Snow-covered Dolomites, sustainable luxury resorts and 1,200 kilometers of slopes: In northern Italy, winter sports, design and culinary delights merge to create a unique alpine experience.
Italy's northernmost region is a blessing for all winter travelers: snow-covered landscapes, snow-sure locations and sophisticated design hotels. More than 1,200 kilometers of slopes and almost 400 ski lifts are spread across twelve ski areas.
Between the Brenner Pass and the Po Valley, an open-minded tourism industry has developed that both cultivates traditions and promotes innovation. The combination of architecture and gastronomy in particular creates something quite unique; an alpine high-altitude noise.
On the largest high alpine pasture in Europe, the Alpe di Siusi, around 20 kilometers north of Bolzano, is the site of a sophisticated sustainability resort: on the plateau, the "Como Alpina Dolomites" pursues a philosophy of closeness to nature. The architects De Biasi & Comploi used natural materials in their spectacular design - a ring-shaped chalet made of stone, wrapped in a wooden lattice shelter. Guests can explore the 60 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, go on snowshoe hikes with experienced guides or race down the slopes themselves. The overnight price includes a multi-course menu - and a breathtaking view of the Dolomites.
Travelers checking into the "Adler Lodge Alpe" also have a view of the Dolomites from the slopes of the Alm. Director Roman Polanski found this place so inspiring that he filmed the classic "Dance of the Vampires" in the "Hotel Mezdì"; over the years, this venerable house has been transformed into the lodge, complete with robust cabins made of oak, larch and pine wood. Around the hotel, guests can access the ski trails or take the cable car to the village of Ortisei. As befits a remote resort at 1,800 meters above sea level, all meals, aperitifs and wines are included.
Further north, around 30 minutes from Bressanone/Brixen, those seeking relaxation at "Forestis" have the feeling of setting up home above the peaks of a coniferous forest. Outside the windows, snow-covered fir trees defy the crisp mountain air, while the spartan interior is dominated by light-colored wooden furniture. Floor-to-ceiling glass separates the natural backdrop from the retreat; you sit in the middle of the forest and look down on it from above at the same time. The view flies over to the Dolomites, the ski slope is just 100 meters from the hotel. The Austrian monarchy originally planned a climatic health resort on the same site, but the First World War put paid to these plans - and it was not until 100 years later that a hotel moved into the historic building with its wooden façade. After an ambitious and cautious redesign, today's "Forestis" emerged in 2020 ...
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