Map
of Italy
ITALY
by Richard Muello
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For more than six decades, Italy has been a mecca for skiers from around the world. It has all the desired features and special attractions for an exceptional ski adventure in Europe. World class skiing and boarding facilities, coupled with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and extensive choices of artistic and cultural events, make it unique.
Nature has bestowed upon Italy magnificent mountains, abundant snow and ideal winter temperatures. It is the only alpine country to encompass the entire 868 mile Alpine Arc. The lofty Alps, the most captivating mountains in Europe, divide Italy from France in the northwest, Switzerland and Austria in the north and Slovenia in the northeast.
The immense mountains of Mont Blanc (15,771 ft.) and the Gran Paradiso (13,324 ft.) form the back-drops for many of the challenging slopes in the Aosta Valley region. These peaks, possibly the most beautiful of the alpine range, harbor internationally renowned resorts as Cervinia, Courmayeur and La Thuille.
The Dolomites, among the most exquisite and spectacular mountains in the world, are located in the eastern Alps, a mere hundred miles north of Venice, all within Italy's borders in the provinces of Belluno, Bolzano and Trento. They are a phenomenal manifestation of nature with towering peaks of vertical rocky spires shaded in multi-colors. Cortina d'Ampezzo, site of the 1956 Winter Olympics, is one of many outstanding ski resorts in this beautiful natural setting. These mountains, with vast snowfields offer an endless variety of terrain for all skiers. The "Dolomite Super Ski Pass" incorporates the largest circuit in the world with 464 lifts and 1180 km. of ski runs in 12 valleys at 38 different ski centers.
A second range of mountains, the Apennines, "The backbone of Italy," traverses the entire length of the peninsula.
We visualize The Blue Book as a convenient reference guide which assists readers in planning their European ski vacation. It provides accurate information regarding terrain, ski facilities, rates, off-mountain activities, accommodations and travel information. In addition, we strive to provide an attractive book that is appealing and a pleasure to read.
Skiers have a pleasant dilemma of deciding which region and ski resorts they intend to visit. Fear not, it is an enviable situation, because all or them are special and unique. Twenty-eight resorts have been selected from Italy's six northern regions: Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige, Veneto, and Fruli Venezia Giulia. For easy reference, the regions and resorts are presented in a west to east sequence.
These areas represent only a small fraction of Italy's overall ski resorts. However, they have a reputation for exceptional ski facilities and extensive apres-ski activities. Many outstanding resorts such as Bormio and Livigno are linked by interconnected or reciprocal lift systems forming circuses, like Alta Valtellina in the Lombardy region.
For special ski experiences, Italy offers the most inter-country ski opportunities in Europe: Cervinia to Zermatt, Switzerland; Courmayeur to Chamonix, France, La Thule to La Rosiere, France; and Claviere/Casane Toriese to Montgenevre, France.
The proximity of many Italian resorts, such as Macugnaga or Val Senales to Austria and Switzerland, make day trips convenient for skiing or sight-seeing.
The language difference is not a barrier to communicating. At least some English is spoken at resorts, hotels, shops and aboard planes, trains and buses. Although Italian is the official language, a majority of the residents of the alpine regions are multilingual. French is officially recognized in Aosta Valley and an ancient German-Swiss dialect is spoken in Gressoney Valley.
The Trentino Alto-Adige Region is involved with two cultures. In Trentino the principal language is Italian, while in Alto-Adige, language and tradition are German. Before World War I this South Tyrol region was part of Austria. The Ladin minority present in both areas adds even more ethnic and linguistic variety.
Prices will differ substantially, according to the season. Although high and low seasons may vary slightly from region to region, this time frame will generally apply. High season: Christmas week through the first week in January, and the month of February to the middle of March.
Much of Italy's priceless art and history are reflected in its churches, monuments and museums in the cosmopolitan cities of Milan, Venice and Turin, as well as in most provincial cities and towns.
Italy is crowned by huge mountains and is rich in atmosphere, culture and climate. However, it is people who ultimately create the flavor and quality of experience when determining a successful ski sojourn. Visitors quickly perceive a genuine hospitality that is expressed with superb foods, fine wines and hearty laughter. For skiers visiting Italy, the link with nature, art and history is complete, while many fond memories endure for a lifetime.
For additional information, contact:
ITALIAN GOVERNMENT TRAVEL OFFICES
Chicago
500 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 2240
Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: 312-644-0996
Fax: 312-644-3019
Email: enitch@italiantourism.com
New York
630 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1565
New York, NY 10111
Phone: 212-245-4822
Fax: 212-586-9249
URL: italiantourism.com
Email: enitny@italiantourism.com
Los Angeles
12400 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 550
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310-820-1898
Fax: 310-820-6357
URL: italiantourism.com
Email: enitla@earthlink.net
Toronto
175 Bloor St., East Suite 907
South Tower
Toronto, CANADA M4W 3R8
Tel: 416-925-4882
Fax: 416-925-4779
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