After all the problems caused by the Covid 19 pandemic, a much reduced party of six intrepid members of the WDSC set out to explore the frozen wastes of the Val di Fassa area of the Italian Dolomites.

Heading for a week at Villa Emma in Canazei were the former Old Fart, now Lenin, Splint, Now Splat, Milroy, Norman, wheretheheckarewe, Seddon, Colin, living map, Jones, Paul, Bird's Eye, Battle and Newby, Stephen, Pipes, Keam.

Being used to taking over a chalet, we were a bit hesitant about booking into a hotel but were fortunate in our choice. By happenstance, the Hotel proved a good spot, with plentiful food and great service from our two friendly waiters, who were always there to provide us with preprandial drinks and nibbles. The Winalot dog biscuits proved very popular.

The skiing throughout the Sella Ronda area was blessed with excellent snow conditions and sunny weather. Many of our party took advantage of Colin's route finding and Splat Milroy added a new concept to the ski map. This was a special Brown run route, which followed the most convenient restaurants for using their conveniences, in case the intravenous immodium injections failed to do their job.

The OF, age having finally withered him, continued his ski rehabilitation in the resorts along the valley, from Alba to Catinaccio, while Norman finally began to feel his age, after following the youngsters around the Sella Ronda. He spent some of his time teaching himself how to send a text message on his vintage phone. Paul, Bird's Eye, Battle successfully kept his knees working, even without his faithful pack of frozen peas.

Canazei was an excellent starting point for skiing the Sella Ronda and the ski bus gave easy access to resorts as far as Vigo and Passo San Pellegrino. Not to be missed is the run from Alba to Pozza via the panorama run. A walk around the old parts of Canazei is well worth it. The mountain restaurants are a treat and prices were ridiculously cheap compared to French prices.

Ear plugs are a necessity, if sharing a room with at least one member of our party, who shall, of course, remain completely anonymous.

I'm fairly sure that every one had a great time and would happily return to the Dolomites, perhaps to Selva, next time.

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