So here we are: cold, shaking, doubting how they could ever had us coming this far. It’s 6 am and we are at 2125 metres. Who was able to sleep – not me – didn’t for long and the wind is cutting my ears and fingers. “Why on hell am I here?!”
Then the dawn arrives and paints with violet and pink the peaks of the surrounding Dolomites, and suddenly I understand why I’m here.
This is how my weekend on the Brenta Dolomites – in the province of Trient, Italy – started. Well, actually it started the evening before, in front of a delicous traditional dinner in a warm and comfortable baita. Or maybe it started when I arrived at Molveno, in the afternoon, and got enchanted by its peaceful lake. “Precious pearl in a most precious chest”, as the Italian poeat Antonio Fogazzaro had to say.
Anyway, up to breakfast in the mountain hut and then it’s time for skiing. Not the only sport activity available at the ski district Paganella, be aware. We also planned to go paragliding from Mount Paganella – 2125 metres – but the weather didn’t play along. No big deal, because Max was already waiting us at his Sleddog Centre in Andalo, and – believe me – the feeling of having your slide dragged by three beautiful Siberian Husky is something you can hardly describe with mere words.
Time for dinner? A horsesled was ready to take us to the “Taverna dell’Ermellino” for another traditional dinner. The ride was quite fun, and I did not really miss heating or hi-fi, but should it happen again that our driver is Gigi and he feels like singing the whole Italian popstar Laura Pausini’s repertoire, I may want to take along some ear protectors.
The only activity which was not considered in our schedule was sleeping. Even on Sunday they kicked me out of my bed early enough for a visit to Spormaggiore Wildlife Sanctuary, residence of the oldest bear in Europa – a gracious lady of 46 – and three wolf-sisters: Sissi, Vanessa and Luna. Definitely an intense weekend, but also quite rewarding. What do you think?
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