Val di Sole is located in the Dolomites region, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, on the slopes of the Brenta Dolomites in northern Italy. It is home to several well-known ski resorts with a large number of all kinds of slopes of varying difficulty. The area is divided into three ski areas: Folgarida, Marilleva and Peio. The first two areas are located in close proximity to the fashionable Madonna di Campiglio and are connected to it by cable car. They are recommended for intermediate and professional skiers. Peio is ideal for family holidays, as gentle training slopes prevail there. In addition, those who wish can visit the wonderful thermal center here and undergo a number of restorative procedures.

The Val di Sole Valley is spread over two national reserves, Adamello-Brenta and Stelvio. Nature lovers are usually delighted with these places and enjoy traveling along specially laid hiking trails. In addition to excellent opportunities for comfortable skiing, the ski resort offers vacationers excellent conditions for practicing other sports. Numerous hotels are distinguished by a wide variety of price categories and are conveniently located relative 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 the Valley of the Sun is temperate continental. In winter, the air temperature fluctuates within 1 degree Celsius, at night it can drop to 8 degrees below zero. The ski season here begins in December and ends in April. The snow cover usually lies throughout this period. In summer, the average air temperature is 19 degrees Celsius. You can go to the resort not only in winter, but all year round – for health improvement.

Tracks, slopes, lifts

In the center of the Val di Sole valley are the resort villages of Marilleva 900 and Marilleva 1400, connected by a lift. This is a very large resort area with many hotels, bars and restaurants, up to 10 thousand tourists can relax here at the same time. The length of the slopes is over 140 km, most of which are red and black. Professionals love one of the most difficult local tracks with steep turns – Nera-Marilleva, about 2 km long. For fans of flat skiing there is a lighted cross-country ski track Biancavene, for snowboarders – a modern snow park with a half-pipe.

Folgarida is the oldest ski resort in the Val di Sole region of Italy, a peaceful 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 ski area that extends to another famous resort, Madonna Di Campiglio. Folgarida has a difficult “black” slope with a height difference of 600 m, which is often used for various competitions, in particular, in 1999 the Snowboarding World Championship was held here.

Passo Tonale is located at an altitude of 1900 m, so snow lies here all year round. The ski area unites seven mountain peaks of Val di Sole, each of which is served by a lift. The resort’s trails are quite complex and interesting, and for fans of off-piste skiing there is the opportunity to practice freeriding. It is here that the Presena glacier is located at an altitude of 3000 m, where you can ski all year round.

The Peio resort is best suited for beginner skiers and family vacations. All 11 trails with a length of 16 km are quite easy and run along wide, spacious slopes surrounded by the picturesque forests of the Stelvio nature reserve. In addition, Peio is also a thermal resort thanks to mineral springs, which have been used here for medicinal purposes since the 16th century.

Terme di Peio is a famous SPA resort in Italy. It treats diseases of the kidneys, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, rheumatic and dermatological diseases. In addition to treatment, the center offers a wide range 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 resorts in Val di Sole in Italy are connected by a common Skirama Dolomiti ski pass to a large skiing region, which also includes the fashionable Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo and Andallo. Vacationers here will get an unforgettable pleasure from skiing and are charged with positive emotions for the whole year.

Beyond skiing

For those tourists who are not indifferent to other winter disciplines, the resorts of the valley have open-air skating rinks, snowmobiles, sledges, and snowshoes for rent. The thermal center in Peio, located next to the national park, is very popular. It is easy to get here from anywhere in the ski region and is always crowded during high season. Fitness rooms, riding clubs, tennis courts, and playgrounds are also popular with vacationers. Those who appreciate classic Italian cuisine can once again enjoy it in one of the local restaurants. For those who like to have a fun and eventful time of the night, there are nightclubs. Shopping enthusiasts have the opportunity to walk through local shops and souvenir shops and make interesting purchases. Most hotels have entertainment programs designed to provide guests with a fun evening.

What can you see in the vicinity?

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 the hill rises the castle of San Michele, a 12th century building, two rows of walls and a bastion are well preserved thanks to the care of the authorities. You can also see what remains of the 15th century Romanesque bell tower from the church, and in the village there is an old house where frescoes from the 15th-16th centuries were recently discovered and restored. The town of Caldes with its old churches, bell tower and pretty houses and cobbled sidewalks will also not leave anyone indifferent. You can also see an old castle there, which includes a tower with as many as 5 floors. For some time 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 Pellizzano, which is a summer resort, but it is also beautiful here in winter, you can just walk along the narrow streets, sit in a local cafe with a cup of delicious 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 people of the Val di Sole valley, go to the town of Male. There is an Ethnographic Museum, where you can learn about the past and present of the region.

What to do in Val di Sole?

If you come for a vacation outside the ski season, you can have a great time and improve your health in a hotel in one of these pretty resort towns. By the way, what to do at other times of the year? As already mentioned, Val di Sole is visited not only for skiing. At other times of the year, activities such as rafting, trekking, paragliding, cycling and horse riding, 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, graceful chamois and roe deer, agile 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 over fifty of them. Both parks have hiking trails of varying difficulty, you can hire a guide to walk through the massifs. Nature is beautiful at any time of the year, each 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 Italian food. But the cuisine of the Trentino-Alto Adige region itself is also very remarkable. Even dishes that are atypical for Italy as a whole are loved here, such as potatoes, sauerkraut soup, dumplings, gingerbread, polenta porridge. In addition, Val di Sole is a large resort where tourists from different countries with different taste preferences come, so there is vegetarian food, dishes for fans of healthy eating, and seafood.

Here are some of the resort’s establishments that are highly praised by tourists who have visited Val di Sole:

Pasticceria della Nonna. A pastry shop with a large number of all kinds of desserts and a cozy “homely” interior.
bar cantuccio. An inexpensive option for those who want to have a snack in between skiing … and skiing again, as 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. The establishments in Marillevo are especially popular with young people. People even come here specifically for entertainment. The town 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 certainly 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 Swiss resorts. The ski 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, anyone will enjoy the stunning Alpine nature and climate. A vacation in Val di Sole is what any fan of alpine skiing needs – and not only!

Accommodation

The hotel complex in the Val di Sole valley offers tourists a wide selection of hotels for every taste and according to their financial capabilities. There are both luxury apartments and economical accommodation options. When booking a hotel in advance, resort guests can order a transfer directly from the hotel to the airport. Most of the hotel buildings are located near the slopes, so their guests do not have to waste time on the way to the lifts.

Hotel Niagara 3-star hotel

The family-run Hotel Niagara is located in the town of Ossana, in the highest part of the resort Val di Sole. It offers a free shuttle to the ski slopes in winter, discounts on various sports activities in the area, and a restaurant serving Trentino specialities.

Hotel Niagara is set between the Stelvio National Park and the Adamello Brenta Nature Reserve. Guests enjoy discounts on skiing and snowboarding, as well as canoeing, cycling and archery at the sports centre.

Rooms are simply furnished and come with satellite TV, a private bathroom and wooden or tiled floors. Some overlook the garden.

Breakfast is buffet style and includes homemade pastries, cereals, fruit juices and yoghurts. The restaurant offers a varied menu of Italian and international cuisine.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Parking is free. The nearest bus stop is 100 metres away, with links to Dimaro, 10 km away. From here you can also take a train to Trento city centre.

Hotel Panorama 3-star hotel

Hotel Panorama is set in Passo del Tonale, 100 metres from the Adamello ski lift. Free Wi-Fi and parking are available on site. There is a games room, ski storage and a restaurant.

All rooms offer wonderful views of the Bergamo Prealps. Each has satellite TV and a private bathroom. They are furnished with new mountain-style furniture, parquet floors and wood-beamed ceilings.

A sweet and savoury buffet breakfast is served daily at the Panorama Hotel, including homemade pastries, jams and cold cuts. Lunch and dinner are served in the restaurant, which offers 3 set menus. They include local specialities and classic Italian cuisine, as well as vegetable snacks.

Hiking or cycling tours in the surrounding area can be booked at reception, and there is a games room with table football, video games and table tennis. A wellness centre with an indoor pool is a short walk away and guests of the hotel have 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. Rooms have a balcony with wonderful views of the Val di Sole countryside. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.

Rooms at the Sottobosco are elegantly furnished and decorated in a traditional Trentino style. Each room has parquet or carpeted floors and satellite TV. They come with a balcony and a minibar. The private bathroom comes with free toiletries.

A varied breakfast is served every morning. Gluten-free options are available. Staff can recommend restaurants and pizzerias in town.

The Folgarida-Marilleva ski lifts are 2 km from Sottobosco Garni. Guests enjoy discounts at the local wellness centre. The Dimaro Folgarida Card is also provided, offering many facilities and guided tours.

The eco-hotel has won an environmental award.

Getting to the resort

The nearest major cities to the ski resort, with airports, are located some distance away. Verona is 175 km away, Milan is 240 km away, and Venice is 300 km away. The nearest railway 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, if there is a desire.

Val di Sole is one of the most famous ski areas in the Dolomites. The season starts here in December and ends in April. Вже давно він користується увагою всіх категорій лижників. Дуже часто тут можна побачити маленьких дітей від чотирьох років, які з великим задоволенням освоюють ази катання на лижах в умовах гір під пильною увагою досвідчених інструкторів. Якість шкіл даного регіону добре відомо в Європі і тому батьки, при виборі напрямку для сімейного відпочинку, часто орієнтуються на їх високу репутацію. Багато в чому, популярність Валь-ді-Соле також пов’язана з його сусідом, респектабельним Мадонна-ді-Кампільо. Частина туристів їде сюди з економії, щоб придбавши єдиний «скі-пас» на катання по всіх схилах Доломити-ді-Брента за нижчими цінами, мати можливість кататися і на трасах Мадонни. Втім, Валь-ді-Соле – курорт сам по собі самодостатній і не поступається за своїм рівнем багатьом «гірськолижкам» Італії.