Skiing, Wine & La Dolce Vita: Exploring the Dolomites of Italy

This spring, my husband Hunter, colleague Camille, and I had the opportunity to experience one of the most unforgettable ski destinations in the world: the Dolomites of northern Italy. Thanks to a fantastic FAM trip hosted by Caldana Europe Travel and local tourism partners, we spent a week exploring two incredible ski regions—Val di Fassa and Madonna di Campiglio—before extending our adventure with visits to Bologna and Milan.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to ski in Italy, here's a glimpse into our journey.

Arrival in Italy

Our adventure began with an overnight flight from New Orleans to Milan. After landing on a beautiful Saturday morning, our first order of business was simple: coffee.

Hunter and I leaving JFK for Milan!

There's just something special about your first cappuccino in Italy.

After meeting another tour operator who would be joining our trip, we boarded a private shuttle and headed toward the Dolomites. Along the way, we picked up Camille, who had just wrapped up her own adventure in Ireland, and made a stop at what may have been the coolest gas station we've ever visited. Instead of the typical roadside convenience store, we found fresh sandwiches, a full café, and shelves packed with delicious Italian snacks.

The four-hour drive into the mountains was stunning. Vineyards stretched across rolling hillsides, charming villages dotted the landscape, and dramatic peaks began to rise in the distance. With every mile, we became more excited about what awaited us.

Canazei & Val di Fassa: An Authentic Alpine Experience

Our first stop was the village of Canazei in Val di Fassa, where we checked into the beautiful Hotel Cèsa Tyrol.

The hotel felt like something out of a postcard—warm wood interiors, authentic alpine charm, and breathtaking views from our balcony overlooking town and the surrounding mountains. After settling in, we picked up our ski rentals and headed straight for the rooftop pool and bar. Floating in a heated pool while gazing at snow-covered peaks? Not a bad way to start a ski trip.

View from the rooftop pool- Spectacular!

Dinner that evening set the tone for the week ahead. The food was exceptional, the service impeccable, and our waiter Christian quickly became one of our favorite people in Italy.

Can you tell that we loved this place?

Skiing the Dolomiti Superski

The next two days were packed with skiing and hotel inspections, giving us a comprehensive look at the region.

The Dolomiti Superski area is unlike anywhere else we've skied. Endless mountain views, perfectly groomed slopes, and charming mountain huts make every run feel like a scenic tour.

Our guide, Eleonora, was phenomenal. Her attention to detail and local knowledge ensured we experienced all the highlights while seamlessly navigating the vast terrain.

Each morning started with one of the best hotel breakfasts we've ever encountered—fresh eggs prepared to order, pastries, local cheeses, meats, fruit, yogurt, granola, and plenty of cappuccino.

Nothing like drinks on a bluebird day in a mountain hut!

And then there were the lunches.

Forget grabbing a quick sandwich between runs. In Italy, lunch is an event. We spent our afternoons enjoying leisurely meals at mountain huts, sipping wine, sharing local specialties, and soaking in panoramic views of the Dolomites.

One highlight was riding the famous Pordoi Pass cable car. The ascent was steep enough to make our stomachs flutter, but the views from the top were absolutely worth it. We rewarded ourselves with a café con panna while taking in one of the most spectacular vistas in the Alps.

Spa Time & Mountain Hut Dinners

A mountain hut dinner experience is a must.

One of the things that makes skiing in Italy so unique is the balance between adventure and relaxation.

After two days on the slopes, we spent an afternoon at QC Terme Dolomiti, also known as the Spa of Wonders. Multiple pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, infrared treatments, and a wonderful charcuterie happy hour made it the perfect recovery experience.

Another unforgettable evening involved riding a small sled train up the mountain to a rustic rifugio for dinner. Surrounded by snow-covered forests and traditional alpine hospitality, it felt like stepping into another world.

For families considering the Dolomites, Hotel Cèsa Tyrol stood out as an excellent option. In addition to its spa, rooftop pool, and fantastic dining, it offers family-friendly amenities including a children's play area, bowling alley, shuttle service to the lifts, and plenty of activities for non-skiers.

A Taste of Trentino Wine Country

Before leaving Val di Fassa, our group stopped in the Trentino wine region for a visit and tasting at a local winer, Martinelli Winery.

We toured the property, learned about the area's winemaking traditions, and enjoyed a tasting paired with local cheeses, meats, and preserves. Somehow we even managed to leave with seven bottles of wine and a growing concern about how we'd fit them into our luggage for the trip home...Oh well, a great problem to have!

It was a wonderful reminder that skiing is only part of what makes this region so special.

Madonna di Campiglio: Italy's Elegant Mountain Resort

Our next destination was Madonna di Campiglio, often considered one of Italy's most sophisticated ski resorts.

Espresso all day, every day.

Before arriving, we toured a stunning ski chalet a few minutes outside of the village and then checked into our next hotel, Hotel Rosengarten. The staff was so lovely and we were greeted with champagne or coffee- I chose coffee! This place was stunning and our rooms were beautifully rennovated in a modern style.

The hotel was perfectly located in the village, so we were able to walk just about anywhere. That afternoon we explored the village and were immediately impressed. Stylish boutiques, lively bars, excellent restaurants, and charming pedestrian streets gave the resort a vibrant atmosphere unlike many North American ski towns.

We settled into a local happy hour spot, listened to a DJ spinning music outdoors, and quickly understood why Madonna di Campiglio has become such a beloved destination for European travelers.

More Skiing, More Food, More Fun

The rhythm of our days remained delightfully consistent:

Ski all morning. Enjoy a long Italian lunch (with dessert of course!) Tour properties in the afternoon. Relax and enjoy the village in the evening.

Madonna di Campiglio offers terrain for every level of skier, and we loved exploring the interconnected mountains- you can ski the Dolomites and the Italian Alps on one ski pass!

The hotel owner and provider of these homemade meats and cheeses!

One particularly memorable hotel visit featured its own in-house meat and cheese production rooms. Everything was made onsite using traditional methods, and naturally, our tour ended with wine and tastings. It may have been one of the most delicious site inspections we've ever conducted. Guests can stay in this hotel and rent out the space for private dinners or events. They also have a large outdoor patio that overlooks the beautiful village. This place was truly special.

Cheers!

Another evening brought a fun take on a classic mountain activity: a snowcat ride up the mountain to a remote hut for dinner. The food was incredible, and in a perfect example of Italian hospitality, our snowcat driver ended up serving as our waitress once we arrived.

Only in Italy.

On our final evening, our group gathered by the pool at Hotel Rosengarten overlooking the village. With champagne, canapés, and new friendships formed over a week of adventure, it was the perfect way to celebrate an incredible experience.

A Charming Stop in Trento

Exterior of a cute cafe in Trento.

As the FAM trip concluded, our group stopped in Trento before going our separate ways.

This charming city quickly won us over. Walkable streets, local shops, beautiful architecture, and even a castle made it a delightful surprise. We toured Hotel America and spent a few hours simply enjoying everyday Italian life.

For travelers visiting the Dolomites, I highly recommend adding a night in Trento at either the beginning or end of your trip. It's a relaxing way to ease into—or out of—the mountain portion of your vacation.

Bologna: Italy's Foodie Capital

When the group departed, Hunter and I headed for the train station and began the next chapter of our adventure.

Let's just say hauling four suitcases through an older train station with limited elevators made for some memorable moments.

Thankfully, Bologna was worth every bit of effort.

Over the next two days we wandered through the historic city center, explored local shops, visited beautiful churches, and indulged in some of the best food we've ever eaten.

Bologna feels authentically Italian without the overwhelming crowds of some larger cities. The atmosphere is relaxed, prices are reasonable, and every street seems to lead to another incredible restaurant or café.

One evening we somehow stumbled upon a secret rooftop party above a gelato shop—a perfect example of the unexpected moments that make travel so memorable.

One Last Night in Milan

Eventually our Italian adventure brought us back to Milan for one final evening.

We visited the magnificent Duomo, strolled through the famous Galleria, admired the incredible fashion scene, and even caught glimpses of the city's lingering Olympic excitement.

The next morning, as we boarded our flight back to the United States, we all agreed on one thing:

Italy had completely exceeded our expectations.

Between world-class skiing, unforgettable food, welcoming hospitality, stunning scenery, and experiences that blended adventure with relaxation, the Dolomites delivered one of the most unique ski trips we've ever taken.

And if you're dreaming of a ski vacation that's about much more than just skiing, Italy should absolutely be on your list.

At Alpinr Mountain Travel, we'd love to help you experience it for yourself.