NOTES FROM A COMPETENT BUT LAZY SKIER
Although I have skied from the delicate age of 11 the thought of a ski holiday instils fear into me. Why? Well it’s a group activity and I am always bringing up the rear, you are expected to be up before you go to bed and the après ski wear is far too bulky to look good in. So, when I was invited on a trip called ‘A taste of ski’. I was torn, the lazy part of me thought, no, I can’t be bothered, but the greedy side of me thought ‘food’! So, my tummy won and off I went to Italy.
LOCATION
Alta Badia is one of six skiing regions at the heart of The Dolomites, which has recently been declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. We stayed in a new hotel called The Lagacio Mountain residence in San Cassiano.The hotel’s ethos is ‘look good, feel good’, and it’s put together with more than a thought for the planet. Recycled products, sustainable materials and organic food all feature heavily. The aesthetics of this place are stunning, from the Vivienne Westwood inspired uniforms to the chic light fittings this hotel ticks all the boxes for boutique style.
From our location we were able to ski quite easily around most of the region BUT the hotel is not ski in, ski out which is usually a must for me. Carrying my skis has been known to end it tears and tantrums. They do however offer a free shuttle service, which is prompt and reliable. In fact our lovely driver Anil seemed to have a sixth sense for knowing when our weary legs could take no more and popped up ‘as if by magic’.
This particular area is all about looking good and being seen so I wasn’t surprised to hear that celebs George Clooney and Michael Schumacer are both lovers of these slopes.
THE SKIING
The slopes are well maintained and the scenery stunning. I found skiing here a pleasure, the runs are spacious, wide and relatively quiet. There was the usual ski school/beginners carnage on the blues and the lifts up to them but once away from the madding crowd it was like skiing on my own private piste – no sign of Mr Clooney though. Boarders beware, because we hit a lot of flats so this area is perhaps not the best choice for you! When it comes to planning your days skiing, keep in mind that the colour coding of the slopes isn’t in line with France and Switzerland, the black runs are the equivalent of reds and the reds of blues.
APRES SKI
If like me you prefer your après ski to be awash with Michelin starred restaurants and award winning spas then Alta Badia is for you. The tourist board in this area has come up with the tag line ‘A taste for ski’. Which is the obvious way to go, since the resort has 3 Michelin starred chefs within a 20km radius. The gourmet restaurants are stunning to look at and offer mouth-watering creations. This fine dining is obviously reflected in the prices with mains around the 40 euros mark. However it doesn’t have to be expensive as the other restaurants certainly hold there own offering rustic-mountain food and classic Italian dishes.
Unusually for ski resorts this standard of cuisine is carried on to the slopes. The top class chefs have chosen a signature dish, which you can order while swooshing down. We lunched on homemade gnocchi with fresh pesto. Polenta topped cheese and garlic mushrooms. The prices of which are very reasonable with main dishes starting at about 10 euros.
Drinks wise, the locals sip on a Spritz, which is a light sparkling drink that certainly hits the spot. It’s made from Aperol (gives the red colour), Prosecco and sparkling water.
MORE APRES SKI
After my first day skiing my poor limbs were in need of a relaxing massage. So I limped to the hotel spa for an aromatherapy massage, followed by a chill out with my best seller on a waterbed. The spa is small but well designed with numerous areas to rest your aching body. The treatments aren’t cheap but very much in-line with other European spas. But if award-winning spas float your boat then a few yards away is The Hotel Alpina Rosa. The spa here has been voted The Conde Nast European Spa of the year. One word ‘breathtaking.’
San Cassiano isn’t the place for large groups looking for party time it’s perfect for chic couples looking for a romantic trip or skiers who doesn’t like to be exerted. There are a couple of bars but most of the après ski is done in your hotel bar.
Jemma was a guest of Crystal Ski (0871 231 2256, Crystal Ski offers a week’s half board (2 sharing x 7 nights with breakfast, dinner and free afternoon cake daily) in the Hotel Armin in Selva from £635pp - price includes flights from Gatwick (from Manchester or Bristol, flights are available for a supplement of £19 per person), transfers. One-week lift passes and equipment hire are from £162pp and £86 respectively. To book winter holidays online in Val Gardena and/or Alta Badia, please visit and respectively.
DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM MANCHESTER TO VERONA ON SATURDAYS ONLY