Poster: A snowHead
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Might have an opportunity to get to Italy (probably flying into Milan Bergamo or Malpensa) during March 2019 - but only at the start of the month (before Sat 9th) or at the end of the month (Mon 18th onwards). We don't have to go Saturday to Saturday. Balancing up cost versus snow conditions, which is likely to be a better time to go?
I suspect early March will be more expensive and busier (but by how much?) but will probably have better snow (but how much better?)...
We skied Passo Tonale and a few other resorts in late March this year, but that was during unusually good snow conditions...
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Personally I'd probably go for the earlier date but would be happy with the later one but would be more inclined to go last minute for the resort with the later one depending on weather forecast.
Thats based on general skiing experience rather than any particular experiences of Italy.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Is not Fasching early March 2019? Will that affect availability. Never sure whether Fasching has a bank holiday attached but always seems to be busier in Austria at least. Sort of rather assume Fasching is the start of Lent - Mardi Gras time but I may well be wrong
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Fasching=Carnevale... is week 2-9 March this winter...You might want to combine Dolomites with Venice!
Lombardy and Dolomites end march: very high risk of slush.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Thanks all. What areas does Fasching week affect? Is it mainly German-speaking regions?
It might be possible to get a cheap flight somewhere else.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@denfinella, Obviously you should not look at the people from the ski regions where Fasching is a thing. They will be working, not holidaying, since this is high season. You should look at their guests! Fasching/Carnivale is a major holiday in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, South-Netherlands, Austria, parts of Northern Italy. All wealthy and densely populated areas.
It is the 2nd busiest week of the season (after New Year) in all of the Alps/Dolomites
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@Langerzug, thanks. I've done most of my skiing in France and didn't realise Fasching was such a big thing outside Austria in terms of visitor numbers. But my holidays have always been in January, half term, late March or Easter, so perhaps I've just missed it up until now!
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@denfinella, I've missed it for the last 30 years - but not next season (Austria) so not really sure what to expect
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@denfinella, you aren't just limited to Lombardy/Dolomites from Milan Malpensa - lots of resorts to the west within 2/2.5 hours
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@Ray Zorro, true (though I suspect it'll end up being Bergamo). Would going west escape Fasching crowds?
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Did Madesimo, Lombardy in late March 2016.
In one of the lowest snowfalls on record everything was open top to bottom.
Lower mountain firm in the am; sandy, dry slushy in the pm
Above mid-mountain great conditions.
3 days of powder and excellent turns.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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I was in the Dolomites the last two weeks of March 2018 and snow coverage was excellent (not sure, but I believe it was an above-average snow year) and also deserted, with exactly one lift line over five minutes in 13 days. I'm going back this season, same timeframe, and if my luck isn't as good for natural snow, the fact that per the Dolomiti Superski website "almost 100%" of pistes have snowmaking is reassuring (assuming they operate it!). You might check the school vacation calendar to help pick your dates. Your later window will be cheaper; the last week of March last year was a 7 for 6 deal.
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Early March.
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