_edited.png)
Italy
Italy is on the sunny southern side of the Alps, which stretch along the top of the boot. From the highest peak, Mont Blanc/Monte Bianco in the west, to the jutting pink rocks of the Dolomites in the east, there is always something to gaze upon as you ski. Italians do winter sports differently; there is an equal emphasis on an excellent lunch and the evening passegiata, when the entire town comes out to stroll, enjoy conversation and people-watch. You can join them, or take advantage of the quiet slopes.
In the Alpine foothills you'll find the lakes, a chain of sparkling blue cuts hemmed in by steep mountains. Here spring comes early and you can be in a snow-covered ski area in the morning before having lunch in short-sleeves under palm trees a short time later. The major cities of the Alps, Venice, Milan and Turin need little introduction, save to say that adding a few days here can allow you to explore the history, culture and food that makes the country so appealing.
Further afield, but easily reached by Italy's network of domestic flights, high speed trains and excellent road network, Florence, Rome and the Amalfi Coast can be visited - seeing these places in the off-season means fewer visitors, gentler temperatures and lower prices.
Bella Italia
In Italy they value what is beautiful, from the jewel-like lakes to the canals of Venice and the antiquities of Rome.
Italian Trips
Below are some of our suggested ways to discover Italy. Take a look - if it's what you're looking for, perfect. If you want to change anything we can change as much or as little as you want.
Cervinia and the Italian Lakes
Fly to Milan and head up to one of Europe's highest ski areas, Cervinia, which sits on the border with Switzerland underneath the peak of the Matterhorn - or Cervino as it is known here. Cervinia has skiing stretching up to the roof of Europe and across to Zermatt in Switzerland meaning both a long season and plenty to do. It is also a short drive from the Italian Lakes, so add a few days to explore the villas and waterside towns of Lake Como and beyond.
The Dolomites, Venice and Verona
Combine the Alps' most beautiful mountains with two of Italy's most beautiful destinations. The Dolomites are characterized by towering pink peaks, surrounded by gentle trails and villages with a reputation for seriously good food. Verona, immortalized in Romeo and Juliet, is full of history while Venice needs little introduction.
Courmayeur heli-ski adventure and Rome
Courmayeur sits on the southern side of Europe's highest mountain, which the Italians call Monte Bianco. As well as having its own ski area and access to the Vallée Blanche, Courmayeur has heliskiing up to almost 12,000 feet. Ride through the blue ice of glacial terrain in soft powder with vertical of over 5,000 feet per run possible. Afterwards head south to Italy's capital, Rome, home of the Vatican City and the Colosseum.
Reasons to choose us for your trip
Why should you work with us to plan your trip to the Alps and Europe? We want to show off our 'home' mountains and ensure you have an awesome time - again and again.
Years of Alpine experience
We've been skiing all over the Alps since starting young in the 80s.
Global ski knowledge
We've not just skied the Alps, but also the Pyrenees, southern Spain, Arctic Sweden, the US, South America and New Zealand - so we know what makes a good trip.
Expertise
As qualified ski instructors we know about different levels and can help your and your travel partners achieve your goals.
Enjoyable planning process
We believe that when planning a trip it starts there and then - so let's get excited. We've been building dream vacations for people for over 20 years and get a massive kick out of helping people do something really memorable. We aim to make the whole process easy and fun.
Love of winter sports and the mountains
We love everything about being in the mountains. We love powder and groomers (bumps are getting a bit hard on the knees), we love apres, we love first lifts, we love heli days - well you get the idea.
Beyond the mountains
We love the mountains, but the Alps are surrounded by endless cool places. You're coming a long way so let us help you explore a bit more of Europe while you're here.
When to go
You'll get different things out of your trip depending on when you go, so we'll work with you to choose the best time.
November
In a few places you can ski year round, but November is when it will start feeling like winter. In the cities it's the run-up to Christmas.
February
The first part of the month is similar to January, but then most European countries have their winter holidays, leading to bustling resorts and great après-ski. Carnival happens around the Alps, and it is an exciting time to visit Venice.
December
December is less reliable for snow than it used to be, but high altitude places will be open. Off the slopes in the cities Christmas markets add festive cheer.
March
Spring is in evidence at lower altitudes, but high up snow depths are really building. Long, sunny days lend themselves to lunches on terraces and afternoon après. Places like the Italian lakes are warming up, with snow-capped mountains towering over blooming flowers.
January
The best month for lack of crowds after schools go back, lowest prices and coldest conditions. Off the slopes places are cold but pubs and restaurants are convivial, prices are low and museums are quiet.
April
The season starts to wind down, but April can see big dumps as April showers pepper the Alps. It can be quiet, snowy and sunny, making it a glorious time to be in the Alps. Off the snow you can find everything from beach weather to vibrant cities waking from the winter cold.
Summer in the Alps
While summer sees skiing take a back seat, the Alps are carpeted by wildflowers, hiking and mountain biking become the activities of choice and marmots emerge from their burrows to enjoy the warm weather. If you are interested in exploring during this season, or even taking a course on glacier to hone your technique, we can arrange it.