Love, Snow and Fun. That's what the brochure promises when visiting the "Tre Valli" (three valleys) area near Moena, Italy. And that's what fifteen of us experienced while visiting the spectacular area called the Italian Dolomites which is located at the northeast of Italy.

During the six days we were there there, we participated in the so called Ski Safari, which basically meant letting our guide "Gibo" -a Canadian-born Italian twenty-something, with a wicked sense of humor and an easy smile- lead us to a different ski area each day. He would pick us up punctually at 9AM every morning, and not let us out of his sight until he delivered us back, safe and sound, at the Soldanella Hotel at 5PM. Our group of Virginians was joined at the slopes by a Canadian lady, three young Italians and Else, from the Netherlands, with her very tall and charming daughter Ester.

The first day of skiing we were asked to divide in basically three groups: the serious and otherwise expert skiers which apart from the non -Virginians, included our two "blade runners" (Jim Dow and Charlene Crumrine) and Ricky Berg; the so-so, OK skiers (the rest of us); and then, ... those who decided they would check out the handsome Italian instructors at the slopes and other local talent at the many cafes and bars of Moena, rather than showing their skiing talent at the slopes (names hereby withheld at the request of interested parties).

"This has been the best ski trip I've ever been to," said Dennis Chin after having received his diploma for completion of the Ski Safari, "if we consider the total experience." He was probably referring to the excellent meals that we had at the hotel after taking our sauna and steam baths every night. Scrumptious three course meals were served including local and international delicacies such as polenta, pasta with a wide variety of sauces, goulash and many innovative dishes such as veal with tuna sauce. In Italian this was referred to as Primo and Segundo Piato, followed by gorgeous deserts and in some cases ... lots of prunes...

When asked about the highlight of the trip, Bob Myse mentioned the cohesiveness and good spirits of the group that assembled at 3000 ft. above sea level. He was probably referring to the intense moments we experienced watching Heidi Hamrick and Catherine Moncure try more than 20 varieties of grappa at the tasting event Monday night after dinner. Happily they were able to pass the test and engage in expert conversation with the grappa promoter. Or maybe he was referring to the combination macarena, twist and polka dances featuring Maria Gomez and Martha Dow at the apres ski on carnival Tuesday. I have a sense that's what Jim Dow was thinking about when, early Tuesday morning he happily entered "la-la" land, and continued skiing down the wrong slope while all of us wondered where he had gone.

But the definite highlight of the trip was when Catherine ended out-dancing Juan Garrido, -an ex-Gypsy King who played at the local Disco. A group of mostly local young people attending "Betty Blue" that night, couldn't believe the energy displayed by the Fredericksburg gang.

Personally, I will never forget the beautiful sunny days, the scenery and the spectacular shapes and forms produced by the Dolomite mountains. Had it not been for that, the tour of the famous Sella Mountains, referred to locally as the "Sella Ronda," would have just been another day full of 43 miles of runs, vertical drop of 18,700 feet and yes, a day of chair lifts and lines galore.

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