Read about my trip to San Martino di Castrozza, the pretty mountain village in the middle of the Dolomites!
I was still working off the New Year’s alcohol fumes when it was already time to leave.
Destination? … Dolomites!
I had to meet my friends who were already there. So from Ferrara, where my parents have the house in Italy, I first took a train towards Venice Mestre then changed towards Feltre and finally a bus to San Martino di Castrozza. The journey time in total is about 3 and a half hours.
You can check all itineraries via Trainline.
I was quite excited. I hadn’t been to the mountains for years!
And now here I was; Admiring these giant rocky ripples.
San Martino di Castrozza is an important Italian tourist centre, located in the upper Primiero Valley, in eastern Trentino.
During the winter holidays, the Dolomites are filled with tourists from all over Italy. This year, in particular, it seemed that the desire to get back on the slopes was really urgent.
After a heavy snowfall in the first weeks of December temperatures rose steadily offering days of full sun.
Upon my arrival, we spent the first two days visiting the town amidst great drinks and meals in the Trentino sun.
Here is a list of recommended places to eat and have a drink:
- Malga Ces: Located on the slopes of the CES Ski Area, perfect for lunch after skiing. It offers delicious dishes of local cuisine, with a comfortable and welcoming restaurant.
- LA Mia Enoteca Renzo: Nice winery in the centre of the village. It offers cheese and salami tasting and a wide variety of wines.
- Pizzeria Ristorante Sass Maor: Tasty pizza in the center of San Martino.
- Ristorante La Stube: Great mountain-style restaurant that offers typical dishes at modest prices.
- Sky Cafè: Awesome spot for a sunset drink.
- El Barisel Apres Ski – Pub: Recommended for drinks with live music.
On the third day, it was time for skiing… Finally! After renting ski boots and poles, I was all set. The rental price was around 20/25 euros per day. While the cost of the slopes is around 50 euros per day. You can consult the prices here.
The district of San Martino di Castrozza and Passo Rolle extends for around 60 km of slopes and includes 25 lifts. The average altitude is around 1500m with peaks up to 3000m.
The day was sunny and the snow was shining. All perfect for a first winter ski!
We took the cable car in Tognola and enjoyed the slopes until the early afternoon.
I must admit that after years of stopping skiing, the sensation was fantastic. The sun shines on your face as you zigzag down on your skis with the mountain wind blowing in your hair. I love it!
I used to enjoy going on mountain trips when I was younger, but it was nearly eight years I was away from the slopes.
After and during skiing we indulged in various typical Nordic drinks, including Grappe, Bombardini and Vin Brulè. For those who don’t know what they are, you have to try them!
Nights in the mountains hardly offer the same entertainment as the city. But San Martino also offers a couple of discos where you can dance and listen to music till quite late.
Iceberg is the main place if you want to go dancing after dinner.
Barisel Apres Ski – Pub: It’s a good option for having a late cocktail while listening to music.
I had a great time during my vacation in the Dolomites. San Martino is a nice little village surrounded by mountains and can be the perfect winter escape if you love skiing, good food and nice walks in nature.
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