This Is Italy
Winter sports in Italy, yes! But please do it a little bit in style. How do you actually do that and what should you take into account in the land of the sweet life?
Italy as a winter sports country
The tradition of winter sports is not that old at all in the Italian ski resorts. That's because skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing have long ceased to be real sports for those who inhabit those areas in the Alps and Dolomites. For them it was an everyday activity rather than a sport. Simply a way out of the mountain village, for example.
It was not until the 90s that Italy really became popular as a winter sports destination, helped in part by the lira which is advantageous for us and the high costs of winter sports in classic destinations such as Austria, Switzerland and France.
Since then, a lot has been invested in Italy as a winter destination. Many new slopes, ski lifts and accommodations that meet the requirements of the modern winter sports tourist. In addition, Italy has the advantage of being virtually snow-sure, when there is not always snow in December in the more northern areas.
Italian winter sports habits
The Italian visitor to ski resorts often does not come from far and usually only stays for a weekend. You also see that it is often much busier on the slopes and in the après-ski during the weekends than during the week. Italians pay shorter visits to their favorite ski resort several times a season.
And yes, of course the Italians are lovers of style. Fare la bella figura also applies on the track. Perhaps even more, the aspect of seeing and being seen is deeply rooted in Italian culture.
Although you can expect the most modern facilities in Italian ski resorts these days, they still offer a certain Italian flair. And that's only a good thing, because that's what we come to Italy for, isn't it?
Dress to impress
Italians who go winter sports choose clothing that meets high fashion requirements. From ski jackets from designer brands to fun après-ski outfits. Everything should look pico bello and sophisticated.
Italian fashion designer Miuccia Prada introduced the sleek winter sports style at the turn of the century. Everyone used to look like a Michelin man, but that is no longer necessary thanks to the inventions of Prada Sport.
In addition to a slim fashion line, there is also attention for – how could it be otherwise – sunglasses. Without one fashionable sunglasses have no place on the slopes, if it's up to the Italians.
If all this makes you a little nervous, don't worry. Italians care more about how they look than what others are wearing. And yes, as winter sports enthusiasts from the Low Countries, we simply have to deal with limited possibilities to carry our wardrobe to the Italian Alps.
That does not alter the fact that we also want to look good. That does not necessarily have to be in designer clothes from Prada, Gucci or Fendi. Just look at the new collection ski jackets for men from O'Neill. Stylish yet very affordable. They also have them for sale for women!
With the whole family
Italians also like to go skiing with the whole family. Dad, mom, kids and sometimes grandpa and grandma too. Yes, winter sports are a real family activity in Italy. Then you see the grandparents watching their grandchildren from a sunny terrace. A bomb (Italy's classic winter sports cocktail on the side).
In Italy you can now also let your children participate in a class all day. This is on special request from the tourists from other countries. For the Italians themselves, only the morning classes are popular.
Apres ski
De after ski is cozy in Italy, but not a drinking party (Italians don't like to get drunk). The après-ski is more for the whole family and less like the parties like those in Austria. Local drinks are drunk and there is live music or music from DJs and a lot of fun. Exactly what the après-ski looks like varies from area to area. There are also places where the après-ski is more of a romantic get-together for you and your loved one.
Another popular activity after skiing is a visit to the spa. Nothing better than pampering yourself with warmth and comfort after a day of slogging in the snow. Many hotels and ski resorts offer a spa, where you can immerse yourself in various heated pools or go to the sauna.
Eating and strolling
It goes without saying that during winter sports it is all about the food in Italy. Extensive time is set aside for a winter sports lunch or dinner. It depends on the area what you get, but it is clear that there is more on the menu than schnitzel and fries. Count on local dishes with delicious cheeses and cold cuts or dumplings (dumplings) and Italian salads, but of course you can also get the most delicious pizzas and pasta. Whatever you choose, the food is delicious almost everywhere!
Besides looking nice, eating good food and spending time with family and friends, shopping is also popular. Most tourists only do 'window shopping', because the clothes and jewelry are often extremely expensive in the luxury ski resorts such as Cortina d'Ampezzo and Courmayeur.
At the beginning of the evening, before dinner, the Italians put on their best outfits en masse to stroll through the streets of the ski villages. They have a drink or eat an ice cream and stylishly navigate through the crowd to enjoy everything that makes winter sports in Italy so beautiful.
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