24.04.2017 - This southern corner of the Trentino is just a 20 minute drive from the town of Rovereto and half an hour from the plain of Vicenza. Renowned for its winter snows, but also for its sun it offers enthusiasts 100 km of well-maintained ski slopes and 80 km of cross-country skiing track with snow cannons to make sure visitors enjoy their winter sports whatever the vagaries of the weather.
But it's not just about skiing and snowboarding up here; there are plenty more snow-themed activities to enjoy. One which is rapidly gaining popularity is snow-shoe hiking, ideal for enjoying a solitary excursion through the mountains or with a one of the expert local alpine guides.
The " Path of the Imagination" near Luserna wends its way for seven kilometres through the natural beauties of the snow and thick forests of the bird trees always associated with the Cimbrian Alps.
If you're lookìng for something a little less contemplative and little more energising you might.
Like to take a fat bike out for a spin.
These special mountain bikes have oversized tyres to enable you to pedal down snowy slopes with relative ease and this area has over 30 kilometres of specially prepared tracks for you to explore by day or even, guided by an instructor, by night.
Another unusual activity is dog sledding near the Coe Pass in Folgaria and the Millegrobbe Malga in Lavarone, where children and adults alike can revel in exciting excursions in dog sleds under the aegis of expert federal trainers.
Just in case you get bored, there are also fitness programmes on the snow, wildlife watching, ice skating, night-time rambles (an absolute must is the excursion to the Offentol waterfall), or horse riding through the fresh snow.
All this in addition to that special family-friendly welcome you can be sure of whatever the season in Alpe Cimbra, with a wide range of services for parents and kids.
Like the baby park service, for example, which helps your mini-me to get to know the snow through play without any risk involved and the ski schools always in the vanguard of the latest teaching techniques, the pay group and entertainment clubs in specially organised areas and the pushchair-friendly walks.
A thoughtful touches which have gone into making the Folgaria, Lavarone and Luserna plateau one of the best family holiday destinations in the whole of the Alps. One to try.
That special something
Left: A visit to wonderful Serrada is a must Below: Foodies can enjoy the delights of the mountain huts and gourmet restaurants dotted around Alpe Cimbra
For hire
Fat bikes on the snow: excitement guaranteed
Right: skate indoors at the Folgaria Palasport rink or outdoors on Lake Lavarone.
Dog sledding
Skim through the woodlands of Alpe Cimbra on cross country skis or dog sleds.
Dream Team
The Austrian alpine ski team train in Alpe Cimbra.
Kids’ play
Children have always been to the forefront of hospitality in Alpe Cimbra with special family. Hotels, kids’ ski school and plenty of entertainment clubs.
Off piste
Thrills and spills on skis or snowboards.
Saddle up
Local stables organise rides through fresh snow.
