Sunlight glinting off my visor momentarily blinded me to the breathtaking panorama sprawled before me. Crisp mountain air filled my lungs, chasing away the echoes of anxieties that had clung to me like frost in the weeks leading up to this trip.
This wasn’t just a ski holiday, it was our family’s first foray back into the world after war broke out in Israel; a tentative step into sunshine from the shadows of conflict. We weren’t victims – we were skiers, adventurers, a family with two boys aged 8 and 12 bound by laughter and the thrill of carving fresh tracks in powder. The Dolomites, with their jagged peaks piercing the azure sky and valleys cradling quaint villages, became our canvas for reclaiming joy, and boy did they deliver.
Our first haven was Sassongher, a majestic five-star hotel perched in Corvara. Crackling flames licking a stone fireplace cast warm shadows on wood-panelled walls. Regal yet cosy, our suite had a balcony – a front-row seat to the stunning scenery that surrounded us. On the clear nights, the outdoor hot tub, lit up in colours of the rainbow, steamed us into a blissful state under a blanket of stars, offering a celestial soak unlike any other. We even spotted deer on the adjacent slope.
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The enchantment extended beyond aesthetics, the sauna or the wonderful indoor pool. Paula, the ever-smiling concierge, became our guardian angel, orchestrating ski lessons, recommending hidden-gem shops, and guiding us to the region’s best family-friendly restaurants. And for top-notch equipment and expert advice, Sport Posch hot the spot with knowledgeable staff ensuring we were set for every adventure on the slopes.
Our foodie hearts truly soared at the lively yet intimate Hotel La Perla’s Bistrot in Corvara. We feasted on melt-in-the-mouth crispy Dolomite eggs with exquisite fresh truffle, an exceptional partridge with fois gras, an intoxicating beef tartare severed on rosemary roasted marrow, all perfect creations of chef Simone Cantafio. And then there was the acclaimed, award-winning wine cellar – a dimly lit labyrinth lined with dusty bottles whispering tales of bygone vintages. The sommelier, a passionate storyteller with a twinkle in his eye, led us on a tour, his words painting vivid pictures of sun-drenched vineyards and patient grapes ripening under the watchful gaze of the Dolomites.
From Corvara, we glided on skis to La Majun, a jewel in the neighbouring village of La Villa. This family-run haven hums with the warmth of Ladin hospitality. The aroma of freshly-baked bread hung in the air, and the staff, led by the infectiously enthusiastic owners, Natalie and Roberta, treated us like long-lost relatives. The food was a revelation – Ladin cuisine, a delightful fusion of Italian and Austrian influences, with portions that could satisfy even the hungriest Olympian.
But the magic truly unfolded after a day on the slopes. We’d melt away anxieties in the luxurious indoor pool, surrounded by panoramic views of snow-dusted peaks. La Majun’s tranquil spa provided a further haven, where expert therapists kneaded away knots and revived tired muscles with alpine-inspired treatments. From invigorating massages to indulgent facials the small but perfectly formed spa offered a holistic sanctuary for ultimate après-ski indulgence.
La Majun hotel
Beyond the slopes and sumptuous meals, the Dolomites hold a deep-rooted cultural heritage. We explored enchanting Ladin villages with their brightly-painted houses and unique language, a delightful blend of Italian and German. The local customs, from traditional wood carving to festive parades, offered a glimpse into a world untouched by mass tourism.
As our week drew to a close, the Dolomites had woven their magic. The thrill of carving fresh tracks in powder, one ski pass for 1,200 glorious kilometres of slopes, the warmth of communal dinners, the quiet moments spent gazing at star-studded skies – it was a kaleidoscope of experiences that transcended the typical ski holiday. This is a place where families can bond over shared adventures, where relaxation and rejuvenation await in luxurious sanctuaries, and where even self-proclaimed foodies like us can discover culinary treasures worthy of Michelin stars amidst the snowy peaks.
Getting there
● Sky Alps flies directly from Stansted to Bolzano, cutting transfer time in half skyalps.com
● Maple Parking Meet & Greet Service means you breeze through the airport mapleparking.co.uk
Stay Warm
● Bertschat heated gloves and vests – fantastic warmth and amazing battery life bertschat.co.uk
● Manbi ski apparel for kids: stylish comfort at great prices manbi.com
Taste the Good Life
● La Perla’s Bistrot: laperlacorvara.it
Where to Stay
● Sassongher luxury and views from €300 per night (half-board) sassongher.it
● La Majun family haven and spa from €370 per night (B&B) lamajun.it
Ski School
● Marco at Ski School Corvara was the perfect mountain companion, refining technique and challenging the family to improve whilst having fun scuolascicorvara.it
● For La Villa, book private lessons with Ski School La Villa scuolascilavilla.it
