Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

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...

Thoughts on 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?

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding. Sara really got to know and understand her clients

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sara is an inspirational, knowledgeable and fun group leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

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

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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. 

Most Inspirational Moment

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. 

Thoughts on 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.    

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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 !!

Thoughts on 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.

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. 

Most Inspirational Moment

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!!

Thoughts on 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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

Gluhwein!

Thoughts on 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.

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 KarlThe 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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

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

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 walksUse the swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna etc after the walks - helps with achy, tired musclesThe hotel was very good at catering for any special dietary needs and all the meals were excellent and the staff were helpful and friendly