30 December 2013
Where better to spend the Christmas festivities than in the Dolomites enjoying a winter ski and/or snowshoe holiday. With each chalet full of bubbly guests and a fresh dump of snow forecast, the Christmas week was certainly laid out to be successful and full of fun.
Although slightly overcast and windy outside, this did not stop Pension Angelo guests from heading to the Colfosco slopes for a Christmas morning ski. A mixture of families, couples and those travelling alone joined together with Angelo and Verena staff members as they made their way down the beautifully pisted blue runs of the area, waiting patiently at the bottom to ensure everybody kept together. It was refreshing to see an assortment of skiing ability which meant some guests could head down the black run as others kept to the red. A well deserved hot chocolate mid-morning ensured everybody kept warm (what a great excuse), but getting going again once comfortable and relaxed we all agreed, was a difficult thing to do.
As the day came to a close, guests at Ciasa Verena prepared themselves for a delicious 5 course meal. The atmosphere was buzzing as cracker hats were put on, magic tricks were played and prawn cocktails were served. The Verena team increased temporarily for the evening as the children kindly took orders for desert and enthusiastically delivered pudding to our satisfied guests. A Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a board game or two and we ensured these were enjoyed with a praline grappa at hand. And as for the children? A shot of apple juice each, we couldn’t leave them without.
Waking up on Boxing Day was like entering a completely different world. Snow had been falling all night and the streets were left resembling a winter wonderland. Huge flakes settled on every surface as skiers slid straight past the chalet entrance. When lifts alerted of temporary opening times, people flocked to experience the fresh powder, up to a metre deep in places.
The non-stop snow dump throughout the day, led to crystal clear skies the following morning; perfect conditions for a snowshoe. Guests from Haus Valentin headed out on the Lake to Lake, a beautiful walk amongst the trees high up in the valley with views out to the Fanes Massif. Whilst considered a short easy walk in the summer time, it soon became evident that in snow up to your knees and very little sign of way marking, this walk was a real winter adventure that left us all gasping for a cup of tea once we had returned!
A happy looking snowman stood outside the chalet and freshly made cake waiting for you inside, what more do you need when you think of your perfect snowy Christmas away from home?
Buon anno! Happy New Year!
