Wednesday, 14 July 2010

Magical Mountain Huts

The experience of reaching a mountain hutby snowmobile, on snowshoes or even on foot, surrounded by silence is unforgettable. Savour the striking atmospheres of an evening spent on the mountains, sitting in front of a fireplace and enjoying the flavours of Trentino's dishes, before perhaps taking a thrilling sled ride back down by torchlight.

Dinner in a Trentino mountain hut is a unique experience. A voyage of discovery among a myriad of flavours, giving guests a chance to taste dishes such as grilled polenta with cheese or mushrooms, strangolapreti, orzotto and game as well as traditional cold cuts, salamis and cheeses, and taste the much cherished deserts and grappas that traditionally bring a mountain meal to a close.

In winter, dinner is served in mountain huts throughout Trentino's skiing districts, with guests travelling up the slopes on snowmobiles or snow-cats - and in some cases even making their way back down on sleds or using snowshoes.

Evenings in Val di Fassa at the Baita Ciampié in Val San Nicolò - a branch valley of the Val di Fassa - and at the Rifugio Fuchiade in Passo San Pellegrino are truly extraordinary, as are those in Val di Fiemme, at the Baita Caserina on the Alpe di Pampeago, the Baita Ciamp de le Strie on the Alpe di Lusia or at the Capanna Cervino in Passo Rolle.

In Val di Sole, wonderful evenings can also be enjoyed at the Rifugio Orso Bruno, at the Rifugio Solander or at the Malga Panciana in Marilleva as well as at the Chalet degli Angeli  in Folgarida and the Rifugio Scoiattolo and Doss dei Gembri in Peio.

The Cascina Zeledria, Malga Ritorto, Malga Montagnoli and the restaurant Boch and the Stoppani Grosté in Madonna di Campiglio can be reached on snow-cats in the evenings.

In Paganella, visitors can spend the evening at Baita Pineta, Casina Bruniol and La Tana dell'Ermellino - which also provides horse-drawn sleighs for transport. The Stella d'Italia mountain hut is open in Folgaria, as well as the Rifugio Baita Tonda (Serrada) and the restaurant Malga Ortesino, while in Lavarone it's possibe to dine at the  restaurant refuge Tana Incantata on Mount Tablat.

Source: Magical Mountain Huts

Saturday, 3 July 2010

Winter thrills

Winter is at its best in Trentino. White snows blanket the Dolomites and their landscapes, giving them a magical appearance and presenting visitors with the myriad of choices for entertainment: alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, carving, ski-mountaineering, as well as skating, sled rides and all of the other activities that can be enjoyed on the snow and ice here. Some of the largest skiing districts in the world are found in the area, featuring 800 km of pistes with over 300 avant-garde, swift and comfortable ski-lifts as well as guaranteed skiing conditions thanks to the modern programmed snow systems employed in the area.

The latest technology is harnessed for the benefit of winter sports in the Dolomiti Superski and Skirama areas - the skipass system which allows you to ski in all of Trentino's valleys with just two passes. One-of-a-kind slopes, these veritable and challenging cult pistes provide real thrills with their detours, changes in slopes and awe-inspiring landscapes. Lastly, some ski areas are also more suited to beginners, with specialist ski instructors, snow games and many other outdoor activities for the whole family.

All of the ski areas in Trentino - from the Fassa, Fiemme and Primiero Dolomites to the Brenta Dolomites, the Paganella Plateau, Madonna di Campiglio, Val di Sole and Tonale - have become a point of reference as well as a choice destination among winter sports lovers, because of the top quality tourist accommodation available there as well as the warmth of the hospitality in Trentino. Choosing Trentino also means choosing safety. The Snow Friend project employs specialist operators and forest guards. The aim of the project is to provide prevention, raise awareness of the rules among skiers, and supply support during first aid operations on the pistes. In sum, Trentino has made every effort to maximise fun and ensure that your winter holiday becomes a truly unforgettable experience.

Source: VisitTrentino.it