You want to experience all the wonders of the mountain but you don’t like skiing or maybe you want to try new and different experiences. The More Than Just Skiing program is designed just for you and for anyone who wants to try new things and emotions among the mountain tops!

Started a few days ago, this series of events will animate the heart of the Dolomites until March 31st, offering a wide range of activities in close contact with the magical nature of the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Park and the wonder of the Alpine Pearl of San Martino di Castrozza, Passo Rolle, Primiero and Vanoi.

More Than Just Skiing: explore the mountain

The weekly program of More Than Just Skiing is full of outdoor experiences that will allow you to discover the most beautiful places in the area and their flavors and traditions. Guided walks, snowshoe itineraries, tastings of typical local products, fascinating explorations, and evocative aperitifs on a snowmobile are just some of the unmissable experiences you can enjoy during these winter months.

The Alpine Guides are also available for snow safety courses. You will be able to learn the basics of snow cover, understand how to move in the mountains, and discover the main rescue techniques in the event of an avalanche.

More Than Just Skiing also pays special attention to families and children. They indeed dedicated to them the Dolomiti Family Adventures catalog. Snow trekking with llamas, snacks in the malga, and afternoons in the stable will make all the children (and not only them) ecstatic. Do not miss the descents with bobsleds and sleds at the Nasse Park and the ice skating both in San Martino di Castrozza and in Primiero.

There are also many appointments with local gastronomy. You can visit the award-winning BioNoc craft brewery in Mezzano or learn how to prepare some typical dishes such as canederli, spaetzle, and strudel.

And if you’re looking for strong emotions and adrenaline–pumping experiences, you can’t help but try climbing on a snowcat, paragliding over the incredible snowy landscapes, or spending a day with ice-climbing professionals.

Discover the mountain beyond skiing and stay in eco-friendly accommodations!

Cover photo: Daniele Molineris for CMP

The article More Than Just Skiing: your slow holiday on the snow in Trentino was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Today we call it foraging, but it is something we have always done: recognizing, collecting, and then using edible wild herbs is an ancient practice, which has since been mostly lost. Today, however, it has come back in fashion. We all want to regain possession of this ancestral knowledge, especially during our holidays.
Spring and summer are the best time to do this.  And there is a perfect place to try your hand at this activity. Let’s get ready to leave for Primiero San Martino di Castrozza!

Photo via Canva Pro

The Trentino locality, which has recently become an Alpine Pearl, allows you to immerse yourself in the incredible nature of the Dolomites, stroll through flowered meadows, among thousand colors, and go hunting for wild herbs in the company of expert guides who know all the secrets of the undergrowth and all the properties of each plant. The destination offers the opportunity to participate in events dedicated to foraging thanks to which you will not only get to know the most authentic Trentino unusually, but you will also learn a more sustainable way of cooking, embracing a healthier diet, and getting closer to nature.

Foraging in Primiero San Martino di Castrozza

Photo via Canva Pro

In fact, going for herbs means fully experiencing the mountains and their landscapes; shopping in nature at no cost, and discovering new flavors and aromas.
The scenography of your foraging days in Primiero San Martino di Castrozza is truly incredible. Around you, there are exceptional locations: the Pale di San Martino, the meadows of Vanoi, and the farms of Val Canali. And it is here that you will be able to collect wild herbs such as nettle, gentian, and alpine saffron; and then learn how to make the most of what nature gives us in the kitchen, tasting delicious dishes that are spring’s true expression. An experience for all the senses that you must try at least once.

The next appointment foraging in Primiero San Martino di Castrozza is on July 8th. Here you will find all the information to take part in the courses, workshops, and walks that will lead you to the discovery of mountain herbs, berries, and flowers.

The article Foraging: collecting wild herbs in San Martino di Castrozza was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Feeling the wet grass, the water of a stream, or the sand grains under your feet; feeling the warmth of the stones, paying attention to every step. This is barefoot hiking, an activity that allows you to connect profoundly and authentically with nature, but also to discover the surrounding territories from new perspectives.

Walking barefoot is certainly nothing new to humans, but it is something that most people have lost throughout history. In the 1960s, in New Zealand, groups of people began to recover the habit of walking without any footwear, rediscovering that ancestral contact with nature. The idea soon spread to the rest of the world and is now a trend.

The benefits of barefoot walking

Photo via Canva Pro

But what are the benefits of barefoot walking? From better posture to feelings of well-being, it would seem that barefooting is good for both physical and mental health. Let’s see together the main advantages of walking barefoot (in safe places!):

• Release of endorphins and therefore better mood and less stress;
• Better circulation;
• Less fatigue of legs and feet;
• Improvement of coordination;
• Correction of incorrect posture;
• Greater awareness of yourself and of what surrounds you.

Walking barefoot in the nature of Trentino

Barefoot path in San Martino di Castrozza, photo by Andrea Bianchi

There are many paths where you can enter into symbiosis with woods, leaves, streams, and meadows by walking without shoes.

But San Martino di Castrozza is the first area in Italy to participate in the “Barefoot Trail” project of the Barefoot Academy “The silence of steps” founded by the writer Andrea Bianchi.

These are not small paths, but real hike trails in the mountains to be faced barefoot. Inaugurated in July last year, today there are three paths:

• Sentiero del Cervo – da Malga Ces (+250m | 3,2 km)
• Piani della Cavallazza – da Malga Ces (+470m | 6,3 km)
• Sentiero del Cacciatore – Maso Col (+370m | 4 km)

All have helpful stations with QR codes that will allow you to view specific exercises you can perform on-site.

They are gentle paths, with soft climbs and spectacular landscapes. Here you can immerse yourself in the pristine nature of Trentino, finding suggestive views and admiring some of the most beautiful peaks in the area.

Barefoot path in Val Canali, photo by Carlo Albini Turra

Furthermore, starting this summer, the new barefoot path of the Muse Fedaie in Val Canali is available, with a track kept mowed specifically for barefoot walking. A 100% natural experience that is enhanced with an unmissable sensorial journey, the installation is dedicated to “soil times”

Barefoot path in Val Canali, photo by Carlo Albini Turra

Feel nature under your feet and find yourself: barefoot in nature is an experience to try and one more reason to visit Primiero San Martino di Castrozza!

The article Barefoot Hiking: an experience in Trentino nature was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Do you love bikes and want to experience the emotion of an e-bike holiday in the enchanting scenery of the Dolomites? Get in the saddle and choose one of these amazing itineraries in San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, and Vanoi!

Choosing a bike, mountain bike, or e-bike on holiday is the perfect way to live in an ecological way. In addition, it offers the possibility of discovering the area in a different and unique way.

Climbing high altitudes, cycling with the wind in your hair, admiring breathtaking landscapes. These experiences will give you intense emotions and a great feeling of freedom. Despite the idea of fatigue may scare you, there are e-bikes that, thanks to their electric motor, make cycling soft and comfortable everywhere. One of the ideal destinations for an e-bike holiday in the Dolomites is certainly San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, and Vanoi. This destination is an Alpine Pearl of Trentino and promotes eco-sustainable mobility at 360 degrees. The Vanoi valley is also the location of the Vanoi E-bike Rally, the first event in Trentino dedicated entirely to electric bikes. Continue reading to discover some of the most beautiful itineraries in this area and how to recharge your e-bike along the way.

From March to October, the valleys of San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero, and Vanoi turn into a true paradise for cycling lovers. In the uncontaminated nature of the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Nature Park, between the Lagorai mountain chains, the Vette Feltrine peaks, and the suggestive peaks of the Pale di San Martino, you can choose from hundreds of kilometers of routes of various difficulty levels, suitable for all abilities.

And if ride after ride your electric bike battery is low, no problem! Along the routes you will find various possibilities for recharging free your e-bike, and taking your power cable with you.

E-bike recharging points

Along the routes of San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero and Vanoi there are 3 possibilities to recharge your e-bike

• the public charging points installed by ACSM can be used in a free way only by downloading the Zeus app. The smartphone application allows you to select the recharging station from the map – or scan the QR-Code associated with the station itself – and follow the instructions that appear on your smartphone screen. In this way, you can unlock the recharging socket or the tool compartment. In fact, these recharging stations are complete with a tool compartment for small bike repairs.

• the recharging points of the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Park Authority are located along the Caoria-Paneveggio cycle/pedestrian route and can be used free by asking the managers of the adjacent structures for the keys.

• recharging points installed by private operators and made available to customers of restaurants, hotels, and other accommodations facilities.

Vanoi E-bike itinerary

Surely, an event not to be missed by two-wheel enthusiasts is the Vanoi E-bike Rally. The first event in the Trentino region dedicated to electric mountain bikes takes place every year in july.

The location is the beautiful Vanoi Valley, with its enviable forest road network immersed in luxuriant fir and larch forests, part of which is within the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Park.

Furthermore, this year, you will have the chance to choose between a short route (29 km green recreational-motor route) and a long route (53 km red recreational-motor route). The setting for this beautiful day of sport will naturally be the Pale di San Martino and the Lagorai porphyry mountain range, the horizon within which the registered bikers will move.

The event is designed for sportsmen and families. In fact, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy moments of relaxation. In addition, there will be tastings of local products at the catering points along the circuit.

4 e-bike itineraries in San Martino, Primiero and Vanoi

Cycling peacefully from Imèr to San Martino, or climbing on two wheels through rhododendron, fir, and larch woods while enjoying spectacular views of the Dolomite peaks. The possibilities for discovering the Pale di San Martino area by e-bike are many. Here are 4 itineraries to take into consideration during your holiday.

1. E-Bike itinerary among the Vanoi malgas

Among pastures, streams, and uncontaminated forests, this mountain bike itinerary will take you to discover the suggestive Vanoi valley. Tour 2262 is a ring route of about 25 km, with a difference in the level of 1600 meters, among the mountains of the Lagorai range. During the route, you will be enchanted by the wild beauty of the Cauriol, Cardinal, and Cece mountains. Furthermore, you will admire the granite mass of the Cima d’Asta group and the magnificent Pale di S. Martino. Caoria War Museum and Vanoi Ecomuseum are two significant steps to immerse yourself in the history of the area.

More information

2. Between the villages and meadows of Vanoi

This longer itinerary, of approx. 46 km with a difference in the level of 1480 meters, passes through the vibrant villages and majestic forests of the Vanoi. During the route you will encounter the historic sawmill alla Veneziana di Valzanca. Besides, you will admire the Dolomite landscape from the belvedere at Malga Fiamena. Between one ride and the next, the steps that will make this tour unforgettable are the numerous refreshment points where you can taste the local products, such as the Malga Lozen or the Santa Romina agritourism.

More information

3. From refuge to refuge in the Primiero forests

Starting from the Schener Valley, which you follow until you reach Pontet, this 38 km ring route (dislevel 1,200 m) crosses really suggestive landscapes and leads you to Alpe Vederna. Here you can also admire the Vette Feltrine with Monte Pavione. The Val Noana, with its wilderness, crystal-clear water and views of the Dolomites, is the frame for the evocative bridge suspended on a rope that will lead you between refuges and alpine pastures to Fiera di Primiero.

Further information

4. Primiero – Passo Cereda: cycling through the most enchanting valleys of Trentino

Another path is Primiero Passo Cereda. This 35 km, medium-difficult itinerary offers incredible views of the southern sector of the Pale di San Martino. It starts from the villages of Primiero and cycling up to the Fedai and Le Vale areas,  you can appreciate the views of the mountains below and their majesty. During the route, you will arrive at Passo Cereda, a historic connection between Trentino and the Belluno area. The last destination of the route is Val Canali, home to the Pale di San Martino Natural Park. In this place, you can admire the Welsperg lake, a beautiful alpine stretch of water.

Further information

These are just some of the most suggestive mountain bike routes in San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero and Vanoi. There are many others that you can discover during your e-bike holiday!

Download the pdf map with all the e-bike and mtb itineraries

Cover photo: E-bike excursions with the Pale di San Martino in the background (ph. Enrica Pallaver)

The article E-Bike Holidays in the Dolomites: 4 itineraries not to be missed near the Pale di San Martino was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Nature, sustainability, well-being: if these are the key words for your holiday, Garnì Lago Nembia is the perfect destination!

Garnì Lago Nembia is an eco-friendly hotel surrounded by the stunning scenery of Lake Nembia, in Trentino. It is in the heart of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park at 850 m.a.s.l. it is immersed in the nature of the Nembia Oasis, which is just a few kilometers from San Lorenzo in Banale, Molveno, and Andalo. In fact, it is the ideal place for outdoor and wellness enthusiasts also because from here you can set off on foot or by e-bike to discover this magical oasis at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites.

We, the editorial board of Ecobnb, had the pleasure of interviewing Pasquale Castelgrande, responsible for the structure Garnì Lago Nembia. Here’s what he told us:

Hotel Garnì Lago Nembia, Lake Nembia and itinerary in MTB

How did your hotel come about and when did it receive the CETS-Quality Park label?

The Garnì was acquired by the current owners in 2000 while we received the CETS-Quality Park label in 2009.

What good sustainability practices have you adopted?

Electric car charging point, mountain bike hire and “belly boat”, which can be hired from the hotel Garnì Lago Nembia with which you can comfortably fish no-kill, the large fish present in the lake.

• Complete lamp replacement – low-energy lighting
• Flow restrictors and aerators in bathrooms
• Use of cleaning products with low environmental impact
• Elimination of single-serving products and use of typical local products
• Creation of a thematic library with books about the Park
• Refillable soap dispenser with Ecolabel products
• Installation of photocells in hallways and common areas
• Installation of EV charging stations, and charging stool for smartphones at our bar
• Dolomites water dispenser – Plastic free
• DEGES Agreement – Activity Trentino – Special Packages.

What do your guests appreciate most?

For our breakfast, which our guests can choose through a digital form, we have a unique zero-waste concept in fact we use only local and seasonal products.

Which slow routes (on foot, by e-bike…) do you recommend not to miss in the area?

There are many routes our visitors have to take in fact guests cannot return home without visiting Val d’Ambiez which is one of the wildest valleys where the king of our forests, Brown bear, reigns supreme. Instead by E-bike, it is wonderful to ride around Lake Nembia and Molveno, while on foot you cannot miss a visit to the 9 villas that make up the Borgo di San Lorenzo Dorsino (one of the most beautiful villages in Italy).

Furthermore, in mid-June you can fully immerse yourself in nature through the beautiful holistic experiences of the BrentAnima Festival: from Forest Bathing to treks accompanied by holistic therapists and alpine guides.

What does being part of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park and Ecobnb mean to you?

For us, being part of the Park is a privilege because the environment that surrounds and hosts us is very stunning. It is an important resource for the area and so we have the task of protecting this nature. Besides, our role, together with the Park and our partner Ecobnb, is to communicate an important message. We need a different world with slow tourism. In fact, we need tourism that respects nature, and the local community and has a clear concept of limits.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a holiday in contact with nature, Garnì Lago Nembia is the perfect address!

The article Garnì Lago Nembia: sustainable holiday in Adamello Brenta Park was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Looking for an eco-friendly hotel in Madonna di Campiglio? Surrounded by the nature of the Brenta Dolomites, the eco-hotel Gianna is the perfect place!

Wood-scented rooms, traditional Trentino dishes, and farm-to-table food. And also a wellness centre with a swimming pool where you can relax after long walks to discover the wonders of Adamello Brenta Park.

wellness centre Hotel Gianna

If you want to combine sustainability with a really regenerating holiday in the mountains, the Hotel Gianna is the solution for you.

This eco-sustainable hotel in Madonna di Campiglio is set in a large garden surrounded by trees. The hotel is characterized by wooden furniture typical of the mountains, a focus on ecology and waste reduction, and a warm and familiar welcome. In other words, it is the perfect location for a wellness and relaxation escape, in harmony with nature.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Christian Armani, owner, and manager of Hotel Gianna. Here is what he told us:

Christian and his family, owners of the Gianna Hotel

1. How was Hotel Gianna born and when did it receive the CETS-Quality Park label?

The hotel was founded on the initiative of my maternal grandparents in 1951. Since then, the business has been family-run. In the last twenty years, we have made an important commitment to environmental sustainability. Besides, we wanted to help reduce our ecological footprint and take concrete action to preserve the beautiful nature of Adamello Brenta Park. In 2012 we received the CETS-Quality Park label.

The Gianna Hotel has the CETS Quality Mark Adamello Brenta Park

2. What good sustainability practices have you adopted?

The main sustainability measures we have implemented are:

• Building thermal insulation to save energy
• Use of certified 100% renewable electricity (hydroelectric)
• Use of pellet boilers (compressed wood) for heating and water
• Automation and home automation to avoid energy waste
• Access to rooms with badges
• Gradual replacement of classic light bulbs with new low-consumption bulbs or LEDs
• Waste sorting
• Use of biodegradable or recyclable materials and products
• Where and when possible, purchase of local and Trentino food products
• Incentives to customers to use cars as little as possible
• Incentives to customers to walk or cycle
• Promotion of sustainable urban and extra-urban mobility thanks to territory cards (included in the cost of the stay or provided at a discounted price)
• Promotion of local culture and traditions
• We are members of the Group Friends of the Campiglio Trails
• We participate in the Dolomiti Natural Wellness program to promote wellness in contact with nature.

View from the top of Hotel Gianna

3. What do your guests appreciate most?

We get significant positive feedback from our guests about the reception service, especially the hospitality offered by the family and the staff.

Hotel restaurant and kitchen

In addition, our guests appreciate the quality of the cuisine and the cleaning. Those who stay with us particularly like the wellness centre inside the hotel, the private garden, and the beauty of the landscape.

Rooms equipped with natural materials in the Hotel Gianna

4. What slow itineraries (on foot, by e-bike..) do you recommend in the area?

It is surely worth taking a walk and visiting the Vallesinella waterfalls because they are an amazing spectacle.

Also, for sports enthusiasts, it is possible to go on a bicycle excursion to enjoy the beauties of Lake Valagola.

Vallesinella waterfalls. Photo via Wikimedia Commons

5. What does being part of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park and Ecobnb mean to you?

First of all, we are very proud to be part of a network of hospitality structures.

We do all this with the awareness that the territory can and must be used to create value without compromising it, but protecting it for future generations.

Garden of Hotel Gianna

What are you waiting for? If you want to enjoy a sustainable and relaxing holiday in Madonna di Campiglio, this is the perfect address!

The article Hotel Gianna, the address for your Eco-Friendly Holiday in Madonna di Campiglio was originally posted on Ecobnb.

There is a new Alpine Pearl: the municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza has become part of the network that brings together those tourist resorts in the Alps (between Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia) committed to promoting sustainable tourism and slow and eco-friendly mobility.

View of the town of San Martino di Castrozza and the Pale di San Martino. Photo by © Enrica Pallaver

The locality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza is certainly not new to these issues. The candidacy, pursued in the last year with great conviction and determination by the Municipality and by the Tourist Promotion Agency (Apt), is an important recognition for the commitment of this territory and its natural vocation for sustainability. A few weeks ago, therefore, the unanimous approval of Alpine Pearls arrived. The president of the association and Mayor of Werfenweng commented:

«We are very happy to welcome the Municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza into the Alpine Pearls network. In addition to the breathtaking beauty of the Dolomite landscapes, we were particularly impressed by the many beautiful initiatives already underway in terms of renewable energy, eco-friendly mobility, and sustainability. We are convinced that this entry can represent significant added value for our network».

Primiero San Martino di Castrozza, an ideal destination for us eco-travelers

Fir trees in the Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Park. Photo by © Marcello Soffiati

Before joining the Alpine Pearls, the Municipality of Primiero San Marino di Castrozza obtained another important recognition that well explains its relationship with nature and its immense respect for the environment. Legambiente declared the municipality ‘Territory 100% renewable‘.

Biomass district heating plant in the Primiero valley. Photo Archive Apt

Clean energy power the hotels, all private houses, offices, and even the ski lifts. In the Primiero and Vanoi valleys, there are in fact 14 hydroelectric plants and two biomass district heating plants.

This means that when we decide to go to the new Alpine Pearl and we move with the electric car; but also when we recharge our smartphone, we go up to altitude with the lifts, we read a book with the light of our hotel room, we do it in full respect of the environment.

Public charging station for electric and hybrid vehicles. Photo by © Enrica Pallaver

Not only! Tourists arriving in this enchanted place with an electric car or hybrid vehicle can request a free parking pass from the municipality and have 8 hours of recharging thanks to the Trentino Guest Card, the card that allows you to use public transport in full freedom and to obtain many other concessions on services, museums, and tourist attractions.

Finding a column here is certainly not a problem, since there are about thirty: in addition to the public charging stations in the area, there are also those of the structures participating in the “The Dolomites you recharge” project, which offer free recharge directly in the hotel.

Free charging station for e-bikes. Photo by © Tommaso Prugnola

Even for those traveling by e-bike, full is ensured, thanks to about twenty free recharging points located along with the network of cycle and pedestrian paths and in some strategic sites in the area.

By bike in the presence of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage. Photo by © Enrica Pallaver

Much of its territory is also part of Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Natural Park, which has always been attentive to the environment and a place of rare beauty. In this breathtaking natural amphitheater, you can practice all kinds of sports; stroll through suggestive villages, or simply admire extraordinary views. With the awareness of doing everything on your tiptoes.

On the Pale di San Martino plateau, a paradise for lovers of mountaineering and mountain sports. Photo by © CMP

Because sustainability for the municipality of Primiero San Martino di Castrozza is not only a lifestyle. It’s the only way of being.

Cover image: photo by © Alessadro Gruzza

The article Primiero San Martino di Castrozza, Alpine Pearl of Trentino was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Beautiful itineraries on foot or by mountain bike, a swimming pool with a panoramic view, eco-friendly and stylish flats for a true wellness holiday in the nature of Merano. Discover Paloria Apartments by reading this interview

Paloria Apartments & Sport is situated in Oberplars near Lagundo in Trentino-South Tyrol. It is approximately 38 km from Bolzano and only 8 km from the thermal town of Merano. It is the perfect place for sports and nature lovers. We, of the Ecobnb editorial staff, had the pleasure of interviewing Julia, owner of Paloria. Here is what she told us:

Paloria owners

How was Paloria born?

Today, Paloria apartments is just like me: casual, elegant and sporty. I’m a person who loves to move and wants to transmit what she loves to her guests! There is a cool, friendly atmosphere and a very elegant interior design. All possible activities and sports are offered: hiking, trail running, cycling, bouldering and everything else! In addition, the climate is very pleasant and enables you to be in the open air from early spring until late autumn.

What is the history of Paloria?

But what was there before Paloria? The house was built in the 12th century. At that time, the entire building was part of the Oberplars church, and it is one of the oldest farmhouses in the village. In 1977, my father took over the building from his parents and turned it into a guesthouse.
At that time, it was a breakfast guesthouse, before being transformed into the Niedermair Residence in 2002, with holiday flats.In recent years, i took over the house and became the Paloria.

Today it is an elegant and regenerating place. Power that comes from the outside: sport, nature and movement offered by the territory. But power also comes from within: pleasure, health, appointments and style! There are cool holiday flats and an informal atmosphere for a real holiday with style. The residence combines the advantages of holiday flats with the advantages of an hotel. The result? Freedom on holiday, through and through!

What good sustainability practices have you adopted?

You can have a holiday in Paloria with a good conscience – because what we can do in terms of sustainability, we do.

We love this world and we love the people in it! And that is why we do our best to protect it.

Paloria is a family business that has grown slowly over the decades and now provides 14 elegant flats for travellers who want to enjoy the benefits of landscapes and home.

We hires local staff and supports the local economy by purchasing local products whenever possible. In addition, we collaborates with local artisans.

Here are some of the good sustainability practices we have adopted:

• Each guest receives the Algund Card, which permits car-free holidays.
• There is a charging station for electric cars
• If you wish, you can rent (e-)mountain bikes at the hotel
• The Ladele shop offers sustainable products from the region.
• Fresh bread is provided from the village bakery every day, Monday to Saturday.
• Each flat has a free, stylish water bottle, so there is no need to buy plastic bottles: tap water tastes delicious!
• We recycle and separate our waste and hope you do the same.
• The outdoor pool contains natural salt water and is chlorine-free.
• The sauna is only turned on when someone wants to use it.

We also try to operate as digitally as possible to avoid unnecessary paper consumption. So many things at Paloria work just by pushing a button! For us sustainability also means taking care of our health, for example with our wellness programme. Because this is also important!

What do your guests appreciate most?

There are many things our guests appreciate about Paloria:

• The relaxed and cool atmosphere that pervades the entire structure that makes the holiday really elegant and relaxing.
• The offer! Here, guests find everything that one could find in an hotel. We have a large outdoor pool, a new wellness area with several saunas, a relax room, massage room and whirlpool. There is also a large Ladele (shop) and a hall (the Basecamp) where guests can enjoy sitting together.
• The fact that we are so sporty and have a lot to offer to activity lovers: an excellent bike storage room, washing machine and dryer, bike and e-bike rental, cooperation with local sports shops, and so on….
• Last but not least, the great natural landscape in which Paloria is immersed. With views of the Merano valley and the mountains. From Paloria, it is easy to explore nature and the mountains. On foot or by bicycle.

Of course we also appreciate the fact that many guests are happy about us – me and my mother Renate take personal care of the guests with the fantastic team of Paloria.

What slow routes (on foot, by bike, etc.) do you recommend in the area?

My favourite route on days when time is limited starts directly from Paloria along the Schlundensteinweg and the Saxnerweg, which takes you to the wonderful views towards Merano, up to Vellau and the Kienegg restaurant, where you can enjoy a delicious slice of cake and a nice capuccino, and then back to Oberplars via the walking path to Paloria!

The best route if you have more time at your disposition: from Vellau, take the walking path to the Leiter Alm, continue along the Merano path to the Hochgang restaurant, over the Hochgangscharte to the Spronser Seen lakes and on to the Oberkaser and then over the Taufenscharte on a steep descent to the Leiter Alm. Those who are not tired can return to Vellau on foot or by cable car.

photo via Canva PRO

What does to be an Ecobnb means for you?

I am very happy that it worked out and that we are an Ecobnb. We are moving step by step towards a more sustainable and better future for everyone. The fact that we can now do this together with other engaged companies, targeting the right guests is of course super.

If you also want a regenerating holiday in contact with nature, Paloria is the perfect place!

The article Paloria in Lagundo: True Natural Wellness Holiday near Merano was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Situated in Seo, in the province of Trento, B&B La Lanterna is the ideal spot to discover an ancient town full of history and the wonderful natural landscapes of Trento, such as the Adamello Brenta Park and the different lakes. If you want to escape from the chaos of your daily life, this facility will give you the possibility to experience some days in the middle of nature, with many activities to explore the surroundings. We had the opportunity to interview the owners, Floro and Claudia, to learn more about their bed & breakfast, which is certified Park Quality, and the sustainable practices they have adopted.

How was your accommodation facility born and when did it receive the brand CETS-Park Quality?

It was born to “make sense” out of our big renovated farmhouse. It was an ancient structure of our town and we decided to keep the most peculiar marks, like the wooden floor and the external doors, typical of the time. We received the brand CETS in 2020.

What sustainable practices have you adopted?

We uso 0 km products and offer our guests homemade breakfasts, with ancient recipes which have been passed from generation to generation. In addition, furnishings are made of wood and they respect the tradition of the area. Moreover, we value environmental protection: the facility is powered by renewable sources, we have solar panels for hot water and use ecological cleaning products.

What do your guests appreciate the most?

The hospitality and the availability towards them, besides the opportunity to enjoy homemade desserts, made according to old traditional recipes.

What are the unmissable slow routes in the surroundings?

Since B&B La Lanterna is situated in the Adamello Brenta Park, you will have the chance to take walks in various places:

• The San Vili path
• The Arte Stenico Wood
• The Rio Bianco waterfall
• Mount Valandro
• Lakes Nembia, Molveno and Toblino
• Ancient towns
• Malga Paz

These are just some of the beautiful places to visit around our B&B. There are also different interesting paths for who loves biking:

• Dolomiti di Brenta Bike Explorer, from Stenico to Mount Casale
• Dolomiti Shadow – Tour 942, panoramic itinerary between the villages of the Banale
• Movlina Top View – Tour 941, in the heart of the Adamello Brenta Park

Lake Toblino in autumn, via Wikimedia

What does it mean for you to be part of the Adamello Brenta Natural Park and of Ecobnb?

Appreciating this opportunity at any time and preserving our ancestors’ traditions in respect of what they gave us.

Adamello Brenta Park, via Wikimedia

Thanks to Floro and Claudia for this interview. In short, B&B La Lanterna is the ideal place to escape from the city and to immserse yourself in nature. Here, you will have the opportunity to stay in a sustainable facility and explore the amazing landscapes of the largest natural park in Trentino.

What are you waiting for? Book your stay at B&B La Lanterna!

The article Eco B&B La Lanterna in the Adamello Brenta Park, Interview with the Owners was originally posted on Ecobnb.

Thanks to amazing landscapes, epic rocky descents, and high-altitude trails, mountain biking is the perfect way to explore the Alps. Find out the best Alpine routes for your next green holiday!

There are more and more travelers who decide to enjoy nature with their mountain bikes. Panoramas, fresh air, adventurous descent among meadows and woods, pay off all the effort of the climbs… If you are planning a two-wheeler holiday or a shorter mountain biking weekend in the Alps, here are some tips

1. Col Lauson – Valle d’Aosta

Mountain biking route in Valsavarenche, Italian Alps – loveformylove via Flickr

We are in the Western Alps, in front of the Gran Paradiso, the magnificent Italian 4,000. Take the road to Valsavaranche and follow the trail crumbling on Col Lauson. It is an itinerary largely cyclable even uphill, with views over impressive peaks, between brooks and glaciers. A unique cyclo route in the Alps!

For a green stay: discover all eco-friendly accommodations in Valsavarenche and its surroundings

2. Passo S. Giacomo – Piedmont

Mountain biking path in Formazza Valley, Italian Alps – Alessio Maffeis via Flickr

We are now moving to Val Formazza in the extreme north of Piedmont. This pedal follows a panoramic ring that crosses three alpine passes and four artificial lakes, not far from the border with Switzerland, between the Passo S. Giacomo and Gries. The initial climb is long but slightly sloping, to continue with a long climb to the altitude, balcony on the Val Bedretto. The long descent is an exciting tortuous trail with tasty technical passes.

For a green stay: discover all eco-friendly accommodations in Val Formazza and its surroundings

3. Ponale Trail – Riva del Garda

Mountain biking route in Ponale, Italian Alps – Mattia Panciroli via Flickr

The mountain bike itinerary follows the ancient military road connecting Riva del Garda, a beautiful resort of Trentino overlooking Garda lake. Stunning views and winding roads over the water, partially excavated in the rock, will make you forget the fatigue of the climb!

For a green stay: discover all eco-friendly accommodations in Riva del Garda and its surroundings

4. Goldseeweg – Prato allo Stelvio

Landscape in the surroundings of Trafoi – John Mason

On the border between Venosta Valley and Lombardy, between Prato allo Stelvio and Trafoi, you will find many well-marked trails, dedicated to mountain biking, along the sunny side of the Alps.
Very interesting routes lead to Großmontoni-Montechiaro Masi, to Malga di Glorenza and Stelvio and to the Forcola hut over the Trafoi pond. From the beginning of April to the end of October, Bikeshuttle also offers the transport service to the most strategic starting points for your tours.

For a green stay: discover all eco-friendly accommodations in Val Venosta and its surroundings

These are just some of the many mountain biking trails you can find in our Alps. What is your favorite?

Cover image: photo via Canva PRO

The article 4 Amazing Mountain Biking Routes in the Italian Alps was originally posted on Ecobnb.