Hitting the Slopes

The Dolomites have some of the most spectacular downhill skiing in Europe, with the facilities to match. The most comprehensive centers are the upscale resorts of the massive Cortina d'Ampezzo and Madonna di Campiglio, which draw an international clientele with impressive terrain, expansive lift systems, and lively après-ski. For traditional Tirolean Gemütlichkeit (congeniality), try one of the more rustic resorts: in the Val di Fassa or Val Gardena your lift mate is more likely to be from a neighboring town than from Milan. Both major resorts and out-of-the-way villages have well-marked trails for sci di fondo (cross-country skiing). With the exception of the main bargain period known as settimane bianche (white weeks) in January and February, the slopes are seldom overcrowded.