On Monday 19th December Glenn and Katie set off for their 5 day ski inspection adventure to Italy. With a variety of resorts and hotels to visit, and skiing adventures to be had you can be sure that their trip to the Dolomites will be jampacked. Find out what they get up to day by day below…

Day one in Italy was a travel day. Flying from Luton to Milan Mapensa with Easyjet meant a 3am start for the both of us as we embarked on our 5 day inspection trip of the Italian Dolomites.

Landing at 10am local time we (truth be told the driving was all Glenn) then drove to the first resort on our tour. We’re really excited about what this resort has to offer and with 40km of piste that’s perfect for beginners and stunning views of Lake Garda this resort really surprised us.

Stunning views today! All that’s missing is some snow. #ski #snowboard #Italy #Inspectiontrip #snow #winter

A photo posted by MSG Tours (@msgtours) on Dec 19, 2016 at 10:40am PST

After some delicious food for lunch and great Italian hospitality we descended down the mountain and made our way for a night in Madonna di Campiglio, staying in a 3* hotel that is perfect for visiting ski groups.

Today was all about what Madonna di Campiglio has to offer and of course enjoying the slopes. The ski fit is just 2 minutes out of the door of the hotel and the standard of kit is great, Glenn even ended up wearing brand new boots.

It was my (Katie) first ever time skiing and I would love to say that I didn’t eat any snow but I can’t, (tip for beginners, don’t lean back to slow down.) That being said I had a fantastic time! My instructor Alessandro was brilliant and built my confidence throughout the whole 2 hour lesson, which resulted in me taking on my first slope.

Katie’s first ever day on the slopes today. #Deliveringtheunexpected #ski #snow pic.twitter.com/fdxshJtgSm

— MSG Tours (@msgtours) 20 December 2016

Whilst I was busy in my lesson, Glenn took to the red slopes and in his words “they were brilliant.” The lifts to the red slopes are situated just 10 minutes from the hotel and come to an end in the town centre which at this time of year, when the sun has set, is decorated with twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. It really is ski-in, ski-out for all those staying in the resort centre.

All in all Madonna di Campiglio has been incredible and I believe with 150 km of piste (when a full ski pass is bought) there is something for everyone.

Today started with breakfast at the hotel in Madonna before we travelled to Pinzolo to inspect 2 futher hotels, each just minutes from the lift. Both have something great to offer groups and we are excited about the opportunity to work with them in the future.

After the quick stop in Pinzolo we took the scenic route around the mountain and after an hour we arrived in Andalo. This resort has much to offer groups; fabulous apres, a number of brilliant ski schools and hotels just a minute away from the lifts are just a few of the perks.

I took my second ski lesson today and Glenn enjoyed the intermediate/red runs. Again the staff at the ski fit and ski school have been fantastic and given us a full tour of the slopes.

Tonight we are staying at the Hotel Angelo, the same hotel that will house St Martin’s school in February 2017, we think they are going to really enjoy it. Just a 4 minute walk down into the main town and in a brilliant location for the ski bus means this 3* hotel is perfect for a large ski group visiting Andalo.

Katie and Glenn have safely arrived in Andalo and are enjoying the unexpected sunshine! They are being hosted by the Hotel Angelo tonight, the same accommodation that will house St Martin’s school in February 2017. #Deliveringtheunexpected #Italy #Ski

A photo posted by MSG Tours (@msgtours) on Dec 21, 2016 at 9:11am PST

Day 4 was all about San Martino Di Castrozza and what it has to offer those visiting Italy on a school ski trip.

After stopping off in Fai Della Paganella for a quick peek at some of the hotels we travelled the 2 hour journey to San Martino di Castrozza and checked into our hotel.

This resort is fantastic, with such a large range of shops, restaurants and activities groups could never be bored, it’s also the perfect place to pick up those essential souvenirs for families who are back home in the UK.

I (Katie) had my third and final ski lesson with the fabulous Stefano and am happy to announce I did not fall once. It took 6 hours of lessons from very patient and excellent instructors and is an achievement I am proud of! Whilst I was busy keeping my body away from the floor Glenn was swooshing his way through the various other slopes that San Martino Di Castrozza has to offer and found there were slopes to challenge everyone.

Venturing back to the hotel we stumbled upon a fantastic American style salloon which offers American style food and a fantastic atmosphere, it is definitely worth stopping in.

One thing that will take your breath away in San Martino is the view. It is safe the say that San MArtino Di Castrozza offers the most iconic views of the dolomites. Even though we were not fortunate enough to witness it, we can only imagine how beautiful it will look under a blanket of snow.

Today we woke up bright and early, before the morning rush and waved goodbye to the Dolomites. It was a fantastic week and it was a good opportunity to meet with Roberta and our other Italian partners. We look forward to working with them in the future and to delivering the unexpected for your school on a school ski trip to Italy.