Folgarida, Italy

Coffeegrind from UNITED KINGDOM writes:

I love skiing in Italy, the Dolomites make for great scenery, the food and wine is twice as good as France and half the price. Best of all is the snow which has been just great for the last 3 years in Marileva. It seems to have 3 big dumps pre-Xmas; at the end of February and then the end of March. Last year, at the end of March, 1.2m of fresh powder fell in three days.
The resort is really a family place with few bars and just one club. Marileva is pretty much all Italians so bring your phrase book, that said the Italian instructors speak English and are great with kids.
The piste is tree lined and there is plenty of skiing for a weeks holiday in Marileva/Folgardia which is effectively one resort. The most challenging black is Folgarida Nera which has been a world cup run and if you can gather some pace has some hairy drops. There is big half pipe and small boarder-cross course if that's your thing. If you fancy further a-field it’s an easy ski over to Madonna Di Campiglio which is full of beautiful people and has great clubs and bars (Madonna has some great clubs too)
The mountains here are beautiful and if you like getting off into the wilderness and getting some off-piste you need a guide but won’t be disappointed. With a bit of snowshoeing at the beginning we skied from a hut at about 2200m all the way down to Marlieva 900, all through trees and in great snow.
There are two or three good pizza restaurants in Marileva 1400 and if you venture down into the valley, which is a twenty minute drive from 1400 or 5 minutes from 900, there are a number of really fantastic restaurants.
Decent ski hire is available on the hill but choice is limited during busy periods.
I am lucky enough to live in France, within easy reach of some classic skiing, but love the Dolomites and this area in particular. Marileva/Folgarida is a great family resort with some challenging skiing and great cuisine. I will be back again this season.