30 December 2016
Crisp winter air, sparkling lights and the sweet scent of mulled wine. There is a buzz in the air, children charge about excitedly. Smoke drifts into the clear night sky from outdoor heaters and chalet chimneys, partly obscuring the twinkling lights from the stars and the high mountain refuges that seem suspended in the air above the villages. The village becomes Christmas nostalgia manifested. Every childhood dream of wooden chalets picked out against snowy mountain landscapes and pine forests. The background of the snowman, walking in the air.
Christmas & New Year are a popular and exciting time to spend Winter in the Dolomites
In many ways, going away for Christmas is an act of escapism. The Christmas routine is reshuffled, the morning stroll becomes a breath-taking high mountain snow shoe. The first celebratory drink a warm and creamy Bombardino (an Italian eggnog drink). On return to the chalet the guests are greeted by prosecco, panettone and smiling faces. The carnage of the present exchange is side-lined by enjoyment of the environment. Free to enjoy a stylised Christmas wonderland, the endless washing up handily taken care of by the chalet staff, the guests tuck in to their roast dinner, a little bit traditional, a little bit different.
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