Skiing in times of corona
If we were going to ski, it had to be in Italy. I had some cold feet.: skiing is quite a hassle, especially with three children, one of whom requires a bit more attention than the average child, which made it a bit less appealing than a white beach with an inflatable crocodile on the left and a piña colada on the right. For example, if we flew to Bologna and then skied in Val Gardena, we could always escape to Venice if it didn't work out. My apologies in advance to all Austrians reading this piece, but that sounds a bit more appealing to me than Innsbruck.
It didn't disappoint; in fact, I calculated last night in my little bed in Haarlem how long it would be until we go again. Forty-three nights. The ski area covers 1200 kilometers, there are various ‘squadra’ of ‘maestri’, eager to help us glide smoothly from the Sella Ronda. I'm going to step away from the personal adventure for a moment, that will come in another piece, but let me switch to some practical tips that you can also benefit from if you want to go.
The trip:
If you ski in Val Gardena, you can fly to Innsbruck or Verona. We took a taxi bus from there. Not cheap, but still much cheaper than a rental car and wonderfully carefree. Of course, you can also take public transport. Travel time from Verona to your hotel? A solid two hours.
Corona
Italy is strict and tough. An image that many people do not associate with Italians, but everyone who really knows the country knows that we might be a bit more nonchalant in following rules than they are. They expect a negative PCR test and a ‘green pass’, meaning your international QR code with double vaccination. They also expect you to wear a face mask (everywhere! Even outside and thus also on the slopes!) and they may even require you to wear a medical face mask (one with a wire at the top of your nose bridge). I must say that I pulled mine down a bit when skiing alone with my daughter, but otherwise, I decided to adapt to the local customs and be happy that we were simply welcome here.
The food
In Val Gardena, you move between Austria and Italy, which means it’s a mix of Austrian coziness and Italian refinement. So, you will definitely find schnitzels and those cozy cookies everywhere, but also the perfect coffee and delicious food. I hesitated for a moment whether to share this tip, but since I’m not the worst and I also enjoy that you gather your information here, I’ll do it: it’s restaurant Comici, a fish restaurant at 2150 meters altitude. The fish is brought to the restaurant every day by helicopter (how luxurious). The toilet is said to be very spectacular with a kind of coat rack for your helmet, gloves, and possibly backpack. You ski there or take the gondola (Plan de Gralba, blue gondola) and get off at the restaurant. You can even dine there in the evening if you take the last gondola. You then go home with a sled (after a few schnaps on the house).
Ski pass
You can buy a ski pass for Dolomiti Superski that covers the entire area. The service is enormous: at every lift, there is a friendly gentleman who indicates your seat or helps you into the lift.
Snow reliable
It is almost always, but in case of warmth, there are snow machines that ensure a crisp, white carpet.
Divertiti!
And PS: if you are worried about my well-being or want to be a know-it-all: I had my helmet off for the photo and once because I was hanging out in the children's area on the slope and I found the danger manageable.
