16 March 2017
With half-term and the school holidays over, here in the Dolomites we have had time to reflect on perhaps the most tiring but in many ways the most fun and rewarding weeks of the winter. It has struck me just how rare it is to find an activity that bridges the gap in generations so well. With several parties containing children, parents and grandparents, all enjoying the same wonderful days out on the mountain. We hope that these families have written some priceless memories that they can share together around the fire or over the dinner table in the years to come.
At the end of each day, the sense of achievement on the faces, albeit the tired faces, of the young ones was a joy to behold. What makes the Dolomiti Superski area so perfect for this is the sense of travel. Rather than just going up and down the sides of a valley, in the Dolomites, skiing itineraries usually consist of a recognised route like the Sellaronda or a trip to a particular mountain such as the Marmolada. This means at the end of the day, with the extended family gathered together over dinner, stories of completed routes and journeys pass around the table. More evocative than simply which run and which area, these tales are special memories that can be shared by the whole family.
Family Skiing (& Snowshoeing) in the Dolomites
The Hidden Valley deserves special mention in this regard. The sense of journey and adventure, capped off by the unique experience of the horse tow, make this route a special one for families to savour together. The ski schools in the area have got hold of this idea too, with the last day of any ski school week reserved for a full day’s trip on one of these itineraries.
With numerous events and ski shows going on around the villages, all with a friendly family atmosphere, coupled with a variety of activities such as snowshoeing and ice skating, a winter holiday in the Dolomites can make for a truly memorable experience to be shared by the whole family.
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