Visiting Northern Italy at any time of the year is an adventure in natural beauty, but skiing or
snowboarding the Italian Alps during the winter season is truly an exhilarating experience. The
"Val di Sole" (Sun Valley) region of the Province of Trento is a spectacular winter wonderland.
Small and large villages (paese) fill the alpine countryside. The vastness of the Dolomite mountains
are evident as you travel through the valley of my ancestors.
The Val di Sole destination of the Ski Italy and More, hosted winter vacations remains my family
village of Dimaro located at the foot of the "Sasso Rosso" (Red Rock) in the heart of the Italian
Dolomites and only minutes from the main gondola at Folgarida. Dimaro once served as a rest stop for
the ruling Hapsburgs of Austria on their way to vacation in nearby Madonna di Campiglio a renowned
Italian resort which at one time was part of the Austrian empire. In the middle ages Dimaro was a toll
stop where taxes on wares were collected on behalf of the Prince-Bishop of Trent.
Guests will stay at the "Albergo Dimaro" a wonderful Tyrolean style hotel with modern amenities
owned and operated by the Ramponi family. Food is plentiful at the Albergo Dimaro and delightful
regional dishes are often added to the evening menu. The hotel has a new wellness center with heated
swimming pool, etc. Wines of the Trentino Region are excellent and are a great accompaniment to any meal.
I also know from personal experience the homemade apple strudel and tiramisu served for desert are just
delicious.
The people of the Trentino region are gregarious and friendly. Their livelihood today consists
mainly of agriculture (apples), light industry, and tourism. The Val di Sole has over the years hosted
many world championships in adventure sports such as snowboarding, canoe and kayaking, and mountain
biking. The region also hosts the annual internationally recognized youth ski racing championship known
as the "Topolino" It is also a popular destination for white water rafting, hikers, climbers and mountain
bike enthusiasts during spring and summer months. Winter vacationers will find their skiing or
snowboarding experience in the Dolomites of Northern Italy a memorable experience. These mountains are
really special with their dramatic needles and snow covered outcrops offering spectacular alpine
panoramas coupled with the vastness of the "Val di Sole" spreading far below. The lift systems are state
of the art and the endless miles of ski runs are maintained with fanatical devotion. A SUPERSKIRAMA Ski
Pass provides unlimited use of all lifts within the Adamello Brenta system including Madonna di
Campiglio, Passo Tonale and its Glacier at almost 12,000 feet, Pejo, Pinzolo, Monte Bondone, and
Paganella ski areas as well as Folgarida/Marilleva totaling 140 Lifts and 360 Kilometers of Ski-runs.
Skiing in the Alps is not the usual one or two mountain base to top and down again kind of skiing or
snowboarding activity we are familiar with in the United States. Once one ascends the gondola from
Flogarida (elev.4,593') in the morning their adventure begins by exploring the numerous well groomed
runs available to them, including those descending from the lift at (elev. 7,149')
Throughout the day you can ski in, and ski out of various mountain pit stops which range from little
log cabins to fancy restaurants for refreshments or lunch. At the end of the day you descend the gondola
and return to the Albergo Dimaro to relax and enjoy dinner, or visit the spa for a swim, steam bath or
body massage. One evening during their stay guests are treated to a traditional candle light dinner and
torchlight walk in the snow covered forest arriving at a small chalet owned by the Ramponi family to
share some hot mulled wine or herbal tea.
Oh! least I forget the nearby mountain town of Pejo offers a Spa Center which has been known since
1650 for the healing properties of its water. Pejo's fitness center is open to anyone and boasts a huge
swimming pool, fitness room, whirlpool, phlebopathy treatment, steam baths, aromatic baths and massages.
If a sufficient number of people on any Ski Italy and More ski vacation is interested, an optional
mid-week day trip to Venice and its canals with an English speaking guide is also available at a
reasonable cost. This has proven to be a very popular option allowing a days respite from the rigor's of
skiing. All winter vacations to "Val di Sole" offer round-trip flights from Boston to Milan, Italy,
deluxe motorcoach transfers, hotels, meals, and the top of the line SUPERSKIRAMA unlimited "hands-free"
Ski Pass. If you would like access more information about skiing/snowboarding in the Italian Alps you
can contact Ski Italy and More using the information contained on our
contact page. You can also go to
www.patriotledger.com visit
their archives for March 3, 2001
type in the word "dolomites" and read the excellent story written by Virginia Hayes. We hope you will
be able to join us for a great winter ski/snowboard vacation on the slopes of "Val di Sole." Ciao!
