My approach to Trentino- Alto Adige and the ski area (more accurately than ‘city’) of Vason will take a slightly different form. For one, we stayed in a mountain lodge and ate many of our meals, breakfast and dinner, there. This is rather anomalous behavior in my travel habits. One of my greatest joys is carrying out meticulous research on restaurants and ensuring that good meals are not left up to chance. I did not do that in this region per se, and I would encourage you to follow suit, that is, with the caveat that you find the right accommodation in this region. I recommend Hotel Montana. I was slightly skeptical driving up towards the hotel. It looks a little drab from the outside, truth be told. Yet, rooms have been remodeled quite recently. The entire hotel was impeccably clean and modern. Our room was a spacious and modern wooden loft and with a gorgeous mountain view.

The staff was particularly friendly and efficient as the hotel is proudly ‘family run’. Meals, both breakfast and dinner, are served in a communal dining area. Thus, we ate at the hotel during our stay. If you check reviews of this place, they are perennially glowing. One Italian review commented that the restaurant has no ‘fronzoli’ or frills but does have authentic fresh regional food. Many reviewers also commented that they stayed in this hotel thanks to a Smartbox. We also, in fact, stayed in this hotel because of a Smartbox, and it was an excellent choice! The package included access to the wellness spa which had a gorgeous view of the mountains. Honestly, I would consider buying the Smartbox just to stay here. As I looked at prices considering the spa entrance, it is a pretty good idea.

The only caveat is that the drive to reach Vason is a bit treacherous. Vason is located on Monte Bondone, and I took a picture of the Google maps when we started driving up into the mountains. It resembled a kindergartener’s masterpiece of tight blue scribbles. That said, my partner at the time was driving a tatty car we should not have been driving on that terrain. As many reviews mention, the views on the ascent are worth it.

During ski season, you can walk to the ski slopes (about 150 meters away). In sum, Vason is a rather sleepy, unpretentious ski town. Without the ‘pressure’ of sites to see, I was able to truly relax and take in the mountainous glory of the area.

Introduction to the ‘city’ of Vason

Introduction to the region: Trentino- Alto Adige

Food and Wine