The joys of skiing in the Val di Sole, surrounded by the
snow-covered peaks of the Brenta Dolomites stretching high above
you into a bright blue sky, makes this one of the best winter
holiday locations anywhere.
Due to the local microclimate and, predominately, North and East
facing slopes, the snow is much better than most other resorts
at this height. Virtually all the pistes are tree lined and so are well
protected and are skiable throughout the season. However, just in case,
almost all (over 90%) of the pistes have snow-making facilities,
so skiing is guaranteed at all times.
Thanks to a multi million pound investment in new lifts, cable
cars and high speed chairs over the past few years, the pistes
link seamlessly. Those on their first ski holiday are well catered for as the
lift from the town is a modern gondola (with easy to get into
cabins), all
the way up to the mid-station, from where there is a (very slow)
double chair up to the nursery slopes area. For those into high mileage, it’s possible to ski all the
way from Orso Bruno back to Folgarida town (over 9km) without
taking a single lift.
Getting to the slopes is simple.
If you don’t fancy the few minutes walk (max 5 mins.) to
the cable car, most hotels run a minibus shuttle service to the
cable car in the morning and back again in the afternoon. The Hotel Renzi doesn’t run a shuttle service as it’s
only around 100m to the main square, nor does the Hotel
Caminetto as this is just across the square from the cable car.
When you arrive at the mid-station you’ll find many cafes,
restaurants, ski deposits and also the ski school. You can stop for a cappuccino here or take the 4 seat,
high speed chair up and into the main ski area. It is a good idea to take a piste map with you as there
are many runs heading off seemingly in all directions.
After a hard day’s skiing (?) you can decide to leave your skis
and boots at the mid-station (small charge) and take the gondola
back down to the town. Of course you may ski down one of the runs down – both end
right in the town centre. There are two main runs down to
the town – The adrenaline pumping black run known as Nera
Folgarida which will certainly
get you down quickly, or you can take the much easier and more
relaxing blue run known as Azzurra which winds it’s way gently
down through the forests.
Top Tip from the local ski instructors – if you leave plenty of
time for the run down you will have time to cut right half way
down Azzurra on to another blue run (Casina) to a
wonderful small wooden mountain “shack” near the end of Casina.
Here they will serve you a small hot mulled wine before you
continue back down Azzurra (it’s meant to be a holiday after
all).
Madonna di Campiglio.
If you would like to take a ski safari or just get some extra
mileage under your skis, you may buy an extension to your lift
pass and ski over to Madonna di Campiglio. The cost of the
extension is (prices may
increase slightly)
€20 per day or €50 per week. If you want to take the full week’s extension, you “must”
extend your pass on the day you arrive in resort; before you use
your pass for the first time. The one day extension can be purchased at any lift pass office
either in the town or on the slopes.
Learners.
For those new to skiing, our advice would be to head for the slopes
around Monte Spolverino. The wide gentle slopes around this area
which are fed by lots of
easy chairs, make this a favourite for people gaining their
ski-legs as well as for parents with young children.
Complete beginners are
normally able to move up to the top of the mountains by mid week,
here you'll find some very gentle green
runs leading all the way back to the ski school.
The picture to the left shows the nursery slope area which is fed by two,
easy to use, button lifts.
Recommended – (1st Week) Take the main 4 man chair up
from the mid station. From the top of the chair, follow Panoramica (Green).
Go down the run next to the café for 500m until you see
another café (on your right), then turn sharp left and follow
the snow covered road all the way back to the mid–station.
Intermediates.
You’ll be able to take full advantage of the large area covered by
your lift pass as virtually all routes offer a blue or red
option. There is a
wonderful selection of sheltered tree-lined runs, moderate
bumps, easy (just) off-piste and huge mileage.
Recommended – Orso Bruno (Red) then continue down onto Pancianina
(Red). This is a
long (4.5km) run from Orso Bruno Café all the way down to
Marilleva.
Advanced.
If you are an advanced skier the off-piste is virtually
limitless. High mileage and well linked pistes are
guaranteed.
Recommended – Nera Folgarida (Black) and Nera Marilleva (Black). Warning: both of these runs are almost 2km long
and are "very steep.
