Italy 09:34 – 9 December 2023

CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari

Skiing in the Dolomites from High-Mountain Refuge-to-Refuge

inspired_italy_classic_dolomites_ski_safari

Fresh Tracks | Small Groups | Groomed Slopes | Dedicated Ski Leader

More Ski Miles | More Mountains | More Valleys

Six event packed Dolomites ski days where each morning begins on a newly prepared groomed slope & no one else on the mountain. This is a unique Dolomites skiing experience, travelling under ones own initiative, through mile upon mile of UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE scenery and staying in a different high-mountain refuge each evening.

The Very Best Skiing in the Dolomites!

Suitable for fit, intermediate or better skiers.

Prices from $3,464 per person View Prices

Summary

  • SMALL GROUP: Max 7 guests per group
  • 4★ Base Hotel
  • 7 Nights
  • ... 3 Nights B&B | 4 Nights Half Board
  • ... Four Rifugio Nights in Four Different Rifugi
  • 6 Day Ski Pass
  • 6 Days Ski Rental
  • Marmolada Morning
  • Hidden Valley
  • 3 World Cup Slopes - Mens Downhill | Mens Slalom | Womens Downhill/GS
  • No Obligatory Black Ski Slopes
  • Ski Areas: Val Gardena | Val di Fassa | Arabba/Marmolada | Civetta | Cortina | Alta Badia | Alpe di Siusi

Statistics

  • ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate/High
  • SKI DISTANCE: 120+ miles | 200+ Km
  • VERTICAL: 120,000ft+ | 37,000m+
  • SKI LIFTS: 90+
  • PLANNED COFFEE STOPS: 3
  • MINIMUM SKI ABILITY: Intermediate or better
  • YOUR SKI FITNESS: Buzzer to buzzer skiing
  • Statistics vary depending upon conditions, ability and fitness. The above statistics are typical of a CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari. Inspired ITALY CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari - GOOGLE MAPS

“I have just finished a 6-day bespoke ski safari with the wonderful Tim. I thoroughly enjoyed our adventures on the slope and meeting new people within the group. Everywhere we looked we were provided with another jaw-dropping view, and the conditions were perfect for me all week. Our rifugi were so homely and the hosts made us feel welcomed and special. The food provided was excellent and varied. Tim was an amazing leader and has so much knowledge of all the areas we covered. His commentary was a great addition to our coffee stops!”

Lark Ash-Wheeler 🇬🇧

“I cannot now imagine a skiing holiday that does not involve those early morning runs and watching the sunset at 2,800 metres.”

The Times: Christian Wolmar 🇬🇧

“… it is seriously the best ski trip we have done for a long time … possibly ever.”

Diane Farmer 🇬🇧

Day by day

There is something magical about staying on the mountain.

As the other skiers drop back into their valleys and return to their hotels, pull up a chair, order a drink and allow the mountain tranquility to wash over you. Watch the sun slide behind the mountain opposite, because, more than likely, you'll be skiing it tomorrow!

Each morning begins with fresh tracks on a newly prepared piste and no one else on the mountain. You never have to ski the same piste twice - unless you really want to!

The mountain is yours!

Day 1: Arrival & Welcome

A 90 minute transfer from Innsbruck airport (other transfers available on request) through the wonderful Brenner Pass to your 4✩ base hotel in Castlerotto.

18:00 Evening welcome drinks and briefing with your ski leader.

Highlights

★ Arrival at the Cavallino d'Oro ★ Welcome Drinks ★ Meet your Ski Leader & your Back-Pack

Accommodation

Hotel Cavallino d'Oro, Castlerotto

The Cavallino d'Oro is located at the very heart of Castlerotto in the ancient market place dating from 1326.

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 2: Val Gardena Ski Safari

08:30 - Hotel Pick-Up & Fit Ski Equipment - Following your ski fitting and full Ski Safari Briefing, journey through the famous Val Gardena including, Seceda, St.Cristina, Ciampinoi, lunch, & Monte Pana. It is all about getting your ski equipment right and your ski-legs working! Return to the base Hotel for an evening of dinner and Back-Packing!

Highlights

★Val Gerdena Ski Safari Day ★Ski under the Sassoloungo ★Easy intro day ★Pistes = Seceda, Seceda Black option

Statistics

13+ Lifts | 22k+ skied | 4,000m+ vertical

Accommodation

Hotel Cavallino d'Oro, Castlerotto

One of Italy's top 10 quality hotels (judged by Tripadvisor guests)

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 3: Alpe di Siusi to Buffaure

08:15 - Hotel Pick-Up 10min drive to ski lift - Ski through Europe's highest, largest plateau Alpe di Siusi. Jump aboard the amazing 'Off-Road Ski Bus' to Monte Pana. Through Plan di Gralba and the Citta dei Sassi stopping at Col Rodella for a rather tasty lunch. After lunch ski across Belvedere towards Ciampac and the Buffaure ski area to descend to your first night on the mountain.

Highlights

★Alpe di Siusi ★Off-Road Ski Bus ★Sauna on the Terrace ★Pistes = Citta dei Sassi, Col Rodella

Statistics

17 Lifts | 36k+ skied | >6,000m vertical

Accommodation

Rifugio Baita Cuz, Val di Fassa, Dolomites | 2,213m ASL

Rifugio Baita Cuz 2,213m / 7,260ft ASL - sauna, sunsets & the most memorable sunrise

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 4: Curves & Corners

08.30 - Fresh Tracks on Buffaure followed by a real thigh-warmer down Vulcano!! A 10min taxi to Vigo for more Curves & Corners like Thöni and ‘Tomba' (black - optional) and the craziest blue run that you ever did ski. Return to Buffuare to squeeze a second run down that lovely Vulcano and then Ciampac, 1,000m vertical, a good proportion of which is black (optional). A late lunch before we crest the final ridge and our next rifugio.

Highlights

★Curves & Corners ★Pistes = Thöni, Thomba, Vulcano, Ciampac

Statistics

16 lifts | 40k+ skied | >7000m vertical

Accommodation

Rifugio Passo Fedaia, Marmolada, Dolomites | 2,057M ASL

Rifugio Fedaia 2,057M / 6,748FT ASL - great grappa ... be VERY careful!

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 5: Your Marmolada Morning

08:15 - Fresh Tracks on your Marmolada Morning. This world class, 12k ski trail offers 1,810m vertical, wide slopes and just amazing skiing!

We suggest at least 2 circuits, maybe 3 or you could try 4, an achievement completed by a handful of Ski Safari guests - thats 48k & 7,200 vertical meters by 11:00!

15min private taxi transfer to Alleghe and the Civetta ski area. An afternoon of Free Skiing and a 20min bus transfer along the Passo Giau.

Highlights

★Serrai ★Civetta Ski Area ★Pistes = Marmolada

Statistics

15 lifts | 40k+ skied | >7750m vertical

Accommodation

Rifugio Averau, 5 Torri, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dolomites | 2,413m ASL

Rifugio Averau 2,413m / 9,028ft ASL - it has become known as 'Averwow' to some of our guests!

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 6: Dolomites Ski Safari in Cortina d'Ampezzo

08.30 - Fresh Tracks on 5 Torri.  The 10min ski bus to the Tofane ski area and a welcome to this wonderful ski area. Conquer Olympia, the Tofana Bus and the Forcella Rossa before taking the ski bus (10mins) through town to Faloria & Cristallo. End of day ski bus to Passo Falzarego.

Highlights

★ Cortina ★Pistes = Olympia, Tofana Bus, Forcela Rossa, James Bond Run

Statistics

14 lifts | 30k+ skied | >4750m vertical

Accommodation

Rifugio Lagazuoi, Monte Lagazuoi, Cortina d'Ampezzo | 2,752m ASL

Rifugio Lagazuoi 2,752m / 9,028ft ASL - on top of the whole world!

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 7: Fresh Tracks: The Dolomites Hidden Valley

09:00 Fresh Tracks along The Hidden Valley. One of the worlds great ski slopes finishes with a memorable Horse Tow. Ski through San Cassiano and Corvara back towards Selva Gardena and St. Cristina. Today those who have the energy can conquer the Saslong, the Mens World Cup Downhill and Gran Risa, the Mens World Cup Slalom course before ending the day with a 10.5kilometer slope into Ortisei!

Highlights

★Horse Tow ★Pistes = Hidden Valley, Gran Risa, Saslong, La Longia

Statistics

15 lifts | 40k+ skied | >4500m vertcial

Accommodation

Cavallino d'Oro, Castlerotto

Hotel Cavallino d'Oro in the ancient Market Place

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 8: Departure

Try to take the time to enjoy your Cavallino d'Oro breakfast. If time allows, take a wander around this wonderful Tyrol village. Your transfer to Innsbruck is only 90mins. If your going to the local station, its 20mins.

Highlights

Breakfast

The Cavallino d'Oro Breakfast! Don't miss it!

Journey Map

“I cannot now imagine a skiing holiday that does not involve those early morning runs and watching the sunset at 2,800 metres.”

The Times: Christian Wolmar 🇬🇧

“… it is seriously the best ski trip we have done for a long time … possibly ever.”

Diane Farmer 🇬🇧

“These are not the kind of places you stumble upon by chance and perfectly illustrate the wisdom of tapping into local knowledge.”

SNOW Magazine

“An utterly, utterly fab ski holiday and thank you SO much for organising it all. We could/would NEVER have experienced such a thing had it not been for you. I honestly NEVER want to ski anywhere else again and we would LOVE to do it again next year.”

Deborah Maby 🇬🇧

Best Bits

  • Only On-Piste & Groomed Ski Slopes
  • Fresh Tracks Each & Every Morning
  • Never Ski the same Slope Twice
  • Fresh-Tracks through The Hidden Valley
  • The Hidden Valley Horse Tow
  • The Marmolada Morning
  • Curves & Corners Morning
  • Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Safari Day
  • 3 World Cup Slopes
  • No Obligatory Black Runs – plenty for those that want them!
  • Great Food & Wine!
  • Sunsets & Sunrises!

A ski journey through the Dolomite Mountains on Groomed Ski Slopes

“..each morning begins on a newly prepared groomed slope and no one else on the mountain.”

Travel through the Dolomite Mountains with the Inspired ITALY’s Classic Dolomites Ski Safari.

Stay the night high on the mountain in a warm and comfortable rifugio and experience the best on-piste skiing that the Dolomites has to offer.

Find the best snow, stunning mountain vistas, enjoy local cuisine and some lesser known, quieter ski slopes.

Six Full Ski Days

Enjoy six event packed ski days where each morning begins on a newly prepared groomed ski slope and no one else on the mountain. Each and every morning we say, "the mountain is yours".

A Ski Journey through the Dolomite Mountains

Using only groomed ski slopes you travel from high-mountain rifugio-to-rifugio through mile upon mile of some of the most beautiful scenery in the world - the Dolomite Mountains.

This seven night ‘soft adventure’ ski tour is fully guided by your own ski leader. You never have to puzzle over your piste map or think about where you're going. Just enjoy the slopes as they keep on coming ... and there are lots of them!

Small Groups

The Inspired ITALY Classic Dolomites Ski Safari is restricted to a maximum of seven per group, plus your ski leader.

We qualify all our guests before booking to ensure that all guests are of the necessary fitness and ski ability.

Suitable for fit, intermediate or better skiers

CLASSIC Dolomite Ski Safari FAQ's

“The CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari isn't about 'speed'. It's about 'pace'.”

Still not sure if the CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari is for you? Here are the most common questions that prospective guests ask us ...

I don't want to hold up the group; Is my ski ability good enough? Am I fit enough? - probably the number one concern of many booking an Inspired ITALY CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari. The CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari isn't about 'speed'. It is about 'pace'. And it is partly why groups are restricted to 7 guests. This helps the tempo of the ski safari day. But don't worry, when you contact us, we will discuss your ski ability and fitness before you book.

NO FAFFING! The Inspired ITALY CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari is not a sightseeing ski tour! It is about skiing. On some days you will ride 20 or more ski lifts; 2 mins lost 'faffing' on each lift losses an hour a day from an already short day. Whilst we build in a certain amount of 'wiggle' room, we do keep the pace steady and constant.

What is 'intermediate' ski ability? - the term 'intermediate skier' is liberally banded about. Some over estimate, some under estimate. We have some clear, detailed descriptions of ski ability and we will send these to you. Together we can then ensure that your ski ability is what is needed. But it is your fitness that is key.

How fit do you need to be? - one person's park run is another's marathon. You need to be able to ski steadily all day. Our ski days start around 8:30 and finish usually around 15:30. Although we get an abnormal amount of sunny days, when conditions are tough, you still have to go skiing to get to the next rifugio!

I don’t normally ski with a back-pack - That’s ok. As long as you’re fit, the additional weight makes little difference. We provide you with a suggested pack list and as long as you take the advice you will hardly notice the weight. How you deal with the back-pack on the ski lift is personal preference. Most people keep the pack on but some prefer to slide them around their shoulders and place the pack on their knees. It’s whatever is most comfortable and safe for you. The lift company advise that you remove the pack. Our back-packs are carefully chosen and especially designed for skiers. You get to keep the pack after your Dolomites Ski Safari. You are only required to ski with your back-pack for four nights/five days.

Helmet? - At our heart, we're a little bit 'anti-establishment'. All our ski leaders have (reluctantly ... ) taken to wearing helmets over the last couple of seasons. If you do not want to wear a helmet, that's fine by us. You can rent a helmet and we can arrange that for you or bring your own. Either is fine with us.

What about my main luggage? Your luggage is left at the base hotel ready for your return. We do not transport the luggage Rifugio to Rifugio, for a variety of reasons mainly, the great distances we cover, the complex logistics and entrusting your luggage via taxi and multiple chair lifts is rather hazardous!

Do the Rifugio have wifi? All rifugi have WiFi. Some are better than others but posting your pictures to Facebook and picking up email shouldnt be a problem.

I’m a vegetarian/celiac/gluten free … Let us know in advance and we’ll let the Rifugi know so that you won’t be eating cheese omelette every night! Vegetarian options are usually, pasta or polenta based. If you are vegan, gluten free or have nut allergies, you will struggle. The kitchens in the Rifugi produce some excellent culinary experiences, but they are often limited in what they can offer! Remember, you are staying on the very top of a mountain!

What happens if you can’t get to the Rifugio? The main threat to a Dolomites Ski Safari is strong wind. These can cause chair lift connections to close. Although we have encountered this on a number of occasions, we’ve never failed yet to get to our destination! In the 2015/16 season, major snow storms meant we had to reroute and spend two nights in one Rifugio. Eventually, we decided to call the helicopter to get us out! 

What happens if someone gets lost? It’s never happened yet, but it will! We brief each group on safety and operational protocol before departure, which is probably why we’ve always successfully counted them all out, and back again! In the event mobile/cell phone coverage in the Dolomites is superb!

Coffee/Comfort Stops – non-lunch stops are minimal. There are three scheduled coffee stops throughout the week. Day 1 for the briefing. Day 2 for the view. Day 4 to gather the group after a free skiing section. Other than this, we only stop for lunch! Most of the lift stations are equipped with toilets. However, some groups wish to stop more regularly, and so long as the group is happy, then we are here to show you the very best hot chocolate stops!

Accommodation – Rifugi tend to sell beds, rather than rooms. Because we pre-book our rooms well in advance, most couples get their own private rooms with en suite. However, we are unable to guarantee this. It is most likely that you will, at some point, have to share with other members of your group – read ‘On a Ski Safari in the Dolomites’, by Christian Wolmar, published in The Times.

Which are the best airports for the Dolomites? Innsbruck! Yes, fly to Austria, ski in Italy! The transfer from Innsbruck to your Ski Safari base hotel is no more than 90mins in normal traffic. Next best option is Verona at around 2hrs transfer and then Venice, Bergamo and Munich Airports. Transfer costs are based upon 4 people sharing.

Off Piste – we don’t do ‘off piste’! The Inspired ITALY Dolomite Ski Safari is an ‘on-piste’ ski tour. Some clients do choose to test out the off piste conditions when circumstances allow, but this is done entirely at their own risk. If you wish to ski off piste we advise that you first familiarise yourself with the rules and regulations in Italy for off piste skiing.

Can I come on a snowboard? – The nature of the Inspired ITALY Dolomites Ski Safari makes it difficult to mix skiers with snowboarders. If you are a group of snowboarders, then do contact us!

Am I protected? – Inspired ITALY Ltd is bonded by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited which provides financial protection under the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992 for Inspired ITALY Ltd. and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for the following – non-flight packages commencing in and returning to the UK; non-flight packages commencing and returning to a country other than the UK.

Price

$3,464 per person

Your adventure includes:

Your adventure includes:

  • 7 Nights accommodation
  • Six Day Full Area Ski Pass
  • Six Full Ski Days
  • Six Days Ski Rental
  • 4 Rifugio Nights - Half Board
  • 4✩ Base Hotel - B&B
  • Private Taxi Airport Transfers from Innsbruck based on 4 people
  • All on Safari Transfers
  • Dedicated native English Speaking Ski Safari Leader
  • Inspired ITALY BackPack - to keep
  • Maps, Detailed Itinerary
  • EXCLUDED Flights, Ski Boots, Helmet, Lunches & 3 Dinners

More Dolomite Ski Safari Adventures

The Inspired ITALY Dolomites Ski Safari is right up there amongst our very best holidays and the concept is a real winner. Top of the list, the skiing was challenging, enjoyable and ensured that we were ready for that refreshing drink at the end of the day followed by a good night's sleep.

Colin Sibun

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