Lesser-known Dolomite resort with heaps of skiing history and local culture.
Folgaria’s actually one of Italy’s oldest ski spots, dating way back to the 1930s. And although it’s under the radar for most nowadays, it covers all the bases for first-timers and families. You’ve got large nursery areas to start you off, roomy, wooded pistes on the mountain and cosy, slopeside restaurants for those all-important hot choc stops. And as an added bonus, lift passes are less expensive than in other big-name European resorts.
The town itself is dotted with small, family-run hotels and local cafés and bars where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch or post-piste aperitif. And thanks to medieval settlers from Bavaria, it’s got a distinctive atmosphere that brings a dash of German culture to Italy. You’ll hear a local dialect being spoken, and at mealtimes, you can tuck into things like strudel, as well as classic Italian dishes.
Beyond the skiing, bars and restaurants, you can take a fat bike for a spin – a type of mountain bike with oversized tyres to tackle the snow. Or try your hand at Disc Golf, where you swap clubs and a ball for a frisbee and see who can get around the course in the fewest throws.
PART OF THE Alpe Cimbra SKI AREA
Snow range: 1,890m-1,170m
Resort height: 1,170m
Alpe Cimbra 105km
Piste type
KM of piste
Easy
64.5km
Intermediate
34.5km
Difficult
6km
Golf Hotel
In Folgaria, Italy
Walk to the chairlift and ski school in just 1 minute.
Traditional hotel full of cosy vibes.
Indulge yourself in the spa and pool.
Traditional looks and service are the bread and butter of the Golf. It showcases simple mountain décor to a T, from the moment you spot the peaked roof and carved balconies, then step inside and see all the wood panelling, tiled floors and patterned rugs. Of course, good food and wellness are focuses too.
The restaurant has a few different rooms themed around alpine styles – Tyrolean, Viennese and Bavarian. And the menu hits the authentic nail on the head too, especially the weekly gala dinner full of local favourites.
Looking for a little R&R off the slopes? Adults can pay to use the Blu Aqua Wellness & Spa, with its sauna, Turkish bath and indoor pool overlooking the forest. Or just wander to the bar, hop up on a stool and ask the staff what tipple they recommend.
Location
1 minute's walk to the Costa chairlift, ski school meeting point and nursery slopes
5 minutes' walk to the bus stop
20 minutes' walk or short bus ride to the resort centre
Rooms
All rooms are non-smoking and have a satellite TV, WiFi (except family rooms), telephone, hairdryer, safe and mini fridge)
Facilities
restaurant
bar
live music three times a week
indoor pool (swimming caps must be worn)
extra charge for Blu Aqua Wellness & Spa with sauna, steam room and fitness room (over 16s only)
extra charge for massages and treatments
free hotel-run kids' club for ages 4-12 (6 days a week, 5 hours a day)
boot room
free WiFi (not available in family rooms)
lift to all floors
91 rooms
First Time Ski Bundle +€634pp*
*Includes equipment, group lessons & lift pass for beginners only
92 Patrick Street, Cork, Ireland Registration No 100308
Licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority,
TA0720.
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