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.

Maastricht claims to be the oldest city in the Netherlands (a claim it shares with Nijmegen). There are some magnificent buildings, lots of old houses, lovely cathedrals and a spectacularly cobblestoned town centre.

What to see in Maastricht
City Center

• Two town squares in the centre of the city
  • The Vrijthof, which features the massive St Servaas Church and St Jan’s Cathedral. It hosts large festivals also in autumn and winter. The Carnaval before Lent is an amazing occasion that everybody should see
  • The Markt, which features the Town Hall (Stadhuis) and on Wednesdays and Fridays, markets

View Maastricht – unique Dutch city with a medieval heart in Netherlands in a larger map

The post Maastricht – unique Dutch city with a medieval heart in Netherlands appeared first on Europe Explored.