Rosemary Mondo
Via Mondo Travel
Dolomite Ski Safari
Mar 4, 2024 to Mar 10, 2024
Dolomite Ski Safari
The traditions and history of these places, all while engaging in the beautiful sport of skiing. The imposing peaks of the Dolomites emerged from primordial marine expanses, created by microorganisms that were embraced and molded by the glaciers during the ice age. Providing extraordinary terrain, these incredible mountains have become famous the world over as one of the most beloved areas for winter sports. Boasting the number one ski resort in the world, the Dolomites are a winter sports paradise for families, beginners, and champions alike.
This ski tour offers you the opportunity to explore the Ladin valleys of the Dolomites and their people, as well as discover the traditions and history of these places, all while engaging in the beautiful sport of skiing. You’ll explore Alta Badia and Cortina d’Ampezzo, known for their Ladin culture and cuisine.
What's included in this trip:
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● Trip briefing
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● 2 nights accommodation in a 5-star hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo
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● 2 nights accommodation in Rifugio
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● 2 nights accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Alta Badia
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● All breakfasts & dinners
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● One wine tasting
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● Local English-speaking UIAGM/IFMGA Professional Ski Guide for 5 days
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● Dolomiti Superski Skipass for 5 days (Icon Pass accepted)
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● Third-party liability insurance for the ski days
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● Duffel bag transfer to rifugios
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● Luggage transfer from Cortina d'Ampezzo to Alta Badia
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● Private transfers in the area as per itinerary
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● A €15 donation to Wow Nature’s reforestation projects makes your trip carbon-neutral
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● Local tourist tax
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● Italian VAT tax
What's not included:
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● Airfare - contact us for more information
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● In/Out airport transfers - quoted once the air is confirmed
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● Drinks
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● Lunches
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● Items not on the set dinner menu
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● Extra charges due to changes in the itinerary
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● Ski equipment
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● Insurance (medical, evacuation, or trip cancellation coverage) contact us for a quote
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● Items of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, excess baggage charge, etc.)
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● Tips and gratuities
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● Anything not mentioned in "Cost includes
Itinerary:
DAY 1 / ARRIVE IN CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
Arrive in Cortina d'Ampezzo on your own (private transfer available on request).
Cortina d'Ampezzo is a charming alpine resort town surrounded by stunning peaks, uniquely sheltered from the cold winds of the north, giving it a pleasantly mild climate that tourists can enjoy year-round. Host to the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina enjoys a reputation for great skiing in winter, and in the summer attracts hikers and climbers who challenge the rocky faces of the nearby mountains. This chic Alpine town also caters to the high society crowd, offering many year-round social activities, shopping, and fine dining. A delicious 3-course dinner is included at the hotel's restaurant.
Name: Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo - 5 Stars
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 / SKI IN CORTINA D'AMPEZZO - FALORIA AND CRISTALLO SKI AREAS
In the morning, meet your local English-speaking UIAGM/IFMGA Professional Ski Guide for a trip briefing and to receive your lift passes. You will also receive a duffel bag to be packed with your belongings for the two nights spent at Rifugios (1 per room).
Today you will discover the resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo, with its 140 kilometers (87 miles) of slopes and 42 lifts, well known all over the world and also as host to the first ever televised Winter Olympics in 1956. This area offers some of the most exhilarating and beautiful alpine ski runs in the world.
Ski in the Faloria and Cristallo areas of Cortina, and feel the excitement of being completely surrounded by a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Choose from 24 pistes (5 black runs, 11 red runs, 8 blue runs) with a total of 44 kilometers (27.3 miles). In good weather, there are stunning views over the Ampezzo Valley, including down to the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, and across to the Cinque Torri peaks and the Tofana area. Dinner included at a traditional restaurant in the area.
Name: Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo - 5 Stars
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3 / SKI THE CORTINA D'AMPEZZO AREA - TOFANA DI ROZES & CINQUE TORRI
Begin your ski day in the Tofane area. 30 pistes (6 black runs, 12 red runs, 13 blue runs, and 6 green runs) with a total of 47km / 29,2 miles. From the beginners' slopes of the lower area, you can quickly reach the technically very demanding pistes such as the 'Canalone' and the famous Schuss. The Freccia nel Cielo cable car takes you up to a height of 2,500m / 8,202' to the Ra Valles area. If you take the Skitour Olympia route, you can venture onto the unforgettable peaks of the 1956 Olympic races, which today host the Women's Skiing World Cup. But if you're an expert skier and looking for an adrenaline rush, try the black run 'Vertigine Bianca': because of its steepness, it's one of the two slopes in Cortina that never gets bashed.
In the afternoon, ski to the slopes at Son dei Prade - Pocol and take the connection to lift to the Cinque Torri (Five Towers) ski area, whose characteristic profile isn't comprised of just 5 towers, but by a mass of secondary boulders, fractured towers and peaks sprinkled liberally across the entire area. These peaks are located to the west of Cortina on a grassy hillock just above the tree line at circa 2,200m / 7,218'.
Check into your rifugio and enjoy a wonderful homemade dinner.
Name: Rifugio
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 / CIVETTA AND PASSO SAN PELLEGRINO SKI AREAS
In the morning take a private transfer to the Civetta ski area.
Surrounded by plenty of uncontaminated views and majestic peaks, the valleys of Alleghe, Selva di Cadore, Zoldo, and Palafavera of Monte Civetta are rich in history and tradition. This area became famous during the 19th century, during the final century of the Venetian Doges, when the first winter guests discovered the imposing beauty and timeless charm of Monte Civetta and in particular Monte Pelmo - known as "God's Throne." On the slopes of these two giants surrounded by the Sella Group, the Tofane Massifs, and the imposing Marmolada, you will find the largest ski district in the Veneto region. The Ski Civetta area offers a wide range of slopes and attracts skiers of all levels, for a total of 80km / 49,7 miles and 23 lifts.
In the afternoon, for the second part of your day, take a private transfer to Falcade and ski the area of Passo San Pellegrino: more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) of slopes spread out at altitudes between 1,918 and 2,513 meters (6,293-8,245'), all equipped with 26 cutting edge lift systems.
At the end of your skiing day, a snow-cat will pick you up from the main road and take you to your rifugio (1,980m / 6,496') for the night. Set in a magnificent group of isolated old huts, this rifugio is immersed in the complete silence of a wide valley with a view of the Pale di San Martino peaks. Get ready to taste delicious dishes at Rifugio's renowned and traditional restaurant, mentioned in several culinary guides, appreciated not only for the quality of the food but also for its warmth and welcoming hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5 / SKI IN THE VAL DI FASSA - ALTA BADIA AREAS
The time has come to ski a portion of the Sellaronda circuit, one of the most spectacular circuits in the world, circumnavigating the Sella Massif. Considered somewhat of a "merry-go-round" for intermediate-level skiers, this unique circular connection of lifts and runs was once the only way the ancient inhabitants of the Ladin villages could maintain a connection with each other. Nowadays it's a modern day carousel that connects four Dolomite passes, four Ladin valleys (Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa, and Livinallongo), and three districts - you'll have the opportunity to see more of the Dolomites in one day than many see on an entire trip! Although the Sellaronda is a relatively short tour that can be easily done in one day, with a length of just under 40 kilometers (25 miles), 26 of which are ski slopes (16 miles), but requires approximately 2 hours of ski lift travel time and high elevations, you will begin the tour in the morning to ensure ample time for completion before lift service closes for the day.
Located in a large valley surrounded all around by the gorgeous peaks of the Dolomites, Alta Badia is truly the "heart of the Dolomites." Geographically in the South Tyrol (Südtirol), this area was part of Austria prior to the First World War. Here you'll find unique mountain scenery with villages rich in natural beauties and ancient traditions, witness the simple everyday life of the local people (the "Ladini"), as well as the customs and traditions of the ancient Ladin culture.
In the afternoon check-in into your Hotel followed by dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
Name: Hotel in Alta Badia - 4 Stars
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6 / MARMOLADA GLACIER
In the morning ski to the town of Arabba, take the Porta Vescovo cable car, and continue through slopes and lifts to Malga Ciapela, where you'll find the first of the three cable cars taking you up to the Marmolada Glacier. Known as the "Queen of the Dolomites," Marmolada (3,350m / 10,990') is the highest peak and the only glacier in these mountains, providing some of the most spectacular skiing experiences on earth. You will get your full share of stunning views, including the Catinaccio, Sassolungo, Sella, and Gran Vernel.
A "degustation" dinner, consisting of a multi-course tasting, is included at one of the gourmet restaurants in the area. What a wonderful way to end your ski safari adventure!
Name: Hotel in Alta Badia - 4 Stars
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7 / DEPART
Breakfast and departure on your own (private transfer available on request).
