Val Gardena in the Dolomites of Italy
Written: May 04 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great mountains, views, bars and food.
Cons: Snow can be spotty if no big storms recently.
The Bottom Line: Skiing in Italy is the thrill of a lifetiime.
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| rlesino's Full Review: Dolomites |
I just returned from a week skiing adventure with our ski club to the tiny city of Val Gardena in the Dolomites of Italy.
We flew from Newark, NJ to Frankfurt, Germany. Changed planes to Venice, Italy and then boarded a bus for the two hour drive up into the mountains to Val Gardena.
The Dolomites are very impressive and beautiful. If you have never been skiing in Europe it is quite different that the US. It is not a short "up and down and back on the lift" experience. In Europe you can ski for hours or even the entire day and maybe not ride a chair lift at all. Runs are from town to town and it is even possible to ski from Italy into Switzerland.
One couple in our group did not listen to our ski guide and made a wrong turn. They ended up in a small town on the other side of the mountain as night was approaching. They had to get a taxi and after a $100.00 ride back to our town of Val Gardena they learned their lesson not to separate from the group when you don't know where you are going.
We stayed in a small hotel and out package include typical European continetal breakfast of coffee/tea, juice, rolls, meats and cheeses, cereals. Dinner was included too and was local pasta, veal and fish dishes. All very good, but nothing spectacular. The town of Val Gardena caters to foreign skiers and has a wealth of bars, discos and other nightlife. The Sigloo's (ski-igloos which are a kind of glass hut-disco-bar) were very popular with blaring music and booze flowing all night, and people trying to dance.
Our trip included a sled ride. If you have never done this try it, much fun and very differenent. Their sleds have no steering, you use your feet to dig into the snow and turn right or left and stop. You sit upright on the small sled and hold on by graspin one hand on the front and one hand on the back. The sled must stay under control and on a small, narrow path. A very enjoyable activity.
Our trip included a one night stop in Venice, Italy. I had never been to Venice but very much enjoyed walking the streets, plaza San Marco and taking a midnight powerboat ride around the island. The gondola's are very expensive and are for tourists, try a motorboat ride instead.
We were their during Carnivale and got to see the local people dress in costume.
The Dolomites are a wonderful ski adventure. The snow can be spotty, so check the weather and ski condition reports before you go and listen to the guides in your hotel as to which ski areas have the been and most enjoyable skiiing.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Singles
Best Time to Travel Here: Dec - Feb
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Epinions.com ID:
rlesino
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Location: Mount Laurel, NJ, USA
Reviews written: 13
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Retired from Federal Government. Served a Senior Executive.
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