The Passo Rolle is also one of those areas in the Dolomites which gets the first snow of the season. There are 60km of piste from 1400 to 2350 meters in altitude. Perhaps the most stunning is the 45km of runs between Tognola, Valcigolera and Ces which are lined by the characteristic mountain huts or 'malghe'.

Combine a trip during the following:

FIS Carving Cup, San Martino Castrozza in late January and the Telemark Festival, San Martino Castrozza late February.

The 'malghe' are the wooden mountain homes of the Alps. They are made of sturdy wood and are constructed without the use of mortar or even nails.

The planks and logs are ingeniously held together with wedges, interconnecting joints etc. They last for centuries. The wood simply matures like fine wine.

The tourism board recommend two such houses where it is possible to eat well. They are the Malga Ces and the Malga Fratazza.

The former is located at Ces and offers typical dishes from the mountains. The latter is located at Fratazza and is notable for how the guests arrive and leave in winter.

Take the skidoo up and the wooden sledge down, wine and grappa permitting. The food on offer is 'stinco', polenta and 'the local deer'.

www.sanmartino.com.