Livigno, in the heart of the Italian Alps in Lombardy is known as Italy’s Little Tibet and, as well as a winter wonderland with over 115 kilometres of ski trails, it is also a popular summer destination, a place in which to regenerate the mind and the body enjoying a direct and privileged contact with nature. 

Modern lifts to over 3,000 metres altitude

The start of Livigno’s summer season is 11 June, coinciding with the opening of the Mottolino Bike Park. On 25 June it will be the turn of the Mountain Park Carosello 3000 and, on 1 July, of the Mountain Area Sitas with modern lifts that quickly reach over 3,000 metres altitude with just one Bike Pass, which is the summer version of the Ski Pass. With these openings Livigno gets into full summer mode with a network of hiking, running and biking trails that are accessible to all and a varied range of opportunities for fun and relaxation with outdoor experiences, good food and glamorous shopping in its over 250 exclusive boutiques.

Chasing the myth of great Italian cycling

With more than 3,200 GPS-mapped kilometres, 17 of cycle paths and three bike areas for all levels, the bicycle is undoubtedly the queen of an active holiday in Livigno. Enduro, cross-country, flow-country, downhill, e-bike and road-bike: there is no discipline on two wheels that cannot be practiced here, and those approaching it for the first time will find qualified instructors and guides at the Bike Skill Center. 

Cycling with champions 

There are many ideal starting and finishing points for unforgettable trips over the Alpine passes that have made cycling history - Stelvio, Gavia, Mortirolo, Bernina, Foscagno and Maloja -  and the Wednesday Pedala con il Campione  pedaling with the champion events allow bikers to pedal in the company of the many professionals who choose Livigno for their mountain training. Add in quality accommodation services and facilities, hiking and trekking, excursions and climbing with Alpine Guides, but also running, horse riding, paragliding, golf, tennis and fishing, and Livinio has just the right activity for every age and taste.  

Plogging. Personal well-being and helping nature

To give even more value and meaning to an experience of total immersion in nature, this summer Plogging will return to Livigno. Imported from Sweden, plogging combines the search for one's inner wellbeing with the physical and mental benefits that come from taking care of one's surroundings. Before setting off on an excursion, those wishing to plog can collect a waste collection kit consisting of a rucksack, gloves and pliers from the Active Hotels and tourist information centres. Making a meaningful contribution to the protection of Livigno's natural alpine eco-system will be their reward on their return.

Shopping, nightlife and gourmet food

Experiencing a holiday surrounded by nature does not mean excluding the comforts and amusements typical of the city, and when it comes to lifestyle, shopping and nightlife, Livigno is a destination that knows how to please even the most demanding visitors. Summer 2022 will also see the return of big events with the Sentiero Gourmet (15 July), the tried and tested food format curated by the Livigno Association of Chefs and Pastry Chefs that offers visitors a chance to discover the tastes of the territory through gourmet finger food and traditional dishes prepared by five-starred chefs. 

For further information: www.livigno.eu

Following the completion of the first phase of a series of restyling and expansion works, the Club Med Pragelato Sestriere, which is west of Turin, has just reopened. For a total investment of some €20 million by the property’s owner, Hsbc Assurance vie, the public areas, the La Tana and Piemonte restaurants, the Club Med spa by Payot, and the fitness facility, have all been remodelled and enlarged. With work due to start after the end of the next winter season on 17 new chalets, which will then total 88, there will then be a total of 388 keys, of which over 130 are at least 70sqm in size.  

Skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing

Tucked away in a peaceful valley at 1,600 metres Club Med Pragelato Sestriere resembles a pretty hamlet of ski chalets set around a village fountain. At this all-inclusive family resort guests can ski or snowboard down the Olympic slopes of the Via Lattea and Sestriere ski domains and also enjoy snowshoeing through winter landscapes with snow-dusted pines.

“We have every chance this will prove to be a good season”

"Despite the strong impact of the health crisis on tourism Club Med has continued with its development programmes, which include 16 new openings by 2023,” says Henri Giscard d'Estaing, the Group’s president during the official presentation of the new Pragelato resort.  “We never stopped work, and we opened new resorts like the Club Med Charlevoix in Canada and La Rosière  which is in the French Alps between Italy and France. We perceive the desire of families from all over the world to rediscover what has been lost due to the pandemic, and I think we have every chance that this will prove to be a good season.”

Cervinia, Cortina d'Ampezzo, Selva di Val Gardena, Courmayeur, and the village of Zermatt in Switzerland, are just some of the winter resorts in Gabetti’s Short Rent snow line of 90 exclusive houses and chalets. The new Gabetti line comes after the recent partnership with the specialties and goal-oriented cluster of the Alpitour group, and connectivity, technological entertainment, spas and saunas, gyms, swimming pools and kids' areas are just some of the services available to holidaymakers at New Year.

Exclusive chalets and luxury villas 

"The new snow line - says Emiliano Di Bartolo, CEO of G Rent s.p.a. - allows us to significantly expand by adding exclusive chalets located in the most famous mountain resorts to the luxury villas and apartments we have in Italy and abroad. This gives new impetus to our luxury line of top quality properties for short rentals. Christmas is just around the corner and we are doing our utmost to make these vacations enjoyable and exciting for holidaymakers who choose the mountains to toast in the New Year.”  

Christmas 10% cash-back promo

Coinciding with the launch of the new snow line Gabetti Short Rent has a Christmas Promo with a 10% cash-back discount for bookings made by next 31 December. The promotion, valid for bookings with a minimum value of €5,000 will be usable for subsequent vacations confirmed by 2022.

This winter the Obereggen and Carezza ski areas in the Val d'Ega in the South Tyrol, Italy’s northernmost province, are ready with 90 kilometres of downhill slopes, 100 kilometres of cross-country tracks, sledding and countless hiking trails.  At the foot of the imposing massifs of the Catinaccio and Latemar in the heart of the Dolomites, these two ski areas offer exceptional experiences for skiers of all levels including families and children.

Skiing, sledding and snowboarding, restaurants and lodges

In addition to being one of the 12 ski areas of the Dolomiti Superski, these Val d’Ega facilities are also part of the Obereggen-Val di Fiemme consortium, whose ski pass allows you to ski in the Obereggen, Pampeago and Predazzo area and in the Cermis-Cavalese, Alpe Lusia and Bellamonte areas in Val di Fiemme. In Obereggen as well as the skiing, sledding and snowboarding there are many food outlets and 12 splendid lodges with large panoramic terraces.

Val Di Fiemme

Special facilities for children 

Carezza is considered the most popular ski area for families and children who can enjoy ski schools, leisure areas, a themed run and various other activities. It has also upgraded its artificial snow, offering experienced winter sports lovers and novices alike captivating slopes on which to practice snowboarding, sledding, skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Special offers for exciting days on the slopes

The Dolomiti Super Première package is valid up to 22nd December 2021 and offers one free day for every four-day stay. The offer covers accommodation, ski passes, ski schools and equipment from €307 per person in half board.  From 9 to 29 January and from 20 March to 18 April 2022, Obereggen for Families offers young skiers the opportunity to take their first steps on skis in two snow-covered parks at  €1400 for 7 nights including many benefits. 

Discounts for young skiers

In Carezza the All Family Pass is valid from 2 to 9 January, 29 January to 2 February and from the 5 to 19 March 2022.  The 7-night package includes accommodation and free ski passes for all children under 8 years, a 30% discount for children up to 16 years and a 6-day ski pass for Fassa/Carezza.

The Blu Hotels properties ready for the winter season are the Linta Hotel Wellness & Spa in Asiago which has splendid views of the surrounding mountains, and the Blu Hotel Natura & Spa in Folgaria, a few steps from the centre of the ski resort and close to the slopes and ski lifts, while the Hotel Rezia in Bormio, a flagship of Valtellina hospitality, joins for the first time. 

Grand Hotel Misurina to open on 23 December

Opening from 18 December are the Golf Hotel in Folgaria which is directly on the ski slopes, and the Blu Hotel Acquaseria in Ponte di Legno, in the splendid setting of Mount Adamello. The last to open, on Thursday 23 December will be the Grand Hotel Misurina, overlooking the shores of charming Lake Misurina, the Sporthotel Kurzras in Maso Corto in Val Senales, and the Grand Hotel del Parco in Pescasseroli in the Abruzzo National Park, while the Blu Hotel Senales Zirm-Cristal opened a few weeks ago. 

Guaranteeing comfort and safety

All the hotels’ restaurants and wellness centers will be in operation in compliance with the measures to combat Covid. "We have hotels in some of Italy’s most famous ski resorts, and we are committed to guaranteeing the comfort and safety of our guests,” underlines Manuela Miraudo, the Group’s Events & Communications Manager.

Trenord’s Snow Trains are back. These integrated train + shuttle + ski pass packages allow passengers to choose a completely sustainable journey to the main ski areas in the Lombardy region. The project is part of the broader initiative conceived by Trenord to promote sustainable tourism in Lombardy, and the destinations to choose from for the winter season are Aprica, Montecampione, Pontedilegno-Tonale and Valmalenco.

A special offer for those who prefer to put on snowshoes

The special tickets can be used up to 10 April 2022 and include the round trip on Trenord trains from all over Lombardy to the stations closest to the ski areas, the shuttle bus service to the ski resorts - available by reservation, by contacting the telephone number on the ticket at least 24 hours in advance - and the ski pass. And for the 2021 season, there is the new Snowshoe Offer in the Valmalenco for those who prefer walking to skiing.

Don’t forget your Green Pass

The integrated Snow Trains packages can be purchased on the trenord.it website, all you have to do is indicate the date of use. The travel document does not require validation: just print it and take it with you on board. To access the ski facilities you must comply with the provisions of the authorities in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is mandatory to have your Green Pass certification with you.

Cross-country skiing just a stone's throw from the sea will become reality on the occasion of Caorle Wonderland 2021-2022, the Christmas events in the coastal city an hour from Venice. The 400-metre course, aptly named Skii-country, runs along the city’s coastline, and there is also a special ski rental service and a careful checking process that ensures the safety of all participants.

Skiing on an ecological synthetic surface 

The starting point of the route is located close to the iconic Sanctuary of the Madonna dell’Angelo, nestled against the cliffs of Caorle. The entire track then runs along the coast with the sea on one side and the Christmas lights of the city above. Made of synthetic material the course is an ecological choice made by the organizers so you find yourself gliding along on a synthetic surface, which feels just like snow and ice. And it provides huge energy savings as it does not have to be kept at sub-zero temperatures.

A roller coaster and Santa’s Grotto

The 2021/2022 edition of Caorle Wonderland is an extraordinary marathon of non-stop events running up to 9 January.  In ​​via Salita dei Fiori Music Land will delight younger visitors who can enjoy music from famous DJs as well as the enchanted castle, the roller coaster and the Star Wars carousel rides. Piazza Papa Giovanni XXIII will host the fairy-tale carousel and a 3D cinema. Piazza Mercato will be transformed into Santa’s Grotto which will then give way to the Befana on 6 January. 

Merry-go-rounds and a giant Ferris wheel

Between Largo Francesconi and Piazza Pio X a high-altitude panoramic carousel and a 15-meter Christmas tree will stand out, and in Campo degli Oriondi, the artificial ice-skating rink is in the same material as the cross-country ski track. And, last but not least, Piazza Matteotti has a children's village with merry-go-rounds, a climbing adventure trail, a train ride and a giant Ferris wheel overlooking the historic centre.

In the winter of 2021/2022 skiing becomes accessible again thanks to Skipasslombardia. The entrepreneurial world of the mountains wants to restart, and the Lombardy region is already looking ahead to the 2026 Olympics and, with this in mind, they have entered into a partnership with Scalapay.

The “buy now, pay later” plan has interest-free instalments  

Scalapay is the market leader in "buy now, pay later" which allows consumers to pay for goods and services in interest-free instalments. All the Skipasslombardia subscriptions can be purchased online. The two new options are a Split Season Pass: €350 (which can be paid in instalments), or the Working Season Pass: €520 extendable, valid on all weekdays in medium and low season and usable in pay per use mode in peak season and at weekends.

“Making the slopes more accessible for customers”

"We are happy to encourage enthusiasts to return to the slopes - comments Matteo Ciccalé, Scalapay's partnerships director - and we are pleased that Anef puts customers at the centre of its policies, offering more sustainable methods of access and payment". The Scalapay logo will have great visibility thanks to its presence on the cards and posters in the ski resort and the start-up is strengthened as a tool in the entertainment and sports sector to make the slopes more accessible for customers.”

“Scalapay is a great opportunity”

"For us, after a very difficult year, it is important to give users maximum flexibility and plenty of products to choose from - adds Massimo Fossati, president of AnefSki Lombardia -. Scalapay is a great opportunity and a fantastic collaboration offering great opportunities in the mountains in Lombardy.”

Relax your mind and invigorate your body by immersing yourself in the warm waters of the swimming pools at the best hotels in South Tyrol. The Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort is a top destination for skiing and wellness lovers alike, thanks to its special tailor-made services and unique location. Among its 2500 square metres of wellness, it offers a rooftop infinity pool with water at 33 degrees and an incomparable view of the Dolomites, exclusively for adults, and the large panoramic outdoor whirlpool is great for the whole family (Tel. +39 0474501036, www.myexcelsior.com).

Watch skiers from the Romantik Hotel Cappella’s outdoor pool

In Colfosco the Romantik Hotel Cappella is a recently renovated 5-star hotel boasting an outdoor relaxation area and a heated outdoor pool with a breath-taking view. Immersed in the water at 30 degrees, you can contemplate not only a truly special panorama of the Dolomites but also watch skiers whizzing past on the slope that rises right next to the hotel (Tel. 0471836183, www.romantikhotels.com).

Skiing and wellness in Dobbiaco’s Romantik Hotel Santer

A privileged perspective is also offered by the Romantik Hotel Santer in Dobbiaco. Here you can really enjoy the mountains which are perfect for skiing and delight in the more relaxing wellness centre with its indoor pool, relaxation areas, whirlpool, saunas and a panoramic outdoor pool with 36 degree water (Tel. 0474972142, www.romantikhotels.com).

The Romantik Hotel Post Cavallino Bianco in Nova Levante has a winter garden

The 30-degree outdoor swimming pool of the Romantik Hotel Post Cavallino Bianco in Nova Levante cannot be experienced as a simple bath as it is surrounded by a 45,000 square metre winter garden, with the imposing Latemar mountain ruling the landscape. The reinvigorating swimming pool is just one of the hotel's wellness offerings, and is also inspired by the Dolomites.(Tel. 0471613113, www.romantikhotels.com).

The 5-star Romantik Hotel Turm in Fié allo Sciliar has a salt grotto

Last but not least, the view from the Black Pool at the 5-star Romantik Hotel Turm in Fié allo Sciliar is breath-taking, as is the surrounding landscape especially when the Sciliar mountains are covered in snow. From the outdoor pool you can also directly access the indoor pool, and then perhaps decide to relax in the mountain pine sauna, the aromatic Turkish bath, the salt grotto, the new sauna, the gym or even the recently built relaxation room. (Tel. 0471725014, www.romantikhotels.com).

The 8th Gourmet Skisafari will take to the slopes of the Alta Badia on Saturday 11 December, giving skiers the opportunity to move from one Alpine refuge to another to taste the creations of the participating chefs. Chefs Simone Cantafio (Ristorante La Stüa de Michil, Hotel La Perla, Corvara, 1 Michelin star) and Marco Martini (Marco Martini Restaurant, Rome, 1 Michelin star) are participating for the first time, while Alberto Faccani (Magnolia Ristorante, Cesenatico, 2 Michelin stars) is representing the chefs who participated in previous editions. 

Passes for the Gourmet Skisafari can be purchased in advance at the tourist offices in Alta Badia, or directly at the participating refuges. The € 60 ticket includes 3 dishes and wines. For further information and reservations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Sunrisa. Dawn skiing and a hearty breakfast at 2,000 meters

On Monday 20 December the Col Alto and Piz Sorega ski lifts open their doors at dawn to give passionate skiers the opportunity to see the sun rise at 2,000m and ski on perfectly prepared slopes. They can also enjoy gourmet breakfasts at the Club Moritzino, Ütia I Tablá, Ütia de Bioch, Ütia Piz Arlara and Ütia Las Vegas refuges.  

Sommelier on the slopes 

In Alta Badia you can enjoy the best South Tyrolean wines with Sommelier on the slopes scheduled for 14 December 2021, 11 and 25 January, 15 February, 8 March and 5 April 2022. Participants will be accompanied by a ski instructor and a sommelier and the price of the tastings is € 40.00 per person.     

A Wine Safari on Skis 

On Sunday 20 March 2022, Alta Badia brings the best South Tyrolean wines to high altitude for an exclusive tasting, which will be held from 10 am to 4 pm, at the Piz Arlara, Ütia de Bioch, I Tablà and Pralongià refuges. Tickets can be purchased directly on site, cost € 30,00 per person and include the entire wine selection. For information: Alta Badia Information Offices - www.altabadia.org

Although Ticino is known for its lakeside Mediterranean winters, it also offers the opportunity to enjoy nature in the stunning snow-capped mountains. Every year new hiking and snowshoeing trails await you. Monoski courses in Airolo extend the largest Ticino skiing district’s opportunities to those with disabilities. This special device allows for speed and mobility while also remaining compatible with ski lifts. Traditional dualskiing is also offered, both guided and unguided, accommodating all levels of autonomy.

New winter hiking trail to the Capanna Gorda

The new 6.23 km long winter hiking trail of the Bleno Valley, leads to the seasonal Gorda Cabin with an elevation change of roughly 600 metres. Tours set off from Camperio and go through an enchanting fir forest to the cabin, while overnight stays are available in the heated neighbouring building named GAIA.

Snowshoe tours and swings overlooking Nara

Nara is a sun-kissed, small, enchanting ski district in the Valle di Blenio. This winter Ticino’s winter sports offer will include a new 6-km snowshoeing circuit. The tour sets off by chairlift from Leontica to the station at Cancorì, where the new snowshoe route begins and ends.

Mono-skis and guides

Airolo is the largest skiing area in Ticino. The mono-ski, which is for people with limitations in the lower limbs, is the same as classic skiing, but those who prefer two skis can opt for dual skiing, with a guide or alone. And for the ascent they can use the chairlifts or the ski lifts. www.tirex.ch

The Val Gardena (South Tyrol - Dolomites) is an extensive winter sports paradise with 500 kms of slopes and modern ski lifts, and is connected to the world’s largest ski carousel. The slopes are for all levels of skier, from beginners to experts, and for this new season two exciting new ski runs have been added.  They are the La Ria, which was ready last season but never opened, and the Pilat, the long-awaited descent that will bring anyone skiing in the Siusi Alps back to Ortisei.

The new La Ria is a black ski run 

The new black La Ria run, which starts from the top station of the Dantercepies cable car and winds for more than a kilometer at 310 metres asl, has a maximum gradient of 52% and is a pure adrenaline flow for experienced skiers.

The new Pilat run has views over the Val Gardena valley

The other new slope, the Pilat, connects the Alpe di Siusi and the Val Gardena. A natural slope winding through rocky woodlands up to Ortisei, it is a spectacular forest track with unique views over the whole of the Val Gardena valley. It is 4,670 metres long with an altitude difference of 778 metres and an average gradient of 34%.

The new Sassolungo Cable Car can take ten people

Another novelty is the Leitner Ropeways on the Plan de Gralba; a Symphony 10 cabin designed by Pininfarina. This Sassolungo Cable Car has new standards in terms of comfort, safety and performance. The 10-person cabin is spacious and has a large entrance area that overcomes the stress of boarding.

 

The new cableway is an innovative concept of sustainable mobility. 

The 81 cabins, with premium heated seats by Leitner, have a capacity of 3,450 people an hour.
The cableway just installed in the Sassolungo and Sella area is an innovative concept of sustainable mobility. Thanks to the new lift and the 8-seater Gran Paradiso chairlift with heated seats, you can now reach the Passo Sella pass in just 25 minutes from the Plan de Gralba car park, making it possible to easily get to the Sella Pass even without a car - said Igor Marzola, Director Piz Sella Cable Car.