Italy | _ | | _ | | | Cortina is a world-famous winter resort that rivals any other in the Alps. Magnificently situated in a sunny amphitheater, it is ringed by spectacular peaks which rise nearly 2000 meters above the village. Cortina has offered a complete range of winter sports facilities since hosting the Olympic Games in 1956. In Cortina, life centers around the Corso, a traffic-less, shop-lined street where the late afternoon passeggiata proceeds without fail. You can browse and see the latest winter fashions, as well as purchase a gift from one of the many antique and craft shops. At the heart of the Corso is a central piazza, a church with towering campanile, and the interesting Regole Museum. Excursions to Venice, Plan de Coranes/Brunico and Pieve di Cadare are available locally. Cortina also hosts World Cup events in mid-January, bobsled races and a horse show on snow. At night, enjoy one of Cortina's exclusive night clubs and discos.
| | | _ | | _ | | | Courmayeur, Italy, is located in the western end of the Valle D' Aosta on the border of France. The old village is perched under beautiful Mt. Blanc (15,780 feet), the highest mountain in Europe. Courmayeur is a long time favorite of ours and clients ask to return year after year. The locals are friendly, the skiing and snowfall abundant, and the nightlife lively. Because of its location, on the border of France and near Zermatt Switzerland, skiers have the opportunity to ski 3 different countries in one week! Courmayeur is world famous for combining Italian and French ambiance and charm. The locals are multilingual in French, Italian, and English. Skiers enjoy fresh pasta and the local red wine at the many cozy slope side restaurants. Evenings are spent strolling the winding cobblestone streets, exploring the many shops, and relaxing in cafes and restaurants. Intermediate skiers appreciate the wide open slopes and beautiful vistas, while the Val,e Blanche, an 11 mile glacier run starting in Italy and ending in Chamonix, France, is available for more advanced skiers. | | | _ | | _ | | | Val Gardena, with its wide open, sunny vistas and magnificent towering peaks, is one of the most popular and diversified regions for a winter holiday in the Dolomites. Val Gardena is about 13 miles long and runs more or less from west to east from the narrow entrance to the valley at Ponte Gardena up to Passo Gardena and Passo Sella, at the north-east of the "Sdtirol" Dolomites. Val Gardena is well connected with the rest of Italy and also with North Europe, thanks to a well equipped train network.
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