The beautiful mountains of Folgaria

Fresh, fun, beautiful and Adventurous. Let your heart catch in your mouth while the sun puts freckles on your face... Sound manageable?

Ski holidays offer all the same juicy bits as normal getaways, but with an added touch of exhilaration. For students, the mention of a ski break might have an unappealing ‘I’m too expensive’ ring to it, but an amazing week spent in the Alps can cost the same as one spent sweating beside a pool in Gran Canaria. Seriously.

Italy is often forgotten about as a main ski destination, but they have some of the most irresistible slopes in the world, and the cheapest. Nestled among the Italian Alps, just outside the romantic city of Verona, is the town of Folgaria.
 

The Skiing is amazing!

The Village looks like something swept out of a postcard, the mountains cradle it; standing at the top most point is like stepping into a hushed world of dreams. From every point you can see the curves and dips dissolving into a snow topped peak, dramatic silhouettes perched against the sky.

Along with it’s beauty comes chilled out little bars and clubs, and for a group of students it is perfect: clean, cheap accommodation, reasonable restaurants and cafes. The restaurants are cuisine Italia, and so reasonable; thin crust pizza and pasta can cost twelve euro. It also has its own huge ice-skating rink, swimming pool and nightclub, with everything costing ten euro or less.

The romantic city of Verona

To get to Folgaria you must first fly to Verona Airport, it is about an hour and a half journey from there by bus. You can fly with most Irish airlines, but Ryanair is the cheapest, with flights starting from €34 one way.

If you want the best place to rest your little head, try Residence Alpi. A charming apartment house beside all the shops, bars and supermarkets, your room includes a kitchenette, bathroom, satellite TV and balcony. And only €40 for a room that sleeps four, it won’t cost you more then €10 euro a night… not bad.

The slopes are only five minutes away, and a free ski bus will pick you up outside your accommodation. To ski at the resort for 7 days, including boot and ski rental, lessons and a ski pass, it will cost roughly about €270.
 

Cute and comfy accomodation

If you want the best place to rest your little head, try Residence Alpi. A charming apartment house beside all the shops, bars and supermarkets, your room includes a kitchenette, bathroom, satellite TV and balcony. And only €40 for a room that sleeps four, it won’t cost you more then €10 euro a night… not bad.

Gliding at above 2000m, you will speedover snow trails that wind through dappled forests, and curve around mountain tops to reveal views you’ve only ever seen on an Evian bottle. Although never having skied before, I was streaking down a grade red slope in a matter of two days, along with the rest of my group. I can happily owe this to our lovely instructor Paolo and his passionate encouragement…più in fretta…! 
 

Up, up and away!

The slopes are only five minutes away, and a free ski bus will pick you up outside your accommodation. To ski at the resort for 7 days, including boot and ski rental, lessons and a ski pass, it will cost roughly about €270. 

If you go in Spring, the weather is delicious; a warm glow spread over crisp snow, we’d return from the slopes everyday with sun kissed faces. Outside the cosy restaurant tucked at the top of the mountain there are sun-chairs were u can quickly top up your tan while digesting a warm spicy lunch.

If you muscles are aching and you need to take a break, Verona City with its creamy buildings and cobbled streets has great clubs, shops and bars. The Via Mazzini gleams with elegance and top Italian designers. Gucci and Versace opened their first boutiques here. Big rock and pop concerts are played in its theatres year round, so if your there at the right time you might catch one. If not, its huge clubs and bars are great craic. Enjoy.

By Kate Lawlor