Our Italian Winter Escape

An Alpine Dream and City Delights

The snow-capped peaks of Courmayeur, the historic elegance of Turin, and the vibrant energy of Milan – our recent Italian adventure truly had it all. Going home always brings us unforgettable moments, shared with family and friends.

Courmayeur: A Snowy Sanctuary

Our journey began in the alpine village of Courmayeur, at the base of Mont Blanc, at the border with France, a true winter wonderland. Imagine waking up to views of the Mont Blanc massif, fresh powder gleaming, and the promise of a day on the slopes. That's exactly what we got! (Mmmmh... maybe I am forgetting to mention the stress of getting a 4yo ready for skiing and make her walk all the way to the slopes in her ski boots) but... the rest is true ahahahah.

Jace and I carved through the pristine snow, while our little Lea, fearlessly embraced her first ski lessons. It was heartwarming to watch her gain confidence, her tiny figure making determined turns down the gentle slopes.

There is nothing more rewarding after a ski day than the après-ski in the Alps, a cozy ritual. Nothing beats the warmth of a bombardino – that quintessential Italian ski drink – or cioccolata con panna in hand, surrounded by the charming, snowy Alps. The evenings were a culinary delight, with amazing dinners featuring hearty polenta and an incredible array of Valle d'Aosta cheeses, Raclette, Fondue Chinoise... Each meal felt like a celebration of regional flavors, perfectly paired with the warmth of family time with my parents.

It was also wonderful to reconnect with dear friends. We went to visit Cami and her family in La Thuille, and spent three days with Mirko and Maddie, our besties from Knoxville who moved to Switzerland, making our alpine escape even more special. The days in Courmayeur were a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cherished company.

Turin: An Underrated Gem

After the mountains, we headed to Turin with my family, and we had a special tour guide, my dad, who was born there. He showed us the house he grew up in and told us a lot of stories about the city and his childhood, it was sweet. I've always considered Turin one of Italy's most underrated cities, and this visit only solidified that feeling. Turin is a treasure trove of history and elegance, with its grand boulevards, stunning arcades, and the ever-present backdrop of the majestic Alps.

One of the greatest pleasures of Turin is its culinary heritage, especially its 100-year-old pasticcerie. Stepping into these historic pastry shops is like stepping back in time, the air thick with the scent of chocolate, coffee, and freshly baked delights. And the architecture! Every corner reveals another beautiful building, a testament to the city's rich past. We spent our days wandering, soaking in the atmosphere, and indulging in the city's incredible food scene.

Milan: Friends and Farewell

Our Italian escapade culminated in my city, Milan. We were so lucky to leave Lea with my parents and spent the week by their Airbnb by the Castello Sforzesco, such a treat. It's always a special feeling to see how close I still am with my friends, despite the 9 years in the US, a joyful reunion filled with shared memories and new laughter. Milan never gets old with its vibrant energy, and new places to discover every time we go back

Culinary Highlights

This trip was, as always, a feast for the senses. Two restaurant experiences particularly stood out:

• Casa Camperio: Walking distance from the Airbnb, it was a beautiful surprise. The atmosphere and service are the ones of a Michelin star restaurant. I surely want to go back for their tasting menu.

• Dexter Bar: The perfect spot for vibrant drinks and delicious bites, very cool listening bar with natural wines and cocktails.

As I look back on these incredible weeks, I'm filled with gratitude for the moments shared. It was a trip that truly captured the essence of a perfect winter escape, leaving us with memories to cherish until our next Italian adventure in May.

What are your favorite memories of winter in Italy? Let me know in the comments below!