Northern Italy Ski & Gourmet Adventure

Spend the morning on a fantastic ski tour which circumnavigates the Sella Massif - one of the most spectacular ski tours of the world. Considered somewhat of a “merry-go-round” for intermediate level skiers, this unique circular connection of lifts and runs was once the only way the inhabitants of the Ladin villages could maintain a connection with each other. Nowadays it’s a modern day carousel that connects four Dolomite passes, four Ladin valleys (Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Val di Fassa, and Arabba), and three districts.

This afternoon, enjoy a combination of skiing and fine cuisine – specially crafted Michelin-star dishes in the alpine huts of Alta Badia – the best of both worlds! “A Taste for Skiing in Alta Badia” is a joint effort between the Dolomitici (Alta Badia Michelin-starred chefs), fellow starred chefs from Europe, and ten rifugi. The aim is to focus on and promote the winning combination of skiing and fine food, which are undoubtedly two of the Alta Badia's strong points. Each chef is teamed up with a specific rifugio, creating recipes which use the best of typical South Tyrol’s produce – each a refined, yet simple and genuine, gourmet dish that the rifugio offers on their menu. Ski tour from rifugio to rifugio (hut to hut) in Alta Badia in the company of your guide, having appetizers, primo, secondo, and dessert, each at a different rifugio, together with some outstanding wines. This is truly a gourmet cuisine in the Dolomites experience not to be missed!

The aptly named “Queen of the Dolomites”, Marmolada boasts the highest peak of all the Dolomites, reaching a height of 3,342 meters (10,965'), and provides some of the most spectacular skiing experiences on earth. Your ski tour this morning begins in Arabba and moves on to Porta Vescovo, which offers mesmerizing views of the Marmolada Glacier. Next, continue on the Ornella run to Pescoi, over the ridge of Passo Padon, on through the Passo Fedaia and to Punta Rocca. This is an incredible route, covering over 1,300 meters (4,265') in elevation and offers an astonishing 12 kilometer-long (7.5 mile-long) run. The Marmolada Tour not only offers amazing ski adventures, but also provides some of the most beautiful views in the world.

At the end of the day of skiing this beautiful terrain, a snowmobile will pick you up on the pass and bring you to Rifugio Fuciade (1,980m / 6,496'), where you will stay tonight.

Tonight you will get the chance to taste some typical dishes of the delicious Trentino cuisine accompanied by a rich choice of local wines. The renowned and traditional restaurant, mentioned in several culinary guides, will be surely be appreciated not only for the quality of the food, but also and especially for the warmth and the welcoming hospitality.

Today may well be the visual highlight of your skiing this week, with anticipated emotional responses to some of the most stunning views of the Veneto and Trentino Dolomites: the group of the Pale di San Martino, Monzoni, Catinaccio, and Marmolada. You will have the chance to ski on the relaxed slopes in the sun as well as the more challenging ones in the shade of the gondola of Col Margherita, to ski down to Passo San Pellegrino, and over to the opposite face towards Cima Uomo.

From here you can ski to the settlement of Fodare, from where you'll travel by bus to Selva di Cadore. Skis back on, ski into the Civetta ski resort, passing by little romantic towns set between impressive mountains, magnificent valleys and silent forests: this is the ski area between the peaks of the Pelmo and the Civetta, in the heart of the Veneto Dolomites.

Ski down to the Cinque Torri (Five Towers) area today and arrive in Cortina d’Ampezzo, well-known all over the world for its fascinating beauty, surrounding mountains, and as host to the 1956 Winter Olympics. You will get to know all of its slopes, from the famous Olimpica (where the men’s Olympic downhill events were held, and for many years the stage of the Women’s World Cup); to the superb Canalone (or Canyon in English, where the women’s downhill Olympic events took place); and to the beautiful, but more tranquil, piste leading to Pomedes, which will bring you back to Son Dei Prade.

Enjoy a special dinner this evening at the Michelin star-rated Ristorante Tivoli. Small in size but extremely popular, the small veranda overlooking the mountains that, according to the Michelin guide “conceals a brilliant, wonderful cuisine that is at home with tradition, as well as with more creative dishes.” They take great care in their choice of fresh, local ingredients – beans from Lamon, mushrooms from Cadore, Lamb from Alpago – as well as fresh fish that arrives daily from the markets of Venice and Chioggia. Select from among the house specialties – from tartare of lobster with marinated cucumbers and mayonnaise crustaceans to the carousel of five chocolates – for an exceptional meal.

Enjoy a private transfer from Cortina to Innsbruck, Austria in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver.