Aaah Italy, you had us at buongiorno then you went ahead and gave us the the Italian Alps covered in snow and it became amore. Why skiing in Italy is a must at least once in a lifetime.
From good coffee to the best pasta in the world, the life affirming skyline of the Dolomites and the vast terrain of the rest of the Italian Alps on the borders from west to east of France, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia plus some of the best outlet shopping in the world, you will never regret skiing in Italy.
Here’s 8 reasons why an Italian ski holiday is so much more than just skiing.
Cheap lift passes
A 7 day Dolomiti Superski pass is EURO 257 which is around AU$390 which works out at AU$55 per day to ski 1200kms of slopes across 12 ski areas including Cortina, Alta Badia and Val Gardena. It is even cheaper in other Italian Alps destinations like Livigno, Bormio and Santa Caterina Valfurva where a 7 day pass can be as low as EURO 155 (AU$236) and never goes above EURO 240 (AU$366) in peak season.
Coffee
The French are known for their coffee (in a bad way) and the Swiss are better at chocolate. Italy is definitely where it’s at if you want a decent slopeside brew. Remember, according to Italian coffee etiquette, milky coffee (cappuccino, latte etc) must only be consumed in the morning. An espresso is not an espresso in Italy, it is an ‘un caffe’ a double espresso is ‘un caffe doppio” and most are drunk standing up at the bar.
Metro shopping
You’re going to have to arrive at the Italian ski areas via Rome, Florence, Venice or Milan so you may as well take your credit card for Armani, Versace, Prada, Ferragamo, Golden Goose, Dolce & Gabbana, No.l.i.ta and their friends.
In Tuscany not far from Florence you’ll find serious discounts on serious names. Try the Barberino Designer Outlet for Prada and The Mall for McQueen, Dior, Fendi, Moschino, Rossi, Valentino et al.
Limoncello
This Italian lemon liqueur may be made in Southern Italy but you’ll find it on the slopes at all the discerning ski resorts. Made from the oils of lemon zest the combination of sweet and tart makes a refreshing palate cleanser after a long day of snow sport.
Bombardino
Think of it as the Italians alternative to mulled wine. Bombardino is a wicked and decadent mix of eggnog or Advocaat and Brandy with whipped cream. You can add coffee, you can add rum or you can add whiskey or egg based liqueur. Look out, this stuff can be lethal, in a good way.
Spectacular scenery
Two words – Italian Alps.
Mangiare Mangiare
Italians love to eat and they make a social event of it. Prepare to eat and eat well with local made pastas that melt in your mouth and a gazillion flavours from truffle to suckling pig. Whether you want a ski in ski out meal on a sun deck or a Michelin experience in a back country hut in Alta Badia you will find it in Italy.
The Chef’s Cup is a Michelin mecca every January when Italy’s best chefs descend upon the Dolomites to discuss all things gourmand and offer Michelin fare at reasonable prices.
Local Australian Italian host to sort it all out for you
Tania Peccedi was born and raised in Italy where she learned to ski under the guidance of her father, Oreste Peccedi, coach of the Italian Men’s National Team. Now living in Sydney with her Aussie husband and two kids, Tania is the name behind SkiItaly.com.au and the perfect local guide to steer you in the best Italian ski holiday direction. Think of her as your one stop Italian ski shop.
Fancy a ski trip to Italy? Contact Tania at SkiItaly.com.au
