Selva di Val Gardena, Italy (FSC) ~ March 8th - 16th, 2025

Verona, Cinque Terre & Milan Extension ~ March 16th - 20th, 2025

Trip Leader - Carla Constantino

(click photo to see trip photo album)

The Florida Ski Council voted to go to Val Gardena this year. Most people said; “Where?” Val Gardena is in the Dolomites of northern Italy. These mountains and scenery are spectacular, drawing people from all over the world.

Space Coast had a strong group of advanced skiers who enjoyed skiing the Sella Ronda, a 14-mile route through various ski resorts with countless lifts making its way back to Val Gardena. A lot of skiers aspire to do this once. Our skiers, Denise & Dave Larson, Rosemarie & Pat Nemeth, Jon Hughes, Don Wiiken and Jeannie & Cal Staubus skied the Sella Ronda 3 or 4 times, I lost count. Impressive!

The Gala Party was a highlight where local folks came dressed in the traditional clothing and preformed dances. They also explain how their attire defined where they were from and their occupation.

It was onto Verona, home of Romeo & Juliet. While Verona is historic Italian city with a Colosseum as old as the one in Rome, the story of Romeo and Juliet is exaggerated. The highlight of our extension was Cinque Terre. These five villages are very colorful and bigger than anticipated. Houses, shops and buildings were perched on the side of cliffs with no flat land anywhere. All this set along the seaside with miles of hiking trails. It is worth a visit for anyone. A final stop in Milan visiting the Cathedral was awe inspiring. Then we visited the Galleria where high fashion is an important part of the culture.

The trip had a good variety of experiences, sights and of course food as anticipated with a trip to Italy. I am grateful to everybody who joined me. You all behaved, including Lloyd Lewis.

Carla Constantino, Trip Leader