Monday, March 16, 2009

Settimana Bianca

Our walk into town

Just like in CA, Italy’s has its “ski week”, otherwise known as “Settimana Bianca” (white week). This is the first time in my 5+ years of living here, that we finally decided to “do as the Italian do” and we headed up to the Dolomites for a bit of snow! 

I was a little reluctant as I’d had it up to my ears with winter weather. The idea of going somewhere cold was not exactly what I had in mind after more than 4 months of what felt like never ending rain. I was ready for the Maldives, Mauritius or any other package deal to somewhere warm that you find in the windows of the thousands of cheap travel agencies here in Italy. 

But I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised and really glad we went.


Our destination was Ortisei, a charming slope side resort just 45 minutes from Bolzano (saving that for another blog). It had all the characteristics of an Austrian village, rather than Italian - from the colorful, cupcake-like buildings, to the food (Weiner Schniztel & Kraut anyone?), and if I may, to the organization and impeccable service. We stayed a wonderful family owned “zimmer” called Hotel Digon. Our package was “half-board”, therefore including breakfast and dinner. Again, I was hesitant, never having done that before. But the food was delicious and abundant - and Mamma Digon did it all!

Heavenly desserts & grappa a-flowin'

There must have been 5 or 6 different ski areas. I only ended up skiing one day (because I wanted to “spa” instead and boy did I!) but it was beautiful. Well manicured slopes, a perfectly sunny, warm day and great company. 


Our 4 days there helped me “recharge” for a very busy season ahead. We returned to gorgeous, spring-like weather and not a drop of rain in the forecast. I’m ready to get going!

Uh, they ran out of American flags. And I was the only American.
Didn't think I was that big a fan of Grappa!

7 comments:

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Wow what a great place to go!! Had a look at the hotel, looks great too!! Oh Weiner Schniztel our favourite :-)

Thanks for sharing :-)

Em and GC said...

I can't wait to see what you post for Bolzano! I'm heading there in April, after a short visit to the Cinque ;)

Diana Strinati Baur said...

You never know how much you love grappa (aka SCHNAPPS) until you have eaten some good old fashioned knoedel, schnitzel and sauerkraut. Schnapps suddenly becomes your best friend (burp--scusa).

Oh, and God save the Queen :)

looks fab, all of it, very jealous of the spa-ing although i live in a spa town!!!! You have to come here so I actually go use the facilities!!

Anonymous said...

Is that a pear in the grappa? I love the term “Settimana Bianca.” We just had one of those in Memphis two weeks ago. I wish I had known the term then!

Saretta said...

Oh, I envy you that week of spa-ing! How nice that must have been!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment!

Megan in Liguria said...

Thanks for all the fun comments!

Em & GC - will post soon about Bolzano (hint, loved it!).

Cristie - That is a pear you see and it was dee-lish everytime! :)

Saretta - Your photos are inspiring me. Can I be a copy cat and do the same thing here in Liguria?

Di - The queen (I doubt) doesn't drink as much as me, but no need to save me yet! :) It really did feel good to spa! xo

Saretta said...

Of course you can! I belong to the City Daily Photo community of daily photo bloggers. You can check out their site for more info, but I assure you it's a very open club!