An easy-to-reach nursery area means starting out on skis is a breeze here. It’s a quiet place during the week too, and as you’ll ski from Sunday to Sunday, you’ll have empty slopes and few lift queues while you learn. It’s a case of quality over quantity in the wider ski area. Most of its 70km of piste winds through pretty pine forests, and there are lots of smooth, cruisy slopes to explore – as well as powder pockets between the trees for some fun in the soft stuff.
Pila itself is a modern, purpose-built resort. Most of the hotels are just a couple of minutes’ walk from a lift, and at lots of places, you’ll be able to ski right to the boot room door. It’s also a family favourite thanks to the low-key atmosphere, and après-ski that has an easy-going Italian feel – think post-piste drinks and nibbles that morph seamlessly into the evening meal.
Pila's a sleepy spot, so when it comes to your off-slope hours, it's all about winter walks followed by hot chocs by the fire.
3* Hotel Printemps
In Pila, Italy
Getting out and up the mountain’s quick and easy.
Vintage Italian vibes aplenty.
The nursery slope’s super close by.
At the Hotel Printemps, you’ll be clicking in and swooshing away in no time. Within a few minutes, you can be stepping onto the long, cruisy Grimod blue slope – or heading up the Leissé chairlift, where, after a short ride, you’re in a great spot to explore the mountain. Come evening, the Grimod can also serve as your ticket back. And if there’s been a decent dump of snow, you can ski almost right back to the hotel.
Things are kept pretty simple on the looks front at the hotel itself. Wooden panelling and patterned sheets in the rooms will bring a burst of nostalgia for some skiers – a taste of the classic Italian ski holiday. And that same flavour is what you’ll find in the hotel’s restaurant, which has a traditional, no-fuss air to it. You’ll take your 3-course evening meals here – but if you ever fancy a change up throughout the week, there are a few spots close by serving up excellent pizza, pasta, focaccia and other hit-the-spot faves.
92 Patrick Street, Cork, Ireland Registration No 100308
Licensed by the Irish Aviation Authority,
TA0720.
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