I remember my reluctance to go on my first skiing holiday. We were a group of some 15 teenage friends all eager to travel. But, being the one with the reputation of being cool and relaxed, I had no urge to jump on the skiing bandwagon and only conceded to give it a go in fear of missing out on something with my friends.

For, I thought, why should I actually pay for a holiday where one needs to wear heavy boots, unflattering skiwear, get strapped to two slippery skis, ascend to high peaks on swinging ski lifts… only to slide down the mountain slope in freezing temperatures all day. Boy, never was I so mistaken.

Since that time in France, I have returned to the mountains every year without fail. I have gone down many slopes around Europe always alluding to the archetypical image of skiing that has been immortalised in ski movies – that of a tanned, grinning skier plunging through two feet of fresh powder, azure skies and jagged peaks in the backdrop.

Although my knees and ankles are starting to feel the strains of a sporty youth, and a spine that seems to be struggling to hold my body upright without feeling any pain, I still look forward to any skiing opportunity that comes my way.

Thanks to YTC, an invitation to go on a four-day skiing trip recently, together with a few other colleagues, could not be turned down.

Better known for their organised skiing trips to the beautiful resort of Livigno, YTC’s destination this time was Madonna di Campiglio, a destination they have taken on this year, with the potential of creating another win-win-win situation between tour operator, destination, and client.

Although I had already visited this resort in the Dolomites on a couple of other occasions some 20 years ago or so, I only had a few memories to hang on to and was looking forward to four days of sheer bliss.

A three-hour drive to the resort might sound somewhat long but, together with all the aches and pains, it all fades away into the steep pitches, the downy snow and the piercing blue skies, revealing the most-magical Dolomite mountain range, that is so particular with its vertical edges, steep cliffs and narrow, deep and long valleys.

It is a destination geared for the pro skier as much as it is suitable for a family holiday with children in mind

Madonna di Campiglio ski resort is set at 1,550 metres above sea level between the Brenta Dolomites – which have been declared a Unesco World Heritage site for their unique beauty – and the glacier of Adamello-Presanella, which was the site of the highest World War I battle.

The altitude, location, and particular mountain atmosphere are great ingredients which, when mixed together, provide optimal skiing conditions throughout most of the skiing season.

Fifty-seven ski lifts transport you to 150 km of slopes reaching altitudes of 2,600 metres, which wind down to the centre of the village and vary in difficulty to suit any skier’s or snowboarder’s demands.

And if, by any off chance, you need more slopes, Campiglio connects to Pinzolo, which, in turn, is connected to Folgarida and Marilleva, besides also having 50,000 square metres of snowpark, 40 km of cross country ski trails.

So, if you’re after that very first time you make a proper ski turn across snow-covered terrain, or whether you are after that extra oomph, Campiglio offers you an unprecedented level of excitement.

Campiglio also appeals to the recreational skiers set on improving technique and moving up in the skiing world. Obviously, this can be done with the help of the ski school and ski instructors who will get the best out of anyone.

Skiing is an amazingly addictive sport that can take you across the world and you’ll meet many new friends and have some of the most memorable days of your life. However, there is a serious risk of getting addicted to Campiglio’s beauty.

If you’re a first-time skier, lessons are a must and I would also advise most skiers to take a lesson or two every time. It is always possible to improve and instructors will take you on pistes you would otherwise miss out on.

What’s good about Madonna di Campiglio is that it is a destination geared for the pro skier as much as it is suitable for a family holiday with children in mind.

Despite years of skiing I’m always wary on the first day; it’s a struggle to wear the ski boots and to slowly waddle over to the first chair lift, contemplating on whether over the course of the next few days I would feature on some viral Youtube video of great skiing fails.

However, as the hours progress, the adrenalin kicks in and puts me on a natural permanent high. As I descended the first slope through the crisp air, the appetite for skiing was immediately rekindled, together with an urge to push faster, harder and further, also “with a little help from my (older) friends”, as John Lennon and Paul McCartney would say.

If you’re a first-time skier, lessons are a must

The skiing is good. Evidence of this is that it has become a popular resort among celebrities and has become one of the most important and well-known Italian ski resorts in the Alps.

After a day on the slopes, the afternoon can be dedicated to après-ski or shopping. The village has fashion boutiques, artisan shops, antique galleries, jewellery shops and lots to keep you entertained.

The passion for food is also very much evident on the slopes in Campiglio, as it is in the great cities of the peninsula. Madonna di Campiglio offers two Michelin-star restaurants and many other restaurants offering high quality cuisine and typical dishes.

For those with excess energy, after dinner it’s music and parties in the various clubs and bars across the town.

People enjoy skiing for many different reasons. To me it boils down to one – fun. And there’s certainly plenty of that in Campiglio.

YTC are assisted in the provision of the Campiglio Holidays by Peter Sullivan. For more information send an e-mail to stellina@ytctravel.org or call on 2142 1464.

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