Garnì Villa Erna

We picked this location based on Tripadvisor's reviews and we can only confirm all the excellent reviews that we read (it really seemed too good to be true, but it is indeed). Very nice Alpine atmosphere, very welcoming people, in particular Ms Paola who is the one who is taking care of all your needs during your stay (we met her husband only for check-in and check-out procedures). What to say. Everything excellent in all small details. Indoor parking including electric car charging station, nice, large and cosy rooms (I had the impression that some were like apartments) with a very large and convenient bathroom which is perfect when you are a family of four skiing all day. From the reviews, it seemed that the main attraction was breakfast which I could not understand how it could be (traveling a lot also in luxury hotels, it seems difficult to be surprised) but again I was pleasantly surprised with a rich assortments of genuine food (jams and yoghurt, bread), eggs cooked upon order, stunning view on the mountains and slopes, and nice chats with Ms Paola who is never intrusive. There is also a small SPA that you do not expect in such a small facility (being a Garni). You can reach it with a lift, wearing a robe that is provided to all guests, like a in a 5-star hotel. Not too large but definitely appropriate for the amount of guests, so wee never found it crowded. There is a steam bath, a sauna, a large relax room and and a 2-seat infrared sauna. Above all, an outdoor jacuzzi that you can reach walking through the snow (which seems unpleasant but I found it one of the best SPA experience I had, jumping in the snow after a sauna and then into the hot jacuzzi right after). Unfortunately, there is no restaurant service (we even discussed with Ms Paola about the advantages but also the difficulties of having it) thus you need to go to the village for dinner, which is 4 minutes by car but not really walking distance in particular at night, with the cold and the uphill return trip. Very well located to the slopes as you can start skiing right at the doorstep of the large heated skiroom, in the basement, close to the garage (easy to unload/load the car as well). I suggest to get your skipass before getting on the skis (maybe the day before) as from the hotel you will need to take a couple of ski lifts before getting to the main lifts where the main ticket office is located. You can make it anyhow but you have to push a bit (and ask for directions to avoid extra effort). We did it the first day and we survived anyhow! The return on skis is possible and you have to walk at the end for 100 metres. Again, check in advance how to get back from the official slopes, through the back streets of the adjacent houses.