 |
Italy Resort Guides
One of the characteristic villages on the Sella Ronda ski circuit, Arabba is well known on the British ski market as a real skiers’ holiday base. The local Porta Vescovo mountain provides some of the Superski area’s most challenging pistes and the stunning slopes of the mighty Marmolda glacier, a favourite with more experienced skiers, are also within easy reach from here. Part of the vast beautiful Dolomiti Superski area, the modern lift system ensures Arabba links easily with Canazei in the Val di Fassa to the west, and Corvara in the sunny Alta Badia ski area to the north. Arabba is not just about skiing though, this compact and friendly village has a natural ice skating rink, shops, bars, restaurants and pizzerias. Après-ski is low key and relaxed, centering round popular Bar Peter and La Stübe with its live music nights.
| Beginners |  |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Bardonecchia
Bardonecchia is located in a sunny valley right on the border with neighbouring France. Two of its three ski areas are interlinked providing an enormous ski area with an amazing 100kms of marked piste with a variety of skiing. It has grown from an authentic Italian town with tree-lined streets to a bustling ski resort and combines minimal weekday lift queuing with a lively weekend atmosphere. Several bars are open early until late and a full après ski programme is arranged by your rep.
• Bar Colomion and the Igloo Bar are popular après ski venues.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Canazei is situated at the head of the picturesque Fassa Valley. Enjoying a genuine Italian ambience, it boasts an enviable position in the heart of the ‘Dolomiti Superski’ area, offering more than 1000kms of scenic interconnected pistes. Skiers take the central Belvedere gondola to directly link into the superb Sella Ronda circuit whilst non-skiers are entertained with valley walks, cross country trails and a spa centre. Canazei’s centre has shops and terrace cafés to soak up the winter sun. For après ski, there are several bars and stübes to choose from: try the popular Husky Bar for a lively vibe and dancing into the early hours. Some of our hotels are located in the smaller neighbouring resort of Campitello. A pretty and tranquil village, its Col Rodella cable car enables skiers to beat the queues and be first on the slopes.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Cervinia is one of the highest resorts in the Italian Alps. It is dominated by the mighty Matterhorn and surrounded by some of Europe's grandest peaks. Cervinia's ever increasing popularity is due to its excellent snow conditions, long hours of sunshine, variety of runs and a compact resort centre offering plenty of après ski activity. With an area pass, the ski area opens up to include Zermatt in Switzerland with some very challenging skiing. The centre of Cervinia is closed to coaches and access to central hotels on arrival and departure day is on foot, in some cases carrying luggage. Many lively bars, clubs and convivial cafés promise skiers an active après ski programme
• Look out for the Grivola Bar, Copa Pan, Ymeletrob, Gasolene, a lively bar open until late and Café des Guides with a relaxing atmosphere.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Champoluc is a delightful, unspoilt village lying at the top of the Ayas Valley, below the imposing Monte Rosa mountain chain with its towering peaks and extensive glaciers. The Monte Rosa ski area covers three valleys with a modern lift system and with extensive possibilities for off-piste skiing and touring in spring Definitely informal and friendly with the emphasis on local bars and hotels.• Pachamama's, Lo Bistrot, Il Golosone Pub and Café Rimbaud with an open fire and excellent cocktails are very popular.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Claviere is a small resort right on the border with France. In fact, the fantastic 400kms of ski runs in the Milky Way area connects both Claviere and neighbouring Montgenèvre in France, in addition to Sauze, Sestriere, Sansicario and Cesana. The characteristic mountain village architecture of Claviere is a charming blend of old and new, set amidst breathtaking scenery and the locals claim it has the best snow conditions in the Milky Way. Several bars provide a lively atmosphere and are within easy reach of our Club Hotel • Gran Bouc and Gallo Cedrone.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Courmayeur lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain, close to the French border in the Aosta Valley. It is a characteristic Italian village of cobbled streets, stylish shops and excellent cafés and bistros, all set within an attractive medieval centre. The main skiing area is at Plan Checrouit and, with over 80% of the skiable terrain covered by snow cannons, snow here is virtually guaranteed. There is a good range of friendly bars, with something for all tastes. • Cocktails at the American Bar or the Guides Bar with cosy log fire. There is dancing on the tables at Poppy's Disco pub and Jimmy's in our Hotel Astoria.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
To the west of the Monte Rosa, Europe's second highest mountain, lies the Gressoney Valley, part of the Monte Rosa ski area of over 150kms of piste covering three valleys. Its Alpine location means Gressoney is one of the most scenic resorts in the Aosta Valley with views of Mont Blanc, the Monte Rosa glacier, the Matterhorn and the Gran Paradiso. The Gressoney valley has several ski areas: Weissmatten, St. Jean, La Trinité and Stafal.Informal and relaxed, Gressoney's nightlife revolves around the local bars and cafés • In La Trinité the Hirsch Stube is best for draught beer and the Ejelbode for scrumptious home made apple cake.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
La Thuile is an unspoilt resort, which enjoys a huge ski area linked with La Rosière in France. Skiers enjoy spectacular scenery, with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc. La Thuile has an excellent snow record with mainly east-facing slopes, minimal queuing during the week and wide, long ski runs with skiing back to the village making La Thuile an ideal choice for all standards of skier with the added bonus of a relaxing après ski atmosphere. There are several unpretentious bars for a jolly and informal evening.• La Bricole pub and the Cage pub at the Planibel complex are very popular
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Livigno is a superb all-round ski resort offering high altitude skiing. Lying in the stunning Valtellina alpine valley near the Swiss border, Livigno boasts modern ski services whilst retaining the traditional rustic character of its original three villages. The extensive skiing is split on both sides of the valley; to the east are the connected Carosello and Costaccia areas, to the west the more challenging slopes of the Mottolino area. Livigno’s duty-free status will delight bargain hunters, excellent array of shops and boutiques line the bustling pedestrianised old centre. For après-ski, there is a wealth of non-skiing activities from horse riding to ice climbing, whilst the restaurants, bars and live music venues offer plenty of atmospheric fun.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
In a sheltered sunny valley in the Brenta Dolomites, the ski area of Madonna di Campiglio extends to include the neighbouring resorts of Folgarida and Marilleva with stunning scenery and challenging black runs. The scenery is awesome and the resort is built in attractive traditional style. The uncrowded slopes of Pinzolo, with stunning views of the Adamello glacier, can be reached by bus in 25 minutes. The resort is abounding with smart boutiques, lively bars, pizzerias and attractive cafés. Very Italian with several lively bars.• Don't miss hot chocolate at the Bar Suisse. The Stube bar offers a full selection of beers and the Cantina Suisse for good beer and live music until late.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Once discovered, skiers return year after year to Madesimo due to its reliable snow record and traditional Italian village charm. Madesimo is a compact resort. Its modern ski facilities and ski school are in easy walking distance of our hotels, ensuring hassle-free skiing. The pistes are delightfully uncluttered mid-week and offer excellent varied terrain, from the tree-lined Lago Azzurro blues to testing high altitude pistes in the Val di Lei. The mountain restaurants here offer great value, the local pizzocheri dish is ideal for lunchtime refuelling, whilst in the pretty village there is ice skating and a sports centre. Thrill seekers can take an exhilarating 69km panoramic skidoo trail that winds to the Swiss border. Après-ski is like the village itself, a relaxed and friendly affair.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Ortisei is the principal village of the Gardena Valley, lying 5kms from Selva. Its characteristic centre is full of pastel coloured buildings, boutiques, tea rooms and restaurants. Ortisei’s local Alpe di Siusi ski area is a lovely sunny bowl with a wide choice of cruisy scenic runs, whilst the central Seceda gondola connects Ortisei to the Sella Ronda circuit via Santa Cristina, where advanced skiers can try the men’s World Downhill run en-route. Alternatively take the speedy Gardena Express train. The resort also offers a spa centre, ice skating, sleigh rides and a thrilling 6km Toboggan Run, great fun though not for the faint hearted! Après ski is quite lively, the most popular being Siglu Bar and Bar Mauriz providing entertainment into the small hours.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
One of Italy's highest resorts, Passo Tonale is located on the pass linking the regions of Trentino and Lombardy. With a compact lift system, guaranteed snow, runs mainly above the tree line and long hours of sunshine, Tonale fulfils the expectations of most skiers and offers excellent value for money. Queuing is almost unknown in this resort and all our hotels are well located for the ski lifts.There are numerous bars and cafés. As the lifts close, head to Bar Heaven at Happy Hour (2 drinks for the price of 1) for lively après ski. Two lively bars are Heaven Disco Pub and the Miramonti disco bar. Relax at El Bait, with traditional Alpine decor or La Botte with an interesting selection of wines.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
The drive up to Pila from the Aosta Valley has to be one of the most spectacular in the Alps. As the road climbs and the valley drops away below, the imposing mountains of both the Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc come into sight. As Pila appears above it is clear that this resort has the perfect location: a bowl sheltered from the wind with an enviable snow record yet a fine sunny position. The atmosphere is very Italian: relaxed and informal and generally quiet during the week. It is mainly cantered around the hotels.
• Gallaghers Irish pub with a young and lively atmosphere, Bar Mion serves the best hot chocolate and La Nuova for an after dinner drink.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Prato Nevoso is a welcome new addition to the Crystal programme and is an ideal place to learn to ski or snowboard. Lying on the north-west facing slopes of the Maritime Alps the resort enjoys a good snow record and plenty of sunshine. Snowboarders are particularly well catered for in the Board Park which has a half pipe and is often illuminated in the evening too. In fact, Prato Nevoso hosted the Junior Snowboard World Championships in 2005. The two areas of Artesina and Prato Nevoso make up the Mondole Ski area with almost 100kms of piste with many gentle runs ideally suited to beginners and intermediates. An informal atmosphere with reasonably priced restaurants and bars conveniently located opposite the slopes.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Sansicario is a little known pearl of the Italian Milky Way. Situated between the large resorts of Sauze d'Oulx and Sestriere, Sansicario was home to a number of events at the 2006 Winter Olympics, including the women's downhill.A few bars in town including the Action Café.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Sauze d'Oulx is one of the five villages which form the Milky Way and it needs little introduction to the many British skiers who return there year after year for the superb range of skiing, long hours of sunshine and wide range of après ski entertainment. There is a small charge for the local ski bus. Transfer coaches are not permitted in the resort centre. Luggage is transported to the hotels and guests walk through the village to their accommodation. Starting early and finishing late, the possibilities for non-stop nightlife in Sauze are many and varied. Start with a drink at the Queen's Lounge, Paddy's or the Derby Bar and move on to one of the two discos, Schuss or Clarabella.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Lying in the heart of the dramatic Dolomites, Val Gardena is famous for its World Cup ski races and Selva is the best known resort in this area, also known as the South Tyrol, with access to much of the Dolomites Superski area as well as the Sella Ronda - a 26km circular tour with well groomed pistes and modern efficient lift systems. The area has extensive snow making facilities, ensuring excellent cover throughout the season. The village is enchanting with traditional Austrian style architecture. In Val Gardena, there are numerous bars and the atmosphere is always lively and informal. The popular Saltas Bar and the Luisl Keller and La Bula has lively après ski with a DJ. The energetic head for the Dali disco.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
Sestriere gained international renown during February 1997 when it hosted the World Cup Ski Races and it was selected to host the 2006 Winter Olympics. Now an international resort, it is part of the famous 'Milky Way' ski circuit, a magnificent area with over 400kms of pistes with excellent skiing for all grades in spectacular scenery. Cosmopolitan and lively, with many overseas visitors in addition to Italians and British there is an international atmosphere. • Pinkies Pizzeria for après ski drinks, Irish Igloo for great music and a lively atmosphere, Spotties Bar for cocktails and Tabata disco. Osteria Barabba is a great wine bar/restaurant.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
The beautiful broad sunny Val di Fassa is one of the treasures of the spectacular Dolomites area of north-east Italy. Arguably the most beautiful mountain range in Europe, the pink and orange hues of the craggy peaks change colour from daybreak to twilight. We feature the main villages of the valley, Canazei, Campitello and Pozza.Plenty of jolly, unpretentious bars, where the atmosphere is always cheerful and convivial • The Stua dei Ladins, Montanara Bar, Giardino delle Rose and Lieber Augustin.
| Beginners | |
| Intermediates | |
| Advanced | |
| Snowboarding | |
[ Back to top ]
© Hays Travel Ltd 2009
