Italian Mountain Ski Experience - Chalet del Sogno

By Kat Fleischman

As temperatures rise, the sun shines, and you can hear the sounds of birds chirping in the distance, there is only one place that combines the bliss of spring skiing with various outdoor activities like cross country, hiking and biking, Chalet Del Sogno, a five-star luxury chalet located directly on the mountain in Madonna di Campiglio. Weave in historical culture with elegance and a backdrop of the snow-capped mountains, and there is no place I’d rather be, a home away from home.

With 18 unique and different suites that are both cozy and elegant, while comfortably spacious and quiet, the hotel is family-owned, and their respect and love for the environment are evident in the way the hotel is built and run. As the first eco-friendly hotel in The Alps, the entire structure is geothermally heated and built following the essential principles of bio architecture.

Open during the winter season from the end of November until the middle of April, spring skiing in Madonna di Campiglio is a magical experience, with the sun reflecting onto the snow, creating a glistening effect that is truly breathtaking. The location of the hotel is made for skiing, so close to the ski lifts that sports enthusiasts can’t help but fall in love with the chalet in the heart of the pearl of the Dolomites.

Owned by ex-Olympian Alberto Schiavon and his family, spring skiing at the Mountain Experience Hotel couldn’t be more efficient. You can simply grab your ski equipment in the garage downstairs and walk outside, directly on to your first lift. With 70 ski lifts, 150 miles of slopes, four resorts connected to three valleys, there is no need for a bus or shuttle, with expansive untouched backcountry. With four main lifts from the center, you have full access to various sides of the mountains.

Alberto says, “For me, it’s easier to ski to the pharmacy than to walk there. The ski area is like a bowl, so when you start skiing, you spend all day in the sun, from the east to the west. Depending on the time of the day, snow conditions and temperature, you can choose the best trails. The village has sun most of the day, as opposed to other areas, where half of the day, you are skiing in the shadows. Also, the entire ski area works for different levels of skiers, making it really fun and convenient. If you are a beginner, you don’t get stuck all day long on one run.”

Post-ski, you can unwind and relax the muscles at the hotel’s spa downstairs. Restoring beauty and health, the spa offers a Finnish sauna, steam bath, bio sauna, an indoor pool with a water gym and hydro jets, a fitness room, and body treatments with specific massages for full face and body care. Enter the “relax zone” with your choice of the Biodream (the Joy machine), chromotherapy, the water mattress, and an icefall where mind and body meet with peace and harmony.

You can also enjoy activities during warmer months that you may not have thought of such as unparalleled off-the-beaten-path backcountry mountaineering. Breathe in mountain air and feel a warm breeze as you journey down the path. The trek will start to become manageable spanning the lower altitude, creating an incredible contrast between the ice cream white peaks and legendary forest trails. The property is also just a short drive to the Borghi rural villages and vineyards, where you can take in the lush greenery, rolling hills and blooming natural surroundings.

Surrounded by two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Dolomites of Brenta and Natural Geopark Adamello-Brenta, the hotel is conveniently a one-hour drive from Garda Lake and a two-hour drive north of Verona. The closest airport is Verona Valerio Catullo, which is a two-hour drive. There are also private jet airports in Bolzano or Bergamo, and heli-taxi transfers are available.

Chalet del Sogno mountain experience hotel offers a unique and unforgettable experience for guests looking to enjoy spring skiing in the heart of the Dolomites. With its ski-in/ski-out experience, exquisite dining, and elegant spa, guests are sure to have a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. The hotel’s commitment to the environment, offering live mountain experiences with local ownership, makes it a premiere choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint on planet earth.

Wardrobe tips for the Best Spring Ski Style

Sweaters on and off the slopes – Alps and Meters is a luxury sportswear brand using quality knitwear and outerwear. Founded upon a mission to uphold the classic traditions of alpine sport, Alps & Meters’ products combine the world’s best natural materials, classic construction techniques, and contemporary technologies that are tailored, technical and timeless.

I tested their women’s core knitwear collection, a braided gray turtleneck as well as a pink sweater juxtaposed with intricate piping, stripes, and a thumb hole to keep your hands warm while skiing. They kept me warm and cozy all day and night. The sweaters retail for $475 and $495. Alps & Meters is with the Share A Sale affiliate network. Alps & Meters is also sold at Harrods in the UK.

Ski savvy jewelry – Elevate your skiing attire with a splash of color. The turquoise enamel band by Alexis Jae captures the essence of spring and will inject spring energy into your look. Crafted from solid 14k gold, this ring can handle the slopes. Subtle and dainty, this luxurious ring is the perfect finishing touch to any ski outfit.

Traveling Hacks

I used Blacklane to arrive at the chalet from the train station, the leading premium global chauffeur service with the convenience of ride-booking in minutes. The service is eco-friendly and available in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Berlin, San Francisco, London, Paris, and more. Blacklane not only gets you where you need to go safely, but also sustainably. I rode Blacklane with ease, and all rides are 100% carbon neutral, part of the brand’s global carbon offset program, which is the industry’s first.

Just pack it up and go! The foldable and packable Solight Design is the world’s first ever solar powered inflatable light. The lights are thoughtfully designed to provide individualized access to solar energy. The innovative, award-winning origami design differentiates Solar Lights, eliminating the need for a mouth nozzle to inflate. Easier and healthier to open, they are designed to be able to transform from a flat polygon into beautiful cube and pyramid shapes with a simple pull-open action. Founder Alice Chun has donated thousands of lights to those in need, including Turkey, Ukraine, Haiti, and Puerto Rico.