Winter Activities in the Dolomites

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Premium

8 days

from

£1,759

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Winter

Activity level:

Multi-Level

Trip code:

K07DS

Ways to Travel:

Self-Guided Holidays, Premium Adventures, Private Group Adventures

Activity:

Cross-Country Skiing

Group size:

2–30

Ages:

Multi-activity snow holiday in the Dolomites.

The village of San Cassiano, in the heart of the Italian Dolomites' Alta Badia region, boasts some of the most spectacular alpine scenery as well as a reputation for excellent cuisine. The village nestles just 15km, as the crow flies, due West of Cortina d'Ampezzo (or 30km by road and the Falzarego Pass) with the Fanes Natural Park on one side and the Dolomiti Superski area on the other. With over 1,200km of slopes this is one of the biggest connected ski areas in the world and includes a fabulous ski tour, the Sella Ronda, around the Sella mountain range.

This beautiful alpine area provides plenty of winter activity options with three cross country ski areas in San Cassiano, Corvara and Armentara, 80km of marked winter walking tracks, a 3km toboggan run, 13 snowshoe hikes (with the option to have a guide for these) and an immense connected downhill ski area. As well as alpine meadows dotted with traditional wooden mountain huts, there are the most amazing panoramic views. At some points you have a 360-degree vista that spans from the Austrian Alps to the North to the Marmolada range to the South (the highest peaks in the Dolomites), the Fanes Natural Park to the East and the Sella mountain range and Gardena Pass to the West - all stunning views in their own rights but when combined and covered with snow it's almost mind-blowing!

Highlights

Fabulous 4-star family-run hotel with four restaurants, spa, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, sauna and steam room
Variety of winter activities including cross country skiing, winter walking, snow shoeing and downhill skiing
Part of the Dolomiti Superski ski area - one of the world's biggest ski areas with over 1,200km of slopes
Stunning natural landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites: jagged limestone peaks, snow-covered high alpine meadows and pine forests

Key information

7 nights hotel accommodation on Half Board basis
Activity options include cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and winter walking (some pre-bookable, some payable locally)
Cross-country skiing Grades 1-3 Beginners to Intermediates. 3 cross country ski areas nearby.
Downhill skiing in the Dolomiti SuperSki area with 1200km of slopes

Countries visited: Italy

What's included

All breakfasts and dinners
All accommodation (see accommodation section)
1 Grappa tasting
1 Glass of wine
Complimentary bottle of prosecco on arrival
Arrival & departure transfers (when booking a flight inclusive package)

What's not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Call for general departures:

01606 720003

Call for private group trips:

020 8772 3874

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

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Armentarola, San Cassiano

Day 1

Arrive San Cassiano

Arrive at Ciasa Salares in Armentarola, close to San Cassiano. There will be a briefing about the week's activity options and equipment will be given to customers who have pre-booked (either this evening or in the morning).

Meals included: Dinner
Days 2-7

Suggested Itinerary

Take the hotel's complimentary shuttle bus service into the village to pick up your skis, boots and poles then head for the slopes in one of the best Alpine ski areas in Italy. You could try your hand at cross country skiing - the loipes are a convenient short stroll from the hotel or the shuttle bus can take you if you prefer to save your legs!. Alternatively, set off on any of the snowshoeing and winter walking trails available locally - there's plenty of choice for a day off the pistes!

Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 8

Leave San Cassiano

Return to the airport in time to connect with your flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Essential Info

Visas

Italy

No visa required for British passport holders. Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Vaccinations

Italy

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and dinners are included.

Weather

The Dolomite Mountains offer some of the best weather in all of the Alps – perfect for year-round active adventures. As a mountain range, the Dolomites receive less precipitation on an annual basis than do the majority of the Alps. Winter snow usually begins to accumulate in December, lasting through March, and sometimes April. While temperatures fall below freezing, and snowfall is ample, the sun shines an unparalleled 8 days out of 10. During the winter temperatures vary between -5°C to 9°C. Keep in mind, that as you gain elevation it will be colder. For every 1,000 ft you climb, the temperature will drop by 3.6°F (or 6.5°C for every 1,000 metres). Equally, at all times you need to be ready for the occasional snowy or grey day.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater, who offer more flexibility, so you can ski as much or as little as you like and as it's a self-guided trip you can also choose between different activities from one day to the next. There are some subtle differences between the way Exodus and Headwater trips run which may appeal to you:

Minimum age: children over the age of 6 are welcome to join as long as they are able to participate in the activities.
No minimum group size: departures are not subject to a minimum group size in order to run, although a ‘sole traveller’ supplement will apply.
Sole travellers: if travelling on your own a compulsory single supplement will apply.
Local agent: Headwater's local agent offers the possibility of booking private ski lessons or ski guides who will ski with you during the day (payable locally). The hotel will also help you to arrange other activities and rent equipment locally.
Insurance: insurance details are required at the time of booking.

Cross-country skiing is an increasingly popular winter pastime. Compared to those used for downhill, the skis are longer, thinner and lighter with bindings that allow you to lift up your heel. Most cross-country skiing is undertaken on prepared tracks (loipe) covering flat and hillier terrain enabling you to explore the winter landscapes away from the confines of the alpine pistes. The ski area is one of the best in Italy for downhill skiing but there are 3 cross-country skiing areas in the local area with the largest being just 300m from the hotel. The snowy meadows also offer the perfect location for winter walking, snowshoeing and tobogganing - ideal for families and for those who enjoy a challenge. For those looking to do downhill skiing the Dolomiti Super Ski area is vast offering 1200km of interconnected slopes with this area and the celebrated Sella Ronda circuit accessible from the ski lift on the slope opposite the hotel.

This holiday is suitable for beginners and intermediate cross country skiiers as well as all levels of downhill skier. With the other activities in the local area, the excellent facilities available at the hotel and in the local village it's also suitable for families and non-skiers alike.

Call for general departures:

01606 720003

Call for private group trips:

020 8772 3874

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Accommodation Walking the Dolomites of Alta Badia

Ciasa Salares, Armentarola, San Cassiano

Ciasa Salares, your home for the week, is located just a short walk (or even shorter shuttle/bus ride) from the centre of San Cassiano. Run by the Wieser family, Stefan, Wilma and their son Jan Clemens, who is passionate about the hotel’s fantastic wine cellar, the hotel combines alpine chic in the décor with good old-fashioned hospitality.

The hotel's four restaurants include an informal wine bar, a terrace restaurant, a main restaurant and tables in the wine cellar. There are also two other very special rooms – the Cheese Room and the Chocolate Room, used for tastings, individual courses during meals and special occasions. Complimentary grappa tasting is available once a week, as well as one glass of wine and cheese tasting in the wine cellar. You will also get 5 half board meals included at the half board restuarant. Customers wishing to eat at one of the other three restaurants at the hotel can use their 'credit' from the half board menu and pay any difference locally. Drinks are always excluded.

Other facilities include a library and lounge, a luxurious spa with indoor swimming pool, relaxation area, treatment rooms (3), sauna, steam room and an outdoor hot tub with fabulous alpine views to soak away those aching limbs after a day of walking. Headwater customers get free spa access (spa treatments available for a supplement.)

The hotel offers a free shuttle service to San Cassiano (village and the main Piz Surega lift) as well as to the Capanna Alpina restaurant for the Fanes Natural Park walk. One picnic lunch is included at the hotel’s private mountain hut (day of the week changes depending on the weather). This mountain hut can be reached on foot (1hr 30mins from the hotel) on Day 4 walking or by gondola (about 20mins.)

E-mountain bikes are available to hire for additional charge (payable locally.)

Call for general departures:

01606 720003

Call for private group trips:

020 8772 3874

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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Dates & Prices

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An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros	Cons
May be the most direct route Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal. As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.	You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros	Cons
Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.	Through fare tickets can be expensive. On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination. Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros	Cons
You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.	You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.
On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.