Chalet Alpina

A clean place in a good spot for a summer holiday.

The views from the terraces and windows are the standout, especially in the evening when they feel really romantic. The chalet is in good shape, well kept, clean, and has the essentials. With six apartments on a hillside, it’s about a five-minute drive from central Ortisei. The garages are handy too, keeping cars protected and warm. There are quite a few compromises for this price, though. The shower pressure is terrible, which makes washing off after skiing no fun, and I don’t think the single-ply toilet paper supplied in a tray is acceptable at this rate. The sauna is also a letdown for anyone who cares about sauna time. You have to switch it on manually, so you can’t use it right after skiing, and it sometimes turns off for no clear reason. It only gets to about 70°C, which is too low for me, and there’s no light or temperature display. It’s outside with no relaxation room, so between sessions you’re either out in -10°C weather or back inside the chalet. Getting there can be nerve-racking. The access road is very narrow, manageable in good weather, but if a car comes the other way someone has to reverse. After fresh snow or hard frost, I doubt every car could make it up, since the road gets extremely slippery. The number of security cameras also feels a bit alarming. You feel watched across the grounds and in most shared areas. It may not be a major issue, but it doesn’t make for a relaxing holiday. And this place really doesn’t work for electric cars. There’s a wallbox in one of the two garages, but charging is strictly prohibited, so you have to spend a lot of time finding somewhere in town to charge. In 2024, that feels outdated to me. There’s too much to compromise on at this price, so I don’t think we’ll return. Such a shame, because the chalet has a lot of potential.

There’s plenty of green space here, and it’s a great spot for a furry friend. The property has several apartments laid out reasonably well for privacy, though the shared terrace could use a higher divider. Covered parking is spacious, and the kitchen equipment is top-notch. There’s a sauna too. The property is a few kilometers from Ortisei and the main routes to the Sella and Val Gardena passes, especially Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest plateau. As far as I’m concerned, it’s an excellent place.

The outdoor space is lovely, with a well-kept lawn and a wooden bench and table that made breakfast with a view especially nice. Garden2 was tidy, though the living-room sofa was really uncomfortable. The location is lovely and very quiet. We weren’t told the washing machine cost €5 per load, which adds to an already very high price.