Inspired Italy

What makes the Inspired ITALY Dolomites SuperSki Safari ‘different’?

9 days, more ski areas, and more experiences! You stay in the 8 different rifugi and experience some of the most beautiful mountains, slopes, and ski areas in the world to make no mention of the food, wine, and additional areas that you cover.

I don’t want to hold up the group; Is my ski ability good enough? Am I fit enough? 

This is the number one concern of many booking an Inspired ITALY Dolomites SuperSki Safari. The Dolomites SuperSki Safari isn’t about speed, it’s about ‘pace’. But don’t worry, when you contact us, we will discuss your ski ability and fitness before you book to ensure that you are in no doubt about your fitness.

NO FAFFING!

The Inspired ITALY Dolomites SuperSki Safari is not a sightseeing ski tour! It is about skiing. On some days you will ride 25 or more ski lifts; 2 mins lost ‘faffing’ on each lift loses 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 overestimate, and others underestimate. 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 I 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 15:30/16:00. 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 backpack!

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 backpack on the ski lift is a 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 advises that you remove the pack. Our backpacks are carefully chosen. You get to keep the pack after your Dolomites Ski Safari. You are only required to ski with your backpack for 8 nights/9 days.

Helmet?

At our heart, we’re a little bit ‘anti-establishment‘. All our ski leaders have wear helmets. 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 upon request 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!

Does the Rifugio have wifi?

All rifugi have WiFi. Some are better than others but posting your pictures to Facebook and picking up emails shouldn’t 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 omelet 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 we can’t get to the Rifugio?

The main threat to a Dolomites Ski Safari is strong wind. Strong winds 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 snowstorms 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 I get lost?

It’s never happened, 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 some scheduled coffee stops throughout the week. 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!

What is the accommodation in the rifugi like?

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 airport should I fly to?

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.

Can I ski Off-Piste?

We don’t do ‘off-piste’! The Inspired ITALY Dolomite Ski Safaris are ‘on-piste’ ski tours. 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?

No! The nature of the Inspired ITALY Dolomites Ski Safari makes it difficult to mix skiers with snowboarders.

Is my booking protected?

The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial

protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for Inspired ITALY Ltd #5377, and in the event of their insolvency, protection is provided for:

– Non-flight packages

ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if

transportation was included in your package. Please note that bookings made outside the

UK are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with [Member name].

In the unlikely event that you require assistance whilst abroad due to our financial failure, please call our 24/7 helpline on 01702 811397 and advise you are a customer of an ABTOT-protected travel company.

You can access The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018

here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2018/634/contents/made

And what about the snow? I am worried about the recent lack of snow

We are all concurred about the changing weather. There are two things to consider: 1. only on one occasion have we had to detour because a ski slope was closed due to lack of snow and that’s out of around 200 ski safaris over 13 years. 2. Dolomiti Superski is a world leader in snow management and snowmaking (programmed snow). So, yes, there is some risk but it is minimal.

Can I bring my own skis?

If you prefer, then please do so and we will adjust the package price. However, we recommend an all-mountain ski. A Dolomites Ski Safari encounters a huge variety of snow.

What are the payment terms?

The deposit is €650 or £650 depending upon you location and currency. The deposit is not refundable. The balance is due 8 weeks prior to your arrival date. You can pay by credit card or bank transfer.

What is NOT INCLUDED in the package?

The excluded items are flights, dinner on nights 1 & 10, lunches, and drinks! Although we will give you a few free grappas, like it or not!

Can I get a discount?

There are there ways to change the price: 1. If you provide your own ski equipment we will amend the package price. 2. If you make your own way to the base hotel and, 3. if you have an iKON ski pass. Anyone one or all of these will result in a change to your package price.

How do I book?

You can call us at +44 (0) 1733 865 443, drop us an email with the details of the trip that you want to book at my@Inspireditaly.com, or CLICK HERE.