The Val di Sole valley is located in the Dolomites region, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, on the slopes of the Dolomites di Brenta mountain range in northern Italy. Several well-known ski resorts with a large number of all kinds of tracks of varying degrees of difficulty are concentrated here. The district is divided into three skiing areas: Folgarida, Marilleva and Peyo . The first two areas are in the immediate vicinity of the fashionable Madonna di Campillo and are connected to it by a cable car. They are recommended for intermediate skiers and professionals. Peyo is ideal for family vacations, as gentle educational slopes prevail there. In addition, those who wish can visit the excellent thermal center here and have a number of restorative procedures.
The Val di Sole valley is spread over the territory of two national reserves, Adamello-Brenta and Stelvio. Wildlife lovers are usually delighted with these places and are happy to travel along the hiking trails specially laid for this purpose. In addition to excellent opportunities for comfortable skiing, the ski complex offers vacationers excellent conditions for practicing other sports. Numerous hotels are distinguished by a wide variety of price categories and have a good location in relation to the lifts. The entertainment infrastructure is also developed at the highest level, so it is quite easy for tourists to decide on the choice of activities in the evening.
Weather in Val di Sole
The climate in Sunny Valley is moderately continental. In winter, the air temperature fluctuates within 1 degree of heat, at night it can drop to 8 degrees of frost. The ski season here starts in December and ends in April. The snow cover usually lies throughout this period. In summer, the average temperature is 19 degrees Celsius. You can go to the resort not only in winter, but all year round – to improve your health.
Tracks, slopes, lifts
In the center of the Val di Sole valley, the resort villages Marilleva 900 and Marilleva 1400 spread out, connected by a lift. This is a very large resort area with many hotels, bars and restaurants, up to 10,000 tourists can rest here at the same time. The length of slopes is more than 140 km, most of which are red and black. Professionals love one of the most difficult local tracks with steep bends – Nera-Marilleva, about 2 km long. For fans of cross-country skiing, there is an illuminated Biancavene cross-country ski track, and for snowboarders, there is a modern snow park with a half pipe.
Folgarida is the oldest ski resort in the Val di Sole region in Italy, a calm and quiet place surrounded by a picturesque pine forest. It is connected by a network of lifts to Marilleva, and they are considered the only skiing area that stretches to another famous resort of Madonna Di Campillo. In Folgarida, there is a difficult “black” track with a height difference of 600 m, on which various competitions are often held, in particular, in 1999, the World Snowboard Championship was held here.
Passo Tonale is at an altitude of 1,900 m, so snow lies here all year round. The ski area unites seven mountain peaks of Val di Sole, each of which has a lift. The tracks of the resort are quite complex and interesting, for fans of off-piste skiing there is an opportunity to practice freeriding. It is here that the Prezen glacier is located at an altitude of 3000 m, where you can ski all year round.
For beginner skiers and family vacations, the Peyo resort is best suited. All 11 tracks with a length of 16 km are quite easy and run along wide, spacious slopes surrounded by the picturesque forests of the Stelvio Reserve. In addition, Peyo is also a thermal resort thanks to the mineral springs that have been used here for medical purposes since the 16th century.
Terme di Peio is a well-known spa resort in Italy. Diseases of the kidneys, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, rheumatic and dermatological diseases are treated here. In addition to treatment, the center offers a wide selection of cosmetic procedures, massage and hydrotherapy. The thermal complex is open until late in the evening so that guests tired after skiing or mountain walks can rest and relax.
All Val di Sole resorts in Italy are connected by a common ski pass Skirama Dolomiti with a large skiing region, which also includes the fashionable Madonna di Campillo, Pinzolo and Andallo . Vacationers here will have an unforgettable pleasure from mountain skiing and will be charged with positive emotions for the whole year.
Off skis
For those tourists who are not indifferent to other winter disciplines, the resorts of the valley have outdoor rinks, rent snowmobiles, sledges, and snowshoes. The thermal center in Peyo, located next to the national park, is very popular. It is easy to get here from any point of the ski region and there are always a lot of people here in the high season. Fitness centers, horse riding clubs, tennis courts and playgrounds are also popular with holidaymakers. Those who appreciate classic Italian cuisine can once again enjoy it in one of the local restaurants. Night clubs are open for lovers to spend the dark hours of the day in a fun and rich way. Fans of shopping have the opportunity to visit local shops and souvenir shops and make interesting purchases. Most hotels have entertainment programs,
What can be seen in the surroundings?
In addition to excellent opportunities for winter sports, there are also attractions that you can visit with pleasure. Medieval castles and other buildings are well preserved on the territory of the resort.
In the small village of Ossana, which is a tourist center of the highest class, on a hill rises the castle of San Michele, a 12th century building, two rows of walls and a bastion preserved thanks to the care of the authorities well. Also here you can see the Romanesque bell tower that remained from the 15th century church, and there is also an ancient house in the village, where frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries were recently discovered and restored. The town of Caldes with its ancient churches, bell tower and pretty houses and cobbled sidewalks will also not leave anyone indifferent. In it, too, you can see an ancient castle, which includes a tower of as many as 5 floors. For a while, the building was dilapidated, but the regional government is engaged in its restoration, and now the castle even hosts exhibitions and events. Be sure to visit the town of Pelliziano, which is a summer resort, but also beautiful here in winter. you can just walk along the narrow streets, sit in a local coffee shop with a cup of excellent Italian coffee. The main attraction is the Gothic-Renaissance Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.
If you want to learn more about the life of the population of the Val di Sole valley , go to the town of Malé. The Ethnographic Museum is located there, where you can learn about the past and present of the region.
What to do in Val di Sole?
If you come on vacation outside of the ski season, you can have a great time and get better at a hotel in one of these cute resort towns. By the way, what to do at another time of the year? As already mentioned, Val di Sole is visited not only for downhill skiing. At other times of the year, such activities as rafting, trekking, paragliding, cycling and horseback riding, and dog sledding are available here.
As mentioned at the very beginning, Val di Sole is located near two national parks: Stelvio and Adamello Brenta. The first of them was founded about 100 years ago. Coniferous and deciduous forests, elegant roe deer and roe deer, nimble ermines and alpine hares, as well as many other flora and fauna await everyone in the park. The second park is famous for its lakes, there are more than fifty of them. Both parks have hiking trails of varying difficulty, you can hire a guide for a walk through the massifs. Nature is beautiful at any time of the year, every season will delight you with its colors.
It is especially worth paying attention to the local cuisine. First, of course, the resort has many establishments with traditional all-Italian food. But the cuisine of the Trentino-Alto-Adige region itself is very remarkable. Even dishes that are atypical for Italy in general are loved here, such as potatoes, sauerkraut soup, dumplings, gingerbread, and polenta porridge. In addition, Val di Sole is a large resort, where tourists from different countries come with different taste preferences, so there are vegetarian food, and dishes for fans of healthy food, and seafood.
Here are some resort facilities that are highly praised by tourists who have visited Val di Sole:
- Pasticceria della Nonna . Confectionery with a large number of all kinds of desserts and a cozy “home” interior.
- bar cantuccio . An inexpensive option for those who want to have a snack in between skiing … and skiing again, since it is located very close to the slopes.
- Ristorante & Pizza San Rocco . A good pizzeria “with a family atmosphere”, where the whole family will have a hearty lunch.
In the evening, regardless of the season, tourists will be able to spend time in numerous bars and discos, in cinemas. Institutions in Marilev are especially popular with young people. They even come here specifically for entertainment. Mistesco is interesting because it is divided into two parts by a river, its districts are connected by a cable car – another way to explore the surroundings. From the sunny resort, you will definitely bring local souvenirs, carnival dolls, wonderful cheese, wine, lots of photos and a great mood.
Val di Sole is a good option for those who want to go to the Alps, but cannot afford the Swiss resorts. The skiing areas in the valley will satisfy everyone: from beginners to professionals, those who go not only for sports, will be surprised by the variety of entertainment for every taste, and of course, everyone will enjoy the stunning alpine nature and climate. A vacation in Val di Sole is what every fan of mountain skiing needs – and not only!
Residence
The hotel complex in the Val di Sole valley offers tourists a wide selection of hotels for every taste and in accordance with their financial capabilities. There are both luxurious apartments and economical accommodation options. When booking a hotel in advance, guests of the resort can order transportation directly from the hotel to the airport. Most of the hotel buildings are located near the slopes, so their guests do not have to spend time on the way to the lifts.
Hotel Niagara 3-star hotel
The Niagara family hotel is located in the town of Ossana, in the highest part of the Val di Sole resort. It offers a free shuttle to the ski slopes in winter, discounts on various sports events in the surrounding area and a restaurant serving specialties of the Trentino region.
Hotel Niagara is located between the Stelvio National Park and the Adamello Brenta Nature Reserve. Guests can enjoy discounts on skiing and snowboarding, as well as canoeing, cycling and archery at the sports centre.
The rooms are decorated in a strict style and are equipped with satellite TV, a bathroom and wooden or tiled floors. Some rooms overlook the garden.
The breakfast buffet includes homemade pastries, cereals, fruit juices and yogurts. The restaurant offers a varied menu, which includes dishes of Italian and international cuisine.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. There is also free parking. The nearest bus stop is 100 meters away, with buses to Dimaro, 10 km from the hotel. From here you can also take the train to the center of Trento.
Hotel Panorama 3-star hotel
Hotel Panorama is located in Passo del Tonale, 100 meters from the Adamello ski lift. Free wireless Internet access and parking are available on the hotel premises. A games room, ski storage and a restaurant are available.
The windows of all rooms offer a wonderful view of the Bergama Peredalps. Each room has satellite TV and a private bathroom. The rooms are furnished with new furniture in a mountain style, have parquet floors and ceilings with wooden beams.
Every day at the Panorama hotel, a buffet breakfast is served with sweet and savory dishes – homemade pastries, various types of jam and assorted meats. You can have lunch and dinner in the restaurant, which offers 3 standard menus. They include local and classic Italian specialties, as well as vegetable snacks.
Guests can book hiking or biking tours of the surrounding area at the hotel’s front desk, while the games room offers foosball, video games and table tennis. A wellness center with an indoor pool is located a few minutes’ walk away, and guests of the hotel receive a discount.
The Swiss border is a 50-minute drive away, and a bus from Mezzana, 20 km away, stops right in front of the hotel.
Hotel Garni Sottobosco 3-star hotel
The family-run Garni Sottobosco is decorated in a traditional mountain style. The balcony of the rooms offers a wonderful view of the surroundings of Val di Sole. Parking and Wi-Fi are provided free of charge.
Rooms at Hotel Sottobosco are elegantly furnished and decorated in a traditional Trentino style. Satellite TV can be viewed in each room with parquet or carpeted floors. Amenities include a balcony and a minibar. The private bathroom has free toiletries.
A varied breakfast is served every morning. Gluten-free dishes are offered. The staff will recommend restaurants and pizzerias in the city.
From the hotel Sottobosco Garni – 2 km to the ski lifts of Folgarida-Marilleva. Guests receive discounts at the local health center. They also issue the Dimaro Folgarida card, which allows you to use numerous facilities and attend guided tours.
The eco-hotel was awarded an award for environmental protection.
How to get to the resort
The closest large cities to the ski complex, with airports, are located at a certain distance from it. Verona is 175 kilometers away, Milan is 240 kilometers away, and to get from here to Venice, you have to cover 300 kilometers. The nearest train station to the valley, Male, is located only 20 kilometers from Val di Sole. However, for true fans of winter sports, any distance is not an obstacle, there would be a desire.
Val di Sole is one of the most famous ski areas in the Dolomites. The season here starts in December and ends in April. It has been attracting the attention of all categories of skiers for a long time. Very often here you can see small children from the age of four, who with great pleasure learn the basics of skiing in mountain conditions under the watchful eye of experienced instructors. The quality of schools in this region is well known in Europe, and therefore parents, when choosing a destination for family vacations, often focus on their high reputation. In many ways, the popularity of Val di Solealso associated with his neighbor, the venerable Madonna di Campillo. Some tourists come here to save money, so that by purchasing a single “ski pass” for skiing on all the slopes of the Dolomites di Brenta at lower prices, they will be able to ski on the slopes of Madonna. However, Val di Sole is a resort that is self-sufficient in itself and is not inferior in terms of its level to many “mountain ski resorts” in Italy.