Postcard from the Dolomites

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow ...

I know this may sound a bit strange to you but I’ve never been skiing. Or even stayed in a ski resort during winter.

Partly because I was never taken skiing as a child - my parents weren’t big on winter (or any other) sports. In later years because I’m a winter sun rather than cold weather kinda gal. It honestly never occurred to me.

So I’m not going to start at my age - asking for trouble - but have gone with a party of friends who are mad keen skiers to indulge in a bit of all-day après ski.

We’re in the Dolomites, in the north of Italy in a resort called Madonna di Campiglio, staying at a family-run hotel called the Campiglio Bellavista and my goodness, the scenery is stunning.

LIke any other world you come into as an outsider, skiing has its own conventions. The best weather to ski in: recent snow but with good visibility, the best time of day to ski (as early as possible before the crowds. According to one site I hit the lifts carry up to 31k skiers an hour). What to wear. (Thermals, layers - thank God for Uniqlo and Mountain Warehouse which are both phenomenally good value provided you aren’t too fashion- or label-conscious. Good for the weather we appear to be having back home too.)

Given the amount I’m managing to tuck away including industrial quantities of cheese it would probably be better if I WAS skiing. My forays into the hotel pool aren’t quite energetic enough to offset the calories but more about the food and drink and how you can create your own après-ski experience in this week’s Friday 5.

In the meantime enjoy the pix (and give them a ❤️ if they appeal)

Are you a regular skier? If so tell me where you go and how you rate Italy compared to France, Austria and other skiing destinations.