2027 Austria and Italy

In the Stubai Valley and Tyrolean region of Italy we see the simultaneous presence of lovingly-preserved ancient agrarian and social practices, and a modern hi-tech society focused on environmental sustainability and ethical tourism. Winter sports play a leading cultural and economic role in Tyrol and provide a lens through which we will experience tensions between past and present in days on the slopes, and in touring venues from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

We’ll spend about half our time in Innsbruck and the nearby Stubai Valley in Austria, and half our time in Cortina in northern Italy just south of the Austria-Italy border. Our starting point will be Innsbruck for three nights, where we’ll get to know a bit of local culture. Then, we’ll head south to Neustift im Stubaital and a spa hotel that will serve as our base for excursions to the Stubai Glacier area for some skiing – or alternative activities such as curling, tobogganing, or a husky workshop, if skiing isn’t your thing – and some culinary-related activities.

Next we head even farther south through the heart of the alps to Corina d’Ampezzo, about a 2.5 hour ride and one of the most breathtaking – on a clear day– scenic routes in the world. In Cortina, we will stay in another spa hotel that will again serve as a base of operations for snowshoeing and skiing. We plan to partake in a cooking class or perhaps a wine tour and tasting.

We have crafted the itinerary to spread out the ski days, given the rigors of this high-alpine exercise. You can bring your own equipment, or just your boots, or rent locally. Both areas have a large selection of well-equipped rental facilities that feature new equipment from all of the top manufacturers (which, not surprisingly, are located in Austria and Italy). We will facilitate equipment rental and get that information to participants well in advance of departure.

You do not need to be an experienced skier to enjoy this tour, though! Participants of all levels are welcome, and alternatives to skiing are readily available if you prefer. Perhaps a relaxing spa day and lunch at the hotel?

Come along for a taste of alpine culture in the heart of the alps.

We’re almost ready to open registration … please check back!

This tour starts in Innsbruck, Austria and ends in Cortina, Italy. We have included several days of winter activities offset with activities to help you get to know the local culture. You can view – and print or download if you wish – the most up-to-date itinerary here.

Our intention with each tour is to provide an itinerary that introduces you to key elements related to your destination or the educational theme, while also providing some free time for you to pursue your own interests or have some down time. The balance can vary from day to day, and from tour to tour.

You’ll get the most out of study travel if you research what to do during your free time. This allows you to reap the benefits of group travel, while also customizing the tour to your interests and activity level. Read more about How to Be an Independent Group Traveler.

Bill and Michelle Sonnega are delighted to lead a learning- and activity-rich St. Olaf Alumni & Parent Travel program. They are veteran group travel leaders with a wide range of international experiences. With students, they have twice led St. Olaf’s flagship semester abroad program, the Global Semester (2011 and 2021), and the Theater in London during interim (2019 and 2025). For Northfield Schools, Michelle has led annual group travel programs in England and France ten times.

Bill is Professor Emeritus of Theater at St. Olaf, where he retired in 2025 after a 32-year career in teaching, directing and service. Born and raised in Michigan, he holds a B.A. from Colorado College, M.F.A. from New York University, and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Through his research on 20th-century German theater, Bill has a longstanding connection to the alpine nations of Europe, studied and traveled extensively in them, and lived and worked in Basel, Switzerland for a year. Outside of his artistic pursuits, Bill is an accomplished alpine ski racing coach who works with both first-time skiers and nationally-ranked college athletes.

Michelle has taught English and American Literature at Northfield High School since 1996, where she also coaches the (state champion) Knowledge Bowl team. Michelle was born and raised in Minnesota, holds a B.A. from University of Minnesota, and Master’s Degree from St. Mary’s University.  Like Bill, Michelle shares a love for experiential learning and the study of other cultures through direct connections with people and shared activities. Bill and Michelle live outside of Northfield and are proud parents of an Ole alumna.

Expect to be active on the slopes (if you choose to partake in alpine skiing) and to get to know the history and cultures of this region.

Movement between cities will be by private motor coach. Movement within each city and at cultural/historic sites will be on foot, requiring a lot of walking and standing, often over uneven ground. 

To partake in this tour — even if you opt out of skiing and snowshoeing — you should have good balance, and be capable of walking several miles a day, climbing stairs that may not have handrails, keeping pace with an active group of travelers on long days of traveling, dealing with the emotional highs and lows that can occur when experiencing a different culture, and being a considerate member of the group (prompt, courteous and flexible). You always have the option of skipping a group activity you think will be too strenuous and remaining back at the hotel or on our private bus. 

Any participant who has demonstrated an inability, in the opinion of the tour leader, of keeping up with the group or of safely participating in program activities may be prohibited from participating in certain activities.

You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage throughout the tour. Traveling lightly is highly recommended.

Hotels will be tourist class (four-star or superior rating) with private bathrooms and English-speaking staff.

You should plan on seeing your family physician or a travel doctor at least four to six weeks prior to departure, preferably earlier, to talk about routine vaccinations. For more information on travel health, visit cdc.gov or who.int. 

Inclusions and exclusions vary by tour, so please read the following information carefully. We try to strike a balance between nickel-and-diming you once on the tour and allowing you some freedom in your price point (for meals, for example). A variety of modes of transportation tends to be pricier than a single bus throughout the tour. Highly rated guides are essential and should command higher wages. 

The tour price is $7,980 per person, based on double occupancy. A supplement of $1,520 applies for single occupancy. 

Inclusions: discussions led by Bill and Michelle Sonnega, assistance by a dedicated tour manager, accommodations, breakfast daily and group meals as listed on the itinerary, admissions for group activities including two full-day ski passes, ground transportation during the tour (except arrival and departure airport transfers), gratuities to group guides, drivers, and meal servers, and some limited travel insurance.

Exclusions: Airfare to and from Europe is not included. Rental of ski equipment is not included. Participants are solely responsible for all expenses not specifically included in the tour fee. Examples of excluded expenses are: airfare between your hometown and Europe, ski equipment, airport transfers, any passport fees, any recommended immunizations or vaccinations, baggage insurance, trip cancellation insurance above $2,000 lifetime coverage, beverages at group meals, laundry, dry cleaning, phone charges, room service or other items of a personal nature, expenses incurred during free time or non-group activities, lunch and dinner, unless specifically included on the itinerary.

This schedule is based on payments St. Olaf College must make to tour vendors to guarantee group rates. We highly recommend that you purchase additional trip cancellation insurance at the time of registration to recover your payments should you need to withdraw from the tour.

Deposit due:                   $500 upon registration
Refund if you cancel:   $475 if you cancel on or before March 31, 2026. If the deposit is made after March 31, 2026 there is no refund.

Interim payment due:  $3,000 by April 1, 2026
Refund if you cancel:   $1,500 if you cancel on or before November 14, 2026

Final payment due:       November 15, 2026
Refund if you cancel:   None, unless the tour is full and your place can be resold

Cancellations must be in writing.

Read the Terms & Conditions and Release & Waiver.

Review the latest information on recommended immunizations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Check your passport: ensure that it has at least 6 months’ validity past the tour end date (or your return date, if you decide to extend your stay overseas) and at least one blank page.

Look at the International Travel section of the U.S. State Department, including Before You Go, Country Information, While Abroad, and Emergencies.

Take time to Prepare for your adventure by checking out a variety of resources, including frequently asked questions, general health information, included travel insurance, a safety overview, and more.

Hold the dates of March 1–12, 2027, but do not book non-refundable air until we can confirm the tour is a go. Meanwhile see our tips on Booking Your Flights.