 Poster: A snowHead
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@dunc999, the Irish school children were in Pizolo all week so we bumped into them there as well as at the airport. Did you eat at the Stella? I’m looking at it for Christmas as we’d like to go a bit posher but have been put off by the reviews of small portions.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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@davidmosley,
| davidmosley wrote: |
| Are the lifts chairs or gondolas? Was just wondering about options for non-skiers wanting to join skiers on the mountainside for lunch? |
Which village will you be staying ?? -- most cable cars/gondolas have a restaurant at their top
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Wed 5-02-25 23:13; edited 1 time in total
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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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@dunc999, We did nearly the carbon copy of your trip the week before. We had no issues with Verona . Probably no longer than half hour between landing and sitting in taxi heading for Selva. Luck of the draw I guess.
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@melbouch, we ate there one night. When booking I cannot remember how much more per person it was to go half board and I thought it looked a bit "nouveau cuisine" for us and we like the flexibility for e.g. to have a 3pm lunch and not bother in the evening, so I just booked B&B.
So we did book in one night, it was 60EUR per head for a set menu of 5 courses (a couple of choices for each course) but there was a massive salad buffet that you could have alongside, plus a huge dessert buffet of small plates (my mate had 11!) The 5 courses were indeed small plates of very nice posh grub, and to be fair, by the end of the meal supplemented by the salad and desserts it was filling. They did do a special meat one of the other nights but we didn't try that. I don't think we'll eat in there next year tbh, especially after trying La Bula on the last night which is literally below the hotel, I just think we'd book that for a few nights.
The breakfast in the Stella was outstanding and the bar drinks not too expensive. I'd recommend it it really was a lovely hotel and a great position.
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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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No problems with Verona on Saturday 25 January.
Also lots of Irish school parties before us in the passport queue (a big Air Lingus airliner on the tarmac). Overall circa 45 minutes from landing to car rental …. the Italians are just laid back compared to say ultra efficient Zurich.
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@dunc999, thanks for the food update. Unfortunately Inghams and Crystal only offer half board and we’ve had too many transport disasters to risk DIYing a ski holiday.
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| melbouch wrote: |
| @dunc999, thanks for the food update. Unfortunately Inghams and Crystal only offer half board and we’ve had too many transport disasters to risk DIYing a ski holiday. |
Fair enough, if it's wrapped up at a decent price it's probably overall worth it?
It was one of the simpler DIYs - BA flights, Auto-Dul as transfer were excellent (local company) and hotel direct, was pretty seamless.
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| dunc999 wrote: |
| melbouch wrote: |
| @dunc999, thanks for the food update. Unfortunately Inghams and Crystal only offer half board and we’ve had too many transport disasters to risk DIYing a ski holiday. |
Fair enough, if it's wrapped up at a decent price it's probably overall worth it?
It was one of the simpler DIYs - BA flights, Auto-Dul as transfer were excellent (local company) and hotel direct, was pretty seamless. |
BA into Verona? I will look into it, the Stella haven’t got prices yet for December but I will ask and weigh up the pros and cons then.
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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.
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@melbouch,
| melbouch wrote: |
| @dunc999, thanks for the food update. Unfortunately Inghams and Crystal only offer half board and we’ve had too many transport disasters to risk DIYing a ski holiday. |
I always find the portions on Italian hotel 'small' - but with 5 courses find the whole sufficient (you can always get more from the buffet..)
I've stayed in the Stella 3 times - I would say 'got for it' ! (Sadly, since the refurb, it is out of my price range now) :: it you can, have a look at the Pralong - an excellent hotel
Found this responsed from Hotel on Tripadvisor after someone complained about small portions
"..As far as our gastronomic offer is concerned, it includes a 5-course menu with themed buffet. Ours is a choice based on the refinement of high quality raw materials and a combination of flavors aimed at creating dishes different from the usual catering.
Maybe sometimes quantity does not make quality!
However our alternative proposal with typical local dishes in addition to the daily menu always give our guests the possibility of combining the menu and the various dishes as desired and also always giving the possibility of asking for additional portions to the various courses..."
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Thu 6-02-25 11:12; edited 1 time in total
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| melbouch wrote: |
| dunc999 wrote: |
| melbouch wrote: |
| @dunc999, thanks for the food update. Unfortunately Inghams and Crystal only offer half board and we’ve had too many transport disasters to risk DIYing a ski holiday. |
Fair enough, if it's wrapped up at a decent price it's probably overall worth it?
It was one of the simpler DIYs - BA flights, Auto-Dul as transfer were excellent (local company) and hotel direct, was pretty seamless. |
BA into Verona? I will look into it, the Stella haven’t got prices yet for December but I will ask and weigh up the pros and cons then. |
Crystal ski have Stella prices up for December 2025
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I know, it’s gone up since I last looked! I think I’m leaning toward the Antares though. Will be able to check them both out in three weeks when we’re off to the Flora. Just have to break it to the parents that I will be unavailable this year to organise and cook their Christmas dinner.
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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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Yes we did BA into Verona, looking at the latest Brenner Pass thread update though, might do Innsbruck next year.
I've been nagging the Stella to give me a price for the same week/rooms next year but they haven't as yet.
I'm wondering if the Olympics n Cortina might generally push the mid-January prices up?
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| melbouch wrote: |
| I know, it’s gone up since I last looked! I think I’m leaning toward the Antares though. Will be able to check them both out in three weeks when we’re off to the Flora. Just have to break it to the parents that I will be unavailable this year to organise and cook their Christmas dinner. |
Inghams now have prices for Dec 2025 -- Stella is £2109 from Gatwick on the 20th of Dec :: Antares is £1539
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You know it makes sense.
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They’ve told me to ask again toward the end of March. I’ve not noticed a huge hike in prices on the Crystal website for next year and do look quite a lot, I’m obsessed according to my Husband. But he’s not complained about any holidays so far and that’s because I do a lot of research! This week more so than usual as I’m off sick and there is nowt on the telly!
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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@albob, Stella is £2026 with Crystal but the Antares has free soup and pocket meat in the afternoons and as we usually miss lunch and finish about 3ish that is appealing
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Poster: A snowHead
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You've all got me at it now! Stella is £1741 pp HB for our week with Crystal, which is pretty good value! My DIY for flights and private transfers last year was £1540 a head B&B.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| dunc999 wrote: |
| You've all got me at it now! Stella is £1741 pp HB for our week with Crystal, which is pretty good value! My DIY for flights and private transfers last year was £1540 a head B&B. |
lol. There’s only two of us travelling so taxi transfers always work out quite expensive. Based on this month’s prices for the Stella, Christmas would be around £3877 b&b so £4052 HB with Crystal is good value. And no organising on my part!
The next decision is all three holidays in the Dolomites next season and get a season lift pass or two in the Dollies and March in Tignes. Decisions, decisions… 
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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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skied Corvara - Seceda - Seiser alm and back today, it's our new favourite day out. Beautiful sunny day, slopes great until early pm then sometimes hard packed if shaded or very soft if they'd been in the sun but a fantastic day. It's definitely busier this week with queues for quite a few lifts
Skied in Tofana area of Cortina yesterday, pistes not in as good condition, a number of the connecting pistes closed due to lack of snow and also one of the red/blacks is closed, despite obvious snow making it had large grass tufts clearly visible. Evidently Cortina's had a bad snow year so far.
Last weeks snow had prettied everywhere up and the only down side of the sun is that has all gone now so it's patchy. Chance of snow over the next few days so fingers crossed.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Hello, hope you don’t mind I use this thread to ask a question about future holidays.
Next year we can only go away on the 10th of Jan and the hotel where we have been this year is already sold out with Crystal .
Hotel Stella that u have been talking about sounds amazing but maybe a bit too posh for us , husband defo not a fan of small portions.
I have been looking at hotel Olympic , Vigo di Fassa. The reviews are fantastic especially the Italian ones . That would give us the opportunity to try caressa ski area , Lucia and san pellegrino which I have always wanted to do . Since we are car-less how easy is to move around? Is the Fassa bus system good? I went on their website and noticed there is no direct bus to s pellegrino. I would be really interested in your feedback. Thanks
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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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@Harrow lady, Personally, I'd look for a hotel in the Val Gardena valley which better suits your likes, rather than scuttle off to the back of beyond.  IMHO, The Stella is fabulous and perfectly positioned.
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Harrow Lady, I've just returned from Val di Fassa and stayed in Pera (X-Alp Hotel) so not far from Vigo. I'm not sure on the ski buses but I think to get to Carezza you need to get the normal bus service which only run every hour. This was what I was told by the hotel anyway. You are right to want to try Carezza, I absolutely loved it, nice and quiet and some great pistes, probably the best days skiing of the holiday. Also worth going to the Ciampedie area for a day or half a day, even quieter and has some spectacular views and decent restaurants. I skied it in the afternoon after a hectic run round the Sella Ronda and it was heaven compared to the mele I'd just come from. It helped that the lift is virtually in the car park of the X-Alp so only a short walk back to the ski room after skiing down!! I drove to San Pelegrino but it was cloudy, windy and raining sideways that day so I didn't even bother getting out of the car!
As I said I can't really comment on the bus situation in Val di Fassa but if you check out the Google reviews it might put you off a bit!
One thought is that whatever hotel you stay at might do a minibus service to the other areas, mine only went to the Buffare lift but maybe others offer trips further away.
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@japes1275, thanks for your reply , I didn’t think of checking the reviews, you are rightthey are not the best. Sella Ronda areas are getting busier and looking at YouTube videos val di fassa’s fringe areas could have been an excellent alternative. But I can see that you really need a car to make the most of them.
@Mollerski, I am considering the Stella , could be a good choice for us.
Just a shame that Crystal is no longer offering Alta Badia and Inghams prices are ridiculous.
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@Harrow lady,
I stayed in Canazei last year and found the bus fine -- you are in Italy so it is just the normal scrum to get on ! : it was regular and reliable, but no longer free.
I can recommend the Pralong in Selva - 5 minutes from the 'Crystal Bridge' but you can ski there from just across the road..
Last edited by After all it is free  on Fri 7-02-25 10:48; edited 1 time in total
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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.
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Really looking forward to our 10 days in Ortisei from next Friday ... debating whether to sharpen the edges on my board and Mrs F's + F junior's skis, is there still decent, grippy snow to be found or is it mainly hard-pack at the moment? Enjoy your weekend all.
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@Harrow lady, If I were you I'd separate the skiing from the accomm/village somewhat. Every ski area is easily accessible given that the whole area is connected by the best lift system in the World.
Selva is central, well connected, busy and buzzy with a great choice of accommodation. Alta Badia is less buzzy, but again has easy access to all areas. Val Di Fassa/Pozza is much quieter and a little more complicated to access the whole area. I doubt if you'll need a car anywhere, unless you choose accommodation a way away from a lift.
Bear in mind, you'll read reviews from those whom have had amazing holidays in which ever village which is fantastic, but where else have they stayed in the area to compare one village with another? 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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@Harrow lady, have you emailed the hotel you wanted to stay at to see if they have availability that week? We stayed at the Ingram last year and they said that if their hotel is not showing on the Crystal website to email them and if they have availability they will then contact Crystal to let them know and apparently it al gets sorted.
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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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| albob wrote: |
@Harrow lady,
I can recommend the Pralong in Selva - 5 minutes from the 'Crystal Bridge' but you can ski there from just across the road.. |
Another vote for the Pralong. We stayed there last season late December.
Excellent food, just across the road to the piste and a short walk into Selva in the evening.
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| franga wrote: |
| Really looking forward to our 10 days in Ortisei from next Friday ... debating whether to sharpen the edges on my board and Mrs F's + F junior's skis, is there still decent, grippy snow to be found or is it mainly hard-pack at the moment? Enjoy your weekend all. |
I guess a lot can change in a week, but I've just finished a week and it is skiing very well, pistes can get pretty slick in the afternoon on the popular sections but generally plenty of grippy snow. Looks like there might be some fresh snow on Sunday.
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You know it makes sense.
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| T Bar wrote: |
| franga wrote: |
| Really looking forward to our 10 days in Ortisei from next Friday ... debating whether to sharpen the edges on my board and Mrs F's + F junior's skis, is there still decent, grippy snow to be found or is it mainly hard-pack at the moment? Enjoy your weekend all. |
I guess a lot can change in a week, but I've just finished a week and it is skiing very well, pistes can get pretty slick in the afternoon on the popular sections but generally plenty of grippy snow. Looks like there might be some fresh snow on Sunday. |
ace, thanks
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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bit of a problem for us in Alta Badia today, great skiing and it was very cold but the pistes held up too well.
had a lesson to cover skiing moguls and there weren't any big enough 
hoping conditions worsen for next lesson late pm Sunday, all the new guys arriving coupled with potential light snow should help.
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Poster: A snowHead
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| richb67 wrote: |
| hoping conditions worsen |
Be careful what you wish for! 
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| Harrow lady wrote: |
Hello, hope you don’t mind I use this thread to ask a question about future holidays.
Next year we can only go away on the 10th of Jan and the hotel where we have been this year is already sold out with Crystal .
Hotel Stella that u have been talking about sounds amazing but maybe a bit too posh for us , husband defo not a fan of small portions.
I have been looking at hotel Olympic , Vigo di Fassa. The reviews are fantastic especially the Italian ones . That would give us the opportunity to try caressa ski area , Lucia and san pellegrino which I have always wanted to do . Since we are car-less how easy is to move around? Is the Fassa bus system good? I went on their website and noticed there is no direct bus to s pellegrino. I would be really interested in your feedback. Thanks |
Hopefully you can sort something out in Selva. The quality and ambience is on another level there (and Corvara), along with the prices. If you can afford something nice there, do it.
Other places away from the Sella Ronda, you will be sacrificing convenience and easy access to the most amount of skiing.
Though saying that, there are nice places to stay away from the Sella Ronda, if you wanted a change. Generally less crowded (except weekends) and lower prices. Having a car would definitely be recommended if you need to commute from Vigo to Carezza, Alpe Lusia and PSP.
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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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The weather forecast wasn’t good for today so the locals seem to have stayed at home. Slopes were deserted so we mooched around the SR anticlockwise with a few diversions. Very cold. Some light snow and very flat light in places but pistes in good condition.
Light made some skiing a bit challenging but in a good way.
Don’t think we had a queue all day. Ciampinoi gondola station had about 10 people in it!
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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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A few weeks back the Dolomites got quite a bit of rain which is slightly unusual and probably why some of the runs are now getting hard packed.
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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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@Harrow lady,
| Quote: |
Hello, hope you don’t mind I use this thread to ask a question about future holidays.
Next year we can only go away on the 10th of Jan and the hotel where we have been this year is already sold out with Crystal .
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I have searched both Crystal and Inghams and neither show any availability for the Dolomites in January 2026. Is it too early or is this because of the winter Olympics in Cortina?
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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| chrisbristol wrote: |
@Harrow lady,
| Quote: |
Hello, hope you don’t mind I use this thread to ask a question about future holidays.
Next year we can only go away on the 10th of Jan and the hotel where we have been this year is already sold out with Crystal .
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I have searched both Crystal and Inghams and neither show any availability for the Dolomites in January 2026. Is it too early or is this because of the winter Olympics in Cortina? |
We have booked through Inghams for January 26.
We need a single and a double room so were not hanging about.
For some reason we couldn't get the hotel we wanted for the 10th January but got the next week ok. There were other hotels available though.
We are going to Arabba and there were a few choices but nothing coming up for Selva
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Thank you all for the suggestions, I have been looking at the Pralong and ingrams following your recommendations and because of the spa we might go for the Pralong . Also read that the owner was a professional skier , I have been watching the sport every for the last 20 years got tons of questions to bore him with .
@chrisbristol, the dolomites are available with companies but the offer is reduced this year especially with Crystal, most probably due to the the Olympic Games. With Madonna , arabba and Selva you still have ample choice. Alta Badia is only available with inghams and is very expensive .
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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.
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From the Crystal website
‘Good to know: Just so you know, Corvara will be a venue for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which means we’ll be temporarily pausing holidays here for Winter 2025/26. Things will be back to normal the following year, so you’ll be able to hit the slopes in Corvara again then.’
It’s the same for Colfosco and Cortina.
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Does anyone know how to add the equivalent of “carre neige” to a ski pass purchased online? Thanks
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FAQ
