About Vanessa
I have worked in the travel industry for almost 20 years mostly in destination representation and media relations. I learned to ski when I was nine years old and have been lucky enough to ski almost every year since. I really caught the skiing bug on a summer course on the Kaprun Glacier in Austria after I had finished school and went on to live and ski a season in Banff, Canada. I chose to honeymoon taking a skiing road trip through Southern Colorado and down to Taos, New Mexico. I love exploring new destinations whenever I can get away, recently discovering
some secret off the beaten track ski resorts in the French Pyrenees.
What was your favorite part about your trip to the Dolomite Mountains?
I have been to the Dolomites in summer and in winter and both are fantastic. The winter visit with my family was special as for the first time we were able to ski the Sella Ronda, the circular ski route with my eldest two children, then 11 years and 9 years. We did it the harder ‘sportive’ route to avoid the crowds as it was peak New Year week andmade it round in four hours which we were happy with, back in time to see our youngest in his ski school race.
Why did you choose this trip over other options?
We wanted to be in a small Italian village for New Years and to experience bringing in the New Year in the Dolomites. We took part in a local evening torch lit ski parade which was a special moment to treasure as we snaked down the mountain carrying our own lit flares.
What was your favorite local dish during your stay?
My challenge was to drink a coffee in as many of the mountain restaurants as we could. One of my favorites was at Rifugio Piz Arlara above Corvara.
What made your trip special?
Skiing the Sella Ronda and the amazing panoramics around every corner on a bluebird day. On an earlier summer visit I made my first via Ferrata, it was pretty nerve-wracking climbing up and along the mountains but with one of the Dolomite Mountain guides Marcello I knew I was in safe hands!
Who did you travel with? A friend? Family? A coworker?
I travelled in winter with my family – husband and three children – the Dolomites are very welcoming to young children so it is perfect for families.
What was your favorite town and why?
We loved the ski in/out of Arabba and also the small village of San Cassiano for its beautiful street and upmarket feel.
