At
the heart of the Dolomites just south of the Austrian border
and not far north of Venice, two stunning valleys wend their
way below spectacular mountains to their terminus at the foot
of Monte Sella, a vast and glorious massif, and one of the
seven great Dolomite peaks that exceed 3000m.
Situated between
the Val Gardena to the west and Cortina to the east, Val Livinallongo
(Arabba) and Val Badia (Pedraces) combine to make a winter paradise
for skiers of all levels, snowshoers, winter walkers - indeed,
anyone with a passion for mountains and idyllic alpine valleys.
Collett's
offers half-board and self catering chalet accommodation in
the enchanting villages of Arabba (1602m) and Pedraces (1324m).
In both of these, we offer access to organised (or independent)
ski days, snowshoeing and winter walking... and much more.
These
villages are in magical settings, each enhanced by a startling
backdrop of majestic peaks, which glow rose pink at sunrise
and sunset; this is the enrosadira and it brings a mystical
air to the valleys. The panoramas will absorb you for hours,
as you gaze up to a seemingly unbroken rim of remarkable massifs,
which dramatically pierce the gentle landscapes of the valleys,
which, in turn, are characterised by Tyrolean hamlets, where
traditional farm buildings and alpine chalets huddle around
the spires of their picturesque churches.
The
people here are helpful and friendly. Few speak good English,
but most have a go. Amongst themselves, they use a centuries-old
Ladin dialect but otherwise Italian (and German) prevail.
We at Collett's have a special rapport with many local people
based on years of mutual respect and friendship. This will
have positive repercussions for you and you soon feel at home
here.
The
villages themselves are a charming mixture of modern mountain
resort and tranquil step back in time. Attractive modern chalets
and hotels are interspersed with rustic alpine dwellings and
timbered farm buildings. They have equipped themselves well
for the holidaymaker without compromising their unquestionable
charm. There are banks with cashpoints, supermarkets, shops
(including some excellent winter sports shops), delightful
restaurants, cafes, bars and pizzerias. Life is unhurried
and easygoing.
Despite
the tourism it attracts, the area retains its own character
and is not overwhelmed by visitors. In the bars and cafes,
you are just as likely to find local people playing cards
or taking a break from their work, as you are to see holidaymakers
stopping for refreshment on their way through.
Despite
the tourism it attracts, the area retains its own character
and is not overwhelmed by visitors. In the bars and cafes,
you are just as likely to find local people playing cards
or taking a break from their work, as you are to see holidaymakers
stopping for refreshment on their way through.
These
villages boast strategically superb locations with excellent
access to the SuperDolomiti ski network and the tranquil snowfields
and woodland which make the snowshoeing and winter walking
in this area so appealing.
Pedraces
Val Badia
The
South Tyrol became a part of Italy after WWI.
Prior to that, it was in Austria. Pedraces
is one of the five principal villages of the Val
Badia, unquestionably one of the South Tyrol's
most beautiful valleys. Today, this valley thrives
on the harmonious co-existence of both the Austrian
and Italian cultures, making it part of a unique
region, where Latin meets Germanic.
The
local people embrace their culture and are proud
of their surroundings and alpine traditions. The
pace of life seems slow and there is a sensation
of stepping back in time. But despite its traditional
and pastoral 'feel', the Val Badia is actually
a modern mountain dwelling community with an enlightened,
yet reassuringly conservative approach to tourism.
The infrastructure is impressive and largely 'state
of the art', the result being a unique atmosphere
of character and charm, where the winter holidaymaker
is spoilt for choice.
Pedraces
is a gem and encapsulates the overwhelming beauty
of the Val Badia. Here the valley opens up dramatically
into a landscape of gentle snowfields, woodland
and Tyrolean hamlets. The village itself is stunningly
set below the vast wall of the Fanes Massif, which
towers impressively above. At sunset, this wall
glows flame-red and brings a mystical air to the
villages and hamlets dotted around the valley
below.
Arabba
At
1602m, Arabba is one of the highest ski resorts in the
Dolomites. It lies just to the north of the area’s
highest peak and only glacier, the Marmolada (3343m),
'Queen of the Dolomites.' Yet it is the striking dominance
of the Sella, which towers gloriously behind this cosy
and picturesque alpine village, that will stay with
you forever. Arabba is about the same size as Pedraces
and has various shops, including two mini-markets, three
sports/leisure clothing shops, a couple of cashpoints,
a chemist, several bars, cafes, restaurants and pizzerias.
In some respects it is more compact and cosy than Pedraces,
which is a little more spread out.
Being in the Veneto
(just), Arabba is a little more Italian in character
than its South Tyrolean neighbours to the north. It
lies on the old 'Dolomites Road' (Strada dei Dolomiti),
which meanders through breathtaking scenery to and from
Arabba. As a springboard, its location is unrivalled,
especially for the downhill skier. It is a key village
on the celebrated Sella Ronda ski circuits and it is
the gateway to the Marmolada Glacier. It's labyrinth
of north facing red and black runs remain in excellent
condition well into April and yet it is on the doorstep
of a whole network of more intermediate pistes for the
less ambitious skiers.
