Fodoma Porta Vescovo slope - Dolomites
Queen of the black slopes in the Porta Vescovo area, Fodoma is an unmissable attraction for advanced skiers. Located in the heart of Arabba, this slope challenges even the most daring with its daring descents, culminating in a gradient of up to 50% in the final stretch. 40 meters wide, it invites you to pick up speed, requiring concentration curve after curve. Along its 2740 meters, it offers a pure and demanding skiing experience, immersed in a breathtaking scenery that allows little room for contemplation. It is considered a real testing ground, to refine the technique and demonstrate skills on the snow. Noted among the ten best slopes in Italy for its technical difficulty, it is a must for any skier who wants to measure himself.
Technical data of the Fodoma slope
- Departure: 2,464 m Porta Vescovo
- Arrival: 1,660 m Arabba
- Difference in altitude: 804 m
- Length: 2.8 kilometers
- Average gradient: 30%
- Maximum gradient: 56%
Almost 3 kilometers of pure commitment test endurance, requiring a central posture to avoid fatigue. Even the most trained arrive at the base breathless, but with a sense of accomplishment and the urge to repeat the challenge. Perfect for those who want to improve control and technique, thanks also to the total protection from northern exposure.
Despite its fame, the track isn't overly crowded, giving you plenty of space to perform at your best. Repeating this experience is a goal for skiers who want to hone in elegant turns or simply tackle one of the most challenging passages in the Alps.
Signposting of slope number 3 Fodoma in Arabba, part of the Dolomiti Superski area. La Fodoma, identified as slope number 3 on the Arabba ski maps, develops gracefully between the shady slopes that lead from Porta Vescovo to the renowned village at the foot of the Sella Massif.
The track of the Fodoma slope taken in panoramic photography. This slope is characterized by decidedly challenging sections, often shaded, with generally hard or icy snow on steep slopes.
The steep central slope is particularly impressive, especially for those who face it for the first time: after the intersection with the Salare slope, you suddenly find yourself on a "precipice" that allows you to glimpse the end hundreds of meters below.
Start of the difficult steep sector of the Fodoma di Arabba slope, located in Veneto, also part of the Dolomiti Superski. An observation on the review of the Fodoma slope available on this page: officially, slope number 3 Fodoma starts from the junction along the red Salere slope. However, here we consider it from the point of view of skiers who interpret it as a single, continuous and demanding descent that leads directly from Porta Vescovo to the Arabba lifts.
Intersection for the Fodoma slope from the red Salare slope.
After ascending with one of the main lifts, the DMC Europa or the fast Funifor Porta Vescovo, and crossing the easy connecting section between the two, the first challenging steep of the Porta Vescovo occurs, feared especially by those who do not master a good skiing technique.
This part of the descent is fearsome both for the steep slope and for the large number of skiers that often makes the snow icy and full of humps.
Those who do not have powerful muscles and impeccable technique may find it difficult to reach the level to which the Carpazza chairlift arrives. However, on the way down, the left side of the steep, although more inclined, generally offers higher quality snow.
Steep of the Porta Vescovo, first challenge before tackling the real Fodoma track.
Arriving at the top station of the Carpazza lift, follow the signs for the Sellaronda Arancione and, after a few meters on the red Salere slope that leads to Pont de Vauz, you will find the detour for the Fodoma slope. The signage is very clear: be careful, this is a challenging track!
Junction to take to take the black Fodoma track.
Once you have taken slope 3, continue for a few meters on a flat stretch with a spectacular view of the Sella, until the ground "begins to disappear under your feet". Here the famous steep of the Fodoma appears majestic! A wide section, often with good snow although very hard, which leads to the starting area of the Carpazza chairlift.
It is not uncommon to meet skiers standing still in reflection on how best to tackle the next turn without falling.
The most experienced can draw a few curves, but there are very few who are able to tackle the entire wall with impeccable elegance.
From the central wall of the Fodoma slope, which can be seen from the Carpazza ex-seater chairlift, an exceptionally gentle section leads to the valley station of the chairlift. This is where skiers eager to repeat the most challenging segment of the route stop. Those who intend to complete the entire track continue towards Arabba following the signs.
You enter an enchanting forest, facing a medium slope with wonderful changes in slope, until you reach the second main attraction of the Fodoma: the last steep and inclined section.
The last wall of the Fodoma slope offers a spectacular view of Arabba. This section, the third in succession after those of Porta Vescovo and the central one, also requires attention. The width of the track allows for wide and fast turns, but it is advisable not to overdo it to avoid excessive speeds.
At the end the wall becomes flat and the Fodoma slope connects to the easier route of the Pordoi slope, coming from the Pont de Vauz or the Salere slope.
How to Get There
To access the Fodoma slope from the valley floor, you can choose between the Arabba - Porta Vescovo funifor or, alternatively, take the Portados cable car followed by the Carpazza chairlift.
