CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

8 days from GBP929 to GBP1,029 including flights
Tripcode: CXD

Countries Visited: Austria, Italy

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Our Clients’ Reviews

Average Review Rating: from 30 reviews.

Susan Pemberton

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Written January 2012
My 4th holiday in Dobbiaco and the best yet. A combination of fantastic snow conditions and a friendly and fun group
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Being able to ski at high levels and get a feeling of being up in the mountains was wonderful. It's definitely not true that x country skiers plod along the bottom of valleys! The railway track to Cortina is spectacular, and gives a great sense of achievment as you cover a lot of distance. Wherever you are, the scenery is always breathtaking
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert is an excellent leader who combines efficiency and good organisation with a relaxed style of leadership. He's always willing to advise on your skiing, but doesn't push you into doing things you don't feel comfortable with. He ensures that all guests get the best from each day.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Dobbiaco is a great place for skiers of all levels as there are so many tracks of different lengths and degrees of difficulty. The excellent local transport network accessed using a weekly season ticket means there are lots of options and you aren't necessarily committed to a full day. There are plenty of cafes for morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea, beer, gluhwein ...
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Hotel Tschurtschenthaler is a friendly place and it was good to be recognised and welcomed back. Food is very plentiful and rooms comfortable, if a little hot.
Karen Simmonds

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Written January 2012
A really great way to spend the week after Christmas, totally invigorating and great to be outside up in the mountains every day.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Rather than one moment, it was simply great fun to learn something new and not have to worry about a thing. The biggest decision of the day was normally what flavour ice cream to have in the ice cream parlour across the road from the hotel where we gathered after a day of skiing.
What did you think of your group leader?
Eric and Heather were exceptional. Their tuition skills were first class, individual attention was give to all and they managed to keep a range of abilities interested and challenged. Their knowledge and passion for x country skiing was infectious. They were also good fun to spend time with at dinner etc.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The hotel itself is very warm, so bring light clothing. Not a huge amount going on in the evening so if you're looking for some big après ski moments, Dobbiacco may not the place for you. However, if you want a variety of places to ski with some spectacular scenery then give it go!
Richard Bowie

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Written January 2012
A wonderful week ; excellent snow conditions and great weather . The hotel was up to its usual high standard to which I have been accustomed for about 10 times now !
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The descent on the old military road ; also emerging from the artificially-lit natural tunnel on the Cortina run into glorious sunshine !
What did you think of your group leader?
Albert , whom I have known over many years and regard as a friend , organised our trip in his usual quietly efficient yet relaxed manner . He is great company and was most helpful to each member 's needs , ensuring that everyone enjoyed the holiday to the best of their ability . Good practical technical advice on the loipe was kindly offered when required .
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Cross-country skiing is a wonderful winter activity and Dobbiaco is a splendid centre for participating at any grade .
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As I have said before ,I just keep going back and never tire of the magnificent Dolomitic scenery !
Liz Nolze

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Written January 2012
I was pleased with the hotel, my room was comfortable and not overheated. The food was varied and plentiful. The skiing was just perfect for beginners with gradually more challenges each day. I liked the fact there was a stadium in town where you could go and practice. The loipes were well maintained. January was a good time to go as it wasn't so crowded in the loipes as it would be later in the season.Lost half a stone in one week and ate all I liked Hope to return in 2013.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The scenery
The long gentle descents
The progress everyone made
What did you think of your group leader?
Calm, helpful and had lots of cross country experience
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Invest in a good pair of gloves if you go in January
Take more money than you think you will spend as with any holiday
Careful of loss of control at the end of the day when you are tired- the leader had to help me out of a pile of deep snow near to Villa Bassa Station where we finished one day
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Merino wool products are a good idea, you need to keep warm
Phil Triggs

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Written December 2011
In skiing terms, this was a superb trip. Tuition was excellent and I felt I learnt a new skill. The equipment provided was of excellent standard and the leaders were friendly and helpful.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Beautiful scenery and a great party in the local bar on NYE.
What did you think of your group leader?
Superb. He was recommended and he lived up to the accolades.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The one negative aspect of this trip was the Tschurtschenthaler Hotel. Although the basic standard of accommodation was good, there were major drawbacks and the big one was the standard of the cuisine. At best, it could be described as adequate and perfunctory. At worst, meagre and totally lacking imagination. Italy is going through austere times at the moment. I think that the austerity fed through to our meal times. Not good enough when we were paying upwards of £1,000 each and walking away hungry every day. The portions were stingy and the waitresses could be seen to be cutting portions in half in order to serve diners. When challanged on this practice, you received a hard stare. Add to this the lack of any flair and panache evident in the cuisine, I was extremely disappointed. For example, the salad bar consisted of tomatoes cut in quarters, lettuce and cold pasta. That was it. All other courses were served in small portions direct from the kitchen. Having experienced Austrian cuisine on skiing trips on many previous occasions, I regard it as essential to have a superb meal in plentiful portions at the end of a hard day's exercise. Just over the border, the Tschurtschenthaler experience was anything but. Another negative aspect was members of the group being told they couldn't leave the hotel because it the doors would be locked when they returned. Incredible. Obviously, this was not well received and the words 'prison' and 'school trip' were mentioned. The way round this was to request a special card to gain hotel access late on. However, only ONE hotel staff member could facilitate this and if she wasn't around, forget any help. This also applied to gaining WiFi access and other requests where some decision making was required. The hotel is family run by family members and whilst they are all pleasant and friendly, it is not otherwise a good customer experience. I would recommend future clients to AVOID this trip whilst the Tschurtschenthaler hotel is the choice location. In normal circumstances, I would officially complain to Exodus but the skiing and tuition were so good, they tended to compensate for this disappointment.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The one saving grace of this trip was Eric and Heather Woolley whose guidance and tuition on the skiing front were exemplary. Thank you both for a superb time.
Exodus Response
It is great to hear Mr Triggs enjoyed his trip to Dobbiaco and I'm sure Eric and Heather are also happy with the feedback of their good work. It was of great concern however to hear about his experience at the Hotel Tschurtschenthaler, who we have been working with for almost ten years now. This wonderfully located hotel has always provided some of the best hospitality in Dobbiaco with a real family run atmosphere and it is regrettable they have not offered this renowned service on this occasion. Exodus usually received good comments relating to food at the hotel and we have immediately been in contact with the hotel owners to resolve the issue raised. Please be assured that this limited service is not accepted by Exodus and thanks to Mr Trigg's feedback, we sincerely believe the issue will be rectified before future groups visit the hotel.
- Exodus Staff
Stephen Mardon

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Written March 2011
Learning to cross country ski was something I had dreamt of doing for a long time. Thank you Exodus for helping make a dream come true.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The sense of achievement on our last day, skiing in glorious sunshine through superb scenery.
What did you think of your group leader?
David was knowledgeable about both cross country ski-ing and the local area. As an instructor he knew when to encourage the members of the group and allow people to develop their skills at their own pace.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
For those travelling alone your fellow travellers will contribute to the overall enjoyment and success of the holiday.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Roll on Winter 2011-12!
Richard Delaney

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Written February 2011
A good balance of activity and relaxation, varied routes and views, friendly relaxed atmosphere and comfortable hotel.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Just all of the wonderful views, oh and improving my skiing!
What did you think of your group leader?
He was calm and reassuring and made sure we had the best of the area and a good all round holiday experience.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
When on holiday with a group, be prepared to mix and be sociable. Everyone has something interesting to say.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Exodus holidays always depart from London airports. It would be helpful if transfers to and from resort could be more accommodating for those arriving and returning to airports in other parts of the country and Scotland. Little account seems to be taken of the fact that not everyone comes from the south.