Italian Dolomites Cross-country Skiing

Our trip starts in the lovely village of Dobbiaco, in South Tyrol, just over the border from Austria. Settle in and take advantage of the hotel facilities, before we enjoy dinner together – a great chance to get to know each other a little more (D).

Each day our leader chooses routes according to the grade and snow conditions. Many kilometres of valley tracks offer wonderful options for beginners and improvers. Some begin from Dobbiaco itself; for others, we make use of the local transport network. For more advanced skiers, there are tougher routes, such as the track that leads south to Cortina d'Ampezzo, a memorable trail among spectacular mountains, passing under the triple rock buttresses of the imposing Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

In a typical week, the group will cover more and more ground, taking in everything this beautiful region has to offer. There are opportunities for coffee breaks and, of course, photo stops as we spend our week framed by the towering limestone peaks synonymous with the region (B/D).

Today is usually free to relax at the hotel, stroll around town or choose an optional activity such as self-guided snowshoeing or perhaps a visit to one of the local museums (B).

The Sexten and Prags valleys offer a choice of undulating routes in typical Dolomites scenery and the high Plaetzwiese Plateau also offers superb routes at about 6,560ft (2,000m). By this stage of the week, even beginner groups will have mastered the basics, such as how to turn and stop, ascend and descend safely. More advanced groups will have already covered some of the fantastic secluded routes and the leader will ensure the final few days are used for the simple pleasure of gliding through such a beautiful natural environment (B/D).

Our trip ends after breakfast. We say goodbye to the Tschurtschenthaler family and begin our return journey home (B).