Issue link: https://www.balharbourdigital.com/i/1541556
C O U R T E S Y O F C A S A C I P R I A N M I L A N O ; A R M A N I H OT E L S ; M A N DA R I N O R I E N TA L MIL AN Compared to the rural Dolomites, Milan is much more straightforward for visitors in many respects, especially getting there, as it is a major international airport. The city is full of great hotels and dining venues, from the highest-end to street food. But the skiing proposition is a little more challenging, though less crowded during the games than around bustling Cortina. The Aosta Valley is the place the Milanese head for skiing on weekends, with numerous resorts and stunning views of the iconic Alpine peaks, Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. Pila is a hidden gem mountain just 90 minutes outside downtown, with over 40 miles of trails and famously short lift lines. The best known choice is Cervinia, which as one of the highest resorts in the Alps has moved into the climate-conscious spotlight for its more reliable snow conditions. The base area is above 6,000-feet and slopes stretch to over 11,400 feet, higher than almost every US resort. It also is connected by lifts to Switzerland's Zermatt across the border. However, as it is a two-plus-hour drive, most visitors opt to stay overnight. The top choice is the award-winning Hotel Hermitage. Back in Milan, there is no shortage of luxury lodging: the Four Seasons Hotel Milano, in the heart of the "Golden Quadrangle" designer fashion district; the Mandarin Oriental; Casa Baglioni; Park Hyatt Milano; Casa Cipriani Milano; and the Dorchester Collection's Hotel Principe di Savoia. The city is also home to a trio of top-tier fashion-forward options: the Armani Hotel, Bulgari Hotel, and Portrait Milano, part of the Ferragamo family's Lungarno Collection. When it comes to fine dining, Milan offers 16 Michelin-starred eateries: The Mandarin, Armani, and Casa Baglioni all have starred restaurants, with Seta at the Mandarin earning two, and one three-star venue, Enrico Bartolini al Mudec. But the big news lately has been Horto, helmed by three-star Dolomites chef Norbert Niederkofler, with a hyperlocal sourcing ethos, using ingredients from within an hour of Milan. Other recently opened hot spots include Cucina Franca, which has quickly become locally beloved for its very reasonable seven-course tasting menus of contemporary takes on Italian classics, and laid-back Creda, at the forefront of a home-cooking revival, with grandma-style dishes using elevated ingredients in a neighborhood trattoria vibe. The Mandarin Oriental's Mandarin Garden is the ultimate gathering place for cocktails. The handsome Executive Suite at Casa Cipriani Milano; below, the Bamboo Bar at the Armani Hotel BALHAR B O U RSH O P S .CO M insider's guide