Corvara/Colfesco - Beginner Areas for Complete begineer - Free lifts? Tips?

Killer_UK wrote:so, we're off on a group holiday to Corvara. I've skied for quite a few years, but the new girlfriend has never been.

Hiya, how did it go in Corvara? Hope you all had a lovely time. Apologies if you're yet to go skiing, if that's the case I'm very jealous :)

flat country skier wrote:I've never seen any green marked slopes in Italy either but haven't been to Bardonecchia yet.

It's good for beginners and early intermediates wanting to expand their range of skills.
Quite small so an expert skier would find it a bit restricting compared to say the 3 Valleys or Milky Way. Lifts a bit antequated in parts and some of the nicer runs are at the top of long drag lifts. (One was nearly a mile long and very steep in places. Credit to Mrs M who got taken by surprise when it stopped on a very steep section slid back and fell over, however determinedly held on to the lift with one hand and managed to get back to her feet, put the poma back between her legs before it restarted and carried on. Never seen that before - I'd skied down from there)

There are short green runs near the ski school bases in both Campo Smith and Mezelet areas.

You could liken it to Passo Tonale without the need to cross the main road to get onto the slopes - similar sort of size of ski area but you feel you are going to somewhere, unlike Passo where much of it is going up and down the lifts to work your way along the valley. The accomodation areas are very much on the edge of town unklike Passo or Cormayeur where most of the hotels are short walks from the town centre cafes, bars and shops.

I would recommend it if you are taking relatively new skiers or beginners in your party.
I would not advise self catering as the shops are a bus ride away (when the busses are running).

Steve, how did it go?
If you haven't yet been to Val Badia, the area is great for beginners as there are plenty of easy blues; I am sure your girlfriend will enjoy it.
All ski schools are good, and most instructors speak English. I guess that, depending on when you actually go, it may or may not be possible to have group lessons. When I started there weren't enough adults therefore I had 1:1 tuition. Best money ever spent! And even if she does a couple of hours, that's enough for you to do a Gran Risa (black and red, the red is a great run), or a Vallon, explore Forcelles............
When I started I was doing an hour every morning with the instructor, and 2-3 hours on my own to practice while my other half was doing some "proper skiing", and in the afternoon he stayed with me on blue runs. The following year I started doing reds .........and the rest is history :) so I am sure your girlfriend will soon be wanting to explore new slopes!
oh, and you were asking about free lifts........FREE lifts???? On the Dolomites???? :shock:

Dellaga1, yes Alta Badia is a lovely area for beginners to practice and improve skiing. Brilliant food and scenery too! Lovely to hear you've got the skiing bug! :)

Hope Steve and his girlfriend and friends have had a great holiday in Corvara