This lesser-known region in Italy’s Dolomites is wonderful with a rural Italian charm. Easy to transfer from Verona and Venice airports, ski on the virtually uncrowded pistes and taste lovely Italian plates. Tuck into homemade polenta with mountain mushrooms and local cheeses at the family-run mountain huts looking for your attention. Don’t miss the apple strudel for dessert. For the best skiing in Trentino, choose between family friendly Paganella, classy Madonna di Campiglio or the lovely Canazei, three favourite Trentino ski resorts.
For families: Paganella
At the foot of the Brenta Dolomites, Paganella’s confidence boosting runs offer some of the best skiing in Trentino for learners, intermediates and families. The ski area is made up of five villages, the largest Andalo, where there is a kids club with three playgrounds. The baby parks have a pretend train and games, while the kids club hosts workshops in the igloo-shaped library. There are nursery slopes for children and there’s a choice of seven ski schools – some of which also have their own lifts.
The runs are mostly long, cruisy blue and red runs weaving through the treeline. While there are some steeper runs coming down from the 2125m high Paganella peak that have incredible views. In the evening, ride to a mountain hut for dinner by snowcat, make the most of skiing with the lit-up Cacciatori blue run on Tuesday’s and Fridays from 7.30pm-10.30pm. In addition, you could try yoga on skis, fat biking or go around town in a horse-drawn sleigh.
For glitz and glamour: Madonna di Campiglio
Madonna di Campiglio’s nickname is the Pearl of the Dolomites, and the resort is as classy on the slopes as it is in town. Set in a wooded valley between the Dolomites, wander the town’s traffic-free centre. Lined with designer shops, fantastic restaurants and bars, it’s no surprise Madonna attracts fashionable Italians. There is a reliable snow record with eight out of ten sunny days, so leisurely lunches are well-spent basking on the sun terrace.
Linked with Pinzolo, Folgarida and Marilleva, the ski area covers over 150km of great slopes. Madonna offers some of the best skiing in Trentino for intermediates; the majority of runs are blues and reds between the trees. Reaching a height of 2,500m, there are more advanced black runs and off-piste above the treeline. Those looking to cover more distance should buy the Superskirama pass that unlocks 380km of pistes across eight resorts.
You will find a variety of top-class restaurants both on and off the mountain. One of the best mountain huts in Italy, Chalet Fiat on Monte Spinale has delicious Italian plates. On Thursday and Saturday evenings the ski lift to the restaurant runs, therefore allowing you to have a magical mountain meal. In town, pop into Piano 54 by the Grostè gondola for a drink at après. Followed by a great meal at Il Gallo Cedrone at Hotel Bertelli, which has a Michelin star and a lovely wine list.
For Vast Terrain: Canazei
Part of the Dolomites ski area, Canazei has 220km with plenty of terrain for any ability of skier. As part of the Sella Ronda ski circuit, there are some excellent slopes to explore. The long slopes are lovely wide and well-groomed pistes surrounded by incredible views. You’ll feel like you’re skiing in an alpine paradise with the iconic Dolomite mountains around. A great ski resort if you want to clock up some ski miles.
Like any Italian ski resort, the food is brilliant in Canazei. Enjoy Italian menus and some South Tyrol dishes too. Stua di Ladins is the best spot in town, which serves the best Italian food and wine in the ski resort. If you’re looking for a place to drink head to The Rose Garden, Paradis and Osteria at the bottom of the slopes. It is one of the best ski resorts in Trentino.
For more information on where to find the best skiing in Trentino or to book a trip to one of the Trentino ski resorts, please speak to one of our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
