This is my 2nd trip with Exodus and was simply fantastic (as was the first), I would thoroughly recommend it. It was extremely beautiful being in Villabassa at Christmas time, the Hotel Alder was wonderful, both management and staff very welcoming/helpful and friendly, gorgeous 5 course dinner each night. Aperitifs on our first evening & Christmas Eve in reception along with carols was gorgeous. The snowshoeing was such brilliant fun walking in a winter wonderland (thankfully the snow fell the Friday before going), each walk gave us beautiful scenery and "THE" most amazing views having the weather on our side most days, even though a couple of the walks involved “chuffin steep climbs” the views totally made up for it and coming back down is always the easiest whichever way we did it by walking/sledding or in my case sliding upside down head first when unable to stay on the sled but had soo much fun though, felt like being a child all over again J
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The climb on Christmas day was a great walk giving the best views in the world (well it certainly felt like I was on top of the world) truly stunning beautiful day enjoying the gorgeous Pandoro & Prosecco to toast Christmas day thanks to Olly our great leader!! Of course we had to eat/drink it all so he didn’t have to carry it down again. The whole experience was truly amazing also having a great group made the experience too I never stopped laughing.
On our day off some of us had a go at cross-country skiing thanks to Eric & Heather for allowing us to participate with them for the day, particularly to Heather for taking us on in the beginners group, my first time putting on any form of skis on and loved it!! Especially the hot chocolate in the cafe at the end of the day.
What did you think of your group leader?
Olly was fantastic very kind, lots of fun (although he needs some more cheesy Xmas tunes) and helpful to all of the group who weren’t quite as quick up the hills as the rest, he looked after us in every way he possibly could whether that was giving out tape for our poor blisters or lending me his jacket to keep me warm, he certainly has the best job in the world!!
Thank you Olly for making the video too (check it out) such great memories!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take the right kit with you along with you and plenty of layers even though walking up makes you extremely hot and having to strip off, you certainly need to put the layers back on again when stopping or reaching the top as it can be extremely cold.
Most of all go with the intention of having fun, even though you might find it hard some days there is always the sense of achievement in reaching the top and enjoying the views and remember you are getting fitter by the day and there is always the lovely spa in the hotel to look forward too at the end of the day so just enjoy it!!!!!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I had the most amazing holiday, the Dolomites are awesome, met some lovely people/friends. I’m so glad that I never missed a day walking, you’re only there once (unless you book again) so make the most of it and be happy :-)
Katy Robbins
SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES
Written
A perfect way to spend Christmas - in an amazing winter wonderland. The scenery was stunning and the walks were absolutely fantastic - planned and thought out carefully by our superb guide. Very little travelling required each day and our guide always played the best tunes in the mini-bus to keep us awake! The hotel was warm, cosy and very festive. Great to have a swim and a sauna after a day in the snow. A pre-dinner drink in the lounge by the roaring log fire was a great way to relax whilst our guide dutifully informed us about the plan for the next day. I can't think of a better way to spend a winter holiday.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The walk we did on Christmas day had the most outstanding views and our fabulous guide suprised us with a glass of sparkly and a slab of Italian cake at the top. A fantastic memory. Thank you.
The afternoon spent sledging - we laughed out loud for many days afterwards!
The Hotel Adler makes the best apple strudel in the world!
What did you think of your group leader?
Olly Townsend has to be the most committed guide in the world. He was pretty much on duty 24 - 7. He was extremely accommodating, highly professional, well organised and very patient. He had thought carefully about the week and planned the walks accordingly. He also happens to be a keen photographer and spent what free time he had (very little), editing film and photos that he had taken of us each day. We spent the last night watching the video he had made and enjoying the photos he had taken. An absolutely top bloke who goes well and truly beyond the call of duty. Oh and he hasn't got a bad sense of humour either! The next guide has a lot to live upto!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Yes - it should be on everyone's list of things to do before they die!
Enjoy the stunning scenery - you'll miss it when you return.
Have a reasonable level of fitness - some of the climbs are real lung busters! Hard work but a great sense of achievement when you reach the top.
If you have a decent appetite you'll enjoy the five course dinner each night.
Drink lots of water.
Smile and enjoy!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Book it now. I'm tempted!
Victor Middleton
SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES
Written
Overall, maybe helped by good weather, an excellent holiday in a very good hotel with a compatible group that all seemed to get on well. Villabassa is ideally located for winter holidays
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Probably the views on the walks and the great experience of walking through woodland in deep, powdery snow. One has no sense of being in crowded places on these walks.
What did you think of your group leader?
Carl was first class. He organized the pace, provided all the information we needed and generally went the extra mile to be sure we all enjoyed the experience. The minibus provided the ideal way to get to and from walks.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
As long as you are a reasonably fit walker, relax and enjoy.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Hotel Adler was excellent. Food was delicious and the staff and ambience were always welcoming and positive. The bar and the spa facilities were especially appreciated at the end of each day's walking. The beer is delicious and not expensive.
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip. A good variety of climbs followed by swim, sauna and good food each day allowed us to push ourselves without feeling after effects the next day. The combination of blue skies, snow, good company and an excellent hotel made for a memorable holiday
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The views from the tops onf the mountains were just superb
What did you think of your group leader?
Karl was a great leader who looked after our individual needs and was a font of knowledge and good humour
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take lots of layers of clothing rather than thick bulky items. You get quite warm while walking in the sun up the mountains but it can be quite cold while tucking in to the packed lunches and enjoying those fantastic views from the summit
Emma Hewerdine
SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES
Written
A fantastic week. Lovely hotel, food and scenery. And the spa at the end of the day was bliss. Tougher than I expected but not a problem as there was no pressure or sense of shame in being last! The food at the hotel is truly gorgeous.
from 17 reviews.
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