Bolzano is a fantastic gateway town to the Dolomites & Ortler ski regions of Italy. The cities low elevation & warm local micro-climate means it doesn't often carry a mantle of snow, but rest assured it bears no resemblance to the cold, snow-clad surrounding mountains. 

The Bolzano 'old town' is a gorgeous series of portico laneways lined with a diversity of classy shops, bars & restaurants. Above the laneways, the ancient buildings house amazing apartments, many of which are available for holiday rental. Restaurants & bars include several craft beer breweries. Market stalls line the outer streets most days with fresh local produce. Ötzi the Iceman is on show at the local museum making a fascinating diversion from all the eating & drinking!

Bolzano train station has transport links to surroundings ski resorts like Val di Fassa, Val Gardena & a host of others plus Innsbruck to the north, Trento & Verona to the south & Merano to the west. 

A wonderful place to stay as a city base for skiing day trips (using a rental car) or for a few days off away from the mountains.
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