Planning a ski vacation next month with the fam. I was planning on doing the Dolomiti Superski areas, flying into either Bologna or Milan. Looking at the drive, wondering if it might make sense to do some of the places closer to Milan instead. Never skiied in Europe, I'd love to find an old school type of experience. I don't need the terrain to be too crazy, but can certainly handle anything on piste. I don't necessarily need a huge place (we'll be skiing 5 days), don't love a ton of crowds. Prefer simple local food. Simple accomodations (though need a hot tub/sauna). Currently booked near Panchia in the Dolomites...
Can I try to allay your fears about driving to the Superski area from Malpensa?
@Nola Mike
We have done that drive about 6 times now (to Val Gardena), and it's really not bad at all. To Panchia, you're on big highways until the last 15 miles or so. What we have always done, assuming an early/mid-morning departure from Malpensa, is stop in Verona for lunch (pizza! here:
https://www.pizzeriadasalvatorevr.com/)
and a good double espresso. Get out, stretch legs with a stroll along river in a beautiful medieval town.
Then it's only a couple of hours to the Dolomites. One thing about Malpensa is it's really easy to get to the rental car areas -- just turn left when you leave the arrivals terminal, cross the road and go downstairs, hertz etc are on your left. It's a couple of roundabouts then you're on the highway. I htink you can get an IDL from AAA for not much money.
Otherwise, just stop at a supermarket and grab some bread/cheese etc and munch in the car.
You will probably get chains and diesel additive for cold weather. Maybe not snow tires but we've never needed them on the drive up to the Dolomites. But to me the Dolomites are the most spectacular ski area in Europe and not to be missed.
You will have GREAT on-piste snow, nobody grooms better than the Superski area and you won't have huge crowds (except maybe at a couple of feeder lifts).