Cortina 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships to go ahead.
Cortina 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships are set to go ahead. Dates will be 7th to 21st February 2021 as planned.
The FIS have decided to go ahead after seeing CONI and FISI gave the ISF their assessment. This assessment showed the financial impact of Covid-19 to the local area. The area risks not being able to enjoy the event to the full but will host it in the best way possible.
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Ski Tofana. Credits: Ute Dandrea. Cortina d’Ampezzo. Cortina 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships to go ahead.
The Infrastructure for Cortina 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.
The majority of the infrastructures projects for Cortina 2021 are at the Tofana ski area. This is where the competitions will take place.
The area has completed slopes on the pistes Olympia, Vertigine and Druscié A.
Lino Lacedelli is a new slope built in the Cinque Torri area. This is the first Italian slope dedicated to training sessions and competitions. The slope has all safety features for doing so. The building of the new cable car has finished – Cortina – Col Drusciè “Freccia nel cielo”. This project counted with public and private investment.
Tofana. ISTA. www.bandion.it. Cortina Marketing. Cortina 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships to go ahead.
Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia
Alta Badia is in the province of Sudtirol . It is composed of five villages: Badia, La Villa, San Casiano, Corvara and Colfosco. Alta Badia is a great starting point if you want to go around the Sella Ronda. The Sella Ronda is a circuit that goes around the Sella massif. Now is the time to start planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
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The Sassongher. Photo by Paola Finali. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
How to get to Alta Badia- Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
By Plane
Arrive in Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, Bergamo, or if not Milano Linate or Malpensa. Then drive to the route del Brennero north and get off. From Innsbruck drive south to the Brenner Pass. Soon after passing it, you’ll find directions to Alta Badia on the east of the route del Brennero.
By Car
From Austria: Drive south to the Brenner Pass. When you pass it, follow the route del Brennero, and you’ll find the exit to Alta Badia which will lie to your left.
From Verona, drive north to the Route del Brennero. Before arriving into the crossing with Austria, you’ll be able to turn right to Alta Badia.
4 Peaks by Alex Moling. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Alta Badia offers you lots of hiking trails amidst pastures at altitude. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
Summer season in Alta Badia. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
Alta Badia will open lifts on the 27th June and close on 27th September. The Gardenaccia lift will close one week later, on 4th October.
Hiking in Alta Badia. Photo by Alex Moling. Alta Badia Tourism Board. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
The Alta Badia Summer Card. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
The Alta Badia Summer Card includes use of all the lifts in the region. The price starts at EUR 54 per adult and EUR 28 per child (8-18 years old). Under 8ts go free. A three out of four days start at EUR 68 per adult and EUR 48 per child for a five out of seven days.
E-Biking excursions at 2,000 metres. Planning your summer in the mountains of Alta Badia.
If using a push bike is not your thing, you can ride the lifts up and enjoy lots of adrenaline coming down. More on this later. But also, you can hire an e-bike on the Piz Sorega, Piz La Ila or Col Alto plateau, and enjoy an easier ride. Or rent any bike in town and take them up on the lifts! Those not wanting to do much exercise, might enjoy this option. They will be able to ride with amazing views of the Dolomites.
Why visit the Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley? Well, it should be in every mountain lover’s bucket list! There are plenty of reasons why to go and visit Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley. That is why I put together a Must-Read Guide to Chamonix Mont-Blanc.
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You can summarise why Chamonix is so amazing in seven facts:
1) Chamonix lays at the foot of The MONT BLANC (4810m), the highest mountain in Europe, making of it, a unique spot! (You must have read already my Must-Read Guide to Courmayeur. Courmayeur is on the other side – the Italian side, of the Mont Blanc or Monte Bianco).
2) Chamonix in winter is famous for its freeriding and lots of activities for non-skiers. Plus Chamonix is not only for the daredevil! It offers activities and variety of slopes for all levels.
Ski de Randonnée in Chamonix. Photo: Christophe Raylat. OT Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
3) Chamonix in summer is amazing, and you can tell that a favourite spot for visitors. There are lots of incredible sightseeing tours to take. And wide range of outdoor activities for all.
4) Chamonix is a year-round destination and a lively Alpine city. This is not a purposed-built resort, people live here all year. That makes the vibe of the place!
Architecture in Chamonix. Photo: Salome Abrial. OT Vallée de Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
5) Chamonix’s heritage. You can find it through its art, culture, architecture and cuisine.
6) Very close to the highway. Chamonix is one of the easiest towns to reach .
7) Chamonix offers a wide variety of accommodation for all budgets. So, it is not only for the rich and famous!
The Shrinking Glacier of Mer de Glace. Soft Pastels, Pastel Pencils and Charcoal on La Carte Pastel 60 x 80 cm. Framed. In my shop!
History of Chamonix. Must-Read Guide to Chamonix
Chamonix has a long and fascinating history. Starting from the first explorers to the golden age of winter sports.
The town has an amazing cultural and architectural heritage.
Architecture in Chamonix, painting at the Office of the Mountain Guides. Photo: Salome Abrial- OT Vallée de Chamonix. Must-Read guide to Chamonix.
You can book one of the weekly guided heritage tours. In these you can discover the architectural diversity of Chamonix. Baroque churches to Protestan chapels. Hotels and palaces from the “Golden Era” to “Art Deco” facades. From traditional farmhouses, to colossal villas passing through chalets contrasting with modern buildings.
1741: Two English men Windham and Pococke discovered “Chamouny” valley and its glaciers. The population at the time was living on farms. These two men lead the first touristic exploration climbing the Mer de Glace glacier.
If you like trekking in the mountains, you would love to do this ultra-trekking. The Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking. What does it entail?
All in all, 132 km and more than 6,700 vertical drop. The Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking is a trek of 7 days/6 nights. You stay in mountain lodges and traditional malga mountain huts. This is a great way to see the Dolomites and taste their amazing local produce.
Lago Misurina. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
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The idea of this trek is to find some hidden locations around Cortina. You will experience the Dolomites, going from hut to hut, amongst forests, rivers and lakes. You will be able to see malga mountain huts, and traditional Ladin villages. And the peaks! Peaks here are amazing! The Enrosadira is an effect that make you see the mountains with pink hues in the alpenglow. This is due to the large quantities of calcium and magnesium carbonates in the Dolomites.
Rifugio Città di Carpi. Credits: Pietro Albarelli. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Stage 1 – From Cortina d’Ampezzo to Rifugio Son Forca
Starting point: Piazza Angelo Dibona, at the foot of the Cortina bell tower. Follow Via del Castello (which starts at the end of the pedestrian road). Go on till you reach the intersection with the road leading to the hamlet Cadin on the left of the state road. After crossing the state road, go uphill towards Cadin. Pass the Village’s church and reach the end of the village of Cadin di Sopra. There take the CAI track number 410, which leads to Lago Ghedina.
You need to have refreshments/water with you, as there will be nowhere to get anything for about 3 or 4 hours.
Lago Ghedina. Credits: PIetro Albarelli. Cortina Marketing. Cortina Dolomiti Ultra Trekking.
Take track number 409 till you reach Posporcora Pass. Then go downhill on track number 408. Keep on until you reach the intersection with track number 417 to Pian da Ra Spines. You have to go on until San’t Uberto car park. From there you take the path leading to the cycle path that brings you to Rifugio Ospitale. This was a welcoming venue that once hosted the pilgrims on the way to Santiago di Compostela.
Then continue for about 7 km, with a total ascent of 700 m, on track n° 203, along the Padeon valley. Spend the night at the mountain lodge Rifugio Son Forca, on mount Cristallo.
Stage 2 – From Rifugio Son Forca to Rifugio Città di Carpi
The second day starts at the mountain lodge Rifugio Son Forca: follow track 203 to the Tre Croci Pass. Cross the state road on the pass and follow track 215. Keep on going until you reach the beautiful Lake Sorapis and the Rifugio Vandelli. Here there is an exposed road on places, so be careful. Once there you can either spend the night at Rifugio Vandelli or carry on. You can go towards Federavecchia on track 217, through the enchanting Somadida forest. Once in Federavechia, cross the road and take track 120. This will bring you to the Rifugio Città di Capri, where you can stay overnight.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season
Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready to open this summer season. Tourist lodgings, eateries and attractions are working on a safe and relaxing summer. The Dolomites is a great destination to enjoy and relax on spectacular settings.
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The Lagazuoi cable car. Photo: Nicolò Rinaldi- @nclrnld. Cortina Marketing. Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season.
Italian borders have opened on June 3rd and Cortina is waiting new guests with open arms. The Lagazuoi cable car has opened on 30th May. Hikers and sightseers can access the top of Mount Lagazuoi to enjoy the vistas. In June the lifts of 5 Torri, Tofane and Cristallo will follow, and in July the Faloria will reopen. (See all dates here).
Some mountain lodges, hotels, restaurants and shops are already opened. Many others will do so in June. There are guidelines and regulations laid for safety in all types of situations.
Imagine being yourself here…. I can dream of it… Sauna Croda da Lago. Photo: www.bandion.it. Cortina Marketing. Cortina d’Ampezzo is ready for a new summer season.
A Must-Read Guide to Summer in South Tyrol – Sudtirol.
South Tyrol (or Sudtirol) is open for visitors this summer. On June 3rd, borders will start opening for regional tourism within the EU and Schengen countries (all depending on Covid-19 cases keep on being down), so, I’ve thought I could put together a Must-Read Guide to Summer in South Tyrol.
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South Tyrol is the northernmost province in Italy, bordering the Tirol and Östirol regions in Austria. Actually, it used to be part of the Austrian-Hungarian empire as part of the Tirol region (it was actually called Mittletirol). It changed hands to Italy after the defeat of the central powers on WWI in 1918.
How to get to South Tyrol
Fly to Innsbruck in Austria or Verona in Italy. If not, you have the options of Bozen/Bolzano airport, that is a smaller regional airport, or Bergamo, Venezia, Milano Linate, Milano Malpensa or Munich.
.Copyright: IDM South Tyrol / Harald Wisthaler. Rowing boats at the Lago di Braies Nature Park, one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve seen in my life, worth a visit and a walk around the lake, which is easy for anybody! A Must-Read Guide to Summer in South Tyrol.
Driving to South Tyrol
Coming from Austria, just pass Innsbruck and take the Brenner Pass, and you’ll be there. From Verona, go up the Brenner Motorway (A22 Autostrada del Brennero) and drive north. South Tyrol is part of the Trentino Alto Adige province, located in the northern side (the Alto Adige side).
Copyright: IDM South Tyrol / Clemens Zahn. From St. Zyprian in Eggental there is an impressive view of the rose garden, here against a clear blue sky. A Must-Read Guide to Summer in South Tyrol.
Languages in South Tyrol
70% German, 25% Italian and 5% Ladin. The Ladin is a mountain language, what is considered a Romansh language spoken in the Dolomite valleys of Val Gardena and Alta Badia.
Photo: IDM South Tyrol / Clemens Zahn. Autumn is colorful in the Meraner Land, like here at Lebenberg Castle above Tscherms, where thanksgiving is celebrated. A Must-Read Guide to Summer in South Tyrol.
What to do in South Tyrol in the Summer.
Go to the area of Kronplatz and Brunico.
Kronplatz is a mountain in the border of what is Dolomites and Alps. The mountain itself has a shape of a Panettone with a punch in the middle. It is a very interesting mountain, which is connected with four villages around and lifts to each one on each sides.
Kronplatz in the summer. Photo: Kronplatz. A Must-Read Guide to Summer in South Tyrol.
Kronplatz is not only interesting for skiing in winter or hiking and mountain biking in the summerr. There is a good reason to go to the top of the mountain all year round, even if you don’t ski, ride, hike or bike! It is the only mountain, that I know of, with two really grand museums on its peak! These museums are Lumen Museum and MMM Corones.
Aiguille du Midi vs Punta Helbronner – which one you should do?
Aiguille du Midi or Punta Helbronner- which one you should go to visit? Honestly, I would visit both and connect from one another through the Panoramic Mont Blanc Tunnel gondola.
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You can tell my happiness of being on top of the world (at least European world). Here at the Aiguille du Midi. Aiguille du Midi vs Punta Helbronner – which one you should do?
The case for Aiguille du Midi – Aiguille du Midi vs Punta Helbronner – which one you should do?
Aiguille du Midi (3842m) is located in Chamonix, in the border with Italy, and is one of the biggest attractions to go year-round, and lots in the summer to go and see the Mont Blanc (4810 m).
The funicular departs from a very modern lift base that has a shop, a food outlet and the big funicular that takes you to the middle station, from where you take a second funicular to the top. The top has a series of different terraces at different heights, to see 360-degree views of the French, Swiss and Italian Alps in all their splendour plus the magnificent Mont Blanc. Inside the structure is a bit old and you go within a cave, taking an elevator to go up the rock. This does not take the awesomeness of the landscape… It is really worth to go up there, you do feel you are on the top of the world, even though is really the top of Europe!
The Panoramic Mont Blanc lift connects Aiguille du Midi in France, with Punta Helbronner, in Italy. Aiguille du Midi vs Punta Helbronner – which one you should do?
You can connect to go to Italy via the Panoramic Mont Blanc lift, which is a series of three gondolas (cable cars) going together on top of the Mer de Glace (the glacier sea) that zips you to Italy to Punta Helbronner (3466 m). This gondola has reopened last year after being closed for a bit due to one of the cabins falling on the glacier. I’ve written about it in this post some time ago.Still, this happened in winter, when this lift was closed, and it was due to a massive snow storm combined with really cold temperatures which froze the snow on top of the cable and its weight made it snap.
3 Zinnen will continue with its plan to install the Helmjet Sexten 10-seater cable car.
3 Zinnen Helmjet Sexten – 3 Zinnen Hotels, where to stay in 3 Zinnen, 3 Zinnen Restaurants, on-mountain restaurants in 3 Zinnen and where to eat in Sesto and the villages.
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3 Zinnen (Tre Cime) ski resort is going ahead with the plan of replacing its old 40-year-old gondola which connected the village of Sesto/Sexten with the ski mountain of Monte Elmo/Helm, with the new premium 10-seater gondola called Helmjet Sexten.
The new gondola will be a premium upgrade for the 3 Zinnen ski resort in the Dolomites, especially because longer waiting lines in the peak season can now be avoided, due to its capacity to bring around 3.000 people at the top per hour.
3 Zinnen seen from the Drei Zinnen ski area – photo PXHere.com. Drei Zinnen will continue with its plan to install the Helmjet Sexten 10-seater cable car.
Mark Winkler, CEO of 3 Zinnen Ski Resort Dolomites said:
“Every new lift we build is special to me. But the “HELMJET SEXTEN” is a passion project: we have all been waiting for it for many years. In a way, it is the jewel in the crown of the 3 Zinnen Dolomites sports and mountain destination—the last piece in the jigsaw puzzle of investments we made over the course of the past years. We are giving our main entrance in Sesto a massive upgrade: the state-of-the-art facilities will offer our guests much greater comfort while reducing the rush and waiting times of the old system. Personally, I cannot wait to sit in the new ‘Symphony’ premium gondola for the first time and take in the views of the Sesto Sundial.”
Completing the puzzle of the resort with Helmjet Sexten.
The Monte Elmo Sesto cable car was first built in February 1981. At the time, it was extremely modern. For nearly forty years, it carried skiers, hikers and families to the top of Monte Elmo daily, until this changed in 2020. This year the dated cable car is replaced by the new detachable premium 10-seater Helmjet Sexten cablecar lift.
Six years ago, the 3 Zinnen Dolomites ski resort (called at the time “Sesto Dolomites”) – consisted only of only 50 km of slopes on two mountains. Today, just over half a decade, the 3 Zinnen AG has turned the area into a little gem of five interconnected mountains and 115 km of slopes, with 31 modern cable cars and chairlifts serving them. On the mountain you find family-run restaurants, ski and bike rental services and the Punka Service Centre, the most advance service facilities in the Alps.
Courchevel’s plans to reopen in the summer season.
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Most of European ski resorts are planning to reopen with social-distancing measures this summer. Courchevel is one of them.
Right now, you can only visit if you live within 100 km away from Courchevel. Starting today, May 11th, people can visit and enjoy three sports in the great outdoors:
🎿 Ski touring: there is a lot of snow in the Saulire massif (Alt. 2710m) and the surroundings.
Rando trace and ski poles. Copyright: Courchevel Tourisme. Courchevel’s plans to reopen in the summer season.
🚴♂ Cycling: The Col de la Loze (Alt. 2304m) has been cleared of snow.
Copyright: Courchevel Tourisme. Cycling with views of the Montre Loze. Courchevel’s plans to reopen in the summer season.
🏃♂ Rando / Trail: the summit of the Dent du Villard (Alt: 2284m) is accessible.
Copyright: Courchevel Tourisme. Crete de Mont Charvet. Courchevel’s plans to reopen in the summer season.
The Silva MOONtain Races are coming back to Courchevel this summer.
This famous race will return after five years of being absent. It entails an original trail, at night on full moon Wednesdays – dates are August 5, September 2 and 30).
UK ski industry operators and agencies have felt a huge impact by Covid-19 but are optimistic than resorts will open next winter.
A study of UK snowsports industry professionals conducted by Ski Press and Skipedia have revealed the damage that Covid-19 has had on their business and what they believe the future might hold for next year.
Some of the key findings concluded that:
82% of companies suffered reduced sales due to the premature end to the 2019-20 season, with two-thirds experiencing lower than usual sales for winter 2020-21 so far.
Almost 1 in 5 have made staff redundant and a quarter are concerned they could go out of business.
Although almost all expect ski resorts to open next winter, over 70% expect this to be with social distancing restrictions in place.
Crans-Montana in winter – Photo: @CMTC_luciano_miglionico. UK ski industry operators and agencies have felt a huge impact by Covid-19 but are optimistic than resorts will open next winter.
With the 2019-20 season cut short, the pressures on UK ski professionals started during March when all Alpine countries started closing ski resorts following the lockdown in Italy. By the middle of March, Austria, France and Switzerland had closed all of its ski resorts and holidays for the rest of the season were cancelled.
60% of winter sports businesses including tour operators and equipment retailers have now furloughed staff members. 17% of respondents have had to make redundancies too.
Whilst 64% are saying they are experiencing reduced sales for next winter, two-thirds expect that it should be ‘business as usual’ this winter, anticipating that they will be able to offer their normal services.
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