Where I’m from (central Italy, Abruzzo) you can actually ski while looking at the sea. Therefore, even though I’m originally from the seaside, there has not been a year in the last 20 where I’ve not skied, and I’ve tried around 15 different ski resorts in EU. Below is a brief description of my favorite.

Val Gardena is pretty famous also for the World Cup which takes place annually in Saslong, one week before Christmas.

This is the place where I learned to ski at the age of 4, and I’ve returned every year since. While it holds sentimental value for me, I firmly believe that the Dolomites are unparalleled for skiing – ideal for families and friends alike. I can attest to this having explored various accommodations, from hotels to resorts and Airbnbs. Boasting 1200 KM of ski slopes, diverse itineraries, and the best Baitas offering traditional Italian/South Tyrolean cuisine, the Dolomites, part of the well-connected Dolomiti Superski skipass, stand out. Notably, there are numerous cities to stay in, some quite distant from one another. My preferred locations have often been between Val Gardena and Alta Badia. The quality and variety of Baitas in South Tyrol are incomparable to any other ski destination I’ve visited, be it Selva di Val Gardena, Arabba, or Corvara.

1) Rifugio Fodom, must have: their signature steaks. This is the only baita where I eat pizza, not bad.
2) Annatal, must have: Gnocchi verdi panna e prosciutto. I love their Germknödel, ask for it and it’ll make your day.

3) Restaurant at Hotel Armentarola, must have: Piatto dello sciatore.

4) Scotoni must have: try to guess? That’s not fish. This place has got its own grills for you to use to cook fresh meat.
5) Rifugio Comici: even though this may sound as an oxymoron I swear you’ll have fresh fish here, finely cooked, bit pricey.

6) Club Moritzino: in Alta Badia, this is the trendiest. Open also late night with a great fish selection.

[to be continued…]