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How it all started
The Romans had already found their way through the Isarco
Valley by 15 B.C. In fact the former bishop's seat of Bressanone
lies at an ancient traffic crossing point and was the centre of
the region for a long time. In any case in the early 1900s peace
still reigned in the sunny town. That is up until the local Plose
mountain made its first impression on the skiing tourist scene.
Around 1900 skiing fever began to break out in a big way in the
Alps. On larch wood skis people ploughed through deep snow. The
skiing fun went on to reach a high point but comfort was not a priority
in thosen early days. However, the locals soon took some of the
strain out of a ski day by establishing the first cable car on the
Plose in 1910. The 'Plose history' skiing tour follows on the trail
of those pioneers, from Sant' Andrea up to 2,050 metres, towards
Valcroce. The first shelter welcomed winter sport enthusiasts here
in 1920, sending them on their way refreshed and strengthened as
they started their runs through the forests.
On towards the sun
Nowadays you may reach Monte Fana without much in the way of effort,
at 2,500 metres the highest point of the resort. The 360 degree
panoramic view from this summit is one not to miss. White landscapes
as far as the eye can see ! Formerly, the privilege of viewing these
surroundings was open to only the few, after an energy draining
ascent with snow shoes. In 1950 the first lift station was built
near to the skiing shelter. But your tour carries on past the CAI
shelter on the Plose summit, over to the mild Plancios basin, where
in 1913 a Health Institute had already opened its doors high up
at 1,760 metres. The crowning glory of the history tour is the Trametsch
run through the forest, being one of the longest in the Dolomites
at 6 kilometres. Skiing enthusiasts mingled here once upon a time
just as they do today, ending their festivities in the Isarco Valley.
By the way, the region is renowned for its culinary specialities
and excellent wine too.
Tip: Wine tasting in the Neustift Cloister
An Augustine monastery was established here as Neustift Cloister
in 1142 in the Bressanone neighbourhood and for hundreds of years
has remained a focal point for art and science. The historical institution
houses an excellent library and a very large number of remarkable
precious samples from an outstanding wine cellar. Don't forget that
the best in wines such as Sylvaner or Gewürztramer can be tasted
here along with a wholesome snack.
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