Page 12 - SRCG_HTML_2012

The Madonna ski area boasts
57 lifts and 93 miles of ski runs.

CMSC’S TRIP TO

MADONNA DI CAMPIGLIO

By Randy Baustert
O day found groups of CMSCers at mountain huts enjoying

On January 21, 47 members from 16 CMSC clubs departed
an end of day beer, wine or a Bombardino – a warm drink
Chicago for Madonna di Campiglio, Italy. We tried a Saturday
made from egg liquor and rum. Many did day trips to
departure this year. This helped several in our group, elimi-
nating the need to take an extra vacation day on Friday.
Verona and Pinzolo as well as snowshoeing and ice skating.
They also used the hotel pool, hot tub and spa. After dinner
We arrived at the Hotel St. Raphael and found a beautiful several groups would stroll thru town, sometimes for the
hotel with Old World charm, located near one of the lifts. nightlife, sometimes just for the mountain air and the pictur-
esque town. Our hotel also provided live music several nights.
Snow conditions were a concern because Madonna di
Campiglio hadn’t seen much snowfall for a long time. But After a week in Madonna di Campiglio, 26 of us continued on
we quickly found that they kept the runs beautifully covered. to Venice. The three-day extension was perfect. Most of us
They not only had state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming bought the 48-hour boat pass allowing us access to the canal
equipment, but their expertise with both exceeded our ferries across Venice as well as the nearby islands.
expectations.
We broke into groups for the boat trip on the Grand Canal
The interconnected ski areas completely surround the and toured the Basilica de San Marco, Doge’s Palace, Rialto
picturesque town. From the Pradalago ski lift outside our Bridge, Piazza San Marco and more. Hot chocolate hit the
dining room window we were able to ski all areas and spot at Harry’s Bar. We visited the islands of Murano for its
return home without ever having to take a bus. You can also glass, Cimitero for its interesting cemetery and Burano for
choose to use the ski shuttle to start your day at the far end its lace.
of the ski area or have it pick you up at the end of the day
and bring you home. We plan to ski St. Anton, Austria with an extension to
Vienna in January 2013. To join us, see our website at
The mountains were sprinkled with huts that provided every- www.skicmsc.com, click on CMSC Events; or call
thing from cafeteria service to fine dining. The last run of the Randy Baustert at 847-622-3968. ❄

12 ❖ SKI & RIDE CLUB GUIDE 2012/2013 DIRECTORY ❖ www.skicmsc.com