way down to Armentarola in Val Badia in the Dolomites.

It’s as much a scenic journey as a ski run, winding past a procession of striking peaks. This is one of those descents you’ll want to take slowly, not out of caution, but to fully take in the Dolomites views.

The Hidden Valley Run is a bucket-list Dolomites experience for skiers staying in both Cortina d’Ampezzo and Alta Badia. I skied the Hidden Valley Run during our stay in Posta Zirm Hotel (my review: Posta Zirm Hotel) in the Alta Badia Ski Resort and again during our ski trip to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Logistically, it’s a bit more complicated than most runs, so I’ve broken down how it works, so you can head out with far fewer questions than I had the first time.

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Hidden Valley Run Essential Info

When to Ski | The Armentarola piste (#1) typically opens in late December, just after Christmas. Before setting out, check that both the Falzarego-Lagazuoi cable car and the Armentarola run (#1) are operating. Current status for both is available on altabadia.org.

Difficulty | The Hidden Valley Run is a red piste, indicating intermediate difficulty. It alternates between steeper pitches and flatter sections, offering a varied descent. For experienced skiers, it poses little challenge, but some stretches can be narrow and prone to icy conditions. It’s not recommended for beginners.

What to Bring | Bring cash for the taxi and horse tow. These services are not included in your ski pass. 

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Step 1: Navigate to Passo Falzarego / Lagazuoi Cable Car Valley Station 

Alta Badia to Falzarego Pass  

If you’re based in Alta Badia, make your way to Armentarola near San Cassiano. 

Directly in front of Hotel Armentarola, there’s a bus stop (see Google Maps) where taxi shuttles wait to take skiers up to Passo Falzarego. Staff will direct you into a vehicle based on your party size. In high season, buses may also run this route to the pass.

The entire process is smooth and well organized. Upon arrival at Passo Falzarego, the driver collects the fare: 8 EUR per person, cash only.

Optional Detour | Since you’ve made it all the way up to Passo Falzarego, it’s worth taking the time to ski Cinque Torri, part of the Cortina d’Ampezzo area, before returning to Alta Badia via the Hidden Valley Run. Note that while the Alta Badia ski pass covers the Lagazuoi cable car, it does not include Cinque Torri. To ski there, you’ll need a Dolomiti Superski pass.

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Cortina d’Ampezzo to Falzarego Pass 

Take the Cortina Skyline gondolas from the Tofane Ski Area to the Cinque Torri Ski Area.

To get to Passo Falzarego, follow the Super8 ski tour from Cinque Torri to Forcella Nuvolau (Averau lift #5), where Rifugio Averau is located. After crossing Croda Negra (Croda Negra Lift #8), ski down skiweg Croda Negra (red #92) followed by Limides (red #7) to Col Gallina.

Ride the Falzarego Chairlift (Lift #2) followed by the Col Gallina draglift (Lift #3) to access the Falzergo slope (blue #4), which leads you all the way down to Passo Falzarego. The final stretch to Passo Falzarego traverses an awkward, narrow path across the hillside. It’s straightforward enough on skis, but less ideal for snowboarders.

When you arrive at the pass, cross the street to reach the Lagazuoi cable car. 

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Step 2: Ride the Lagazuoi Cable Car

This aerial cable car runs every 15 minutes from 9 am until 4:40 pm. It’s the only lift that serves the Lagazuoi ski area. The ride takes 3 minutes. 

When you reach the top station (2,732 m), located just below the summit of Mount Lagazuoi (2778 m), the path opens onto a terrace, which leads to the starting point of both the Lagazuoi (red #2) and Armentarola (red #1) slopes.

Consider walking up the stairs to Rifugio Lagazuoi for the view and/or a refreshment. 

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Step 3: Ski the Hidden Valley Run 

After the initial descent, the Lagazuoi and Armentarola runs diverge, with the Armentarola run veering to the left. That’s the only intersection you need to watch for.

The rock walls of the Fanis group, and later Piz dles Conturines, tower around you throughout the run.

Eventually, the slope eases into a valley, where the lively Rifugio Scotoni welcomes hungry skiers. If you can snag a table, don’t hesitate: the food is excellent, especially the grilled meats. In my experience, the service is much faster indoors than outdoors. 

Beyond the hut, the run narrows into a steep canyon, passing a frozen waterfall along the way.

The final stretch carries you down to the Capana Alpina Hut, marking the end of the descent.

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Step 4: Arrive in Capanna Alpina 

When you arrive at Capanna Alpina, the Hidden Valley Run is more or less over. 

Here, skiers and snowboarders can take a direct shuttle taxi to the Piz Sorega valley station in San Cassiano. For Alta Badia based skiers, this is the most efficient option. It’s also the best option if you’re short on time, or you’re a snowboarder. The ride costs 5 EUR per person (if the taxi is completely filled up).

The other option is to continue skiing down to the horse tow starting point. 

Note: If you’re based in Cortina d’Ampezzo and you want to get back to Passo Falzarego, continue skiing down to the horse tow. Or, you could ask the Capanna Alpina taxi drivers if they’ll take you directly to Passo Falzarego (likely possible, though more expensive). 

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Step 5: Horse Tow to Armentarola 

From Capanna Alpina, continue skiing down to the direction of the Sciarè bridge to the horse tow starting point. This stretch is flat and slushy. 

A horse-drawn carriage tows a line of skiers to a drop-off point just before Hotel Valparola. It costs 5 EUR per person. 

At the end of the tow, ski down to Hotel Valparola. Take off your skis here.

Cortina d’Ampezzo skiers heading back to Passo Falzarego ought to walk along the road for 350 meters to the taxi pick-up point at Hotel Armentarola. It’s the fastest way. 

Skiers based in Alta Badia can reach the Alta Badia ski area by making their way to the Armentarola drag lift. From Hotel Valparola, turn left and follow the road, keeping an eye out for the lift signs. Soon, you’ll be ready to set your skis down and make your way to the Armentarola drag lift.

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Can you Skip the Horse Tow?

Some skiers choose to reach Armentarola without using the horse tow. Impatient as I am, I decided to ski it too, thinking the distance would be insignificant.

It’s doable, but the terrain is either slightly uphill or completely flat. With slushy snow under-ski, it takes a fair bit of arm strength to push yourself to the end. It’s a solid workout, but not exactly the most relaxing way to finish the run. 

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Where to Stay near the Armentarola Piste

Alta Badia 

Alta Badia is seamlessly interconnected by lifts, so whether you stay in Colfosco or Badia, you can reach Armentarola on skis.

Naturally, Armentarola and San Cassiano are the closest to the Armentarola taxi pick-up point. However, you can base yourself almost anywhere in Val Badia. The only exception is La Val, which requires a bus or a drive to La Crusc valley station in Badia to access the Alta Badia ski resort. 

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Armentarola 

4-star family-run Hotel Ciasa Salares is located across the road from the Armentarola taxi shuttle pick-up point, at the base of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In addition to downhill skiing, guests are well-positioned to go winter hiking and cross-country skiing in Armentarola. Guests love this hotel for its dramatic setting, exceptional culinary offerings, and warm hospitality. 

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San Cassiano

2-star B&B Hotel Frohsinn is a ski-to-door bed and breakfast at the Piz Sorega valley station.

3-star Hotel Ciasa Ai Pini is a well-kept accommodation with a small wellness area (ages 16+), ski room, traditional Tyrolean-style rooms, and breakfast. 

4-star Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence is a 4-star aparthotel in San Cassiano, located above a ski rental shop (guests get a discount). A private ski shuttle to Piz Sorega runs every 30 minutes in the morning and upon request in the afternoon. From the Piz Sorega mountain station, you can ski down to the Armentarola taxi pick-up location. 

More accommodations in San Cassiano | Surega Idyllic Farmhouse (ski-in ski-out above Piz Sorega valley station), Plang Farmhouse B&B (farm stay), Hotel Steinrösl (3-star hotel), Hotel Conturines (3-star hotel), and Hotel Fanes (5-star hotel).

Learn More: Best Alta Badia Hotels

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Cortina d’Ampezzo

The closest accommodations to the Lagazuoi Ski Area are 5-star Hotel Tofana Cortina and 3-star Ciasa Vervei in Pocol, above Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Learn More: Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo

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Dolomites Winter Travel & Skiing

Skiing:

• Skiing in the Dolomites: An Introduction
• Cortina d’Ampezzo Ski Resort
• Val Gardena Ski Resort
• Alta Badia Ski Resort
• 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort
• Kronplatz Ski Resort
• Ski-in Ski-out Hotels in the Dolomites

Winter Travel:

• Dolomites in Winter: Top Things to Do
• Visiting the Dolomites in December

Dolomites Travel:

• Dolomites Travel Guide
• Places to Visit in the Dolomites
• Things to Do in the Dolomites
• How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car
• Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
• Day Hikes in the Dolomites

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