What could be better than snow at Christmas time?! That’s what 7 teachers and 6 of our inspireski staff experienced last December in the Italian Dolomites.
The inspection visit began at London Stansted airport in the early hours of the morning where the team flew to Milan for their weekend-long ski trip. Following a short two and a half hour flight, the team were greeted by two experienced drivers ready to take them to one of the most beautiful resorts in Italy, Madonna di Campiglio.
Climbing to approximately 1,500m, the snow began to settle on nearby cars and buildings. The snowfall that weekend was one to remember, with over 191cm of it in the region! The team checked in to the beautiful Hotel Catturani and picked up their skis from the nearby rental shop.
Saturday was the first day of skiing at the slopes, and the snowfall continued! There was a good mix of abilities, one staff member made the most of the complimentary ski lesson with the local ski school, whilst the others made their way to the black and red slopes. The afternoon saw the sun shine brightly onto the freshly layered pistes. Following a long day of downhill skiing, the team was welcomed to a large spread of local delicacies including pieces of breads, meats, and cheeses at the hotel. The evening did not stop there, adrenaline-packed rattrack ride to the restaurant was a highlight for many. One of the teachers quoting “The Rattrak trip was great fun, they really looked after us.”
Sunday’s conditions were perfect and what a way to finish a brilliant weekend of exploring the Italian Alps.
The team visited a number of hotels and experienced local foods around non-stop laughter and fun. Here’s why the teachers on the trip thought inspireski and Madonna di Campiglio were their first choice for school groups…
Steve Parker, St.Gregory’s School
What was your first impression of the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort?
Madonna was a great resort, very picturesque especially given all the snow we had and the time of year. A good range of pistes for all levels and the ability to ski over to Folgarida was a bonus.
What were the highlights of the inspection visit?
Loved skiing especially in the afternoons when the sun came out and I could see where I was going! The Rattrak trip was great fun, they really looked after us.
What makes the resort great for school groups?
The variety of slopes would be great for school groups with plenty of pistes suitable for beginners.
Why would you choose inspireski?
I would choose inspireski for their individual approach to each ski trip, staff are all friendly and approachable with good knowledge of resorts.
Mark Jesson, University Academy Holbeach
What was your first impression of the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort?
My first impression of the resort is that it offered opportunities for all abilities with an expansive array of slopes across the different resorts. The slopes at the highest altitudes offered super views of the Madonna ski area. The location of the hotel we stayed in was excellent and would be ideal for beginners learning to ski. For advanced skiers one chair lift opened up a number of opportunities to ski different graded slopes. The village, while walking through looked very classy and picturesque.
What were the highlights of the inspection visit?
The view from the top of the Groste gondola was excellent once it had stopped snowing and the sun came out. Going on the ski-doo – which we have not been on before.
What makes the resort great for school groups?
A superb array of varied slopes.
Why would you choose inspireski?
Good communication; 24/7 representative from start to finish with your tour; Knowledgeable and pleasant staff.