The Valchiavenna ski complex is one of the main tourist centers of the Valtellina valley. It is located a few kilometers from the Swiss border and 140 km from Milan. Thanks to its special geographical location, Valchiavenna guarantees excellent snow cover throughout the winter season. Since 1996, the resort has been operating Sky Express – an underground lift that departs from the village of Campodolcino and can take tourists to the start of the ski slopes in a few minutes.
The ski complex includes the Madesimo resort, the villages of Campodolcino, Motta, Montespluga and Val di Ley. Skiers have 60 km of downhill tracks and 18 km of cross-country ski tracks at their disposal. For athletes with a good level of training, there is an opportunity to climb to a height of 2,884 meters, to the Gropper peak, and test your skills on the Canalone track, one of the most impressive descents in the Alps. Several tracks are specially designed for night skiing. Great places for active recreation await those who are fond of ski mountaineering and Nordic skiing. There are two ski schools for beginners, and a snow park awaits snowboarders in the watercolor area.
Madesimo is a ski resort in Italy
Madesimo – the Italian ski resort in Lombardy on the border with Switzerland has an optimal ratio of price and quality of services, will satisfy the most diverse requests of skiers and snowboarders.
Madesimo
Abode of celebrities
Madesimo – what is it? Prestigious resort or mountain village? It is lost in the vast alpine region of Valtellina – one of the five ski areas of Italy. The prestigious places of this region: Bormio – the most sports resort in Italy, Livigno – a paradise for snowboarding, the Stelvio glacier – the training place of the Italian national team – are located away from Modesimo.
The mountain village with a population of only 600 people is, however, the abode of celebrities who hide here from the intrusive public on short vacation days. Let them travel incognito, but maintain the infrastructure and service at their level.
On weekends, the resort becomes crowded
On weekends, the resort becomes crowded, because it is a place of family recreation for residents of the surrounding towns. Noisy Italian families with grandparents and children are attracted here by the quality of the ski slopes and affordable prices. On other days of the week, Madesimo is the pleasure of silence, the beauty of nature and ideal skiing conditions.
The resort is located in the Valle Spluga valley – this is a strategic route that connected all of ancient Italy with the Swiss cantons, and the Shplügenpass – the gateway to Switzerland – is 15 km from Madesimo. This region is rich in historical and cultural sights, thermal and mineral springs, the inquisitive tourist has a lot to see here. Inexpensive, interesting and comfortable rest awaits guests who came to rest in Madesimo.
In which season is it better to go?
The alpine, moderately cold climate of the resort makes it possible to ski 6 months a year: from the end of October to the end of April.
In winter, the height of the snow cover ranges from 2 m at the bottom to 4.5 m in the mountains. Even in bad weather, the snow cover remains at the level of 300-500 cm.
The low season (autumn) begins after the first heavy snowfalls at the end of November and lasts until December 24. The unstable snow cover is supported by snow cannons, so the tracks are always in excellent condition;
High season (Christmas holidays): December 24 – January 8;
Intermediate season: January 9 – February 3;
High season (the height of skiing) February 4 – March 26;
Low season (spring): March 27 – April 18-27.
A ski pass in the low season will cost 4-5 euros less than in the high season. You can save on accommodation in the height of the season if you book it in advance.
Tracks, lifts, ski passes
The skiing area includes 50 km of tracks and also captures Campodolcino, Motta and Val di Leia. In recent years, significant investments have been made in the infrastructure of the resort: four new high-speed four-chair lifts with plexiglass wind protection were built, two six-chair lifts are in operation, a funicular with cabins for 8 seats, as well as the first underground cable car in Italy. And this, of course, is far from a complete list. Work on upgrading the lift infrastructure is still ongoing.
It must be noted that the ski slopes of the Val di Leia and the Colmenetta mountains are very picturesque. And for the bravest, we recommend the Canalone track, which is as difficult as it is beautiful. For the most adventurous skiers, for whom the whole day is not enough, we recommend night skiing in Skiarea Valchiavenna, where the night-lit slopes are open on Saturdays and Wednesdays. The lift is open from 19:00 to 22:30. It can also be used to climb to the Rifujo Larichi mountain shelter and have dinner at a height.
Mountain guides offer to join the night walks on snowshoes under the light of the moon. You will find yourself in the most panoramic corners of Madesimo, such as the Andossi ridge, the enchanted valley of Montesplunga and Motta. Guides usually choose routes based on weather conditions and snow conditions.
Madezimo lifts
Mandesimo is located at an altitude of 1,550 m, the difference in altitude on the slopes is 1,450 m. The small resort serves 58 km of trails:
15 blue – 22 km long;
9 red ones – length 29 km;
3 black ones – 9 km long.
The route scheme unites all slopes of the Madesimo, Campodolcino, Motta resorts, which are part of the Valchiavenna skiing area.
Black tracks
The black tracks of this zone are among the top 10 best tracks in Europe; special slalom competitions are held here – on the Motta track, and giant slalom athletes compete on Mount Montalto. The extreme descent of Canalone, with an almost vertical slope of 1000 m, begins at the top of Pizzo Groppera and leads to Pian di Larici, forming a very beautiful arch.
A special feature of the trails in the Valchiavenna area is their night lighting. The Pianello / Montalto track is attractive at night, the illumination allows you to ride it until 11 o’clock in the evening.
Madesimo landscape
Elevators
Lifts and cable car system are the pride of the resort. The resort has a total of 12 lifts, the carrying capacity of each of them is 2-2.4 thousand people per hour. From the lowest point of the Valkyavenna valley (one thousand and eighty two meters), the high-speed Sky Express takes skiers to a height of 1,720 meters in a matter of minutes to the start of the ski runs in the Motta area.
It is important to remember that the work of the cable car begins at half past 9 in the morning and stops exactly at 5 in the evening, although sunlight casts long shadows already until 3 in the afternoon. Everyone is trying to calculate the time and make it to the last flight so as not to get stuck in the mountains, which are quickly darkening. Romantic skiing in the moonlight is possible on lighted tracks.
Ski passes – electronic tickets for using the lifts – are easier to buy in hotels at the place of residence. Their price depends on the season and age of the athlete.
How to get to the resort
Shuttle buses run from Milan Malpensa Airport to Madesimo in winter. Shipping time and cost upon request.
Ordering a transfer in advance is the most convenient way to get to Madesimo. The distance is 180 km, the travel time is 2-2.5 hours, an economy class car for three costs 180-200 euros;
You can rent a car for a week at Bergamo Airport. It will come in handy at the resort, there is a lot to see in the surrounding area: Chiavenna is a historical city that the military commanders considered the “gateway to Helvetia”; Lake Como is one of the deepest and most picturesque lakes in Europe; Shplügenpass is the border of Switzerland.
The most “popular” way from Milan to Madesimo: train – tram – bus.
Milan – How long is the train;
Koliko – Chiavenna – by train;
Chiavenna – Madesimo – by bus.
If you arrange your trip through a tour operator, all problems with the cost of the trip are simplified several times, but the cost can be much higher. We recommend that you plan your vacation on your own – it is much more comfortable and interesting, especially since there is enough information on the Internet and on our website.
Hotels – where is the best place to stay
When choosing a hotel in Madesimo, we present typical requirements for all ski resorts – we expect a high level of service, typical for winter time and intensified sports activities.
The best
Many hotels offer services to restore strength after a day of skiing – swimming pools, saunas, fitness centers; abundant and varied food; comfortable bedrooms; rental of equipment, dryers and equipment storage rooms; sale of ski passes, etc. The prices for accommodation in these hotels are the highest, but we are ready to pay for comfort. Examples of such hotels are:
Hotel Emet 4-star hotel
Just 150 meters from the Valchiavenna ski slopes, Hotel Emet offers free parking and a gourmet restaurant. The original rooms are made in a typical Alpine style.
Hotel Emet is located in the center of Madesimo , a 15-minute drive from Lake Montespluga.
The Emet restaurant serves international cuisine and specialties from the Valtellina region.
Hotel Capriolo 3 star hotel
Hotel Capriolo is located 100 meters from the ski lift and close to the Swiss border. This small three-star hotel is located in a quiet pedestrian zone in the center of Madesimo.
Hotel Capriolo offers its guests cozy rooms at affordable prices. The hotel has only 8 rooms and each of them is decorated in an individual style. You will never find two identical rooms in this hotel. Rooms in the hotel are tastefully decorated. In them you will find rustic wardrobes, cozy accessories, as well as modern amenities, including an LCD TV and free wireless Internet access.
Relax in the cozy bar of the Capriolo hotel, as well as in the lobby, where you can admire the traditional mountain interior. The restaurant and pizzeria of the hotel offer you dishes of local cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.
Hotel Andossi 4-star hotel
This hotel is located in a quiet area, just 400 meters from the center of Madesimo. It offers a fully equipped health center, 2 restaurants and free parking.
Rooms at the Andossi Hotel are fitted with carpeted floors and wooden furniture. Each of them is equipped with its own bathroom, a sofa bed and a TV with satellite channels. Some rooms also have a balcony.
The hotel’s wellness center includes an indoor pool, a sauna, and a Turkish bath. For an additional fee, cosmetic procedures and various types of massages are also offered here.
In the morning, guests are served a buffet breakfast. This morning meal is served in the restaurant, which is also open for dinner any day. In addition, the hotel has another restaurant to serve guests who have ordered meals under the “half board” or “full board” system. In it, you can taste dishes from the menu, as well as salads and snacks according to the “buffet table” system.
The advantage of staying at Hotel Andossi in winter is its convenient location 70 meters from the Montalto ski slopes. Hotel guests can use a ski storage room with a boot dryer free of charge.
Residence Deborah
Residence Deborah apartments offer private parking, free WiFi, a garden, and a ski storage room. Their employees can arrange ski equipment rental and ski courses. The balcony of the apartment offers a view of the mountains.
Deborah Residence apartments are located in the center of Madesimo , 8 km from Lake Montespluga. The Swiss ski resort of Splagen-Tambo is a 20-minute drive away.
All Deborah apartments have wooden furniture and tiled floors. Each apartment has a kitchenette and a bathroom with a shower.
The Apartment
These apartments with a terrace are located in the village of Madesimo.
The apartment has a balcony with garden views, 1 bedroom, a living room, a TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchenette, and 1 bathroom with a bath and a bidet.
You can go skiing and cycling near the apartment, and you can ski directly to the door of the apartment. In addition, there is a ski storage room at guests’ disposal.
Restaurants
On winter evenings, the snow-covered village of Madesimo emits appetizing smells: restaurants and pizzerias open their doors for hungry tourists.
The most popular restaurant here – Dogana Vegia – is located on the edge of the village, but is always full of visitors. Romantic setting: fireplaces, antique tableware, complemented by signature local dishes prepared by a first-class chef. You can try this only in Lombardy:
- Cappellacci pasta with asparagus;
- Malfatti with mascarpone, gnocchi – dumplings – with greens and cream cheese;
- Turkey with oranges;
- “Brezaola della Valtellina” – salted and dried beef;
- Sforzato, Sassella – vintage wines of Lombardy.
Traditional products
Violina di Carpa
Once upon a time, this version of goat’s bone was invented in Valle Splunga, where the climate is particularly favorable for its production, but because of its excellent taste, it began to be made throughout Valchiavenna.
Violin is part of the shoulder blade or bone of a free-range goat whose diet includes wild grasses.
Pieces of meat are soaked in brine, and then seasoned with garlic, spices and red wine. Aging must take place in the “Crotti” caves, usually used by local residents to store food, and lasts several months. The size of the finished violin varies from 1.5 to 3 kg, depending on the size of the carcass.
Bresaola della Valtellina IGP
The dry and ventilated climate of the mountains with a low average temperature, for example, such as in Sondo province, is the main secret of the perfect taste of Bresaola beef jerky. But besides the climate, there are a few more secrets.
Pieces of raw meat are cleaned of fat, tendons, and connective tissue. Then they are placed in boxes with a mixture of salt, pepper, and spices and left for two weeks.
The exact composition of the mixture of spices and salt is kept in the strictest secret. After the salting phase is over, aging begins. In mountain conditions, it lasts 4-8 weeks, depending on the size of the piece of meat. It is during aging that Brezaola gets its unique taste and softness. Brezaola is a lean product, rich in proteins, salts, minerals, and iron, easily absorbed by the body.
A winter vacation at the Madesimo ski resort is an option for a budget vacation with top-level service.