 Poster: A snowHead
|
Calling on the collective wisdom of snowheads!
I'd like to go to the Dolomites at the end of Jan, but finding it quite mind-boggling, as it seems that there's a need to bus between different areas to ski (or maybe I've got that wrong).
I'm looking at booking a package (primarily for ease of transportation - driving is not an option, and hanging around for public transport for a long transfer after a flight doesn't seem like an attractive option).
I've got a few options on the table: Kronplatz, Canezei, Selva and Colfosco, but I'm struggling to work out the relative merits of these different options. If anyone can shed any light, that would be most welcome.
For context - we are intermediate skiers - I am a cautious intermediate, but am probably capable of more than I think! We like plenty of choice of runs - favourite destinations have been Sauze and Kitzbuhel. Access to slopes is probably a key criteria (don't want to get on a bus every day/only access slopes by bus).
We want the Dolomites this year because we fancy a change of scene, and it seems to be somewhere that's a 'must do' at least once. The scenery looks spectacular. The long transfer is pretty off-putting, but I'm hoping it will be worth it!
Any and all words of wisdom much appreciated. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
@WoottonBecs,
A bit late for close to lift. I would choose Selva or Colfosco, both places you have all the options! Colfosco will not need bus - I would think, Selva maybe, depending on Hotel location.
Just returned form Sauze - first time - I prefer Dolomiti. 
Canazei is a long village - bus usually and have to take lift up to the Sella area (3 diffferent possibilities- Campetillo, Canazei and Alba) - not so much sun in that Val di Fassa.
There is no need for bus between the areas, you can ski it all,- except Kronplatz.
https://www.altabadia.org/en/winter-holidays/italian-alps/ski-tours-dolomites.html
https://www.opensnowmap.org/#map=12/11.832/46.525&b=snowmap&m=false&h=false
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Sun 1-01-23 13:40; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
For the cautious intermediate - the Alta Badia area (Colfosco/Corvara/La Villa/San Cassiano) is hard to beat. No buses needed !
If you want to go at the end of this January there might not be a lot left with Tour Operators - get a move on.. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@WoottonBecs, the scenery is very spectacular! The transfer from Innsbruck or Venice airports is not all that long, compared with average across the Alps.
To get a broad picture of the area in your mind, which helps, the area is shaped like a doughnut. The ski areas are spaced around the cake bit and there's a big hole in the middle (full of spectacular rocks) where most people can't ski. The whole doughnut is marketed as the Sella Ronda.
Of the 4 places you've listed as options, 3 are connected to the Sella Ronda circuit, without the need for regular bus rides, as long as you choose your accommodation well. Kronplatz isn't, it's near Brunico, a few miles north of the Sella Ronda and not directly connected by lifts.
1. Colfosco is well located, quiet, slightly upmarket accommodation but not outrageously so, I'd say. Good starting point for a cautious intermediate to build confidence there, along with adjacent Corvara area (consider that too, I'd suggest). That sector of the circuit is called Alta Badia.
2. Selva is the biggest and liveliest town on the Sella Ronda circuit. Well located, good lifts, access to lots of skiing in that segment iof the circuit. Good mixture of easier and fairly challenging slopes. Lots of different accommodation, with plenty mid range options. Important to check accommodation's access to ski lifts and slopes, both when leaving for and returning from skiing. That sector of the circuit is Val Gardena.
3. Canazei is a.medium sized town, a bit strung out, so accommodation choice is important again, if you're keen to avoid bus rides. Fairly lively though not so much as Selva. Accommodation tends to cost a bit less than, say, Colfosco or Corvara. It's in a sector of the circuit called Val di Fassa.
Based on limited knowledge of your needs, I'd list them in the order of preference above. Not that much to choose between them though.
Ask away if you want more specific advice. The above is very simplistic and there's a lot more detailed knowledge on here that might be useful to you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| WoottonBecs wrote: |
………
I've got a few options on the table: Kronplatz, Canezei, Selva and Colfosco, but I'm struggling to work out the relative merits of these different options. If anyone can shed any light, that would be most welcome.
……. |
Don’t rule out a DIY trip as opposed to a package. Some areas seem to have subsidised transfer coaches from airports and if you check your flight times and the bus schedule, allow time for a leisurely lunch or just a coffee, it can work out well. There can be a good bit of waiting for the bus in a package deal as well.
There are a couple of places where it is necessary / easier to get a bus between areas (Seiser Alm / Alp di Suisi and also Kronplatz for example) but in general you won’t be using buses. The areas are pretty well connected. Especially if you are in the main areas.
I’m a big fan of Kronplatz but it is probably not right for you for this trip. The scenery is great but it isn’t as jaw dropping as the main Dolomite area. And it is not as easy to work out the travel options. And you DO need a bus to travel to Alta Badia from Kronplatz. The skiing would probably suit you though.
More information about Kronplatz here (but the need for a bus to move to another area plus not so straightforward travel from the airport will probably rule it out for you) : https://snowheads.com/ski-forum/viewtopic.php?t=158987
Don’t rule out self catering coupled with eating out.
I suspect anywhere around the Sella Ronda would suit you. Colfosco / San Cassiano especially.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
|
@WoottonBecs, If you usually ski Sauze - anywhere will be ok for you in the Sella area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PeakyB wrote: |
@WoottonBecs, the scenery is very spectacular! The transfer from Innsbruck or Venice airports is not all that long, compared with average across the Alps.
Based on limited knowledge of your needs, I'd list them in the order of preference above. Not that much to choose between them though.
Ask away if you want more specific advice. The above is very simplistic and there's a lot more detailed knowledge on here that might be useful to you. |
That
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There’s probably as much skiing in any one of the four areas (Arabba/Val Di Fassa/Alta Badia/Val Gardena) that make up @PeakyB’s doughnut as there is in Sauze. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
@NeddySkiGoon, agreed and there’s almost certainly more cake 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
@WoottonBecs, if you want the spectacular scenery, you need to discount the Kronplatz option. Not ugly by any means, but not on the same level as the Sella Ronda areas & other places in the Dolomites.
I agree with the previous ranking of the resorts you mentioned, based on your stated needs...
1. Colfosco
2. Selva
3. Canazei
All three would offer a great experience, so go more on the proximity to lifts, if you don't want to mess around with buses. Check locations on Google Maps. Also, consider price vs quality of accommodation. The ranking above is also probably also true in terms of relative cost as well.
A lot of Colfosco is almost ski-in ski-out, but some places are a walk from the slopes/lifts.
Canazei has gondola access to the mountain. The home run ends in a different place in the village, but you can download the gondola. Some accommodation is a fair walk away, but there are regular skibuses.
Selva has various lifts at the top end of the village and at Santa Cristina the next village down, but Selva is a large village with some accommodation a long way from the lifts. Again, skibuses run various routes up & down to get to the lifts.
As others have said, don't discount Corvara, La Villa & San Cassiano as these would also suit you if you could find something near to the lifts there too.
You may also get something better value at Campitello. You need to go up and down on the cablecar there, but as long as you don't mind that is also a worthwhile option. There is some accommodation near the cablecar station. Arguably one of the best views around the Sella Ronda is from Rifugio des Alpes at the top of the Campitello cablecar...
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
| PeakyB wrote: |
| @WoottonBecs,The transfer from Innsbruck or Venice airports is not all that long, |
Innsbruck is 1hr 50, Venice (Marco Polo) is 3hr 15. That's right on the upper limit of ski transfer times. Try Verona as an alternative.
Last edited by snowHeads are a friendly bunch. on Sun 1-01-23 20:09; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Turin is a looooong way from places like Colfosco. A lot further than Venice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| pam w wrote: |
| Turin is a looooong way from places like Colfosco. A lot further than Venice. |
Correct. I was getting my Cervinia trips confused with the Val Gardena trips.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
-----
|
|
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
Venice & Treviso airports are best for areas in the SE quadrant of Dolomites like Alleghe, Falcade, S Martino di Castrozza, Arabba, Cortina d'Ampezzo, etc
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
@Mollerski, According to Google maps and Rome2Rio, Venice Marco Polo to Corvara by car/taxi is 2h 15m to 2h 30m. That’s about right based on my own experience.
A couple of hours from Innsbruck to Corvara; a bit less to Selva.
If Canazei or somewhere in Val di Fassa was chosen, then Verona becomes a better option.
Direct flight availability wise, from UK, Venice has more and often reasonably priced.
Verona has fewer but again, reasonably priced. 2h 30m to Canazei, longer to Selva and Colfosco.
Innsbruck probably has the most package company flights but usually more expensive.
Turin is in the south west of Italy, not too far from the French border, 5 hours at least to the Dolomites.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
You will have to check on direct flights to Venice. When we went to the dolomites this summer we had to change in Munich.
BTW Turin is in the the North West of italy
The dolomite towns are all real towns with a huge summer tourist trade. They are not specifically ski stations and as a consequence you probably need a bus or a long walk to the ski lifts. One exception is possibly St Ulrich with an extensive system of moving pavements. Actually that is probably the one I would recommend.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
@johnE,
| Quote: |
BTW Turin is in the the North West of italy
|
D'oh....I got the West bit right...standing on my head when I posted that 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@johnE,
| Quote: |
They are not specifically ski stations and as a consequence you probably need a bus or a long walk to the ski lifts.
|
This is not true of most towns/villages in the Dolomites. Arabba, Corvara, Selva, San Cassiano, Colfosco....all have accommodation near the slopes and lifts.
The only time on several trips I've caught a bus are to Alpe de Suisi, Kronplatz and the Lagazuoi Pass area for the Hidden Valley.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
| PeakyB wrote: |
@johnE,
| Quote: |
They are not specifically ski stations and as a consequence you probably need a bus or a long walk to the ski lifts.
|
This is not true of most towns/villages in the Dolomites. Arabba, Corvara, Selva, San Cassiano, Colfosco....all have accommodation near the slopes and lifts.
The only time on several trips I've caught a bus are to Alpe de Suisi, Kronplatz and the Lagazuoi Pass area for the Hidden Valley. |
You're both right in a way. They are not specifically ski stations in the French sense, where the ski runs and accommodation were designed to be integrated from scratch and nearly everywhere you can ski from and back to the door of the ski locker room. They have developed organically from existing villages, but obviously the new development has concentrated around the ski lifts and along the village slopes. So there is a fair bit of accommodation that is walking distance, but in the larger villages there is also quite a bit that isn't.
So, invariably, you tend to have to pay a premium for any accommodation that is closer to the skiing and can save money by having the inconvenience of being further away.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@luigi, that’s a good summary that especially applies to the larger towns of Selva, Canazei and their satellite villages, spread out along valleys.
I stick with my view that, with careful choice of accommodation, the OP is unlikely to face bus rides or long walks to get to or from the lifts and slopes, unless they choose Kronplatz.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| PeakyB wrote: |
@luigi, that’s a good summary that especially applies to the larger towns of Selva, Canazei and their satellite villages, spread out along valleys.
I stick with my view that, with careful choice of accommodation, the OP is unlikely to face bus rides or long walks to get to or from the lifts and slopes, unless they choose Kronplatz. |
True enough, but the accommodation closer to the lifts tends to get booked up early and the OP is looking to depart in a few weeks, so will have a very limited choice.
I did scan the options for TO HB/CC packages with London departues on Igluski. No bargains, but it did look like there were some places left in Selva, Canazei & Campitello within a short walk to either a piste or a lift available in late Jan.
The only thing in Selva was Chalet Soldanella for an eyewatering £1438pp CC on 28 Jan, though it is very close to the narrow piste that winds down from the Dantercepies to the Ciampinoi.
Cheapest option from my quick scan was the Bellevue in Canazei at £779pp HB on 21st Jan. It's a 400m 6min walk to the gondola, and similar from the end of the village home run.
A few other options in between and higher (The Luna/Mondschein was the only option in Ortisei and they only had a single room for £2566 HB), more for 21st than 28/29th departure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I've stayed at the Soldanella. It is a banging location. We DIY it to the same family run hotel every year, but I've noticed that TO package deals have become fewer and fewer over recent years and not cheap. Most chalet type accommodation has been replaced with apartments now, so its that or hotels.
Maybe try the Hotel Des Alpes? Is large, reasonably priced and a couple of TOs use it.
Last edited by After all it is free  on Mon 2-01-23 11:29; edited 2 times in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
@luigi, great bit of research there. I think if there are any discounts to be had on packages, it will be about 14 to 7 days before departure.
Of course, big TOs have dramatically reduced the number of flights and accommodations they offer, so demand can outstrip supply. That’s why a DIY trip can often be better value these days.
Anyway, I wonder what the OP thinks of the collective wisdom of snowHeads so far?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
|
|
Back in August we booked a self-catered apartment package for 4 of us through Igluski (think it's actually a Crystal Holiday) to Selva for £735 each (inc flights and trnsfers). The accommmodation seems to be a bit out of town and fairly basic but it looks ok. Price v convenience trade-off.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
@Mollerski, not at all 
There are snowHeads who’ve forgotten more about the Dollies in the last hour than I’ll ever know.
I could probably bluff my way through a specialist quiz round about Val D’Isere and Tignes though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| halfhand wrote: |
| Back in August we booked a self-catered apartment package for 4 of us through Igluski (think it's actually a Crystal Holiday) to Selva for £735 each (inc flights and trnsfers). The accommmodation seems to be a bit out of town and fairly basic but it looks ok. Price v convenience trade-off. |
I find Igluski a good way to get a feel for what's out there, but they are just screenscraper agents and would always try and find out which TO it is with (Google is your friend) and book direct if the price is same or similar.
It's probably better being a direct customer of the TO if things go awry.
There may even be an offer/ discount code or cashback offer with the TO.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You know it makes sense.
|
|
|
|
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
|
|
@Mollerski, have you estimated how much you save by doing that hotel Soldanella DIY, rather than going through a TO?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Poster: A snowHead
|
Long time ago, Soldanella was a Crystal chalet, then it became Ski Total. Later on it transpired that whilst Italy has accomodation categories for chalet hotels, hotels, B&B, self catering and so on, there was no category for catered chalets which is why Esprit/Total/Inghams (and probably everyone else) walked away from the catered chalet concept, even in mid-season. Italy is a country where "unless it is permitted it is deemed illegal" - even if the authorities don't react!
After the big shake-up in chalets Soldanella became a bed & breakfast that (as far as the authorities were concerned) offered evening meals including wine!
Last edited by Poster: A snowHead on Mon 2-01-23 14:00; edited 1 time in total
|
|
|
|
|
|
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
|
|
@luigi, In this case the Iglu deal was cheaper than direct with Crystal plus discounts on ski hire and lift passes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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?
|
| PeakyB wrote: |
| @Mollerski, have you estimated how much you save by doing that hotel Soldanella DIY, rather than going through a TO? |
Next to nothing. The attraction being flexibility. We fly BRS-INNS with EJ. EJ fly on Friday and Sunday, we fly out on a Fri and back on the following Sun. That gives us 8.5 days of skiing as the Fri flight is early. Transfers from INNS are heavy and whiff of price fixing, but split 4/5 ways its ok. Accomm and passes are what they are. If we stuck to 7 days, the cost would be very similar to TO prices. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
|
@Mollerski,
…similar to what I usually try to do.
Better choice of flights times and departure airports.
You get to ski on usually quiet days when most visitors transferring.
It is cheaper per hour of skiing, even if not in total, or that’s what I tell myself anyway.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
|
|
|
|
You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
|
@Nemisis, interesting insight into Italian law and custom on accommodation, which I hadn’t realised before.
I’m sure Mark Warner used to have summer hotel complexes run on ‘chalet board’ lines but that winter sports chalets have always been rare.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nemisis wrote: |
Long time ago, Soldanella was a Crystal chalet, then it became Ski Total. Later on it transpired that whilst Italy has accomodation categories for chalet hotels, hotels, B&B, self catering and so on, there was no category for catered chalets which is why Esprit/Total/Inghams (and probably everyone else) walked away from the catered chalet concept, even in mid-season. Italy is a country where "unless it is permitted it is deemed illegal" - even if the authorities don't react!
After the big shake-up in chalets Soldanella became a bed & breakfast that (as far as the authorities were concerned) offered evening meals including wine! |
I'd been told that a few years ago, but didn't realise that it was country wide. The Sud Tyrol is pretty much autonomous and the VG valley has another layer of autonomy, so I'd assumed that it was regional.
That's the main reason why TO packages to the area are now thin on the ground.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm googling round to find something in Italy for w/b 26 Feb - have flights to Turin but so cheap they could be dumped if necessary. Have friends going to Sauze d'Oulx with Crystal and I have an option on an airBnB but am underwhelmed by what I've read of Sauze. Have googled round the usual suspects in the Dolomites but prices are high and vacancies few. But it's a bank holiday and the research is enjoyable! Out of Turin, looking at Pila amongst others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
|
|
@pam w, Sauze left me underwhelmed. Some love it, but not for me. Livigno on the other hand, was a very pleasant surprise and I'm a Cervinia fan, which isn't to everyone's taste.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nemisis wrote: |
Long time ago, Soldanella was a Crystal chalet, then it became Ski Total. Later on it transpired that whilst Italy has accomodation categories for chalet hotels, hotels, B&B, self catering and so on, there was no category for catered chalets which is why Esprit/Total/Inghams (and probably everyone else) walked away from the catered chalet concept, even in mid-season. Italy is a country where "unless it is permitted it is deemed illegal" - even if the authorities don't react!
After the big shake-up in chalets Soldanella became a bed & breakfast that (as far as the authorities were concerned) offered evening meals including wine! |
My first ski holiday was a last minute with Crystal in a catered chalet in Selva for £169, it was last century (1999) though, when you used to have to look up the deals on Teletext!!
Had another with Inghams in Selva for £259 in 2002.
And Canazei in 2009 for £219
After that it was Arabba with Ski Total in 2011 & 2012, I think we paid around £249 for those.
Best ever late deal was in Belle Plagne in Jan 2003, lovely 4* ski-in ski-out Chalet Apartment with a jacuzzi bath in the en-suite for £119 all-in and the host was a trained chef!! Oh I do miss Airtours (summer and ski) last minute deals, no wonder they went bust!! 
Shame how the British ski chalet holiday has almost died. It was convivial fun for the like-minded guests and a great opportunity to do a season for the young people that worked in them. I guess they are a casualty of Brexit/Covid??
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
We spend £££ on beer every apres sesh, so worrying about the odd few quid here and there is kinda pointless. 