Hundreds of skiers have faced hell on the slopes in the Dolomites after a lack of snow shut several runs, triggering severe congestion and hours-long queues at lift stations.
The disruption unfolded over the weekend, with large crowds gathering at an altitude of around 2,300 metres near the connecting lift between Marmolada and the Sellaronda circuit.
With several runs closed due to a lack of snow, skiers were funnelled onto one of the few slopes still open, overwhelming lift capacity and creating what witnesses described as a massive bottleneck.
Temperatures hovering just above freezing, combined with weeks of dry weather, have severely limited snow cover across the Dolomites, located in northeastern Italy.
Artificial snowmaking offered little relief, as conditions were too warm for machines to operate effectively.
The chaos ensued just weeks before Italy is set to host the Winter Olympics.
Queues were particularly severe at the connecting slope leading to Arabba, which had been closed because of insufficient snow.
Skiers attempting to return were left reliant on a single chairlift, which normally carries six people uphill but had been reduced to just three seats for the descent.
According to Il Dolomiti, the resulting congestion led to waiting times of up to 45 minutes.
Chaotic scenes unfolded at the Dolomites over the weekend after a lack of snow shut several runs
There were long queues and congestion as some people said they had to wait for hours. Many Some branded the situation a ‘circus’
On social media, skiers shared photos and videos showing vast crowds packed tightly in front of the lift stations.
Some complained of ‘hours of waiting times,’ while others described standing in a ‘1:20 hour queue’ or branded the situation a ‘circus.’
As anger grew, some winter sports enthusiasts began calling for refunds on their ski passes.
Marco Grigoletto, regional president of the ANEF ski association, said sub-zero temperatures had been rare at higher altitudes so far this season.
‘So far, temperatures below freezing have only been below freezing for about six days in our altitudes,’ he told giornaletrentino.it.
Despite the frustration on the slopes, he remained hopeful that conditions could soon improve.
‘We hope that the bad weather will start on Tuesday,’ he said, explaining that colder weather would finally allow snowmaking to resume.
However, not everyone joined in the criticism. Some blamed the weather and called for ‘patience’.
On social media, frustrated skiers shared pictures of their experience. As anger grew, many asked to be given a refund
In the Facebook group ‘Dolomiti Superski,’ which has more than 105,000 members, some users urged patience and perspective.
‘After such warm days, it must be clear that slopes can be closed,’ one wrote.
Others suggested visitors should check which runs are open before heading out, or avoid the busiest areas altogether.
‘If skiing becomes a nightmare, it is better to look for less crowded places,’ another user said.
Experts have warned that climate change is severely reducing snow and ice in the region. Glaciers are now melting at a rapid rate, forcing ski resorts to rely on artificial snow.
Last year, it was revealed that the largest glacier in the Dolomites could completely disappear by 2040 after losing more than 80 per cent of its surface area since 1888.