About Us
We first travelled to rural Italy in the summer of 1988 and again in 1990, both times with a small group of close friends, all competitive hang glider pilots. We flew from Monte Cucco on the Umbria Marche border and our flights took us to remote villages many miles from launch where we discovered wonderful hilltop towns and delighted in unscripted, joyous experiences, creating indelible, life-long memories.
Creating ‘Soft Adventures’
We couldn’t have known it at the time but those first Italian adventures set the tone for the rest of our lives. In the years since we have only deepened our love for this wonderful country and our new passions for skiing and cycling have replaced our love for hang gliding.
Today through Inspired ITALY we create Ski Safaris in the Italian Dolomites aiming to leave our guests with their own indelible memories of a soft Italian adventure.
More Dinner Party than Coach Party
Your experience is delivered by us, in person.
Do you prefer to shy away from the major tourist hot spots, to favour the quieter slopes in search of the slightly more adventurous, authentic, local experiences?
And do you lean towards that finer bottle of wine, have an appreciation for handmade pasta, or take the time to absorb that big-sky, panoramic view?
If so, we will get along just fine!
And as with any great dinner party, it is all about the preparation. We ski every piste and personally craft each and every one of these adventures. Your experience is delivered by us, in person.
The Media Like Inspired ITALY Too
The Times, SNOW Magazine, Fall Line Magazine, SNOW Guide, Senirosskiing.com, PureWow and Yahoo News have all written feature articles or made recommendations about Inspired ITALY’s Dolomites Ski Safaris.
BBC Travel, the Telegraph, Road CC and Oldie magazine feature our soft adventures.
What do Our Guests Say?
⭐️ 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award
You are at the very centre of everything we do and every decision that we make.
Your experience is our only priority.
Inspired ITALY guests have awarded us with 102, 5-star reviews on Google and Tripadvisor. There are two 4 star reviews as well 😢!
And in 2020 TripAdvisor presented us with the Travellers Choice Award.
The Inspired ITALIAN’S
Matteo Baffi, Louise Anderton and Tim Hudson are the founders and directors of Inspired ITALY.
We are lifelong adventurers, enthusiastic hosts, and passionate about all things Italian!
Our Videos are all over YouTube!
Feedspot suggested that the Inspired ITALY YouTube channel is one of ’15 Italy Travel Youtube Channels To Follow in 2020’.
And the Leonardmlee YouTube cycling channel covered Inspired ITALY’s road cycling trips in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna.
Inspired ITALY: Highly respected in the travel industry
We Work With These Top Brands...
Choosing brands to work and collaborate with like the Active Travel Group is something that we carefully consider. We currently work closely with…
Bspoke Tours | Cycling for Softies | Ski Solutions
All of these companies are authorised by Inspired ITALY to resell our cycling and Dolomite Ski Safari adventures.
Travel Safely with us because We Are Bonded
A Member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT)
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 the following:
1. non-flight packages and
2. flight inclusive packages that commence outside of the EEA, which are sold to customers outside of the EEA.
ABTOT cover provides for a refund in the event you have not yet travelled or repatriation if you are abroad. Please note that bookings made outside the EEA are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with Inspired ITALY Ltd.
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.
Our Partners include …
Raleigh UK Ltd, Nottingham, UK – Inspired ITALY is a fully authorised dealer for Raleigh bikes, Haibike & Lapierre bikes.
BOSCH eBike Systems, Germany – Inspired ITALY is a fully authorised technical partner for Bosch eBike Systems.
Ski Rental Carlo Ski. Rezia Str. 71/A, 39046 Ortisei, Val Gardena, Italy.
Request a Call!
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Inspired ITALY Limited
Registered office: 39 Westgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1QR, United Kingdom
Registered in England, registration number 082882739
Office Address: Popeshead Court Offices, Peter Lane, York. YO1 8SU, United Kingdom. Telephone +44 (0) 1733 865443
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Contact Us...“As a Colorado resident and skier, I'm often asked why I travel to Europe to ski. Inspired Italy's Dolomites Ski Safari is the perfect answer.”
George ‘Jay’ Peabody 🇺🇸 Colorado
“I had never skied in Europe before and for anyone considering it, do yourself a favor, go to the Dolomites, and have Inspired Italy be your guide.”
Tom Heflin 🇺🇸 First time skiing Europe
“The lift technology and cable cars are completely new experiences compared to our Canadian resorts.
Roger Tarant 🇨🇦 from Whistler Blackcomb
”
“There is no way there is a better guide service and your experience will be sooo much better. I love the Dolomites!”
🇺🇸 Tom Heflin ❤️ Skiing The Dolomites …
“I have been with Inspired Italy four times and I still get the same thrill. ”
Andrew le Poidevin 🇬🇧
“What a brilliant holiday - to stay up on the mountain and be the first ones down in the morning on empty slopes - you can't beat that!”
Rose Wood 🇬🇧
“Skiing was sensational and the views were even better! Loved the food as well. Thank you Inspired Italy for a great week. We’re already planning our next Safari!”
Elin Yardley 🇨🇦
“Skiing with a small pack was super easy and comfortable and shows you don’t need much to get thru a week of skiing.”
🇨🇦 Roger Tarant
“This was a very demanding ski trip but well worth it. ”
David Sibiga 🇺🇸
“Amazing!!! Just Amazing! - It is hard to put into words what an amazing experience this is!”
Sharon Cook 🇺🇸
“We didn't really know what to expect other than we'd be skiing a lot and seeing a lot of the Dolomites. This experience was beyond our expectations. ”
Sharon Cook 🇺🇸
“We did the Venture Safari and have made lifelong memories and lifelong friends with our new Ski Safari family.”
Sharon Cook 🇺🇸
“Fabulous first runs down pristine slopes. Everything works like clockwork, even the weather was set to sunny....”
Jen Gillman 🇬🇧
“First tracks in the early morning sun is every skier's dream, with precision, clockwork guiding! Perfect!”
David Lillystone 🇬🇧
“Exceeded all expectations and I just can’t wait to come again. Thank you Inspired Italy!”
Col. Neil Hutton CBE 🇬🇧
“If you want to enjoy a real skiing experience, travel to places you would never normally find on an ordinary ski holiday, then book a Ski Safari with Inspired Italy. Stay on the Mountain and ski First Tracks every morning.”
Robin Murray 🏴
“I did not need to think, only experience. And what a way to experience the Dolomites for the first time.”
Jim Putnam 🇺🇸
“I assumed a guide meant a high price but I calculated that was cheaper with Inspired Italy than self-booking.”
🇬🇧 Dr. Nick Johnson
“Can not imagine a better experience. Tim and Mateo could not have done a better job. Their personality, ski ability and knowledge of the area was unbelievable.”
Tom Heflin 🇺🇸
“We had a private group from the US, and it could not have gone better. Everything from our pick-up in Innsbruck to accommodations, food & great skiing were perfect and exactly as described. Do yourself a favor and travel with these folks. Hoping to travel with them again, Cheers.”
Chris Clarke 🇺🇸
“EXCEPTIONAL SKI SAFARI - Inspired Italy SKI SAFARI is in high demand for a reason. Their organization and charm make an experience with them superb. Sign up today! 👍🏼”
Chris Clarke 🇺🇸
“We left feeling like we made lifelong friends and can’t wait for our paths to cross again.”
Katie Price 🇺🇸
“We were concerned that we wouldn’t have enough snow on this trip and that it would be difficult to backpack each day but that wasn’t an issue at all.”
Katie Price 🇺🇸
“We LOVED every minute of it. From the variety of ski slopes, explanations of the mountains and history, lifts, Refugios, food, and drinks - it was all there. (The sun was even shining 5 out of the 6 days.)”
Katie Price 🇺🇸
“Your attention to detail didn’t go unnoticed. Too many highlights packed in each day to describe. It surpassed all expectations!!”
Katie Price.. 🇺🇸
“If anyone is considering this trip through the Dolomites with Inspired Italy, you will not be disappointed!
Mike Price 🇺🇸
We had a great trip and created lifelong memories….Tim, Matty, and Lou are true professionals!
Ciao!!”
“You guys really knocked it out of the park….accommodations, food, communication, terrain, local knowledge- it was all there, and more!💯”
Mike Price 🇺🇸 Private CLASSIC Dolomites Ski Safari
“Thank you for the most fabaroonie Ski Safari ever! I’ve enjoyed them all, but this one was the best in my opinion.”
DOLCE TEMPO Ski Safari by Manda Bennett 🇬🇧
“This trip is crazy beautiful, we enjoy every moment thx 👏”
Rochelle Joubert 🇿🇦
“The route had been thoughtfully put together, it was incredibly varied. It did put us through our paces, both physically and mentally (one of us is in our late seventies)”
Alistair M 🇨🇦
“Inspired Italy - it is their first-hand personal experience and knowledge which allows you to eat and stay at the most amazing places ..”
David C 🇬🇧
“What surprised me was how relaxing it was and how you just switch off and enjoy the beauty of it all.”
Hazel Dumore 🇬🇧
“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 🇬🇧
“Fantastic experience! Sleeping at the top of the mountain and early morning untracked corduroy or powder.”
Grant Milne 🇦🇺
“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 on a Family Dolomites Ski Safari 🇬🇧
“it was without a doubt the best week of our lives so far (except perhaps our wedding week!)”
Bethany & Dan O’Mullane 🇦🇺
“… we had all had an ABSOLUTE BALL ...”
Felicity ‘Billy’ Clark on a Private 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. 🇬🇧
“Writing [the Google review] pulled on my heartstrings and made me want to do it all over again.”
Marion Clare Williams 🇺🇸
“...so great to have a leader. No stopping at the top to look where to go. No worrying about when or where to eat. Just great skiing and great new friends...”
Missey Zlotcha 🇺🇸 Dolomites Ski Safari
“... all we had to do was enjoy some of the best skiing we've ever had ...”
Jo Metcalfe, Tailor-Made Dolomites Ski Safari 🇬🇧
“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 🇳🇿
“A huge thank you for a really fabulous week. Once my first day nerves had calmed down I really enjoyed the skiing!!”
Katie, a solo skier 🇬🇧
“Thanks everyone for putting up with the lone Yank. Y'all were way too much fun to travel with.”
Paul Dowler, a solo skier Utah 🇺🇸
“A great “thank you” to Tim and Louise, for the inspiration to do this, in this way.”
Tim Ferrari, a solo skier 🏴
“It made such a lovely change to be skiing on such empty slopes and in such good snow conditions, and the views were, of course, superb. A lovely holiday, and great company. Thank you.”
Patricia, a solo skier 🇬🇧
“This is a fantastic opportunity to never ski the same run twice, to be guided by an expert not only on the slopes but on the ‘watering holes’ too! To be the only people at the top in the morning is a real treat. Skiing with a small pack seemed to make no difference, much to my surprise! All I would say is it is worth getting fit before you go. I thoroughly recommend this wonderful original ski holiday.”
Lavinia Shaw-Brown 🇬🇧
“I did endless research beforehand wondering whether it would work out as a holiday, was Italy the right spot, and Inspired Italy the right company? All I can say all 8 of us loved it.”
Nicola Odey 🇬🇧
“The Inspired ITALY Dolomites Ski Safari was not only the best ski holiday but the best holiday we have ever had. Tim’s local knowledge and rapport with the locals added an extra dimension to the trip. We really felt that we got to know this beautiful part of Italy as well as enjoying some incredible skiing on uncrowded slopes.”
Jo & Adam Metcalf 🇬🇧
“What a great feeling it is when you stood there on the top of the mountain and pointed to the piste saying: "Guys, the piste is yours!" And we skied down, on, a totally fresh and empty slope, in the morning sun. THAT is something no other operator can provide!”
Karl Lintner 🇦🇹
“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 🇬🇧
“Once again, many thanks to you and your team for an excellent week.”
John Daines 🇬🇧
“… it is seriously the best ski trip we have done for a long time … possibly ever.”
Diane Farmer 🇬🇧
“Fantastic experience! Sleeping at the top of the mountain and early morning untracked corduroy or powder”
Grant Milne 🇦🇺
“Huts don't have to be hardcore, especially when your staying in the jewel of the Dolomites darling!”
Fall Line Magazine 🇬🇧
“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 🇬🇧
“A scene that is quiet the most idyllic I've seen in any winter landscape”
SNOW Magazine
“These are not the kind of places you stumble upon by chance and perfectly illustrate the wisdom of tapping into local knowledge.”
SNOW Magazine
“Just a short note to say thank you for everything last week. All 6 of us had a fantastic time. Everything worked like clockwork from arrival to departure. Our three days guiding were terrific. The Paul Simon duo (call me Betty and you can call me Al) are amazing as of course is Tim!! Willies for steak and vino will be a long term memory. Hotel Grones is brilliant and staff are the best around. Thanks again. Hope to see you all again next year ...”
Eamonn B 🇮🇪 Private Dolomites Ski Safari
“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 🇬🇧