If you’ve never before skied in Italy, you need to add it to your bucket list immediately. And by Italy, we’re talking the Dolomites specifically in this newsletter. Our ski specialists, Clare and Jo, are fresh home from this mighty UNESCO World Heritage Site, and are already looking for reasons to head straight back. Both expert skiers, who’ve clocked up the miles over the border in France, Switzerland and beyond, they fell in love with everything about the Dolomites. From the slopes to the food, from the scenery to the inimitable Tyrolean hospitality and last but not least, the exceptional value.
Read on to see why we believe you should let us take you to the Dolomites next ski season.
1. SLOPES FOR EVERYONE
Whether you’re taking your family for their very first ski holiday, a seasoned skier who loves a challenging downhill, or anything in between, there are slopes for everyone. The Dolomiti Superski area is made up of 12 resorts and a total of just under 1250km of slopes and 450 lifts – making it one of the largest in the world – and it can all be skied with one pass. At its heart, in Alta Badia, is the famous Sellaronda circuit – a track of 29km around the stunning Sella Massif, which can take from three hours to much longer if you factor in a good lunch (which is what the locals advise!) Everywhere you ski, the pistes are immaculately groomed, and most are wonderfully wide. And why not explore the Hidden Valley, a pisted run which boasts dramatic scenery, away from the hustle and bustle of chair lifts and with the finale of being towed out of the valley by horse and cart on a rope pull drag lift.
2. LA FAMIGLIA
In Italy, family comes first. And it’s just another reason why we love it so much. Most of our hotels in the Dolomites are family run, meaning the attention to detail is second to none, and the warmth of the welcome sees guests returning year after year. And for families, the hotels offer exceptional value compared to many other Alpine destinations. Plus, your bambini are treated like VIPs; the slopes and abundant snow parks are perfect for children, and who doesn’t like Italian food?
3. FOOD
From a simple bowl of pasta to a seven course tasting menu at a Michelin starred restaurant, the Dolomites has it covered. And at prices that won’t break the bank. Many of our hotels pride themselves on their farm to table cuisine, with regional specialties and local wines – the Ladin region especially has some very distinct traditions and flavours. Around the mountains there are restaurants to suit all palates, the majority of which are incredibly reasonably priced, and in each village, the variety means you’re spoilt for choice.
4. LA BELLE VISTE
It is indisputable. The views in the Dolomites are simply breathtaking. The mountains here have a peculiar striking beauty, unmatched anywhere else in the Alps. The high plateau of the Alpe di Siusi – Europe’s largest alpine meadow – is arguably one of the most beautiful in the entire region, whilst the landscape around Val Gardena, with its jagged peaks and mountain villages will instantly have you reaching for your phone. And the soaring peaks of Sassolungo and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, will stop you in your tracks.
WHERE TO GO – WINTER AND SUMMER
MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO
Charming, unpretentious, and a favourite of the Italian cognoscenti, Madonna draws visitors in both winter and summer. It has the highest snowfall in the Dolomites, 156km of slopes that also cover Pinzolo and Folgarida-Marilleva, with lots of cruisy blues, reds and the occasional black, making it ideal for families and easy skiing. During the summer, there’s hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, climbing and some excellent Spas, and can easily be added onto a few days in the Italian Lakes, just two hours away. It’s also home to a handful of Michelin starred restaurants. Venice and Milan are a three and a half hour drive away – both spectacular routes, and Verona just two and a half. For 5* luxury, Hotel Spinale is a five minute walk from the centre and right next to the lifts, whilst the Majestic Hotel is ideal for families with teens. And summer or winter, Lefay Resort welcomes families of all ages, with the added bonus of a glorious Spa.
ALTA BADIA
In the heart of the Dolomiti Superski, the Alta Badia is part of one of the world’s largest ski areas, and definitely has some of the prettiest scenery you’ll find. The villages of Selva Val Gardena, San Cassiano, Corvara and Colfosco surround the mighty Sella Massif and are gateways to the thrilling Sellaronda route (anti-clockwise for a more gentle ski, and clockwise for a few challenging blacks). Beginners are fabulously catered for everywhere, especially around San Cassiano, whilst intermediates literally have a playground at the tips of their skis, and experts can test themselves on some World Cup downhill and Super G runs with the Saslong in Val Gardena and the Gran Risa. Our portfolio of hotels include some gorgeous Tyrolean style retreats, where families are welcomed with open arms, and the food is farm to table. Hotel Tyrol in Selva, has great room options for parents and children of all ages, two pools and makes a mean tiramisù. For superb views and a large dose of luxury, Hotel Fanes has a rooftop pool and an indulgent choice of restaurants. And in Corvara, the quirky and historic La Perla is ski in/ski out.
If you’re looking for a long weekend on the slopes; a family Christmas or a summer holiday in the mountains, the options are limitless. Just chat to Clare or Jo.