Winter Discovery in the Dolomites

Superb value: all meals, all equipment, no 'hidden extras'; friendly hotel with relaxed, informal house party atmosphere Fully guided programme: cross country skiing, snowshoeing, winter walks, evening events Breathtaking scenery: snow-capped fir trees, frozen waterfalls, towering Dolomites Gothic fairytale castles, Renaissance palaces

On the edge of the Brenta Dolomites, towering above the beautiful Renaissance town of Trento, Monte Bondone is a landscape of silver birch forest, snow-swept plateaux and frozen rivers - all encircled by rocky peaks that blaze ochre and pink in the light of the dying winter sun. The entire area is a mecca for snow activities.

Your base for the week is the 3-star Hotel Monte Bondone in the tiny village of Vaneze. Built in alpine-chalet style, it is run in a very friendly and informal manner by your English-speaking host and guide, Paolo Martinelli.

The hotel is comfortably modern and all 32 en suite rooms have TV, direct dial telephone and classic furnishings. There is a sauna, and a cosy log-fired lounge/bar affording panoramic views over the Dolomites. Breakfast is normally a hearty buffet and, at lunch we’ve arranged local specialities in the friendly malghe(mountain auberges). Evening meals are taken in the bright, airy restaurant overlooking the snowy mountains. After dinner, you might want to relax with a grappa(Paolo has a great selection!) by the fire, play billiards or a board game. Paolo often organises informal quiz or video evenings, making you feel as if you’re part of a large house party.

Your weekly discovery programme introduces you to cross country skiing, winter walking and snowshoeing and, under the guidance of Paolo, you’ll find you’ll pick up all you need to know very quickly, and can soon relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Snowshoe trails lead directly from the hotel, and a 10-minute drive (transfers provided) takes you to the cross country ski area of Viote where there is a good network of trails suitable for both complete beginners and improvers. Also included in the programme is an evening ski trip and a torch-lit walk through the forest. If you fancy trying downhill skiing, there is a direct chairlift from the village to the upper ski area of Vason (where skis can be hired and insurance arranged – pay locally).