Skiing in the Dolomites: Hotel La Perla
Founder & CEO, Eshita Kabra, took to the Dolomites slopes earlier this year, staying at Hotel La Perla in Corvara, Badia. Scroll to find out about the trip, items rented, places stayed and slopes skied.
Are you heading on a ski trip this season? Rent the trending brands on the app for a fraction of the price: Corvoda, Perfect Moment, Moon Boots, Goldbergh, and more from £4/day.
Rent your winter wardrobe via the Ski Edit!
Tell us a little about your trip...
"Perhaps the most charming hotel I’ve stayed at while skiing, Hotel La Perla is a family-run gem since 1956 in Corvara, Badia in the Dolomites – a 2 hour drive from Venice, Italy."
"Besides traditional Tyrolean interiors and hospitality that pay special attention to every little detail (such as daily freshly-picked flowers to match each room’s colour theme!), cosmopolitan guests from far and abroad will love the negroni martinis (my two favourite drinks at once!), the 5,000m2 spa with modern amenities amidst neoclassical structures and views of the Dolomites, and their Michelin starred restaurant La Stüa de Michil-Simone Cantafio and their bar Bistro which is the place to be."
How do you best plan?
"I break down each day of the skip trip into three parts – for ease they will be governed around meal times. For the days travel required to and fro the ski resort and hotel, I would count these as “rest days”, and therefore identify the remaining as ski days. I would then plan my ski schedule accordingly, alongside a map of the ski resort and its runs, to decide how to best conquer the slopes available to me on the holiday!"
What did you rent from By Rotation for your ultimate ski wardrobe?
"I rented a Perfect Moment blue ski jumpsuit and a Perfect Moment silver jacket. I matched these two with my own ski gear to maximise my rental usage and get a variety of looks on the slopes!"
What should be at the top of your packing list for a winter trip in the Dolomites (beyond the obvious skis and jackets)?
"SPF50 for face and lips, sunglasses and hairbands to match your looks and keep your hair back. Moon Boot and beanie/woollen hat to walk around in when not skiing."
Which ski slopes or trails nearby are perfect for beginners, and which ones will thrill advanced skiers?
"Near Hotel La Perla you can find beginner slopes which are wide, gentle blue runs around the Col Alt and Pralongiá area, perfect for learning and confidence-building.
One of the most thrilling ski slopes I did at least 5 times on our trip was the Gran Risa run - the Alpine World Cup giant slalom ski course in Italy at Alta Badia. It is one of the most technical slopes with its gradient (average 36%) and curves. And without a doubt, it offers some of the most beautiful views and has been marked as a spot for taking photos. Other slopes were highlighting that I enjoyed were Boè (excellent views of the Dolomite Mountains) and San Cassiano (if you want retro cable cars in your photos)!"
Where are the most instagramable spots (even for non-skiers) in Dolomites?
"Hotel La Perla is incredibly picturesque!"
Which local dishes and wines should you try in La Perla’s restaurants to get a true taste of the region?
"The morning à la carte menu with freshly squeezed juices and seasonal fruit, to select farmstead jams and yoghurt. My go-to was of course the freshly baked croissants.
In the evening, try the pressed dumplings with cabbage salad, a traditional vegetarian Ladin dish that highlights the Alpine flavours. The goose with caramelised onions paired with a Lagrein red wine offers a rich, hearty taste of the Dolomites. To finish, order the Gewürztraminer white wine alongside a cheese platter."
What après-ski experiences shouldn’t you miss while staying at Hotel La Perla?
"Bistro is the hotel’s lounge bar and the place to go! And the hotel bar itself serves the most memorable cocktails – my two favourites Negroni and Martini as one!"
Rent for your next ski trip, via the Ski Edit on the app