A Day on Val Gardena’s Legendary Slopes
With weary legs but the adrenaline still pumping, I faced up to the reality that I was about to tackle an iconic World Cup run known as ‘The Mythical’.
I had gazed in awe at the most spectacular views of the majestic Dolomites on a dreamy day under clear blue skies. Thaddaus, our charismatic guide, had ensured we could take in those jaw-dropping vistas while covering a range of slopes in the biggest ski area in the world. Although there was little time to stop and marvel at the mountains – it was more of a case of sightseeing at speed. Four of the ‘Legendary 8’ slopes of Val Gardena had been completed – now there was the small matter of finishing on the men’s World Cup downhill run.
My thighs already burning, I set off down the ‘Saslong’ intent merely on staying upright rather than racing to the finishing line. With sections such as the ‘Walls’ and ‘Camel Humps’ to navigate, the sanctuary of the ADLER Spa resort Dolomitiseemed a world away. Starting near the top of the Ciampinoi mountain station, the finest male skiers on the planet hurtle down the 3.7 kilometre-long route in under two minutes. I was just happy to end one of my personal best days on the slopes in one piece. Glancing up at the steep slope as I slowly removed my skis, the nod of approval from Thaddaus felt was a satisfying alternative to a podium finish.
A narrow black run had set the tone as we revelled in navigating pristine groomed pistes on a glorious day in the magnificent Italian mountains. There had been a mixture of black and red runs, ideal for intermediate or advanced thrill-seekers in a great area to take your ability to another level.
Back at the luxurious ADLER Spa resort Dolomiti in the charming village of Ortisei, I took a dip in an enticing heated outdoor pool and stared in a trance at a beautiful backdrop of some of the most famous peaks in the world.
With a population of only 5,000, Ortisei is beautiful little resort to discover the Dolomites at any time of the year. The perfect place to stay just a short wander from a ski lift in the heart of Val Gardena, the ADLER is an idyllic place to put your feet up and enjoy fantastic service from cheery staff.
Reinvigorated from the bubbles of a whirlpool crystal pyramid, a few blasts in the steam room and saunas after hours exploring the slopes, I sampled sumptuous local cuisine in the atmospheric hotel restaurant. Tagliatelle noodles along with veal ragout, venison accompanied by Schupfnudeln and trout fillet were among the Tyrolean treats to choose from – along with the finest wine.
A day after my heart was pumping on the slopes, I experienced a very different short, sharp rush in the ADLER spa. Three minutes in a CRYO-BOX was a test of mental strength, with a spa therapist attempting to take my mind off the minus 120 temperature I was being subjected to. I was advised my body had been releasing happiness hormones as my blood vessels contracted during a treatment that leads to improved circulation, increased absorption of oxygen, stress reduction and stimulation of metabolism. It seemed like the longest few minutes of my life, but I felt recharged with a clear head and a spring in my step after thawing out.
A soothing massage had me drifting off and feeling fully revitalised. I felt like I was floating as I wandered back to my plush, spacious and homely room in a blissfully rejuvenated state. Individual health programmes can be devised just behind the main hotel in the state-of-the-art adults-only ADLER Balance, where I spotted a picture of tennis legend Novak Djokovic on the wall from his visit.
While my picture was never going to be added to the hall of fame, I departed knowing I had not imagined flying down a World Cup downhill run. I had not completed the ‘Legendary 8’ but it was no myth that I’d finished with a high five.
Spa hotel in the Dolomites | ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI (adler-resorts.com)
