Winterland Locarno 2024

The Biggest Skiing Showdown of 2024 is here! Whether you're following the sport or the spectacle, this guide covers everything you need to know about this season’s alpine ski world cup.What is the Alpine Ski World Cup? The Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025 is one of the most prestigious annual series in the sport since 1967 with athletes from across the globe pushing their limits on the world’s most challenging slopes.  What happens in the Alpine Ski World Cup?  Organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS), this World Cup is a season-long competition showcasing the world's elite skiers across various global venues. From October to March, it features thrilling races in five major disciplines: Slalom: Known for its tight, rapid turns, and closely spaced gates, demanding agility and precision. Giant Slalom (GS): Similar to slalom but with gates spaced farther apart, allowing skiers to reach higher speeds and control. Super-G: A hybrid of giant slalom and downhill, this discipline features longer turns with fewer gates. Downhill: The fastest and most daring event, downhill is all about long, sweeping turns on steep slopes with top speeds. Alpine Combined: A true test of versatility, combining one downhill or super-G run with one slalom run, challenging skiers to excel in both speed and technical mastery. Over the season, skiers vie for two types of trophies:  Overall, Crystal Globe: Awarded to the skier with the most cumulative points across all disciplines. Discipline Crystal Globes: Given to the athletes with the highest points in individual events, such as Slalom, Downhill, or Super-G. This thrilling circuit brings together the best in the sport, where every race brings skiers closer to the coveted crystal globes and a place in skiing history. The impressive history and athletes of the Alpine Ski World Cup The Alpine Ski World Cup has a rich history, dating back to its inception in 1967 when French journalist Serge Lang initiated the first season.  Among the legends is Ingemar Stenmark of Sweden, who holds an impressive record of 86 World Cup race victories and Lindsey Vonn from the USA has left an indelible mark, with 82 victories, cementing her status as one of the greatest female skiers in history. More recently, the World Cup has been dominated by stars like Mikaela Shiffrin (USA), renowned for her ability to excel across multiple disciplines, and Marcel Hirscher (Austria), a dominant force in the men's circuit and a multiple-time overall World Cup champion. Check out the Calendar for the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025 to find out the key destinations and dates for races! You can see here some of the dates:Bormio (ITA) December 28th Downhill / Men December 29th Super-G / Men Kranjska Gora (SLO) January 4th Giant Slalom / Women January 5th Slalom / Women  Sestriere (ITA) February 22nd Giant Slalom / Women February 23rd Slalom / Women Kranjska Gora (SLO) March 1st Giant Slalom / Men March 2nd Slalom / Men La Thuile (ITA)  March 15th Downhill / Women March 16th Super-G / Women Experience the ultimate thrill at Alpine Ski World Cup  About the areaThe World Cup races take place at some of the most prestigious ski resorts worldwide, spanning Europe, North America, and occasionally Asia. Iconic venues include: Sestrière (Italy): Nestled within the expansive Milky Way (Via Lattea) ski area, Sestrière is famed for hosting thrilling giant slalom and slalom events, attracting top athletes to its demanding slopes. Kranjska Gora (Slovenia): A fan-favourite destination, this picturesque resort is a key stop for slalom and giant slalom races, beloved for its scenic backdrop and passionate local supporters. Bormio (Italy): Set in the stunning Italian Alps of Lombardy, Bormio is a standout venue in the World Cup circuit, known for its formidable downhill and super-G courses that test even the most skilled skiers. Event Details Name of the event: Alpine Ski World Cup Location: Various renowned ski resorts around the world. Date: From October 26, 2024, to March 27, 2025.  Official Event Website: Alpine Ski World Cup Ready to experience the excitement of the Alpine Ski World Cup 2024-2025? Book your stay in the heart of the action and enjoy the thrill like never before!

Looking for the best Christmas Markets around Lake Garda?The Mercatino di Natale di Trento, or Trento Christmas Market, is a cherished holiday tradition in the city of Trento. This enchanting market typically runs from late November through early January and fills the heart of Trento, Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti, in the old town centre, with festive spirit.The market is a visual spectacle, adorned with twinkling lights, seasonal ornaments, and holiday decorations, offering visitors a delightful shopping experience with a wide array of vendors selling traditional Christmas goods, handcrafted items, local products, and gifts. A standout feature of the Trento Christmas Market is its culinary offerings. Visitors can indulge in local and traditional Italian and South Tyrolean holiday fare, including mulled wine (vin brulé or glühwein), regional cheeses, sausages, pastries, and other seasonal delicacies. Absolutely not to be missed: Tortel de patate or Cevap della Valle dei Mocheni.Entertainment is a key, with live performances by choirs, musicians, and other entertainers adding to the festive atmosphere. Nativity scenes, reflecting the region's rich cultural and religious traditions, are often on display. Some years may feature an ice-skating rink for outdoor winter fun. Indeed, the Mercatino di Natale di Trento is a magical destination and the perfect place to experience the warmth and charm of a European Christmas market.The Christmas magic descends on Trento with Mercantile di NataleAbout the area:  Trento is a historic city in northern Italy, known for its cultural blend of Italian and Austrian influences. It's set against the stunning backdrop of the Italian Alps and the Dolomites, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities. The city has a diverse economy and is home to the University of Trento. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, savor a unique cuisine, and enjoy local festivals, including the Trento Christmas Market.Event Details Name of the event: Mercatino di Natale di Trento 2024-2025  Location: Piazza Fiera and Piazza Cesare Battisti, Trento Date: 22/11/2024-6/01/2025 Official Event Website:  Mercatino di Natale di Trento Spend your Christmas vacations in the tranquil embrace of Lake Garda!

Soak up the vibrant art scene and the holiday season festivities in the amazing Dubrovnik Winter Festival!Typically taking place from early December through early January, the annual Dubrovnik Winter Festival offers a variety of activities and attractions for both locals and tourists.During the festival, unravel a different side of Dubrovnik adorned with holiday lights that create a magical atmosphere, especially in the evenings. Visitors can explore traditional Christmas markets, enjoy live music performances, cultural events such as art exhibitions, theatre performances and participate in workshops, along with an ice-skating rink for winter sports enthusiasts.New Year's Eve marks the culmination of the festival, featuring fireworks, live music, and festivities in the historic Old Town. The city is beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, creating a charming atmosphere. Meanwhile, Dubrovnik's historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a breathtaking backdrop for the festival, with its ancient walls, centuries-old buildings, and narrow streets providing a unique setting.The festival is family-friendly and offers activities for children, including appearances by Santa Claus and storytelling sessions. Visitors can savour traditional Croatian and regional cuisine at food stalls and restaurants, as well as festive holiday treats.Transportation and accommodations should be planned in advance, as some services may have adjusted schedules during the winter season. The cooler Mediterranean climate during this time means dressing warmly is advisable for outdoor activities. Since the festival occurs during the off-peak tourist season, visitors may find more affordable accommodation options in Dubrovnik. It's recommended to check the latest event information and schedules for the most up-to-date festival experience.The festive vibrance adorning the atmospheric streets of DubrovnikAbout the area:  Dubrovnik is a historic coastal city in southern Croatia known for its well-preserved Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a rich history dating back to the 7th century when it was a major maritime and trade hub known as the Republic of Ragusa.The Old Town is enclosed by 16th-century city walls and features narrow streets, historic buildings, churches, and squares. Visitors can walk along the walls for panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea. Dubrovnik is renowned for its Baroque and Renaissance architecture and has been a popular filming location, notably for "Game of Thrones." The city is celebrated for its cuisine, with a focus on seafood dishes.Dubrovnik hosts cultural events and festivals, including the Dubrovnik Summer Festival. Tourism is a major industry, with cruise ships visiting the port and numerous cultural attractions to explore. The region around Dubrovnik also boasts picturesque islands like Lokrum and the Elaphiti Islands. The city is well-connected by air, road, and sea, making it a convenient gateway for exploring the Dalmatian Coast and nearby destinations.Event DetailsName of the event: Dubrovnik Winter FestivalLocation: Several venues around DubrovnikDate: 29 November 2024 - 5 January 2025Official Event Website: Dubrovnik Winter Festival   Extend your trip and visit other stunning areas near Dubrovnik!

Step into the enchantment of Advent in Zagreb with mulled wine , live concerts , ice-skating rink, handicraft stalls, traditional cuisine and more !As the holiday season approaches, the cosmopolitan city of Zagreb, Croatia, transforms into a winter wonderland to celebrate Advent in Zagreb, a captivating Christmas market and winter festival that has captured hearts across Europe. With its festive charm and delightful offerings, this annual event has earned its place among the continent's finest Christmas markets, inviting visitors to experience the magic firsthand.The festival takes place throughout the city from early December to January, with the main hub being Ban Jelačić Square and Zrinjevac Parkin the city center. The city is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, ornaments, and artistic installations, meanwhile the festive spirit is enhanced by live music, street performances, art exhibitions and cultural events. Visitors can explore numerous market stalls selling a wide range of goods, including handcrafted gifts, souvenirs, Christmas decorations, and traditional Croatian holiday treats. It's a great place to shop for unique and locally made gifts.One of the highlights of Advent Zagreb is the culinary offerings. You can sample various traditional Croatian dishes, winter specialties, and mulled wine (known as "kuvano vino" in Croatian). But the notable attraction of all is the ice-skating rink located on King Tomislav Square, which provides a picturesque setting for winter sports and fun for families and visitors of all ages. Advent Zagreb caters to families with children by offering various activities such as carousel rides, storytelling sessions, and visits from Santa Claus. The festival often includes cultural events, such as exhibitions, theater performances, and open-air movie screenings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Croatian culture, making it a wonderful place to celebrate the spirit of the season while exploring the vibrant culture of Croatia's capital city.Festive decorations colouring the mood in Christmassy hues in the charming Ban Jelačić Square in city centreAbout the area: Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia, located in the northwestern part of the country along the Sava River. It's one of the oldest cities in Central Europe, with a history dating back to Roman times. Zagreb is known for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse architectural styles, and an abundance of parks and green spaces. The city has a well-connected transportation system, and it's increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination, especially during its renowned Advent festival in December. Croatian cuisine, featuring dishes like čevapi and sarma, is a local specialty. Event DetailsName of the event: Advent Zagreb 2024    Location: Several venues in Zagreb, especially Ban Jelačić Square and Zrinjevac ParkDate: 30 November 2024 – 7 January 2025 Official Event Website: Advent Zagreb  Experience the joy and spirit of the holiday season in Zagreb!

Feel the spirit of Christmas and the joy of the holiday season at the fabulous Naples Christmas Market!The Mercatini di Natale e Presepi di Napoli, also known as the Naples Christmas market and Nativity Scenes, is a cherished holiday tradition in Naples, Italy, where you’ll encounter elaborately crafted Nativity Scenes renowned for the artistry of its figurines and miniature landscapes.The market itself is a bustling affair that typically runs from December to Epiphany (January 6). It's spread across various locations in Naples, including Piazza degli Artisti, via Enrico Alvino, via Kauffmann, Piazza San Gaetano and Via San Gregorio Armeno, the latter being famous as "Christmas Alley." In fact, the Nativity Scenes Markets in Via San Gregorio Armeno are open all year long.Visitors can explore stalls filled with Christmas decorations, ornaments, lights, regional food products, and local crafts, making it an ideal place to shop for unique holiday gifts. The market's festive atmosphere is further enhanced by colourful decorations, music, and live performances, including street musicians and carollers. Naples' culinary delights also play a significant role in this holiday celebration, with opportunities to savor local specialties like pizza, zeppole (a type of fried pastry), and other Christmas-themed treats.Little figurines hanging outside the Christmas Market Stall in NaplesAbout the area:  Naples, known as Napoli in Italian, is a historic and culturally rich city in southern Italy. It has a fascinating history dating back to ancient times when it was founded as a Greek colony, and now offers tourists a taste of its stunning coastal location, UNESCO-listed historic center, and renowned landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Naples National Archaeological Museum.The city is celebrated for its contributions to opera and is home to the famous Teatro di San Carlo. Naples is also the birthplace of pizza, with Neapolitan pizza being a must-try culinary delight. The area surrounding Naples features the majestic Mount Vesuvius and the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum.Naples offers a beautiful coastline, including the Amalfi Coast and the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Its streets are bustling with life, with vibrant markets, piazzas, and narrow lanes filled with cafes and shops.The city has a strong religious tradition, with the Naples Cathedral housing the relics of Saint Januarius, the patron saint. Naples is an intriguing and captivating destination for travellers seeking a taste of southern Italy's diverse heritage and beauty.Event DetailsName of the event: Mercatini di Natale e Presepi di NapoliLocation: Several venues around NaplesChristmas Markets: 6 December 2024 - 6 January 2025Nativity Scenes: All year longMore info: Naples Christmas Markets Booked already to indulge in the amazing Christmas Market in Naples? If not, then now is the time!