The entire ski experience of Madonna Di Campiglio high up in the Dolomites is well known, and often preferred, by Italians. Just tell them you’re going there and the response seems automatic, they wave the hand slowly and say “Che bella.” Beautiful it is in every way. It’s one of our favorite destinations at Italian Life, so much we had to do a second episode to honor it properly!
But the good news is much of the rest of the world is still discovering this magical winter wonderland while its more famous neighbors like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Alta Badia draw more attention through the press. When it does earn attention, like this report from Snow Magazine, it’s typically glowing: “The towering red rock spires of the Dolomiti di Brenta are some of the most picturesque mountains you’ll see anywhere on the planet. This, combined with the plethora of brilliant slopeside restaurants, makes this one of the best ski resorts in Italy for family holidays.”
Madonna di Campiglio is both traditional and luxurious, quaint but vast, known but unknown, a mysterious gem that has so much to offer skiers and snowboarders, including more than 150 kilometers of pristine slopes, stunning mountain views, and a vibrant Italian culture both on and off the mountain.
The altitude is just high enough that the snow is always a bit better here than many of the other area resorts, but it’s still reasonably easy to drive there. The resort is under 4 hours from any of the Milano, Bologna, or Venice international airports.
What Makes Madonna di Campiglio So Special?
Madonna di Campiglio offers skiers and snowboarders plenty of terrain to explore, with over 90 runs ranging from easy to extremely challenging. One of the highlights of skiing at this resort is the vastness of the slopes, which means you can ski for an entire day without ever taking the same run twice. The resort is also part of the larger Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta, which includes 8 ski resorts and over 400 kilometers of interconnected runs.
The Scene
But beyond the obvious–great skiing and snowboarding—Madonna di Campiglio is a wonderfully complex italian village. It is not a resort built solely for skiing, but a vibrant winter town with any number of things going on at any given time in addition to the great skiing and snowboarding.
Case in point, on a recent Tuesday night after a fantastic dinner at the town’s most popular restaurant Antico Focolare, we wandered around the town and dropped in on not one, but four piano bars! If one is good in Campiglio then more is even better, from the slopes, to the modern gondolas to the aperitivo spots to yes, the piano bars.
The center of town has a large ice rink for skaters and small hills for children sledding. But the ice rink shares space with Audi, which basically sponsors the town including the ski stadium which hosts professional sporting events. Yes, you can test drive a sporty Audi on an ice track! Watch those cars navigate the twisty crack and you’re calling for bank financing (or maybe that was just me?).
The Lux
One of the things that makes skiing in Italy so unique is the emphasis on culture and cuisine. In Madonna di Campiglio, you can expect to find some of the best Italian food and wine around, with numerous slope-side restaurants and après-ski options to choose from. Among them is Nabucco, the first Ferrari Spazio Bollicine. You may know Ferrari for its cars, but its prosecco is something you should take for a test drive.
Yes, you can find your Gucci, Valentino and all the other high end winter fashions in Madonna di Campiglio (at the Lorenzetti luxury shop. There’s also a Lorenzetti souvenir shop, Lorenzetti rental shop, sports shop… you get the idea, you see the name almost as much as Audi). It’s not like you have to be part of the fashion elite. Most dress casually in ski attire and sit comfortably outside under heat lamps drinking and enjoying the conversation.
But you also won’t miss the fashion crowd up on the slopes. No, not skiing usually. They take the gondola up to one of the hottest spots, atop Monte Spinale, a lodge with breathtaking panoramic views, live music and as hot a social scene you’ll find anywhere outside of Milano.
The entire central district is basically ski-in/ski-out accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly options. Many offer elegant spa services including massages, mineral baths, hot tubs, saunas and steams.
The Magical Experience
If you’re looking for a ski destination that combines world-class skiing with Italian culture and charm, look no further than Madonna di Campiglio. Its vast slopes, breathtaking views, and warm hospitality make it a must-visit destination for skiers and non-skiers alike. So pack your bags, brush up on your Italian, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Make sure you tag us on IG when you post your pictures!