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Gliding Down the Slopes in Italy

Editor — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:35:56 +0000

When looking for a skiing destination where the entire family can enjoy their holiday, Passo Tonale is the answer. Families regularly descend on this skiing resort in Italy, as it is reasonably priced and accommodates everyone from beginners to lower intermediate skiers. But it is also the magnificent views, guaranteed snow and the fact the sunny weather can be expected almost every day that lures skiers to Passo Tonale. It is a holiday destination that is peaceful and rejuvenating, and in recent years has become a popular skiing facility for school groups.

Nestled between the regions of Lombardy and Trentino, Passo Tonale is the highest ski resort in Italy. The highest lift is approximately 3 025 meters and the lowest lift is at 1 890 meters. A new area, which includes two pistes and lifts was added to the resort as well as a cable car that links Passo Tonale with Ponte di Legna, offering skiers a continuous eleven kilometer decent into Ponte Legno from Presena. Both sides of the valley are open for skiing and ample accommodation can be found in the nearby village.

Another convenient feature of Passo Tonale, is that there is no overcrowding on the slopes. Access is easy and the slopes provide enough space and adventures to keep skiers busy and moving for days. The resort is also known for its excellent skiing school, with professional instructors who are able to assist first time skiers to learn the art of skiing, and aiding others in perfecting their skills and techniques on the slopes. With more than eighty-seven kilometers of trails, the resort offers eleven easy runs for beginners, on the nursery slopes, with access to six lifts from the village. Intermediate skiers will have fifteen runs to look forward to, and five difficult runs to challenge themselves with. There are more than thirty lifts at the resort to transport skiers to their desired slopes, with the highest point being Monte Venezia, at 3 290 meters.

Other activities at Passo Tonale include swimming, an ice rink, tobogganing, a thirty kilometer cross country skiing course, beauty centre, fitness centre and skidoos. Those who are too tired from a day on the slopes to even think about other activities, will be relieved to hear that there are a few bars and cafÃ©s to choose from for a peaceful evening, and the restaurants offer only the best in local and international cuisine. Supermarkets, specialty shops and sports stores give guests the opportunity to purchase a few forgotten items or get an extra jacket or hat, as Passo Tonale can get a little chilly. For an all round unforgettable holiday adventure, Passo Tonale has much to offer the skiing enthusiasts and visitors wanting to experience the beauty of the Italian slopes.

A Ski Adventure in Alagna Valsesia, Italy

Editor — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:07:15 +0000

Alagna Velsesia, in Italy, is located at the foot of the Monte Rosa Mountains. Its existence was documented as far back as the 1500s, although it is believed that small settlements of people lived here long before then. The name “Alagna” refers to settlements of houses, and this magnificent skiing paradise is located approximately seventy kilometers from the Switzerland border. The entire village of Alagna Valsesia forms a massive and beautiful ski resort that you will thoroughly enjoy.

The spectacular mountains and landscapes surrounding the village are breathtaking, and many skiers have commented that skiing here makes them feel at one with the mountain and at peace. Well groomed slopes and near perfect pistes create the wonderful combination of runs for all skiers of various skill levels; with peaceful, smooth runs for the quiet skiers, and thrill, adventure and excitement for those seeking new challenges.

Off piste skiers are recommended to hire one of the local guides or instructors to take them on unforgettable free-style skiing excursion, complete with fast moving verticals and tranquil powder routes. Guides ensure that skiers get the best adventure possible, and enjoy the slopes of the mountain safely. Alagna Valsesia is also home to a hundred and twenty-nine pistes, covering a hundred and eighty kilometers. Beginners will find forty seven kilometers all to themselves, while intermediate skiers have approximately a hundred and twenty kilometers to play with, and ten kilometers of the slopes, referred to as â€˜black’ pistes, are only for the most experienced skiers. With sixty five different routes to choose from, skiers will never get bored at Alagna Valsesia.

The most adventurous part of the Monterosa Ski area is the Alagna Valley, which is where professional skiers will find exhilarating, emotional and high-energy free-riding slopes. There are safe and efficient lift systems in place, making access to the mountain easier for skiers. Some of the lifts have only recently been installed and it is hoped that by 2009 the Balma area will have a lift as well.

Other activities at the this wonderful ski area in Italy include Ice Climbing, Heliskiing, Mountain Climbing, Trekking, Cross Country Skiing, Ski Mountaineering and River Sports. All of the activities at Alagna Valsesia are exciting and test the abilities, sometimes the endurance, of the skiers. After a hard day on the slopes, visitors can enjoy tasty meals in a warm and inviting environment at their accommodations or the local pubs and restaurants. It is the beauty of the slopes, the challenges and the friendly atmosphere that brings skiers back to Alagna Valsesia every year.

The Pearl of the Dolomites – Snow Skiing

Editor — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:38:54 +0000

Madonna di Campiglio – renowned throughout Italy and Europe as one of the few ski resorts “that got it right”. A perfect mix of ski-by-day-and-party-by-night atmosphere. Discreet, elegant and hidden away at an altitude of 1550 meters in a valley between the Brenta Dolomites and the glaciers of Adamello and Presanella. Madona di Campiglio has evolved into Italy’s most popular ski resort.

The Ski Area boasts 57 lifts and 150 kilometers of ski runs which can accommodate an incredible 31,000 people per hour. Add to that a 50,000 square meter snow-park, 40 kilometers of space set aside for Nordic skiing and 3 ski schools, and you’ve got yourself one heck of a holiday in-the-making.

The area surrounding Madonna di Campiglio offers skiers of every level a variety of runs and degrees of difficulty.

The center of town offers a little bit of everything: from shopping to cafe’s and restaurants to night spots and more. You’ll make the transition from slicing through white powder during the day to sipping spiced wine in the evening.

With good reason Madonna di Campiglio is called the “Pearl of the Dolomites”. But the only thing you’ll wonder is why you didn’t come here sooner.

A Snowboard Lover’s Dream in Italy

Editor — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 13:34:31 +0000

Sure, you can rent a pair of ski’s and hit the bunny slopes, but if you really want to challenge your senses, then head to the Italian ski resort of Livigno – a snowboard lover’s dream!

Located in the Lombardia Region of Northern Italy, Livigno boasts a variety of snowboard-friendly slopes and even has its own snowboard “fun park”. The resort also boasts two “boarder-cross” courses.

For the snowboarding wanna-be an on-site snowboard school offers individuals lessons that run about 30 euro each. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, nearly 70 kilometers of Livigno’s runs are accessible and suited to all levels.

Thanks to its high location (1800 meters above sea level) Livigno offers a long skiing season and extremely sunny weather. On one hand, the skiing season lasts from mid-November till early May. On the other hand, Livigno’s high location guarantees clear skies and sunny weather almost all year round.