Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Adam Sporka

The highest peak, where you can get by a cable car, is Palon with its height of 2090 meters. The lowest station of the cable car is at an altitude of 1175 meters and the whole area has such an elevation of about 900 meters. Lone peak Palon offers unforgettable views of the surrounding mountain massifs, such as the Dolomites.

The resort of Monte Bondone boasts 20 kilometers of slopes, mainly red ones, which thanks to modern snow cannons, has always enough snow. The favourite ski slope is certainly Gran Pista, means “large slope”. It is 3.5 kilometres long slope, exceeds elevation of more than 800 meters and is considered the best slope in the region, which is confirmed by several awards. There is a lift called Rocce Rosse, which boasts being the chairlift with the greatest elevation in Europe. Thanks to Rocce Rosse you can be on the top of the slope within 7 minutes. All 6 lifts that are in the resort of Monte Bondone can carry more than 14 000 skiers per hour.

Monte Bondone is a friendly resort for families with children, so you can find here sufficient number of ski schools. Brave skiers can look forward to 120 meters long and 5 meters high U-ramp, boarder-cross track and many tricks. Cross-country skiers will appreciate the 35 km long route, which is located in the ski center Viotte. This route is suitable both for classic and skating styles. Among popular sports is also walking around in snowshoes, for which there are several trails prepared.

Ski pass prices and opening hours
The first lift runs at 8:45 in the morning, the last one at 16:45. Adult skier pays in high season €28 for a one-day ski-pass, €75 for a three-days ski-pass and €129 for a six-days ski-pass. Children under 8 years pay half price.

Of course there are rental services, shops, restaurants and bars in the resort. Much wider range of entertainment is ensured by nearby Trento, which can be reached by bus in about half an hour. The resort is situated in the Nature reserve of the Tre Cime del Monte Bondone and is a great travel tip also in summer.

View Monte-Bondone – a popular ski resort suitable for families with young kids in Italy in a larger map

The post Monte-Bondone – a popular ski resort suitable for families with young kids in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

The area where the Needles can be found is known as the Jurassic Coast. It is here that the land has been folded as a result of tectonics over the course of millions of years. As a result, the almost vertical strands of rocks can be seen throughout the region. Chalk is one of the more resilient rocks and as a result has continued to stand long after the clays and sandstones have washed away.

The Needles, Isle of Wight, UK by Peter Pearson

It was known that back in the beginning of the eighteenth century, there were four needles in the formation. However, in 1764 a storm ravished the area and knocked over one of the rocks. The name the Needles dates back hundreds of years. Today though, the rocks have lost their needle-like appearance as a result of erosion by the waves.

Another popular attraction in the area is the Needles Lighthouse which was built back in 1859. It has been operational ever since. However, in order to reduce costs and manpower, the lighthouse was automated back in 1994.

There is also an amusement park that can be found on a nearby cliff that over looks the geological land formation. Known as the Needles Pleasure Park, it has grown to become a very popular destination in the area. The park is most well known for the chairlift that takes people to Alum Bay and back.

The headlands that overlook the Needles are home to several gun batteries as well as an experimental testing facility for rockets. While the batteries were in use during the 1950s and 60s, they have long since been decommissioned. The rocket test facility is located mostly underground and was operated by as many as 240 people during the 1960s. Part of the underground facilities have been completely restored and are currently open to the public.

There are a number of old Coastguard cottages that can be found in the area. Now under National Trust, the cottages are available for rental throughout the year. People who wish to have a party in the area, or that would like to visit and stay can rent the Coastguard cottages.

Most of the park and surrounding countryside can be travelled using bicycle or on foot. However, when there is a high wind warning in the area, the site where the batteries are located is closed for safety reasons.

The post The Needles – very impressive columns of chalk on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom appeared first on Europe Explored.