Merano is the second largest city in the autonomous province of Bolzano (South Tyrol) in northern Italy, on the border with Austria. Merano is conveniently accessible from the airports of Milan (3 hours by car), Verona and Innsbruck (2 hours by car). The city is located in a valley, surrounded from the east and north by majestic mountain ranges, the height of which reaches 3335 m. Thanks This has created a very comfortable microclimate in Merano.
Merano is a city of festivals, with palace and medieval architecture, beautiful parks. There is a big one here Botanical Garden with a collection of unique plants, in the vicinity of Meran there are several castles, including Tyrol Castle, which gave its name to the Tyrol County, and Trautmansdorf Castle - favorite place holiday of the Austrian Empress Elizabeth. It was thanks to her that Merano gained fame as a resort town.
In the city center is TermeMerano, a huge thermal complex with radon springs. The walls of the complex are made entirely of glass, allowing you to admire the panorama of the Alps. It features 25 swimming pools, a fitness center, huge complex saunas and steam rooms, a real “snow” room and many spa treatments.
Not far from Merano there is the Merano 2000 ski area, 40 km of slopes located at an altitude of 1680 - 2300 m. The lower lift station is located on the outskirts of Merano, a large gondola will take skiers to the slope in just 7 minutes. The ski area has 12 slopes (black - 2, red - 7, blue - 3), an AlpinBob attraction and a 3.8 km long toboggan run.

The Val di Fassa valley, well known to Russian skiers for a long time, is located in the northeast of the administrative region of Trentino, 185 km from Venice, 190 km from Verona and 170 km from Innsbruck, Austria. In the Val di Fassa there are five main resort villages, not counting Moena: Vigo di Fassa, Pozza di Fassa, Campitello, Canazei and Alba di Canazei (Penia). In total, there are about three hundred hotels and guesthouses in the valley, and the number of places for guests exceeds 50,000.
The Val di Fassa ski area is one of the best in Italy in terms of the level of hotels, technical equipment and quality of service. Well-known schools with highly professional instructors are located here. Prices for services are low, and the possibilities for varied recreation are extensive. Here you can find entertainment for every taste and besides skiing: shops, bars, restaurants, sports clubs And Ice Palace, colorful bars and noisy discos, a modern wellness center, a cinema and bowling alley, kindergartens and a museum. The Val di Fassa has 60 modern ski lifts and 220 km of groomed pistes, of which 32% are blue, 60% are red, 24% are black. There are also 8 ski schools for adults and children, where 250 instructors work, including Russian speakers.
The four ski areas of Val di Fassa are connected by ski bus routes and a single DolomitiSuperski ski pass, which allows you to ski at any of the twelve resorts in the Dolomites region.

Hotels in the region: 1 · Length of trails: 35 km(black- 1 , red- 11 , blue- 7 ) · Lifts: chair- 11 , drag- 4 · Illuminated cross-country ski trails: 15 km · Snowparks: 2 · Height difference: 1250 m

The Alpe Cimbra ski area consists of two zones: Folgaria (74 km of slopes) and Lavarone (30 km of slopes). Highest height 1850 m above sea level. A ski bus runs between both areas, which, if you have a ski pass, transports tourists from one ski area to another in 15 minutes free of charge every day. For snowboard lovers, there is a snowpark, there are trails for cross-country skiing, a sledding hill, and an ice skating rink where you can go ice skating.
The region is part of the Skirama-Dolomiti-Adamello-Brenta complex. In the center ski resort Folgaria has a cozy 2.5 km pedestrian area with bars, restaurants and shops. Holidays in Folgaria are well suited for families with children because: travel time is only 1 hour from Verona airport; many inexpensive apartments, 3* and 4* hotels; held animation program for children and adults; most ski slopes are protected from the wind by trees, which is comfortable for children; red or black runs are always duplicated by a blue easy run; there is a children's ski school; dog sledding center; 40 km of bike paths for special fat bike mountain bikes. Folgaria is the right choice for families with children, active groups and those who do not want to spend too much money.

Tarvisio – small resort region in northeastern Italy. It is located between the Julian and Carnic Alps, close to the borders of Slovenia and Austria. The resort is located on the ancient route leading from Central European countries to Italy, and was well known during the Roman Empire.
Today Tarvisio is a modern center winter species sports, and many tourists come here to ride alpine skiing ah or snowboarding. It is especially popular with school groups. In 2003, the Winter Universiade was held here, and in 2007 the resort hosted the Alpine Skiing World Cup. Heavy snowfalls provide up to 250 cm of snow on the mountain slopes. A developed lift system, a snow park, evening ski slopes, equipment rental and a sports school allow you to have a quality and inexpensive holiday in Tarvisio.

In March we are going skiing to Italy – Corvara in Badia (Dolomites).
It all started when, while writing an article in August last year, incidentally, as an example, I booked an apartment next to the ski lift in Karvara in Badia for March 2016.

AIR TICKETS:

Inexpensive air tickets to Verona (8,000 rubles each) were found on the website.
The tariff does not include luggage, but we have Iberian silver (OneWorld) and therefore S7 allows you to take a suitcase of luggage per person for free.

ACCOMMODATION:

Nei Y Suredl NeveSole apartments are booked six months before the trip.
This time I booked a larger apartment. What I like - 10 meters to the ski lift, ski slope to the hotel, has its own parking, there is a balcony for smoking.
I'm not talking about the ski room, sauna and WiFi

CAR RENT:

I booked a middle-class car at Verona airport on the website: Mercedes A-Class for 93 euros for 5 days.
Price includes standard CDW insurance and snow chains. We'll see what happens with the weather and roads in the mountains on the spot - in March, most cars in Italy already have summer tires.

SKI RENTAL

I booked skis, boots, and a helmet on the website http://www.skiset.co.uk/partner/j2ski/ski-resort/corvara/ – last time we took them there, I liked it
This time I decided to try this year’s ski model. Ikrinke ordered a set for an advanced snowboarder, although I strongly recommend that she switch to skis.
All equipment is new, boots are clean, edges are prepared. Snowboard boots with fishing line. The helmets are clean and new.

A significant part of tourists travel to Italy for one purpose - to go skiing. The advantage of using transfers around Italy is that, having come to relax at one resort, tourists have time to visit several neighboring ones.

Val Gardena

All ski resorts in the country are located on the slopes of the Dolomites on the border of Italy with Switzerland and Austria. The main ski areas and the steepest pistes run along the borders. One of the most popular places For skiers, Val Gardena is considered. It is part of the Sella Ronda circuit and is the most visited resort in Italy.

You can get to Val Gardena from Innsbruck or Bolzano airports. Regular Shuttle Buses they go to Val Gardena and neighboring resorts. Buses run twice a day, but tickets must be purchased half a day in advance. This especially applies to the holiday season, when two or three tourists apply for each seat in such transport.

Another convenient option traveling around Italy between resort areas means renting a car. In Italy this service is inexpensive. But in order not to waste a lot of time searching the right route It’s worth arming yourself with all kinds of maps, compasses and navigators. A much more acceptable option is a taxi in Italy. Experienced drivers will be able to take you to any specified point without any problems.

Ortisei

This area is part of Val Gardena, so getting here will have to be the same. From Val Gardena to Ortisei traffic public transport it’s not established, so when you get to the first one you’ll still have to order a taxi. And to get maximum pleasure from skiing, you can visit two more resort areas located in the Val Gardena area - Selva and San Cristina.

San Cristina is the smallest ski area and rather serves as a transit point on the road from Selva to Ortisei. From San Cristina you can also get to other regions not related to Val Gardena.

Arabba

Next door to Val Gardena is Arabba. She is considered the most here high point on the Sella Ronda circumnavigation. The village of Arabba represents the beginning of the route, i.e. its streets smoothly turn into ski trails. Here you can easily stay in one of the many inexpensive hotels or hostels, and during the day visit other ski areas located nearby.

Canazei

Another neighbor of Val Gardena is Canazei. This resort is part of the Val di Fassa area, which in turn is also included in the Sella Ronda circumnavigation route. You can stay here in one of several hotels or rent a house, there will be more of them here. Canazei is connected to Val Gardena by several ski slopes, so skiing is not limited to one area.

Corvara

This resort is located at another point on the Sella Ronda circuit - Alta Badia. Alta Badia is the most populated and multi-level area. Most of the residential areas and ski areas are concentrated here, and therefore a wide variety of ski slopes.

The convenience of ski resorts in Italy lies in the fact that they are all located in one part of the country. Therefore, tourists have the opportunity to visit several ski areas without resorting to long flights and transfers. Often tourists coming to Italy do not know in which particular area they want to spend most of their time. They simply take a taxi in Italy and drive through all the resort areas in search of the ideal option for themselves.

Valley of Vale d'Aosta - most beautiful place on earth, surrounded by stunning mountains and hills. The valley is located in the northwestern tip of the Iberian Peninsula and every year receives thousands of tourists who come to Vale d'Aosta alone or with the whole family. Here you can live for your pleasure in, from the windows of which you can see amazing snow-capped peaks, and go skiing on challenging routes .

The location of Vale d'Aosta is considered unique - the valley is located at the meeting point of three European countries - , and. In other words, guests of Vale d'Aosta can ski through French territory, then find themselves in neighboring Italy or Switzerland.

If desired, skiers can visit neighboring resorts - and. To do this, just sit on a modern, comfortable lift. Going to the resorts of Vale d'Aosta, a traveler will be able to see three countries at once - it's worth a lot. The valley offers many different options - each tourist can choose a vacation according to his preferences and wallet capabilities. Vale d'Aosta will satisfy the wishes of the demanding traveler, and families looking for a cheaper holiday.

The valley's resorts boast 870 kilometers of pistes, located at altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 3,600 meters. In Vale d'Aosta there are trails for beginners, professionals, snowboarders, and for real extreme sports enthusiasts. The season in the valley begins at and lasts until. At some resorts, tourists ski in the summer. The main resorts located in Vale d'Aosta these are La Thuile, Courmayeur, Cervinia, Pyla, Monte Rosa.

Resort Val di Susa

In the western part of Italy, there is another famous valley -. There are many ski resorts in this place, the main ones being Bardonecchia, Sestriete, Claviere, Souse D'Oulx, Sansicario. Thousands of tourists flock to each of the valley's resorts for a world-class vacation. The valley resorts are close to big city, so getting to them is not a problem. Even the most inexperienced tourists can easily find their holiday resort.

It offers travelers over 400 kilometers of slopes, 42 rope tows and 25 chairlifts. The slopes of the resorts located in the Val di Susa valley are connected into a single network, thanks to which tourists can choose a new route every day, fully enjoying their ski holiday.

Dolomites

- a real pearl of Italy. This place is considered a national treasure of the country. The Dolomites are famous all over the world; these mountains have become the setting for many famous films. Holidays in the Dolomites are considered the standard winter tourism, thanks to unique trails and stunning nature. There are a huge number of resorts in the mountains, united into a single complex.

The main resorts are Arabba Marmolada, Alta Badia, Civeta, San Martino di Castorzza, Alta Pusteria, Cortina D'Ampezzo, Kronplatz, Tre Valle, Valle Isarco, Val Gardena. Not far from the Arabba-Marmolada resort is Mount Marmolada, the highest in the region. The height of this peak is 3,340 meters above sea level. The Arabba-Marmolada resort is chosen by professionals and lovers of steep descents.

For amateur skiers, the resorts of the Dolomites have created many simple trails and slopes. Total length of trails ski resort– 1,200 kilometers. The slopes are served by 450 lifts of various types. All resorts in the Dolomites are connected into a single network and have a common ski pass. After skiing and enjoying the mountain air, tourists can head to a Michelin-starred restaurant or spa. However, many skiers, tired of physical activity, prefer to light a fire in the fireplace and pour a cup of hot chocolate to fully enjoy the minutes of real alpine relaxation.

Ski resorts Italy is a recognized paradise for winter sports lovers. Every year millions of fans of quality trails flock to the Italian Alps, good developed infrastructure and various bonuses in the form of sled rides, carnivals or thermal springs.

Of the six Italian ski regions each is designed for a certain financial capabilities and level of training of a tourist. BiletyPlus.ru has prepared a review of the best ski resorts in Italy.

1. Dolomites

The largest ski region in Italy, where everyone can find a slope according to their abilities. About one and a half thousand kilometers of various trails - from “blue” for beginners to “black” for super professionals. Vacationers in the Dolomites have the opportunity to ski at 12 resorts in the Dolomiti-Super-Ski region by purchasing a special pass.

Most popular resorts localities - Val di Fassa, Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Kronplatz.

Val Gardena- an Italian valley with an Austrian flavor, since it is located on the former lands of Austria in South Tyrol. Experienced skiers praise the resorts of Val Gardena for the greatest length of slopes and their excellent service, as well as for the largest elevation changes, a developed network of lifts and the proximity of hotels to the slopes.

Val di Fassa It is considered a universal resort, since families with children and groups of young people with any level of training can relax here equally comfortably. Even in winters with little snow, there is always enough snow here thanks to the uninterrupted operation of a huge number of snow cannons. Prices for services are low, and the choice of trails is pleasantly surprising.

Alta Badia- the most family-friendly of all the resorts in the Dolomites. However, it should be remembered that there are no Russian-speaking staff directly at the resort, and support for vacationers from Russia is provided by telephone. Resort towns have a high level of comfort local hotels and a large selection of gourmet restaurants. The main part of the trails is classified as easy, which is suitable for families with children.

Kronplatz- the youngest, most active and rapidly developing resort in the Dolomites. Among the advantages, in addition to the ski slopes, are cross-country ski tracks and illuminated night routes, a modern snow park with jumps, boxes and railings for snowboarders, as well as four kindergartens for children, open skating rinks, a sledding track and even a large Wellness center with a water park.

2. Dolomiti di Brenta

The valleys of this ski region of Italy unite both fans of chic, luxury and pomp, as well as lovers of reckless fun and night discos. In addition to well-groomed ski and cross-country slopes, ski schools for beginners and a snow park, the resorts of Dolomiti di Brenta offer the opportunity to take part in a medieval carnival, go dog sledding or visit most beautiful cities Verona, Bolzano and Trento.

The most fashionable and prestigious winter resort Italy is often called a town Madonna di Campiglio. Holidays here are suitable for wealthy and discerning tourists. And if you need quiet resort For family vacation with different levels of difficulty of ski slopes, a suitable place Pinzolo in Dolomiti di Brenta.

3. Alta Valtellina

This alpine region of Italy is more suitable for professionals or amateurs with a high level of skill. Such a narrow focus of local ski resorts significantly reduces the cost of services, but here you can also find slopes for beginners. In addition, in this region there are thermal centers where relaxation can be complemented by wellness.

The best resort towns of Alta Valtellina are Bormio, Santa Caterina, Livigno.

Ski resort Bormio has gained particular popularity due to the large difference in altitude and varied terrain of the slopes (alpine skiing World Cup stages are regularly held here), as well as hot thermal springs.

Livigno- a resort town located near the Swiss border guarantees calm, sunny weather and good snow. Besides ski slopes there are two snow parks, a fitness center, tennis courts and a large Aqua Grande complex with thermal springs. Shopping lovers choose Livigno for the opportunity to purchase branded items at very competitive prices in local stores (there are more than 200 of them).

Village Santa Caterina located on the territory national park and is famous for its stunning scenery. Prices for hotels and services here are much lower than in neighboring Bormio and Livigno, but you will also have to go to neighboring towns for nightlife entertainment.

In Bormio, Livigno and Santa Caterina, you can purchase a single ski pass for six days, which gives you the right to one-day access to the slopes of the famous Swiss resort of St. Moritz, located nearby.

4. Val d'Aosta

Val d'Aosta is called the most expensive ski region in Italy. Both the hotels and service here are of the highest class, and the resorts boast a wide program of entertainment in addition to skiing. In addition, this is the highest mountainous region of the Italian Alps, and the descent can begin from a height of as much as 3500 meters! The proximity of France and Switzerland allows especially active skiers to use the slopes in neighboring countries, where popular “black” slopes are located.

In this region, the resorts of La Thuile, Courmayeur, Pyla, and Aosta stand out.

La Thuile- a calm and quiet resort town, where all entertainment is concentrated in the center of Planibel. Vacationers are offered wellness treatments spa complex, entertainment animation for adults and children, sports shops, restaurants. On the roads of La Thuile, despite their high quality, less busy than in Courmayeur, which for true connoisseurs of alpine skiing can be considered a definite plus.

Courmayeur- a more fashionable and popular resort in the region. The proximity of the French ski town of Chamonix makes it possible to visit the slopes of neighboring France. You can get there through a tunnel passing through the Mont Blanc mountain.

5. Val di Susa

Val di Susa is a ski resort in the western part of Italy, where the level of elevation changes is from 2800 to 1300 meters. The predominant routes here are “red” level, but you can find slopes for skiers of any skill level. Reviews from tourists also recommend that while in Val di Susa, set aside a day to travel by train to Nice.

The most popular resorts in the region are Sestriere, Sous d'Oulx, Limone Piemonte, Bardonecchia.

6. Trento

Although this region is considered a ski area, where there are various slopes and slopes of all levels, in general Trento is a place for a versatile holiday.

Mostly those who come here for whom skiing is only part of an ideal vacation. After all, in addition to mountain descents, this Italian region offers rich excursion program with visits to medieval fortresses, castles and an overview of natural alpine attractions. Trento is not very popular with Russian tourists, so those who do not like to relax in the company of compatriots flock here. The most famous resort in this region is Terlago.

In each of the ski regions of Italy you can find a resort suitable in terms of the level of slopes and the cost of services. And those who want a varied holiday will be happy to discover not only well-groomed slopes and ideal service, but also variety additional entertainment, services and excursions.

Treat yourself to an amazing winter's tale in Italy and there are guaranteed to be enough impressions until your next vacation!