Internationale groepsreis Italian Dolomites Cross-country Skiing

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

A fantastic week combining fabulous scenery, a warm and welcoming hotel and a well-led introduction to cross country skiing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sitting outside in the January sun with a hot chocolate, a wonderful view of the Dolomites and the company of a great group of people.

What did you think of your group leader?

Andy was an excellent leader. He coped well with a group having a wide range of abilities, providing the right levels of encouragement and support to everyone.  His friendliness and sense of humour helped to make the week a success as a social experience as well as a cross country skiing experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you take some ibuprofen for the inevitable aches and pains you will experience on a cross country skiing holiday. They are very expensive in Italy as one of our party found to her cost!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go to the cafe opposite the hotel where you can sample hot chocolate so thick you can stand your spoon up in it.

Dobbiaco cross country skiing

This resort is excellent for beginners and improvers. The integrated and impressive public transport system ,with our local pass,gave us access to a good variety of terrain,within stunning mountain settings. Having grade 1 and 2 running the same week together gave me confidence I would get training and challenges I could cope with. Older people who are reasonably fit from taking good walks should not be afraid to try this sport. The new spa at the Turchsentaler Hotel has been fitted out to a high standard and is a delightful place to easy away aches and pains and relax before dinner.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Ski ing down through the forest with a blue sky and sunshine beneath the wonderful pink tinged rocky cigs of the magnificent Dolomites

What did you think of your group leader?

David Davies continues to be an inspiring leader: great fun ,keen to get us trying techniques and subtly and supportingly helping those who struggled to find the right level of participation : a crucial attribute of a holiday leader.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't be put off by snow reports: though this was the year of least snow and it was melting away in the town, our leaders found us good tracks up the valleys just short bus rides away.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Alex, who last year was an apprentice ski leader is inspiring.aswell as boundless energy and thoughtfulness out on the loipe , he entertained,intrigued and impressed us all with his short evening slides shows of other exodus adventures,his own trip to the Danube delta, and the impressive work he had begun helping a school in Ethiopa which Exodus supports. Well done everyone.

Super Dolomites experience

About my 6th trip back to this lovely area and friendly welcoming hotel. Excellent group, super new spa in hotel and different routes to ski this year....when can I go again please?

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being in the beautiful Giesertal valley, the fun of the experience showers and relaxing new spa.

What did you think of your group leader?

Anne is inspirational and a great person and teacher tailoring her tuition to everyones individual needs. Alex is super fun and has an incredible knowledge of the mountains. Both are excellent skiers.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Come and join us

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Cross-country skiing January 2016

Yet another great week at Dobbiaco. Tracks were all based on artificial snow, but there was enough of the real stuff to top them up and make everything look pretty. The work done to create tracks was most impressive, and there were plenty to keep us occupied all week. As a regular, it's great to recognised and welcomed back to the Tschurtschenthaler hotel, which fed us as well as ever.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Skiing in Fischleintal in heavy snow, standing still and hearing absolutely nothing but snowflakes landing on my waterproof. Also doing some off-track skiing.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ingrid was a great leader, good company to be with, and we appreciated her reccies by bike to suss out the best ski areas for us. She helped us to improve our skiing whilst still having plenty of time to just enjoy being out on the tracks. She responded to the wishes of the group so that everyone was able to have the holiday they wanted.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

January is a great time to go as the tracks are a bit quieter than in the main season, and we sometimes had places to ourselves. There's also quite a lot going on - the hot air balloon festival in Dobbiaco and ice sculptures up the road at Innichen.

Ski ing with Super Woman!

Exodus employ some really great people to lead their trips , but those of us who booked a week in Dobbiaco this February were in for a real treat! For one week only Exodus had managed to get Superwoman....and we were the lucky ones! Karen Messenger is a young Canadian who spends her summers working in a National Park at home and her winters pursuing her 'Tour de Fun' competing in XC country long distance races around the world , known by the wonderful name of Loppets ! For the first two days Karen gave us great ski tips in the mornings and lovely skiing routes in the afternoon keeping her true identity secret, until all was revealed at an evening power point.....we were all very inspired and very impressed when she explained that the 'Fun' bit her Tour de Fun was that she dressed as Superwoman for her races....in some races everyone was whacky and she completely fitted in...in other more earnest gatherings there was some amazement , but , she said, the outfit worked wonders for her. So our holiday highlight came on the going home day when we we all went to cheer her as she entered the local Winter Olympics stadium , dressed in red and gold coming in as 26th out of 167 international women skiers , including professional teams , from all over the world, completing the 32 k classic style race in under two hours . And then she did it all again the next day this time with be the skating technique and achieving 7th out of the field of 29 other mad women who tackled both days! What an inspiration and what fun! We will be back ! Hopefully seeing Karen again !

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Watching our ski instructor flashing into the Dobbiaco Winter Olympics stadium dressed as Superwoman looking fresh as a daisy after a 32km race.

What did you think of your group leader?

Skilled , enthusiastic and very supportive of those at the back. Lovely moments when I was that person and we started discussing the Larch trees we were skiing past , those beautiful deciduous conifers that have such soft delicate branches in the spring and summer that I love to stroke...her favourite tree too!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't expect to be a XC country expert in one week! Or even after three years...but know the tours will be a delight from day one and the good Exodus leaders will always get you home!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

See if you can get Karen Messenger again next year!

Dobbiaco cross-country skiing

A really well organised week of cross-country skiing with excellent leaders, a great group of people and some fabulous scenery.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Finally realising that I had mastered the half snow-plough.

What did you think of your group leader?

Liz was excellent. Everything was extremely well-organised. She really looked out for her group when we were skiing, particularly on the days when it was pretty icy and her teaching was really good.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The bus rides each day were a great way of seeing more of the area, and the lunch stops were, without exception, really good value. The cafe across the road from the hotel does a mean hot chocolate.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Instruction, ski-tours and general coordination and atmosphere of the holiday were all great. The leaders, the group and the weather were all fantastic, so overall it was a brilliant holiday again.  The hotel however was a little tired. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The weather was very sunny, and the snow was fast retreating.  However the leaders were able to ensure we made the most of the conditions.

What did you think of your group leader?

Both Group Leaders, David and Albert, were great and ensured everyone made progress and had a great holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Whilst Exodus has used the hotel for years, I would guess in that time customer expectations and the quality of other accomodation in the village has changed significantly in that time.   As there are many other choices, it is a puzzle why this tired, scruffy hotel continues to be used other than Sarah the excellent waitress.  The food was variable and a focus on quality rather than quantity here would help. 

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Great skiing, great guide, great group and loads of food!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Skiing on the last day with the gang with fab snow and no fear of the downhill!

What did you think of your group leader?

David was a great coach and leader. Very relaxed and chatty. Always giving you tips on your posture as he whizzed up and down the group. He got the group to bond, he adjusted his teaching for the less confident and the experienced, and had a knack for getting us to the bus stop 20 seconds before the bus arrived (did he like the bus company so much that he bought it?!) 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do the exercises you get sent - much less pain in the first few days! Go for the fish options at the hotel - veggie options aren't the best.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Such a change from my previous trip (level 1) - having such a good guide this time made all the difference and may even have inspired me to do the marathon someday

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

A great holiday - comfortable hotel, stunning scenery and a great opportunity to try out cross country skiing.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent when out skiing - I was a complete beginner and he made me feel very confident and safe. Excellent choice of routes and activities - we all learned lots and saw some great areas.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You get very hot when cross country skiing so don't need loads of thick ski clothes - layers are best.  Some people in the group had paid extra for a deluxe room - this turned out to be no different than the ordinary rooms (just an extra table), so it isn't worth paying the extra. You don't get a free day but some of us chose to spend a day snowshoeing / walking - this was a lot of fun and well worth doing if you want a change from skiing one day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Food in the hotel was plentiful and good. Staff there were very helpful and friendly. Dobbiaco was a lovely place - shops, banks, cafes, supermarket all within a few minutes walk away.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Lovely skiing, carefully planned (very little climbing for cross country by careful use of busses) with great leader.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Controlling a long tricky descent perfectly!

What did you think of your group leader?

Great fun to be with.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go if you like tracks, tracks and more tracks. If you prefer off track, go to Norway.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Keep up the good work!

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

It was a fantastic holiday in a beautiful location.  The tour leaders were supportive and encouraging, very knowledgable about the sport and the location.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

When I finally stopped freaking out because I couldn't control my speed!

What did you think of your group leader?

We had two group leaders Eric and Andy, who were both fantastic.  Excellent instruction for both beginner and experienced skiers...also very patient.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you're expecting Italian food in Dobiacco you won't find it unless you go out to specific restaurants.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you think you might be interested in Cross Country skiing give this a try!

Dobbiaco

Once again I returned to this centre after many holidays here , as usual being welcomed as an old friend of the hotel family and staff . There are so many varied day tour routes to ski , the public transport is excellent and the scenery is so spectacular . Snow conditions are almost always good and have rarely disappointed .

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The finest point is usually having an open-air lunch at 2000m after a morning's circular ski session whilst anticipating the long descent on the former Italian military road , itself a wonderful experience .

What did you think of your group leader?

David Davies I have known for many years both as a client like myself but latterly as a leader . He is very knowledgeable of the area and its history , is an excellent instructor both for beginner skiers and the experienced , is great company and does not spare himself to make the holiday as enjoyable as possible for his clients .

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Do go to Dobbiaco ; you can't go wrong for a great xc ski holiday !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I could add some comments but not for public viewing ! Do I use the chat option ?

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

An excellent week away doing something I normally wouldn't do, but by day three I'd totally got the bug.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Not crashing on that corner, and going through the tunnels near Cortina. Without crashing.

What did you think of your group leader?

Really rather good, handing out a perfect blend of instruction and patience. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Prefer a better hotel with thicker walls and doors

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Scenery

What did you think of your group leader?

Exelent

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take ear plugs to sleep at night

Is there anything else you would like to add?

You will be lucky to get the sauna switched on for a full hour so hope that no more than three want to use it at the same time

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Fantastic, fun and exhilarating. A great week xcountry skiing in stunning surroundings.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Satisfaction of achieving 31k in glorious conditions and hot chocolate to follow!

What did you think of your group leader?

The Garath Malone of xcountry skiing! Appreciated Andy's encouragement to keep going which made the trip for me.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Try it or do it again!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't miss this opportunity!

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

My enjoyment of the Dobbiaco trip never fails ; well into double figures for my visits ! Although I have covered all the routes many times they continue to thrill as the scenery is so spectacular and the skiing varied .

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Emerging from the tunnel into glorious sunshine for the descent towards Cortina! The thrill of the descent of the old military road . Finally succeeding in negotiating a tricky steep double hairpin spot after several failures !

What did you think of your group leader?

Gareth was most helpful and considerate ; although we were experienced we were still able to benefit from his tips . He made every effort to ensure we got as much enjoyment in this holiday . Additionally ,he was good company socially . 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Choose Dobbiaco for a great experience of crosscountry skiing with a wide variety of day routes amongst wonderful scenery. You will stay at a most comfortable friendly family-run hotel returning each day to a large dinner !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

Fantastic skiing and hospitality in the Stunning Dolomites. My Cross-Country skiing came on a treat with the excellent teaching of Anne. My waistline expanded with the tyrolean 5 course dinners.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Completing a 22 Km ski on the final day from near Cortina to Dobbiaco, finished off with a ski down the hill at the Nordic Arena in town.

What did you think of your group leader?

Brilliant - a great teacher and group leader seemingly effortlessly coping with all levels of skiing ability and sociability.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take your own walking boot/shoe insoles - the ones in my hire boots were very tired and scrunched up inside the boot on some days.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Dobbiaco is a lovely friendly town with access to many different and beautiful ski areas. The 5 course dinners were great but a little too much for even the strapping Shetland blokes in our party.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

A lovely holiday skiing in a beautiful area, staying in a friendly family run hotel for the week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Skiing in the Fischleintal. We had beautiful weather that day and the skiing and scenery were amazing.

What did you think of your group leader?

David was great, providing instruction as needed/requested while we were out skiing. He also offered to give us a skating lesson on his morning off! He discussed with the group each evening the plans for the following day, and his local knowledge meant there were no worries about where or when to catch a bus. He also organised a visit to the local cheese factory - not to be missed!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The hotel is nice with good food and plenty of it! The swimming pool, though small, is lovely for relaxing after a day out skiing.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

I wsa disappointed by the lack of tuition and the food. Together with 2 other members of the group we sorted and paid for our own tuition. The food improved after I spoke directly with the owners of the hotel and suggested alternatives , such as buffet. I and others spoke with the guides about all of the above but no remedies was made in respect of tuition and or the food provided.I was determined to have a good week and manage to do so by making my own arrangements and altering my overall plan. The support/friendships of two likeminded people with whom I spent most of the week made that possible.I had high expectations of Exodus especailly as the information provided by the telephone reps was informative, postive and encouriging. Sadly that did not match the deliveryHad the absence of tuition been made clear at the time of booking or even at the beginning of the trip, I wold have arranged private tuition before departure or upon arrival or sought an alternative.Elena Sandrini 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

...........................

What did you think of your group leader?

Very disappointing . He was not interested in those who needed assistance , as I and two others clearly did 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

ask , ask , ask and demand a clear , transparent accurate description of what is provided , to include quality, tuition and availability of the leaders 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: DOBBIACO

A comfortable friendly hotel with a pool and sauna which I enjoyed. The food was almost over generous and generally good but at times a bit samey. The hotel was located fairly near the bus station which was helpful if one wanted to catch the bus to a skiing area but quite a hike from the local ski area and stadium which was a bit of a pain at the end of the day.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The beauty of the valey and the track around the lake was uplifting The private ski lesson given by Iris which I had with a fellow holiday maker on the last day and finally learning how to stop!  Iris showed up the inadequacies of the group leader as an instructor.

What did you think of your group leader?

He was a nice guy and worked hard inspite of suffering from illness during the week. However there were 26 of us  and we had to be split into 2 groups and the beginners group had 16 in it. The range of ability was considerable and he should have had the courage to push the better skiers up in to group 2. The effect of this was that 2 of us who were complete beginners and needed more time to get the hang of it were told most of the time to go and do our own thing. Clearly this made sense because it was better that the majority were catered for but this was not what was satated in the brochure or what I was expecting.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Consider having external ski lessons if you are a beginner and feel that you are not being catered for.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Inspite of my disappointment about the lack of ski instruction I had a great holiday and would happily go with Exodus again. I wonder whether Exodus is being over optimistic in what it can deliver regarding ski instruction if there are only 2 leaders/instructors for a group of over 20. It might be better to manage expections and describe the leaders as guides who can offer some instruction and suggest that complete beginners may find it better to take ski lessons at the beginning of the week. I would have happily accepted this and it would not have put me off going. Alternatively increase the price a bit so that for a group of over 18/20 there were 3 leaders.