Internationale groepsreis Snowshoeing in the Dolomites - Premium Adventure

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

A spectacular way to enjoy winter walking, fun in the snow and superb mountain scenery in good company.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Gluhwein!

What did you think of your group leader?

Karl, was a very entertaining, knowledgeable and trustworthy leader. “Shall we stroll on?” he would say. On our final day, walking to the summit of Monte Piano, ‘stroll’ became ‘trudge’. Like other days, the effort was worthwhile for the magnificent views.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Snowshoeing is not difficult, and the grade ‘moderate’ is an accurate description. Worry not: if you’re an average hill-walker you can do this. There were 5 – 6 hours of leisurely walking every day, and plenty of stops for stories recounted by Karl The Hotel Adler is everything it says on the tin: a gem with all facilities as described with helpful and welcoming staff. Stuff yourself at breakfast, and you won’t finish the packed lunch provided, but you will be ready to enjoy a 4/5 course evening meal – all of which were worthy of presentation on TV cooking programmes.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

    Many thanks to Exodus, Karl, Christian (proprietor of Hotel Adler) and his staff … and all those new friends we made.    

An awesome trip

A superb week away, exploring just a bit of what the Dolomites has to offer. Stunning scenery, wonderful walks with views that are breathtaking - we loved it!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many. On top of Monte Piana hearing about the challenges soldiers fighting in WW1 faced, Sara our guide was a huge inspiration - and has made us want to explore & trek even more. Being able to act like kids - racing through untrodden snow, building snow animals, sledging & meeting a great group of like-minded people to share our week with has made this a fantastic trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara is a fantastic guide - and always going above & beyond what she needs to do. Her knowledge of the area, experience & enthusiasm really helped make this trip as excellent as it was.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do the sledging on your free day - it's well worth the nervous energy beforehand!! It's great value for money - 35 euro for 4 hours which included the lift pass (we got 7 runs in that time, and a break for lunch at the top of the slope).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A great trip that will leave many happy memories and a lot of laughter!

Snowshoeing in the Dolomites

A wonderful week in a beautiful and tranquil environment. Each day brought different scenery and walking conditions and each day was excellent. The walking was not too demanding for someone used to day walks being sufficiently tough to feel that the evening meal and a drink had been well earned but not so tough that we were exhausted.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Monte Piana and it's place in the history of WW1 was moving as our joy and wonder at the natural beauty of the mountain and scenery was tempered by the thought of the fighting that was taking place there a century ago. Walking through forests following fresh snowfall. The peace of a seldom trodden path and the beauty of fresh snow will live long in my memory.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara was outstanding. We felt completely safe in her care and she did so much to ensure that we got the very most out of our trip. Nothing was too much trouble and it felt that we were walking with a friend rather than a group leader. To paraphrase Spinal Tap if normal group leaders go up to 10 then Sara goes all the way up to 11.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book it now. The kit list provided is thorough and if you follow it you won't go wrong.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only thanks to the rest of the group whose good humour and cheer quickly built the camaraderie that made this a truly excellent trip.

Snow fun in the Dolomites

A wonderful week in the Dolomites spent in superb accommodation and surrounded by stunning scenery. The walking was fun and varied. Whether trekking through a Narnia like snow covered tree scape, or walking a mountain ridge in brilliant sunshine you are sure to have a smile on your face. To top it all, a great leader and group of fellow travellers.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our final days walk to Lutterkopf and Durakopf was breathtaking. Unrestricted views of the Austrian Alps to the North and the contrasting and stunning Craggy Dolomites to the South. Tramping down the valley through unbroken snow for a last drink in a mountain hut brought a child like smile to my face. Oh and the sledge ride back to the car park just topped off a great day.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara was exceptional in her daily preparation, ensuring that each walk was tailored to the anticipated weather conditions and hence maximising our enjoyment. Her easy and patient manner added to the overall experience of the group. She had a constant, but unobtrusive eye on safety and was a great dinner companion, regaling us with stories of her worldwide travels. Without doubt, she has set a new and high bar that future guides may find difficult to match.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack layers, as the weather can vary considerably from day to day or even on the walk itself. We found ourselves pealing layers off and on on many an occasion. If you want to try something different on the free day, then I can recommend the cross country skiing at Dobbiaco. After a couple of hours lesson, you can explore the lake area or the local area via some excellent prepared tracks.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Another great Exodus trip that will leave me with long lasting good memories.

A week in the magical Dolomites

An excellent holiday: the snow-covered Dolomites are incredibly beautiful, and the weather for our week was perfect, with blue skies above and lots of crunchy snow underfoot. I was rewarded in spades for puffing up those hills: on the walks themselves, by the amazing all-round views; back at our hotel, by the rather nice swimming pool and by tasty and plentiful food. Our group was a really friendly bunch of people, which made for a lovely atmosphere throughout.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not a moment, but a person: Sarah, our guide - amazing!

What did you think of your group leader?

See above!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you enjoy the mountains and want to get away from the skiing crowds, this is for you. Bear in mind that snowshoeing does burn off a lot more calories than "normal" hill-walking, but if you are used to doing reasonably full day-walks in the UK, you will be fine.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is the second time I have been on exactly this holiday, the first being some ten years ago. I enjoyed it just as much, if not more, this time around. Go on, book it!

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

Overall, maybe helped by good weather, an excellent holiday in a very good hotel with a compatible group that all seemed to get on well.  Villabassa is ideally located for winter holidays

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Probably the views on the walks and the great experience of walking through woodland in deep, powdery snow.  One has no sense of being in crowded places on these walks.

What did you think of your group leader?

Carl was first class.  He organized the pace, provided all the information we needed and generally went the extra mile to be sure we all enjoyed the experience.  The minibus provided the ideal way to get to and from walks.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As long as you are a reasonably fit walker, relax and enjoy.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hotel Adler was excellent.  Food was delicious and the staff and ambience were always welcoming and positive.   The bar and the spa facilities were especially appreciated at the end of each day's walking.  The beer is delicious and not expensive.

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

 This is my 2nd trip with Exodus and was simply fantastic (as was the first), I would thoroughly recommend it.  It was extremely beautiful being in Villabassa at Christmas time, the Hotel Alder was wonderful, both management and staff very welcoming/helpful and friendly, gorgeous 5 course dinner each night.  Aperitifs on our first evening & Christmas Eve in reception along with carols was gorgeous.  The snowshoeing was such brilliant fun walking in a winter wonderland (thankfully the snow fell the Friday before going), each walk gave us beautiful scenery and "THE" most amazing views having the weather on our side most days, even though a couple of the walks involved “chuffin steep climbs” the views totally made up for it and coming back down is always the easiest whichever way we did it by walking/sledding or in my case sliding upside down head first when unable to stay on the sled but had soo much fun though, felt like being a child all over again J 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The climb on Christmas day was a great walk giving the best views in the world (well it certainly felt like I was on top of the world) truly stunning beautiful day enjoying the gorgeous Pandoro & Prosecco to toast Christmas day thanks to Olly our great leader!! Of course we had to eat/drink it all so he didn’t have to carry it down again.  The whole experience was truly amazing also having a great group made the experience too I never stopped laughing. On our day off some of us had a go at cross-country skiing thanks to Eric & Heather for allowing us to participate with them for the day, particularly to Heather for taking us on in the beginners group, my first time putting on any form of skis on and loved it!! Especially the hot chocolate in the cafe at the end of the day. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Olly was fantastic very kind, lots of fun (although he needs some more cheesy Xmas tunes) and helpful to all of the group who weren’t quite as quick up the hills as the rest, he looked after us in every way he possibly could whether that was giving out tape for our poor blisters or lending me his jacket to keep me warm, he certainly has the best job in the world!! Thank you Olly for making the video too (check it out) such great memories!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take the right kit with you along with you and plenty of layers even though walking up makes you extremely hot and having to strip off, you certainly need to put the layers back on again when stopping or reaching the top as it can be extremely cold. Most of all go with the intention of having fun, even though you might find it hard some days there is always the sense of achievement in reaching the top and enjoying the views and remember you are getting fitter by the day and there is always the lovely spa in the hotel to look forward too at the end of the day so just enjoy it!!!!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I had the most amazing holiday, the Dolomites are awesome, met some lovely people/friends.  I’m so glad that I never missed a day walking, you’re only there once (unless you book again) so make the most of it and be happy :-)

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

Fabulous hotel with fabulous food.Had a fantastic time with a great leader and wonderful walks.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The scenery

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just enjoy

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

A perfect way to spend Christmas - in an amazing winter wonderland. The scenery was stunning and the walks were absolutely fantastic - planned and thought out carefully by our superb guide.  Very little travelling required each day and our guide always played the best tunes in the mini-bus to keep us awake! The hotel was warm, cosy and very festive.  Great to have a swim and a sauna after a day in the snow. A pre-dinner drink in the lounge by the roaring log fire was a great way to relax whilst our guide dutifully informed us about the plan for the next day. I can't think of a better way to spend a winter holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walk we did on Christmas day had the most outstanding views and our fabulous guide suprised us with a glass of sparkly and a slab of Italian cake at the top.  A fantastic memory. Thank you. The afternoon spent sledging - we laughed out loud for many days afterwards!   The Hotel Adler makes the best apple strudel in the world!

What did you think of your group leader?

Olly Townsend has to be the most committed guide in the world. He was pretty much on duty 24 - 7. He was extremely accommodating, highly professional, well organised and very patient. He had thought carefully about the week and planned the walks accordingly. He also happens to be a keen photographer and spent what free time he had  (very little), editing film and photos that he had taken of us each day. We spent the last night watching the video he had made and enjoying the photos he had taken. An absolutely top bloke who goes well and truly beyond the call of duty.  Oh and he hasn't got a bad sense of humour either! The next guide has a lot to live upto!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes - it should be on everyone's list of things to do before they die! Enjoy the stunning scenery  - you'll miss it when you return. Have a reasonable level of fitness - some of the climbs are real lung busters! Hard work but a great sense of achievement when you reach the top.   If you have a decent appetite you'll enjoy the five course dinner each night. Drink lots of water. Smile and enjoy!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Book it now. I'm tempted!

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

Great easy trip, good introduction to snowshoeing, lovely scenery lovely hotel.  Food very Germanic, so brace yourself for lots of ham etc.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walk up Mt Piano with wind chill it was about -35!

What did you think of your group leader?

Karl was very professional and sociable with the group - watch out for the stories and jokes though.......:-)

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The trip notes do not specify details of the walks which i think would have been useful.  The pace is dictated by the group which was a little slow for me and I got quite cold at times waiting around so wrap up.  The paths are well marked in most cases, so it was a shame there was not more opportunities to go at your own pace so that fitter members do not feel frustrated by the pace and slower members don't feel hurried.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great introduction to snowshoeing - scenery lovely, but if you enjoy striding out and covering the miles like I do you may find the pace not to your liking.

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday, but felt a couple of the walks were a bit short.  We are quite fit and do a lot of hillwalking at home and found the 'B' grade walks easy.  When we go snowshoeing again we will do a 'C' grade.  The scenery was spectacular and the area is well worth visiting.  Hotel Adler was an excellent place to stay.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top of Monte Piano - views were stunning but it was very cold - approx -20. Sitting outside a pension in the middle of a walk with blankets wrapped around our legs, eating Kaiserchmarren and drinking hot chocolate with rum and looking at stunning scenery - excellent

What did you think of your group leader?

Karl was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly but could tell some 'tall' stories!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Wear several layers of clothing - it can be extremely cold at the tops of hills. There are no tea/coffee facilities in the hotel rooms - we took our own kettle and made up flasks for the walks Use the swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna etc after the walks - helps with achy, tired muscles The hotel was very good at catering for any special dietary needs and all the meals were excellent and the staff were helpful and friendly

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We would definitely go on another snowshoeing holiday but a 'C' grade, felt the 'B' grade was too easy for us.

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

Brilliant trip in a beautiful part of the world. Top marks for the catering and staff at Hotel Adler too, very well looked after.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Views from the Durrakopf are well worth the effort

What did you think of your group leader?

Karl is a real gem- constantly cracking jokes, the trip wouldn't be the same without him

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do not, on any account, pass up on the opportunity for some kaiserschmarrn. Tyrolean night at the hotel is a lot better than you might expect!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I've heard a rumour that Exodus are considering doing away with the minibus and providing taxis instead. Please don't. The cameraderie of travelling together in the bus is all part of the fun; and it wouldn't be much fun to stand around in the cold waiting for taxis after a long day's trekking.

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

Wonderful holiday, great leader, good company, correct activity level for grade of trip, good balance of activity and relaxation, lovely hotel with good facilities and welcoming staff. Would wholeheartedly recommend.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Scenary was beautiful... great to be able to get out into unspoilt areas. Some truely magnificent views. Snowshoeing is also lots of fun! Also enjoyed the range of refreshments on offer in the mountain huts.

What did you think of your group leader?

Good guide, experienced and safe leader, also had a good sense of humour and allowed the group to bond quickly and for all to feel included. Gave us enough information to enjoy discovering the area without feeling information overloaded whilst on holiday! Made group safety a priority. Made sure we had a wonderful week.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you like being up in the mountains this trip is a truely memorable experience and highly recommended. Be prepared for extreme cold however so take appropriate clothing. Waterproof ski mittens over the top of gloves particularly helpful! The hotel is wonderful and has great heating so no worries about getting things dried out overnight. Make the most of the spa facilities- very relaxing afer a day on the hills!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great trip, couldn't reccommend more highly!

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

Wonderful scenery and walking combined with an excellent hotel and a first class group leader. Terrible handling of our transfer upon arrival though (see below).

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Getting through some rather poor and nasty weather (and missing lunch as a result) to find a refuge open mid afternoon serving hot meals and gluhwein. We felt like we had earned it!!

What did you think of your group leader?

Met Alejandro before in Tuscany so expected him to be excellent again. He was. Great group leader out on the walks and good company in the evenings too. Very knowledgable and ensured that everyone in the group was catered for.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The hotel Adler was a marvellous place to stay and the staff did their utmost to accomodate everyone's needs.   Great group of people to share the holiday with too. The only sour point of the holiday was the diversion of the outgoing flight from Innsbruck to Salzberg which was unavoidable due to poor weather. However the shambolic arrangements to meet us and transfer us upon arrival were far from avoidable and should have been handled much, much better. The holiday is worth 5 stars - but the transfer debacle merits at least one star being lost.

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

Wasn't sure walking with tennis racquets on my feet was going to be such a good look ! This was an exhilarating trip staying at a wonderful hotel, lovely group of fellow travellers, great guide and stupendous winter scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing atop Monte Piano, on a plateau of swirling snow surrounded by peaks. It was like standing in the centre of a coronet. Yay we did it !!

What did you think of your group leader?

Karl has an inspiring passion for the Dolomites. He was thoughtful and encouraging about making sure we enjoyed every element of our holiday. His deep knowledge of the area created confidence alongside his stories describing the history as we chugged along.He invited feedback throughout the week and wanted to make sure the holiday would be the best that it could be for us. Best ever group leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

We were the oldest on the group (60 + 66). We probably should have done some more steep hill walking before we went, but we had a wonderful time and highly recommend the trip.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hotel Adler was a real treat. Highly recommend escaping our grey skies for some astonishing winter scenery!

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

A fantastic winter break - beautiful scenery, lovely hotel, a great group of people and an excellent guide.  And we had sunshine (most of the time) every day! 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Taking in the views for the top of Mudlerhof.  It had been a long pull up to the top but it was definitely worth it. Fantastic views in all directions, if only we'd had the time to explore further.  A great way to spend New Years Day. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Karl was excellent.  He has a fantastic knowledge of the mountains and a keen interest in their history and the people.  He built a strong rapport within the group and encouraged us all to make the the most of the holiday both on the mountains and in the hotel.   He went the extra mile.    

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As with all walking activities, you will benefit from a decent level of fitness but all of the trips were within the capabilities of an averagely fit individual.  There is no particular technical challenge at this level of snowshoeing - if you can walk you can snowshoe. Take plenty of layers - it was sunny but it was also cold.  You won't lose weight - all the exercise is balanced by the excellent food at the Hotel Adler.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

A great winter break in the mountains - looking forward to the next one!

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

A great way to visit mountains in winter, visiting places that can't be reached any other way. A comfortable hotel with a good recovery suite - sauna, steam, pool with massage jets.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching the full moon rising, and appearing to roll up the side of a distant mountain as the moon's path followed the same angle. Being above the tree line with views of the Dolomites and the other mountain ranges.

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara was excellent - always encouraging, and supportive, with a good sense of humour, lots of patience and plenty of sweets! She went  to a lot of trouble to get me information about travelling to Bolsano on my day off to see the Iceman (Otzi), and gave me some photocopies of Geology info when she found I was interested.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you are fit - it's hard work, not just walking in snowshoes, but there's quite a bit of height gain involved - over 1500 feet on 3 of the days.  On the Exodus website there is (fairly well hidden - didn't find it until I got back) a suggested schedule of fitness training for a grade B which would give an idea of the level of training that would be useful.  A bit more help than the "reasonable fitness" in the part of the brochure I found. I took my own travel kettle as suggested in an earlier review- the hotel charges for filling a flask - possibly 2 Euros. (My favourite drink for cold walking is lemon and ginger tea, easily made from teabags, no milk required - you might like to try it). They also charge 75c for tapwater at the evening meal so it's worth either having a drink from your room before going down, or taking your own bottle. On the free day I went to see Otzi, the Iceman, a 5,300 year old well preserved body found in the ice in 1991 with all his clothing and travelling equipment, a lot of it very well preserved.  A unique find.  He is now in a purpose built museum in Bolsano, a 2 hour fairly scenic railway journey away.  Entry to the Museum 11 euros I think.  I was in there 3 hours, but 2 might be more normnal.  I'd read about him years ago and one of the reasons I selected this trip was to go and see him.  Google it, if you haven't heard of him.  It gives your legs a day off too, which mine appreciated more than they would have appreciated trying cross country skiing......  Your leader will I'm sure be able to provide you with info.  Trains every 30 mins.  One change at Fortessa.  If you go when the ticket office is open (after 9.15 am I think) you can get a return for 15 euros, otherwise 30 from the ticket machine.  But if on the cheaper ticket beware Eurocity  trains (Ec in the timetable) as you will pay a supplement on board.  Also beware the small print in the timetable for one of the return trains from Fortessa -can't remember the time but around 5 pm, written in pale brown with a H at the top of the column - it's Bank Holiday Fridays only. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Highly recommended!

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

A fantastic way to see the area in the snow; glorious views and scenery.  Highly decadent to be be able to ease any muscle aches and pains in the sauna and steam room each evening!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching Lutterkopf summit with a 360 degree panorama of the Dolomites and Austrian Alps

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara is an inspirational, knowledgeable and fun group leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you read the kit list to ensure you bring all the essential items

Is there anything else you would like to add?

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

An excellent holiday and good value. Great to have a swim / sauna after a day snowshoeing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The 2 days Snowshoeing on Monte Piano and Lutterkopf/ Durrakopf - magnificent views and a variety of scenery to walk through.

What did you think of your group leader?

Outstanding. Sara really got to know and understand her clients

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Useful to be able to speak a little German if they were travelling separately from the group and had to make their own way from Innsbruck. Even though Villabassa is in Italy, the food is heavily Germanic.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Some fastenings /clips of some snowshoes were broken or broke while members of the group were out. Some poles were bent. The snowshoes I had used in France were a much better quality with clip fastenings at the toes and stronger plastic. I suggest the snowshoes used by Exodus could have been better maintained. Also the vehicle which broke down in the low temperatures. Due to new regulations Sara took the group out on only 4 days. Is it not possible to have a different driver for some of the time?  Please note these comments do not detract from a superb holiday. 

SNOWSHOEING IN THE DOLOMITES

This was a new experience for me - I had some time off in January and decided to give it a go.  Snowshoeing is not technically difficult and the snowshoes are not that heavy to wear, but the trip is quite a demanding Grade B.  On a sunny day (at least) the views and sense of achievement are worth it.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Standing on top of Durakopf was both the literal and methaphorical high point of the holiday.  A stunning view across the alps and Dolomites.  However, the sneaking view that it would be nice to come back in spring and see it all in technicolour (rather than 360 degrees of white) did enter my head...

What did you think of your group leader?

Sara was an exceptional leader, first rate in every way.  She look excellent care of the group and knew when to push us and when to let us take a breath.  In addition, highly knowledgeable and fun to be with.  She also supplied us with sweets as regular intervals.  What more could you ask for?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Consider bringing a small kettle to make a flask with a hot drink for the day.  The hotel will do it, but they charge (quite reasonably).  Also take care about ordering tap water in the hotel, again they charge (not so reasonably). Regulating your temperature on the walks is important - on ascents you will quickly get very hot, and then get very cold when you stop.  A number of breathable layers is the best idea.  I found my ski jacket quite hot from time to time.  Whatever you do, take good gloves (ski gloves or similar) and a hat and scarf.

Is there anything else you would like to add?