Dobbiaco

In the heart of the Italian Dolomites and dominated by the Tre Cime (Three Peaks), is the Tyrolean village of Dobbiaco. This region, known as the Alta Pusteria, is where Italy meets neighbouring Austria and the resulting cultural overlap is a delightful mix: painted houses, carved balconies and oniondomed churches contrast with Baroque churches, elegant ladies in fur coats and chic coffee bars that serve the perfect cappuccino.

In the 1800's, Dobbiaco had a reputation as an exclusive mountain retreat for nobles and artists - Gustav Mahler found the town inspirational for composing his symphonies - and, still today, its snowy streets lined with elegant C16 mansions reflect the village's history as Seat of the upper classes. Being at the centre of the most efficiently integrated ski transport and trail network in the Dolomites, Dobbiaco is a cross country skiers' mecca and has hosted the World Cup Cross Country Ski Championships on four separate occasions. It is also the first resort we've come across with snow-making cannons for their cross country trails - what an excellent idea - so that novices and experts alike can gain maximum enjoyment from their holiday here.