Holidays Dolomites
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The Dolomites are a beautiful holiday destination for those who love outdoor activities in a breath-taking setting. Surrounded by pine forests and pinkish rocks you hike, ski, climb enjoying a truly spectacular view. Every valley has its three-four picturesque villages, a few miles away from each other, where you can discover their ancient traditions. Some are popular for their woodcarving workshops, others have local small museums, cheese laboratories, and lovely pedestrian areas. Do not be surprised if you do not understand locals talking to each other. They speak 'Ladin', a local language which is used only in the Dolomites.
Worth to visit: There are many villages where to soak up the alpine atmosphere. The most picturesque is Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena which have a long tradition in woodcarving. The pedestrian center of Ortisei is the best in the area. Very nice are also Moena, Vigo di Fassa, and Canazei in Val di Fassa; Corvara in Val Badia.
Ski: the Beautiful Dolomites are among the best mountains where to ski in winter. The season starts the weekend of the 8th of December and ends after Easter. Here you can choose among different top ski resorts, where you find slopes for beginners and expert skiers. Among them, Carezza, Vigo di Fassa, Selva di Val Gardena, Corvara are beautiful starting points to explore the mountains. Those directly linked to the 'Sellaronda Ski Tour' and the 'Big War Tour' are particularly attractive for the expert skiers. They will love also skiing on the Marmolada, the highest peak with unique snow and dramatic views. Buying the Dolomiti Superski Pass gives access to 1200km of pistes! All the resorts have their own local ski schools and facilities for children. The majority of them have also snowboard parks, cross-country skiing, and ice-skating facilities. Only some offer indoor climbing walls.
Best Accommodations: Many boutique hotels on the Dolomites, as well as bed and breakfast (here called 'garni'), have their own indoor pool and wellness center and offer top-quality service. Some of them have also their restaurant with half board packages so you do not have to be bothered to make a reservation and have finished your dinner within your time slot. Pay attention to the distance from the hotel to the ski slopes or the ski bus stop, if you are with children. Choosing the right accommodation is important after an active day of outdoor skiing or hiking!
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Local food: is an excellent combination of Italian and German flavors. Dine in a typical restaurant on local cheeses and 'Speck', the traditional lightly smoked ham; try 'Polenta with cheese and mushrooms' or 'Canederli in broth' (dumplings made with bread, milk, eggs, and speck). You will find the 'Goulash' and a lot of sausages and chips for children. Keep some room for the dessert which can be a piece of 'Apple Strudel', a slice of 'Chocolate Sacher cake' or a 'Kaiserschmarren' (meaning 'the emperor's mishmash') which is a delicious pancake, split into pieces while frying, sprinkled with sugar and served with blueberry jam. Close your ski day with a local 'grappa' or a 'bombardino' (an egg nog based drink mixed with brandy, topped up with whipped cream and finished with a sprinkling of cinnamon)
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