Time for New Year’s resolutions
Sara Mantovani January 2, 2012
2011 it’s over and you are definitely late with your New Year’s resolutions.. let us give you few suggestions about ski holidays in the 300 ski-able kilometers in the Apennines of Emilia Romagna. (3,000 km are also available for cross-country skiers!)
Among the new things this 2011-2012 season brings there are the “heliski” service and the helitaxi in Corno alle Scale (near Bologna) while in Cimone (near Modena) you can rent a slope with a chronometer by the hour, for giant slalom competitions. In Cerreto (near Reggio Emilia) after skiing you can learn to ice skate with a trainer. A lot of attention, as always, will be dedicated to children with baby parks and entertainment in the snow. And more: night skiing, ever expanding snow parks, orienteering in the snow and snowmobiling. For those seeking a little adventure, you can sleep in the lodges; there is a very organized network inside the two National Parks, the Parco Tosco Emiliano and the Parco di Campigna e Foreste Casentinesi.
The tribe of snowboarders, those crazy fans of this great sport, can visit one of 14 snow parks with even more equipment and completely redone. Expanded. Transformed. Made even more fun and exciting. In Cimone, in the Jump Zone, near the chill out area, among the new medium jumps, there is also a 15 meter jump. Next to the half pipe a whole new area has been created for beginners.
At Corno alle Scale – 40 km of slopes, ten lifts, two tracks, 3 and 5 km, for cross country skiing, snowboarding park and a kids’ park - the season has just been opened by the great Alberto Tomba (this is the place where Alberto Tomba began skiing).
The Bologna born champion has two slopes named after him: they are the longest slopes in all the Apennines: 3 km uninterrupted on skis and they are also qualified for World Cup competitions. You can reach the top of the Rocce slope with a very modern carpet lift (2,400 people per hour).
New this year. The slopes have all been cleaned up, thanks to very modern snowmobiles, some of which are dedicated to the snowboard and cross-country slopes. Among the new things this year is the helitaxi, a helicopter which takes visitors directly to the slopes, avoiding lines and traffic. You can also book a helicopter for high altitude skiing on the most extreme ridges of this resort, thanks to the new heliski service. Visitors should also try dog sledding with Siberian Huskies in the magical, undisturbed woods; everyone really enjoys this activity, especially families. Also the “gattobus” is back this year: a snow mobile that can take up to 15 people and three children to the peak of the mountain to have drinks or eat lunch in one of the many lodges.
But not to worry, your wallet will not suffer thanks to cheap vacation packages and promotions for everyone. Here is the snow in the Apennines!
The innovation at Corno alle Scale (Bo) this year is “Corno Zero”. If you buy as seasonal ski-pass, you will get huge discounts in many stores which will eliminate the cost of the pass itself. The seasonal pass costs 500 euro (adults) and 265 euro (under 18 years old). Holidays and weekends cost 30 euro and weekdays 23 euro.
A lot of other offers are available. A weekend of skiing at Corno alle Scale starts at 89 euro per person. It includes: two nights in a three star hotel with breakfast and a two day holiday/weekend ski-pass. And there is also the express line for renting equipment with the opportunity to book it directly in the hotel when you arrive. There are many other promotions and offers at Corno le Scale for the upcoming winter, such as the “white week” special (five nights, six days) with breakfast, a ski-pass and one hour of lessons with an expert starting at 159 euro per person. More info
Corno alle Scale is not just about skiing, but also the culture and traditions of the municipality of Lizzano in Belvedere and the nearby Vidiciatico. In this area there are many towns with stone buildings with mysterious symbols (called “mamme”) of Celtic origins, ancient churches such as the Modonna dell’Acero, founded, according to legend, around a tree, which is still present today. In Lizzano, there is also a slow-food product: the “salmerino”, a little freshwater fish similar to a trout, served in restaurants in the area.
Comments (1)
Emilia Romanga is known for its fantastic cuisine, but so much for the skiing. There are many locations such as Corno alle Scale and the Cimome that offer great snow and great food!