Hmmm…wondering what I’m referring to? The gondolas in the Dolomites, of course! It’s the perfect way to guarantee that you’ll be the first on piste to lay fresh tracks in powder! And believe me…you’ll enjoy every minute of this unique Italian ski safari through the labyrinth of interconnected mountains that comprise the Dolomites.
I was recently invited to explore this isolated region in the mountains of Italy by a colleague, Augustina, who I met this past summer at the ATWS conference in Scotland. Augustina, who is well-known in the industry here, set me up with all the perfect connections. She and her team of guides led us around this secluded skiing paradise from San Cassiano to Cortina…skiing over 40km a day crossing the Dolomites.
What I love about this region, in part, is its inaccessibility. It is 2 hours from Venice and Innsbruck, Austria…no trains in or out…isolated by big mountains and populated by great restaurants! That’s right… food plays a big role in this diverse region…a very important factor. As you cross through the mountains, you will be sampling some of the best Italian foods from ravioli filled with venison, beets, speck or truffles to pasta with wild mushrooms at Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s all about great skiing and amazing food in a remote (and virtually tourist-free!) outdoor sport wild wonderland!
Some guys have all the luck…and apparently I was one of them while in the Dolomites. I was treated to sunshine and blue bird days at every turn. And speaking of the slopes…these are the kind of pistes that are made for those who love to ski but not go too extreme – long and scenic (honestly, I could see for miles and miles!) immaculately maintained and great for all levels, including families. Plus a plethora of options to go off-piste, ice-climb, randonee, you-name-it…if it’s a winter sport…it’s here!
It all began in Sellaronda.
Well…first stop was at Rosa Alpina, the Relais & Chateaux in Alta Badia. What a way to begin the adventure! This place epitomizes the perfect ski chalet…with welcoming open fireplaces in your room and an incredible Michelin-starred Restaurant St. Hubertus on-site. Named after the patron saint of hunters, this epic restaurant features a huge exposed kitchen and meals to die for! (Imagine…Austrian-style with outrageously delicious and creative Italian food) This place is a culture of its own – part Austrian, part Italian and a whole lot of Dolomites! Rosa Alpina is a great spot – my only suggestion is that they need to turn up the heat in the hot tub! Not warm enough for me.
First day out was on the slopes in Sellaronda – sweet! A 50 km loop began our week long ski safari from rifugi to rifugi eating amazing food and skiing epic powder through the Dolomites. The concept: skiing and fine cuisine – specially crafted Michelin-star dishes in the alpine huts of Alta Badia – the best of both worlds! A joint effort between the Dolomitici (Alta Badia Michelin-starred chefs), fellow starred chefs from Europe, and ten rifugi. The aim is to focus on and promote the winning combination of skiing and fine food, which are undoubtedly two of the Alta Badia’s strong points. Each chef is teamed up with a specific rifugio, creating recipes which use the best of typical South Tyrol’s produce – each a refined, yet simple and genuine, gourmet dish that the rifugio offers on their menu.
And I must admit…it is truly a winning combination!
And the skiing, as I have already mentioned…is epic. The vistas are incredible! From the mesmerizing views of the Marmolada Glacier to Passo San Pellegrino and Civetta, resort that offer some of the most stunning views of the Veneto and Trentino Dolomites…and the grand finale…Cortina d’Ampezzo, well-known all over the world for its fascinating beauty and as host to the 1956 Winter Olympics.
What better place to conclude your week long skiing extravaganza than in Cortina? What a town! Feels like a cross between Aspen and St. Moritz ( …a little more St. Moritz than Aspen) but nonetheless, you get the idea….
The Dolomites are definitely the place to be for winter activities…but are also an incredible destination for year round athletic pursuits. Ski, hike, bike, or try via ferrata. Whatever you do here in the Dolomites, you’ll certainly enjoy every minute of it!
But remember… get in last, turn and face the window and walk backwards….
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