Cross-Country Skiing & Skating, Dolomites, Italy

This is a holiday perfect for both total beginners and skaters who want to work on their technique - with expert guidance from Eric Woolley, an English Ski Council Tutor who has been leading our holidays for years, you know you're in capable hands and will have a wonderful holiday in the beautiful surroundings of the Italian Dolomites whilst learning new skills, or perfecting those you have already. There are two grades of course available on this holiday - beginner level skating (for those who can already ski classic) and a mixture of instruction and cross-country skate touring to help you improve your technique. We're based in the lovely village of Versciaco di Sopra, 1150m up in the South Tyrol, with easy access to the spectacular loipes of the Northern Dolomites - great for exploration of this stunning region. We're staying in a charming, comfortable hotel on the edge of snow-covered Alpine meadows, with wonderful views over the Alta Pusteria Valley and jagged encircling mountains.

Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Start Versciaco di Sopra.

Day 2 - 7 - We offer this course at two levels. Level 1 is for those who can already cross-country ski (at Grade 2) and now wish to start skating for the first time. The format for this level is a mix of instruction and touring. Level 2 is for those who can already skate, and who have perhaps participated in one of our courses before. Here we try to concentrate the instruction into the morning sessions, and spend the afternoons exploring the loipe. We prefer not to specify in advance where we will ski each day. This is to enhance the flexibility and adapt to weather and snow conditions and to some extent the ability of each group. When choosing routes, the leader's priority will be to take in a variety of scenery and to ensure that participants become better and more confident skiers as the week progresses.

Examples of skiing options:
Versciaco di Sopra is on the gently undulating long-distance loipe that leads from Dobbiaco into Austria, and is a particularly good base for exploring the more easterly loipe when not concentrating on technique sessions. Centred on the Sexten valley system, these well-maintained tracks take us into the scenic Fiscalina valley or up to 1600m at the Monte Croce pass where we have both track and off-track options. We can also ski down to the village of Sillian in Austria, and perhaps sample some of the varied routes in its neighbouring side-valleys.

Day 8 - End Versciaco di Sopra.

Is this trip for you?
Skating has become more popular in recent years, with classic cross-country skiers who want to try something more challenging. With shorter, thinner and lighter skis than the classic style skis, you'll explore the winter landscapes at a faster pace. Most is undertaken on prepared tracks (loipe) and exhilarating days are spent skiing quickly over flat ground, up hills and down them. At Versciaco, Exodus offer skiing for intermediate skiers, with different grades of skating instruction available during different weeks. Make sure you check the grade that applies to the week you are planning to travel. Please check the grade of skiing that applies to your selected week via the 'Departure Date' icon on the 'Dates and Prices' page.

There are many ski areas accessible from your base, each offering a wide selection of alpine skiing possibilities. Versciaco and San Candido (only 4kms away), offer 53km of downhill slopes for all skiing levels and Cortina D'Ampezzo (40-minute bus journey) has more than double the amount of pistes (140km). Alpine skis can be hired in Versciaco for approximately £20 per day and a day pass would cost around £30.

NB. All active winter holidays involve some element of risk, from something as normal as slipping on icy pavements, to the possibility of injuries sustained as a result of the activities themselves. While Exodus do all they can to minimize any dangers, participants must be prepared to accept some risk as part of the holiday.

Ski Grading:
Level 1: Beginner
Recommended for those who have tried classic cross-country skiing, mastered the basics (including the snowplough) and now wish to try the skating style. Generally a faster skiing motion than classic cross-country skiing, you will need to be of reasonable fitness and have confidence on the snow. Whilst not skiing in tracks you will be on prepared, gradually  undulating slopes and cover approximately 10-15km a day. This is not suitable for those who have not tried classic cross-country skiing.

Level 2: Intermediate
Covering more challenging terrain, this level is for those who have already mastered the basics of the skating style and wish to improve their skating technique. Terrain covered will be slightly more challenging and you should expect to cover 15-20km per day. You will be taught techniques to help you increase your speed, perfect for those wishing to take on the challenge of a ski race.

This trip is based at: Albergo Monte Elmo hotel
You stay in the very comfortable Albergo Monte Elmo in Versciaco di Sopra. Recently renovated, but styled in the traditional way, this attractive building has a delightful sun terrace with superb mountain views, comfortable lounges and a cosy bar. After the day's exertions you can relax in the steam bath, sauna and hot tub. You'll also have free entrance to the public swimming pool complex in San Candido. There is excellent access to the trails as skating tracks begin at the rear of the hotel.