Italy 14:26 – 27 September 2023

SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari

A ski adventure set amongst an awe inspiring landscape

Skiing the Dolomites | North, South, East & West

Stay on the Mountain in the Best Rifugi

The Inspired ITALY SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari is all about being on the mountain, day and night. Challenging skiing and exciting ski days that begin on a newly prepared, groomed ski slope. Each morning you are first on the mountain and you never have to ski the same piste twice – unless you really want to!

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- Limited to 6 Guests per Safari -

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Prices from $4,138 per person View Prices

Summary

  • 6 Guests per Group
  • 6 Day Full Area Ski Pass
  • 6 Days Ski Rental
  • Experience the best high-mountain rifugi in the Dolomites
  • Helicopter | Early morning transfer from San Pellegrino to Marmolada
  • Ski-Doo | Transfer from San Pellegrino Ski Area to Rifugio Fuciade
  • Wine Tasting at Rifugio Fuciade
  • Horse Tow | The Hidden Valley
  • 5 Rifugi Nights | 4 Different Rifugi ...
  • ... Rifugio Fuciade | Rifugio Averau (2 nights) | Rifugio Kronplatz | Rifugio Baita Cuz

Statistics

  • ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
  • Six Full Ski Days
  • 110+ lifts
  • 37,000m+ / 120,000ft vertical drop
  • 240k / 149 miles ski distance
  • 9 Dolomite Ski Resorts
  • 16 Ski Areas
  • -- Statistics vary from Safari to Safari. These are typical --
  • Inspired ITALY SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari - GOOGLE MAPS

“We had the most marvellous Dolomites Ski Safari, it was beyond anything I had ever expected. Such an adventure in such an awe inspiring landscape, all so well planned and executed. Our guide wasn't half bad either, in fact he was terrific.”

Belinda Callaway on a Dolomites Ski Safari 🇳🇿

“10 out of 10 - a wonderful unique experience. Skiing perfectly groomed pistes at 8:30 in a foot of fresh powder before anyone else”

Lizzie Norton, former owner of Ski Solutions Ltd. 🇬🇧

“Fantastic experience! Sleeping at the top of the mountain and early morning untracked corduroy or powder”

Grant Milne 🇦🇺

Day by day

The Inspired ITALY Special Dolomites Ski Safari offers a packed 6 ski day itinerary covering approx 240k of skied distance utilizing over 110 ski lifts!

#StayontheMountain

Day 1: Arrival

Transfer from Innsbruck (or prefered arrival point) via Ortisei and ski equipment fitting.

18:00 Welcome, Drinks & Briefing

Highlights

Arrival at the Hotel Cavallino d'Oro

Accommodation

Hotel Cavallino d'Oro

The Cavallino d'Oro is perfectly-presented. The owners take real pride in their lovely hotel. The rooms are medium-sized, with comfortable beds and tastefully decorated. The bar and restaurant are very high standard - breakfasts are excellent. The staff are very friendly and helpful.

Day 2: Santa's Balls & the Lovers Piste

08:15 - Transfer from Castlerotto by private taxi to Obereggen.

Ski Obereggen to Predazzo, Latemar - Predazzo transfer to San Pellegrino - Ski San Pellegrino - Ski-Doo transfer to Rifugio Fuciade.

Highlights

★Ski-Doo Transfer ★Rif.Fuciade ★Pistes = Santas Balls, Innamorati

Statistics

18 lifts | 5,581m vert | 25.90k+ skied

Accommodation

Rifugo Fuciade, Passo San Pellegrino | Dolomites

Sergio Rossi inherited the Fuciade in 1983 from his uncle, Don Giovanni, one of the three priests who created the rifugio in the early 60's. Sergio first learned his culinary secrets in the local valleys. Today his dishes are no longer secret and the challenge of the arrival is rewarded by an unforgettable menu.

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 3: The SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari | Marmolada Morning

07:45 - Start with a ski-doo transfer to blow out the morning cobwebs! Then the short helicopter transfer to the Marmolada ski area and 'Fresh-Tracks' on your Marmolada Morning.

This world class, 12k ski trail offers 1,810m vertical, wide slopes and just amazing skiing!

Highlights

★Serrai ★Civetta Ski Area ★Pistes = Marmolada

Statistics

11 lifts | 6,714m vert | 33.80k+ skied

Accommodation

Rifugio Averau, 5 Torri, Cortina d'Ampezzo

The Sunday Times included Rifugio Averau on the list of the ten best mountain restaurants in the Alps. Rifugio Averau has won many prestigious Italian and international awards, confirming their reputation. Sandro Siorpaes and his wife Paola delight their customers by offering a traditional dishes but with added refinements.

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 4: Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Safari

08:50 - Ski Cortona d’Ampezzo. The 10 min 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 taxi to 5 Torri.

Highlights

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

Statistics

18 lifts | 5,251m vert | 26.50k+ skied

Accommodation

Rifugio Averau, 5 Torri, Cortina d'Ampezzo

The Rifugio Averau wine cellar offers a selection of 170 prestigious Italian and European labels to satisfy all lovers of good wine. Averau also offers a selection of craft beers, amri and grappa from the Alps, various national and international spirits.

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 5: St. Croce Pilgrimage via The Hidden Valley

08:55 - Ski through the 5 Torri and Lagazuoi backcountry before taking the Lagazuoi box. Fresh tracks along the Hidden Valley, at its quiet best. Take your time.

Lunch is a highlight today at Ütia La Crusc (2.045 m) at the foot of ‘Sas dla Crusc’ in the most beautiful, scenic location.

Taxi to Piculin. And just when you think its all over tackle the piste ERTA - the new Women's World Cup Slalom run!

Highlights

★Horse Tow ★Pistes = Hidden Valley, St.Croce, ERTA - Women's World Cup Slalom

Statistics

19 lifts | 4,561 vert | 29.50k+ skied

Accommodation

Rifugio Kronplatz | Kronplatz

Rifugio Kronplatz (2,080m ASL) is 200 meters from the top of the Kronplatz. Offering remarkable vistas south towards the main Dolomite mountains. Music is important at Rifugio Kronplatz.

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 6: The Longest Ski Safari Day

08:30 - Slip by the Kronplatz bell on the way to Ried. The network of ski slopes corkscrews this Christmas pudding of a ski mountain. If the ski lift is 5.8k imagine the length of the piste! The Piculin black tests the thighs. Return to Alta Badia and a memorable lunch - wine & a steak? Don't over do it, there is still a long way to go.

Highlights

★Kronplatz Bell ★Lunch ★Pistes = Reid, Piculin black (optional)

Statistics

24 lifts | 7,240m vert | 38.00k+ skied

Accommodation

Rifugio Baita Cuz, Val di Fassa

A night at Baita Cuz is a unique and unforgettable experience. Immersed in the heart of the Buffaure mountain, you will not be disturbed by any noise. Enjoy the candour of the a wonderful winter setting and a glass of wine in the sauna while enjoying the sunset. Most of all rise for the sunset, and if you’re fortunate enough, gaze in awe at the illumination of the Rosengarten.

Find out more:
Travellers Tales article

Day 7: Curves & Corners & a Home Run

08:30 - we are on our way home but we're out on a boomer day! There are too many corking ski slopes to challenge you today! Buffaure 1, Vulcano, Thöni, Tomba, Pera, Ciampac, Lupo Bianco, Charlie, Florian. (OMG, why am I writing this when I could be skiing?)

Highlights

★Sunrise ★Pistes = as above...

Statistics

19 lifts | 5,992m vert | 29.8k skied

Accommodation

Hotel Cavallino d'Oro, Castlerotto

We came here for the start and the final day of the Ski Safari of the Dolomites. I have travelled literally around the whole world, but have yet to find a hotel personnel as friendly and helpful as the one encountered here. But of course, that is not all; the hotel has class with its imitation rustic furniture, a pleasant bar and library room; the rooms are small, but you don't come here to spend the day in the room... Great breakfast buffet, too.

Day 8: Departure

At your leisure! Do take time to enjoy the Cavallino d'Oro breakfast and the attention of the wonderful Maria-Grazia!

Highlights

Breakfast!

The service is genuinely incredible. Especially the breakfast staff, fantastic!

Journey Map

Skiing Adventure in the Italian Dolomites

“... truly memorable ski slopes and to travel great distances.”

Inspired ITALY's SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari stays on-piste. Day after day after day, you are challenged with truly memorable ski slopes and to travel great distances using only groomed ski trails.

Challenging Skiing & Soft Ski Adventure

7 nights and 6 full ski days covering nine of the Dolomite Superski areas - see below - this is an adventure set amongst an awe-inspiring landscape.

Every detail is taken care of for you. All you have to do is remember your ski legs, have your camera ready and take in some of the best Dolomites ski slopes and high-mountain accommodation on offer.

More Valleys

We cover a lot of terrain – more than the Inspired ITALY Classic Dolomite Ski Safari or any other Ski Safari! We occasionally stop for coffee, but not often.

Ski Areas

*Obereggen,  *San Pellegrino, *Marmolada, *Civetta, *5 Torri, *Cortina d’Ampezzo, *Hidden Valley, *Alta Badia, *Santa Croce Pilgrimage, *Plan de Corones/Kronplatz, *Arabba, *Ciampac, *Buffaure, *Catinaccio Rosengarten, *Plan di Gralba, *Alpe di Siusi.

- SPECIAL SKI SAFARI MAP -

Inspired by Locals

“My strongest memory is the feeling I had of being away from people and everyday matters. Michael M. ”

The locals have travelled as skiers through these mountains for many years. The Inspired ITALY SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari follows their ski tracks. It is about being on the mountain, day and night, staying with friends in high-mountain rifugi, enjoying their company, wonderful foods and the tranquil atmosphere.

A Real Escape

Your Ski Leader takes care of the detail. All you need to do is peruse the menu, the wine list and make sure that your boots are tight enough.

 

“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 🇬🇧

“An enormous 'thank you' for all that you did to ensure that we had one of the best, if not the best, skiing holidays ever.”

Ally Gregory 🇬🇧

“We had the most marvellous Dolomites Ski Safari, it was beyond anything I had ever expected. Such an adventure in such an awe inspiring landscape, all so well planned and executed. Our guide wasn't half bad either, in fact he was terrific.”

Belinda Callaway on a Dolomites Ski Safari 🇳🇿

Best Bits

  • The Best High-Mountain Rifugi
  • Helicopter Transfer
  • Snow Mobile Transfer to rifugio
  • Maximum 6 Guests per Group
  • On-Piste, Groomed Slopes
  • All Black Slopes are Optional
  • Outstanding Dining & Wine Experiences
  • Small Groups | 6 Guests maximum per group

SPECIAL DOLOMITE SKI SAFARI FAQ'S

What makes the SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari 'special'? So many things! You stay in the best rifugi, and experience a wonderful helicopter flight through some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. To make no mention of the food, wines, great ski slopes and the additional areas that you cover. As Andy S. said, "this is my third ski safari and it surpassed the other two, which wasn't easy because they were great!"

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 SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari. The SPECIAL Dolomites Ski Safari isn't about 'speed'. It is about 'pace'. And it is partly why groups are restricted to 6 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 SPECIAL 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 overestimate, and some 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 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 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 and specially designed for skiers. You get to keep the pack after your Dolomites Ski Safari. You are only required to ski with your backpack 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!

Does the Rifugio have wifi? All rifugi have WiFi. Some are better than others but posting your pictures to Facebook and picking up email 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 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 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 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 freeskiing 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, and 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

$4,138 per person

Your adventure includes:

Your adventure includes:

  • 7 Nights Accommodation
  • Six Day Full Area Ski Pass
  • Six Days Ski Rental
  • 5 Rifugi Nights - Half Board - 4 Different Rifugi
  • 2 Base Hotel Nights - B&B - 4Star Accommodation
  • Helicopter Transfer
  • Snowmobile Transfer
  • 9 Dolomite Ski Areas
  • Private Taxi Transfer from Innsbruck Airport
  • *Private Helicopter Transfer from Innsbruck available on request
  • EXCLUDED Flights, Ski Boots, Helmet, Lunches & 2 Dinners

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The memory of that day will stay with me forever ... it started with 2 fresh runs down Marmolada and ended with a blissful stay at Averau! Unreal!

Karen White

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