Dolomites Winter Activity Week

Day 1
Fly from Gatwick to Innsbruck; transfer to Villabassa (approx. 1hr 45 mins).

Day 2
In the morning, we take our transfer to the beautiful Lago d'Antorno, next to Lago di Misurina. We then board our snowmobiles for an exciting journey up to Rifugiio Auronzo and a short walk then reveals the wonderful view of the famous 'three chimneys', also known as Tre Cime di Lavaredo. We then have the choice to return with the snowmobiles or to enjoy a 5km toboggan run (provided) back to the lake. In the afternoon, there is the option to drive (or simply enjoy being the passenger in) the snowmobiles around the beautiful Lago d'Antorno. There is the option to ice-skate on the lake should you prefer, (see extra expenses section).

Day 3
We transfer this morning five minutes down the road to Dobbiaco, one of the most famous cross-country skiing centres in Italy. After collecting our equipment, we head to the large newly built stadium for some practice. For the intermediate or advanced skiiers, information is provided for exciting loipe that are possible directly from the stadium. After another short bus journey to Lake Dobbiaco, where we enjoy a game of curling.

Day 4
Today, we spend the day in the chic resort of Cortina D'Ampezzo with a variety of activities available (all optional). Try some downhill skiing or ice-skating in this famous resort that hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956. For the adventurous, this may be the best opportunity to try those alternatives to skiing, such as telemark, ski touring or snowboarding. Alternatively you may simply want to wander around this beautiful village and then enjoy a traditional horse and sleigh ride!

Day 5
We enjoy a full day of snowshoeing. A possible area for today's exploration is one of the most beautiful corners of the Northern Dolomites:the Lago di Braies. This natural lake is known for being one of the deepest in the Bolzano region, with a depth of 36m, and is arguably the most picturesque thanks to the wonderful jagged mountains that encircle the lake on every side.

Day 6
There are many options available for today (all optional), which may simply be some self-guided snowshoeing or winter walking, as there are an incredible number of trails in this area. Perhaps some more cross-country or downhill skiing in the nearby resorts of San Candido or Mt Elmo. Alternatively there are the cultural highlights of this area, which include Lienz Castle, Brunico or a visit to the famous 'ice-man' in Bolzano.

Day 7
After collecting our special ski equpiment, we enjoy some more cross-country ski instruction with an emphasis on the 'skate' technique. This is an introduction to a new type of cross-country skiing that is becoming increasinly popular. We then transfer to Croda Rossa, a beautiful mountain known its reddish colour at a certain time of day, where we end the week with an exhilarating 5km toboggan ride!

Day 8
Transfer to Innsbruck for flight to Gatwick.Transfer to Innsbruck for flight to Gatwick.