THREE VILLAGES, ONE VOCATION

San Vito, Borca and Vodo di Cadore depend predominantly on tourism, but other important industries include local craftsmanship the manufacturing of glasses. Tourism has a century-old tradition (the two oldest hotels, Marcora and Grand Hotel des Dolomites, now Cts Dolomiti Pio X, were built at the start of the 20th century) but it was only at the start of the 1960's that tourism gained increasing importance, quickly overtaking other branches of the local economy.

Nowadays craftsmanship is secondary to tourism but the valley is famed for its articulate woodwork. Many professional carpenters work here and even today many choose to serve their apprenticeship in these villages. It is interesting to note that during the last century a large number of carpenters emigrated to the Americas or, somewhat closer to home, Hungary or Romania, to construct daring bridges across rivers throughout eastern Europe.

Today the carpenters from San Vito, Borca and Vodo not only construct furniture typical of the valley but are also in great demand throughout Italy and abroad, following in the footsteps of their forefathers who emigrated a century ago to construct houses and complex wooden structures afar.

There are numerous schools within these three villages: a classic high school, an accountant's institute, and a primary and secondary school. At Borca the new "La scola" building acts perfectly as a cultural meeting point, while the ecological centre at San Vito is linked directly to the University of Padua. 

San Vito, Borca and Vodo are well-known alpine resorts, situated at 800m - 1000m above sea level. Located in the Valle del Boite, deep in the heart of the Dolomites and just a few minutes drive away from Cortina, these three villages number slightly over 3000 inhabitants. These summer and winter holiday resorts have excellent tourist facilities, ranging from four-star hotels to meublés, apartments and B&B's.

In winter the ski and chairlifts lead up the sunny Antelao into a highly scenic natural environment. Kilometres of perfectly groomed pistes, artificial snow making facilities, 40 ski instructors for beginners to advanced, snowboarding, mountain huts, restaurants and a solarium await the visitors. A cross-country piste is located on the valley floor and ski instructors as well as state-of-the-art equipment can be hired.

San Vito and its skilifts, together with Cortina, form part of the Superskipass carousel, the largest skiing facility in the world. A stay here in summer proves to be an extremely pleasant experience.

The various types of accommodation range from luxurious hotels and B&B's to apartments and single rooms to rent for specific time periods. All hotels are state-of-the art and some have added facilities such as swimming pools, sauna and gyms. The area is renowned for its recreation and leisure activities set in beautiful natural surroundings.

Guests can choose from a vast number of walks deep down in the valley such as the splendid disused-railway track, recently resurfaced and now illuminated at night, to those up high that lead onto plateaus and mountain huts. The local Mountain Guides organise daily outings and are always pleased to offer their advice on the most suitable walks.

The local cuisine is prized for its natural, typical dishes, in particular the local game. Other noteworthy examples are the "casunziei" with "pavare", and the tasty and filling "canedi". Last but not least, polenta with deer, sausages and mushrooms. Simply delicious.