These plateaus are now known as new ski resorts. But in the previous centuries, these new ski resorts were battlegrounds. The history of the new ski resort of Folgaria is especially remarkable because it dates back to the 10th century. It was populated by the proud German-Cimbrian colonizers who prefer to maintain their independence from the feudal lord of the Castel Beseno. This castle and its shimmering fortified walls can be easily viewed by skiers who are staying on Folgaria. It would be easy to imagine how the German-Cimbrians carefully watched the castle.
Centuries later, the area where the new ski resort is located today became a violent combat zone between the bitter war of the Italians and the Austrians. Folgaria transformed radically. Trenches, tunnels, emplacements, military forts, fortresses, and an army field hospital were hurriedly constructed during the First World War. Today, these structures are now in ruins. The fading stones and the wreckage are silent witnesses to numerous stories of tragedies. Yet, the people of Folgaria remained resilient.
In place of a barren icy land devastated by war, there is now a new ski resort. Nature helped out and the beautiful lush landscapes during summers attract many skiers. The new ski resort is now complemented with various wonders of nature. There is the 18-mile wide Passo Coe botanical garden that shelters an extraordinary collection of flora. There are Noz morainic deposits and Casom glacial potholes. The new ski resort in Folgaria is the favorite of skiers who also spend a lot of time admiring the handiwork of nature.
For serious skiers, the new ski resort in Folgaria provides more than 37 miles of ski runs. About 11 miles of ski trails are excellent for beginners and almost 2 miles are dedicated to expert skiers. The greater part of the ski runs in Folgaria's new ski resort is especially constructed for intermediate skiers. The snow is more than adequate and during summers, snow cannons are utilized to augment the natural snow.
To reach the ski runs, the new ski resort of Folgaria has a total of 25 lifts that has a total capacity of uplifting 35,000 skiers every hour. The accommodations in this new ski resort are varied, ranging from charming little chalets to posh hotels. Skiers will have many places to choose from. There are also several bars and restaurants that are known to provide the traditional warm Italian hospitality.
The new ski resort of Folgaria also provides numerous facilities for all its visitors. There is a ski school for beginners. There is an ice rink for those who would rather stay on their ice skates. And there are rental shops. These shops provide skiing and snowboarding gear. Finally, for families on winter vacations, the new ski resort of Folgaria also has a child care center.
Folgaria has come a long way from a war-ravaged plateau into a beautiful new ski resort. As it becomes more popular among tourists, this new ski resort will forge new and happier memories for the Trentino Alps.
Hit the glacier for some off-season skiing
Tignes, which came to prominence in the 1960s and still holds on to some nonconformist charm, is your best bet if you are looking for a place to serve as your base in the area. The nearby Grande Motte Glacier offers over 1,000 meters of vertical skiing nearly all year round (eight to nine months per year) and the landscape of the area is said to be somewhat smoother than elsewhere. This can also have drawbacks, however, as the resort can be more exposed to any slight change in weather conditions.
New-look town with a retro feel
While some say Tignes's "retro" feel adds to its personality, the resort has its eyes firmly on the future and is striving to become a leading Alpine skiing destination. The town has been making improvements to make visitors' stays as enjoyable as possible. In order to help ease the way for people to make their way from the eastern to the western slopes, for example, the Tignes-Le Lac Street was situated underground. Some of the town's resorts have seen better days and renovations could be a help, but many of the hotels and buildings are getting makeovers, keeping the look of Tigris hip but with a throwback feel. The town has 20 hotels, fewer than 10 hotel residences, over 11 holiday centers, two holiday clubs, and nearly 75 private and leased-out apartments.
Not just for skiers!
Skiing is still the most popular recreational activity in Tignes, but snowboarding is gaining ground. With two half pipes, boarder crosses and quarter pipes, snowboarders will find plenty to keep them busy. Cross-country skiing is another option for the outdoors types; Tigres has over 20 kilometers of marked trails.
From quiet village to party town
Though many may believe differently, Tignes is bursting with apr's-ski options. The town has successfully shaken off its past image as a quiet resort and has added some body-shakin' nightlife. Years ago in Tignes you could go out to just a few restaurants and bars, but today you will find packed bars, overflowing eateries, bumping discoth?ques and hot clubs. There is even a cinema playing the latest Hollywood blockbusters and a sports center where you can play squash, go swimming, do aerobics and use state-of-the-art exercise equipment.
An activity for every taste
If all this is just not enough, those more demanding guests can make full use of Tignes's indoor skating rink and bowling alley, as well as its outdoor skate rink. You can also keep busy by playing basketball, climbing (ice, waterfalls and rock), heliskiing, ice diving, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and hang gliding.
If shopping is your thing you should not miss Tignes's more than 125 shops; and the town is also home to several banks, post offices, petrol stations, and even churches of different denominations, so you will have no problem finding a place to open a retirement account or go to confession. No matter what you are looking for in a ski resort destination, Tignes has what you are looking for!
Both Robert D. Thomson & Jamie Hanson are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.