As I sit here at the top of the Carosello 3000 mountain in Livigno, sipping my cappuccino and taking in the magnificent scenery, I think of all the persons who have just spent a week skiing here in Livigno during December, particularly over Christmas and New Year.
The skiing conditions are excellent – good natural snow, good weather and above all, excellent company with whom to enjoy the skiing, and skiing-related activities. The lack of humidity here in Livigno makes the seemingly cold temperatures quite acceptable. At this temperature, the snow remains ideal for skiing and will remain so till well after Easter, so it is a long skiing season this year in Livigno.
A number of our guests had been to Livigno before, so as soon as they arrived they were provided with their skiing equipment, and they quickly made their way to the slopes so as not to miss a moment of skiing. The beginners were assisted in the selection of their equipment, and Mariano Galas and Eleonora, our ski director and on-site co-ordinator respectively, started them off on their first tentative steps on the slopes. They quickly learnt, though, and within one week they were skiing confidently and racing each other in the end-of-week races organized by Mariano.
Livigno offers many other activities on the snow besides skiing. There is sledging at the San Rocco ski area, where once a week after 5pm, the piste is reserved for YTC sledgers who ride up the chairlift and sledge down the whole San Rocco slope. Jet-biking is another popular activity, during which our bikers drive along pre-prepared snow paths – an adrenaline-filled adventure enjoyed by all, including children, who are not allowed to drive but who may be passengers as long as accompanied by an adult. Horse riding and tyre-sliding are another two popular activities organized at various times during the week.
During the New Year week we organized an activity at Larix park, the new tree park recently opened in Livigno. Our guests were strapped to harnesses and to a guide rope about 15 feet above the ground, and they had to overcome various obstacles, walk along tightropes, nets, logs attached to bungee straps and suspended hoops, ending with a long ride along the zip-line to the finish. All our guests, including a number of children managed to do both the beginner and intermediate courses.
After the skiing activities, when the skiing slopes close, there are a whole lot of après ski activities in Livigno. Duty free shopping is one of the main attractions, since Livigno is a duty and VAT-free area, with over 300 shops selling various goods such as clothing, electronics, alcoholic drinks, perfumes… At Tagliede Bar opposite Miramonti Hotel the après ski rhythm starts at 4.30pm and continues till 8pm. The evening meal can be enjoyed at the hotel or at one of the many restaurants to be found in Livigno. After dinner most guests hit the bars in the area – Kuhstall Bar at the Bivio Hotel, the Pub at the Helvetia Hotel, Miky’s Pub, Kokodi nightclub...
Our clients in Livigno during December had a very good time here, and this can be seen from the numerous emails received and facebook entries. The season has only just started, however, and there are several other weeks to choose from in January, February, March and April. The temperature will slowly rise and we will soon have to apply our sun-screen – do any of you fancy getting an early suntan in Livigno this year?
For further details and a free copy
of YTC’s new full colour
Ski & Snowboard Brochure you can contact YTC on 2142 1464,
2742 1464 or 9942 0377.
W: www.ytctravel.org
E: [email protected]