It’s not often you find an adrenaline-fuelled activity for free on holiday. Or if you do it’s usually something like a tokenistic zip line on a cruise ship.
But as I pull up at a remote mountain cabin high in the Italian Dolomites, it’s clear I’ve hit the freebie jackpot.
The setting’s wintry and white; my high-octane ride is parked up: it’s a snowmobile.
I’m in the ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo which, along with Milan, is hosting this year’s Winter Olympics which open on February 6.
The official ride-hailing sponsor of Cortina’s Games is Uber which, as well as upping its service in the region, is also offering visitors something for nothing – a limited edition one-hour guided ‘Uber Snowmobile’ experience.
It’s free, bookable via the app and each bike carries two passengers – bring ID if you want to drive.
Fancy a go? You bet!
I straddle the front seat (my pal rides pillion) and it’s on with a helmet, a squeeze on the accelerator and we’re off, a whooping, hollering, rip-roaring convoy of eight snowmobiles winding through snowy, forested mountains.
I’m not going to lie: steering a motorised ski bike through thick, fresh snow isn’t always easy. It can skid and slide a little and sharp bends force a disconcerting lean: cue occasional nervous squeals!
The ski resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo is hosting this year’s Winter Olympics
Jo Kessel visited the region ahead of the games, which begin this weekend
Jo enjoyed the one-hour guided ‘Uber Snowmobile’ experience
But there are grab bars for steadying yourself and it’s a heck of a lot of exhilarating fun climbing at speed between thick, white-coated fir trees at an altitude of 7,654 feet (2,333m).
Better still, the seats are heated, a bonus at -6 degrees!
Cortina’s centre is undeniably chichi. Streets are lined with designer stores (think Dior and Fendi) and slopes have Prada chairlifts. Yes, really.
The mountainous backdrop is epic too. The UNESCO-listed Dolomites pierce the sky – pointed and sheer, their jagged red-rock shelves peeking through the snow.
I’m staying at the boutique Eight Cortina hotel whose restaurant and terrace share that Dolomite view, as does my rustic chic room (all wooden floors and walls) and balcony.
That night there’s a local celebrity in the hotel restaurant, 11-times World Champion Italian skier, Giorgio Rocco. We clink a glass or two while tucking into grissini and slow-braised beef cheek with polenta.
He even lets me try on his official 2026 Armani Olympic Jacket. It’s gorgeous.
‘Can I keep it?’ I ask, unsure if the twinkle in his eye means yes or no!
The pre-Olympics buzz is palpable and the next day I locate the iconic five rings as well as the events Cortina’s hosting: Women’s Alpine Skiing, Bobsleigh, skeleton and luge and the Curling Stadium.
Jo with World Champion Italian skier Giorgio Rocco
Designer shops such as Dior are nearby, if you fancy a spot of luxury shopping
I set off on skis, criss-crossing the mountains on cruisy slopes to sample the linked domains. The Faloria side is overlooked by the famous ‘Cinque Torri’, a series of five dramatic rock towers.
As the Olympic flame winds its way to Cortina in time for D-day (Giorgo Rocco ran a leg of it from his hometown of Livigno), I enjoy one final treat – a night of gourmet food and drink at the exclusive Moritzino Club, high in the Dolomites.
How do we get there? By skidoo of course! It’s another memorable ride, but my favourite is the Uber Snowmobile safari, arguably the best mountain freebie ever.
If you’re there for the Olympics, don’t miss it.
