 Poster: A snowHead
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Never before skied in Europe and will be making our first such trip this winter to Selva. Lots of helpful information on this forum. Will very likely be renting a car at MXP (you guys call it "car hire"). Is the drive to Selva mostly highways - seems that way on google maps, etc? How about driving around during the trip? If we wanted to do an entire day at Arabba or Kronplatz or Cortina is it feasible to drive there in the morning and return in the evening as opposed to skiing there and not having much time before heading back? Would each of these places have parking at/near the lifts? Except for one person who may struggle on black bumped up runs, our entire group will be able to handle all inbounds skiing on the Dolomiti pass, so we may want to explore. I'm not saying I would look to drive to each of those places from Selva, but just want to get a basic idea to help with some transportation planning. As awesome as this trip may be, we won't know if we will ever get back there, so we probably will be inclined to hit as many areas as possible.
Seems like the car hire is pretty straight forward, but regarding chains, will there be a situation where some cop or official will stop us and make us put them on? I have never driven a car with chains and have no idea how I would put them on even if they are sitting in my trunk, sorry, boot. I plan on getting a smallish AWD SUV.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Is the drive to Selva mostly highways
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yes its mostly autostrada and then a major road.
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If we wanted to do an entire day at Arabba or Kronplatz or Cortina
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yes, but you can ski to Arabba in 60-90mins, it is halfway around the sella ronda. the others are quite away by car over 1 or 2 high passes. Google maps will be accurate in good conditions. 90mins or so each way, depends how keen you are.... there is more linked lift served skiing from Selva than you will be able to ski out.
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parking at/near the lifts
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yes, might be a charge but there will be car parks
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black bumped up runs
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what you say, this is Italy dear boy, the object is to be stylish, every run is groomed daily
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regarding chains, will there be a situation where some cop or official
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yes possibly, but unlikely, it is quite a dry area, you would be unlucky to need them, but be prepared.
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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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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@wjrlaw, Make shure to get winter tyres.
Don't use time to go by care to other areas - driving in mountains takes time - rather ski to Arabba.
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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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@hobbiteater, that's interesting. The runs in Vail look very close together in comparison.
@wjrlaw, there are plenty of youtube videos about putting on chains. It would be sensible to watch a few, and get anyone who will be with you in the car to do the same. You will have a very accurate guide to the weather when you land at MXP. IF it looks snowy up in the mountains (which of course you'll be hoping it is!!) check that you can fit the chains before you leave the airport car park. That will also serve to check that they're the right size for the tyres.
Subsequently, if all the roads are clear and dry, you'll enjoy driving round the area. If it's snowy you might be better advised to use the extensive lift system.
Italian hired cars are most unlikely to be fitted with winter tyres, so if there's much snow on the roads, they'll be better avoided, though obviously AWD will be a big help.
It's a fabulous area - enjoy it! And leave a good time for lunch each day - the on mountain eateries are terrific.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Lovely body, @halfhand, but the wrong sort of chains. They are NOT what the OP is going to have to deal with.
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double post, sorry!
Last edited by After all it is free  on Mon 6-11-23 21:03; 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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@wjrlaw, I’ve done that journey, it’s 4-5 hours drive depending on traffic. The first bit is easy autoroute, with some tolls.
I took the road from the Bolzano to Canazei where I was staying, it’s slow and twisty but OK, try and do it in daylight if you’re able.
I hired my car for Hertz, they do have AWD with winter tyres, as do Avis and Sixt.
It’s easy to ski to Arabba from Selva, I have no knowledge of Cortina or Kronplatz sorry.
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@wjrlaw, You have to take the the exit some more north- saturday is often a mess on the street to the valley. If you can go into the valley very early say 6 morning it will be good and you can ski right away (after taking breakfast) 
https://www.google.com/maps/@46.6473891,11.5862883,15.05z?entry=ttu
We often stay near overnight and drive into the valley very early in the morning, coming from the north.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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| pam w wrote: |
| Lovely body, @halfhand, but the wrong sort of chains. They are NOT what the OP is going to have to deal with. |
Agree. I've never seen a chassis like that when battling with chains.
OP - if you book a car with a broker, particularly a few days prior to travel, you will get it very cheap, as there is lots of stock for Summer visitors so lots of cars lying around.
Brokers, however, rarely seem to have cars with winter tyres. I have gotten one once in about thirty rentals I'd say.
However, as has been pointed out, you are quite unlikely to need chains. If you are willing to wait and are interested in saving money then just wait till a day or two before you leave and see what weather forecast is, then book a car.
If you would prefer to avoid the hassle just book a car with winter tyres direct.
Either way, have a fantastic time, you will be visiting Europe's most beautiful ski area.
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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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What's MXP?
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| holidayloverxx wrote: |
| What's MXP? |
Milan Malpensa airport
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You know it makes sense.
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Yes you should check out Kronplatz for a day. The most vertical in one lift -by far- of any of the Dolomiti areas. 2 interesting museums at summit as well. As for Arabba and Cortina, yes you'll be able to ski to those places from Selva, and you should do that, too. Chains? Didn't see when you are going, but there is a reason Dolomiti has the biggest snowmaking system anywhere: they need it. That said, if you're lucky enough to get dumpage, passes over there are notably steeper and twistier than over here (e.g. Loveland Pass vs I-70 or Kingsbury Grade vs. Spooner), so chains can be needed at times when AWD would be sufficient here.
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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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Some passes will be closed in heavy snow
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Poster: A snowHead
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A few tips for driving on the autostrada.
Be prepared for some folk driving at high speeds, well above the 130km/h limit. Unless you are happy playing with these folk stay out of the outside lane.
The queues at the toll booths can be pretty unruly, be prepared for lots of pushing in, you should be able to pay by card (even if most Italians dont) but dont expect the receipt bit to be working.
The ring road around Milan can be a trial to the uninitiated, as often in Italy signage can be rather confusing, also lots of folk pulling on or off at short notice without working indicators! Satnav is probably your friend here.
If you stop for coffee the process of actually buying one can seem a complete mystery. First you must queue up to pay though you need to know what to ask for. Get a receipt (Italians have receipts for everything) which you take to wave at the bored folk behind the counter to actually get your coffee or sandwich. Note that what Americans call coffee and brits call builder's coffee is called an Americano (or with milk - Americano con Leche), apparently this was brought in after the American army arrived in 1944 and were confused by the tiny cups of coffee the locals drank. The Cafes soon caught on and introduced the "Americano" to cater for the "liberator's" tastes. If you simply ask for "un caffè" you will get an espresso. You only have a Cappuccino at breakfast time.
I would try to get a car with winter tyres if at all possible, the Dolomites is pretty dry and snow clearance is very efficient but you might just have to deal with a road situation with lying snow. I wouldn't bother with chains, if there is a possibility of heavy snow on the high passes dont drive over them. For most of the drive the most likely winter driving hazard is dense fog.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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It’s easy to drive around once there we have done this several times and is one reason we like the area. Also driving in Italy is pretty straightforward, especially once away from the large cities, lane discipline is important.
You’d have to be unlucky to have roads blocked by snow (or lucky if you’re at the destination) we’ve found the biggest problem driving is the ice as its not a cold area and can easily get above freezing for a few hours a day, it then obviously refreezes leaving random ice sheets seemingly strategically placed around blind corners!
Chains are a legal requirement which will be in your hire car. We have hired cars with all season tyres and it didn’t cost much more than standard tyres, IIRC a few £10s more last time. Have never had to put chains on but have been glad of the all seasons once or twice always related to side roads or car parks….
Although you can ski to Cortina unless you only want to see the cinque torri area it would leave much time to actually ski, so we drive and park up. Be aware that it’s quite a disjointed area with two main parts. There is a large free car park at the bottom of Socrates which opens up a good area and is where the World Cup (?) was last year. The lift at the bottom of Faloria on the other side of town is a pay car park.
Kronplatz is also a drive, again free parking. It’s quite a different resort to the others we’ve visited in that area. Basically most of it is one big mountain with multiple routes from the top, great views and very efficient lifts.
As mentioned above Arabba is an easy ski from Selva but be aware I think it’s slower coming back so don’t leave too late in the day. Also Arabba is probably the area where you’re most likely to hit the black bumped up runs your friend won’t like, so keep an eye on the piste map.
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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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Just keep an eye on the weather forecasts and take local advice if you're venturing out into snowy conditions and are not capable of using chains if conditions demand. Having driven into Arabba when ALL the passes were officially closed (through 12' high walls of snow  ) I take blasé assurances with a pinch of salt.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Easy drive, done it many times. We always stop in Verona for lunch/coffee and a stroll along the river. Never used chains but cars come with them. (verify)
Plan on 5 hours with stops. The last bit is twisting two lane road, so be careful.
The rental counter is left as you exit terminal. Cross the street and down one floor.
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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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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I've driven to Selva a fair few times. From the UK and from various airports with hire Noddys. As standard the hire car won't be fitted with winter tyres and I've been caught out with this one, probably won't have winter diesel in it either. Best to top up when you get near the mountains. Most hire outlets will have chains in the office if you ask. The roads in the Sud Tyrol are immaculately maintained. I've never come close to being caught out. However, you never know.  Another tip should the temps plummet, top the screen wash to brimming with neat fluid. Frozen screenwash on busy salted autoroutes is a proper drag and not particularly safe.
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What are "hire Noddys", @Mollerski?
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I’m not sure if google maps is showing a different rout than you intended but if driving from Milan you can go North almost via Brunico to Corvara/Alta Badia and avoid passes but not Selva as you’d have to almost double back over the passo Gardena between Corvara and Selva. This is ca600m higher than the direct route up the valley from Ponte Gardena to Selva and a worse road. There are no passes to cross if coming up from west, just a gentle climb to Selva at ca 1600m.
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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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As far as I understood he will be based in Selva (after flying in to Milano) and might explore other areas - one of them was Kronplatz.
Just an alternative to driving over Passo Gardena.
So no, the map shows what was intended.
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| pam w wrote: |
| What are "hire Noddys", @Mollerski? |
Noddy cars! The group 1 cheapies. Pandas and the like. 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Ah, I see. The sort of cars you wouldn't want to be seen dead in except abroad on holiday.  The sort lots of us drive every day.
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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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| Pasigal wrote: |
Easy drive, done it many times. We always stop in Verona for lunch/coffee and a stroll along the river. Never used chains but cars come with them. (verify)
Plan on 5 hours with stops. The last bit is twisting two lane road, so be careful.
The rental counter is left as you exit terminal. Cross the street and down one floor. |
Weird advice. The rental counters at Milan Malpensa could be either to the left of the right when you exit the terminal depending on which exit you take. Also no need to "cross street", simply take the lift within the terminal, no need to go outdoors at all. It is well signposted (follow signs for the railway station if confused).
I can only imagine you are thinking about a different airport. Or perhaps the old EasyJet terminal (limited car hire availability there anyway). Or have not been to MXP in the last decade. Or have simply been making life harder for yourself because you didn't actually realise you could get to the car hire terminals without going outside. I am sort of interested which it is!
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You know it makes sense.
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