brochure requestSchool ski holidays in FOLGARIDA
Brilliant skiing for everybody on one of our favourite circuits! Very snow sure, an amazing lift system and spectacular scenery.
We regard this brilliant circuit as one of the best in Europe and it has been one of our mainstays for ages. The 3 villages; Madonna di Campiglio - chic, old-world and up-market, Marilleva - purpose-built and convenient, and Folgarida - small, pretty and friendly, all link with the kind of seamless integrity which in France would be given a snappy title and a big marketing budget. But here, they do not bother because the Italians take up most of the capacity, which helps keep the character. Equity skiers are still the only Brits here in volume.
Everything is in place for a great ski holiday: a big, combined area, good lifts, terrific scenery, superb hotels and friendly people. First time visitors are astonished by the lift system which has new gondolas flying up in every direction and great snowmaking. The new 8 seater Mastellina telecabina lift is now completed and the Mastellina piste has been extended with the blue running into a long, sweeping red down the valley. The hands-free lift pass means that it stays in your pocket for the whole week (small deposit). The natural snow is excellent because of the local microclimate and north and east facing slopes. The lower runs are protected by trees and kept open throughout the season. We have very rarely known this circuit to have poor snow. The runs are maintained with fanatical devotion, and all-in-all, you would need to go a long way (North America) to find a better system.
For beginners, this is a great place to start. Ski school is at the mid station, to which there are easy-tomanage gondolas and a wide, gentle gradient fed by a novices' 2-man chair. There is also a pleasant, lightly wooded little horseshoe well out of the way of the main area. Folgarida is famous for its gentle and scenic blue runs enabling keen beginners to get full value from the lift pass. Intermediates have a wonderful selection of sheltered tree-runs, moderate bumps and huge mileage. Virtually every route on the system offers a blue or a red option. Advanced skiers enjoy the bumps under the trees, limitless off-piste and the links to other areas. There is loads to do for every ability.
As in many Italian resorts, lunch is accorded serious priority and there's also a terrific choice of pit stops, from cosy little log cabins to fancy restaurants with astonishingly good food. At Madonna di Campiglio, some of the mountain restaurants merit the attentions of Monsieur Michelin.
Gorgeous scenery is par for the course in ski resorts but these Brenta Dolomites are something special, with their dramatic needles and stratified outcrops lightly dusted with snow. Far below, the spreading vastness of the Val di Sole provides one of the most spectacular panoramas in Italy. Folgarida is purpose-built but it is both convenient and attractive. There is a small row of shops and a few cafes and bars. It is quiet but because we have so many guests here, we have our own après ski programme and there's something on every night if you want it.
Village Facts
Folgarida - Purpose built but doesn't look it. Medium size, fairly quiet, but good après ski including upper Folgarida.
- Night skiing
- Weekly barbecue lunch at Hotel Alaska
- Shops
- Lively taverna "TNT"
- Pizzeria
- Hotel bars
- Outdoor skating rink & broomball
- Snowshoe tours with ski school
- Bumboarding
- Bank
- Tourist office
- Doctor
- Pharmacy
Dimaro - A typical Dolomite village with lots of character and charm. The Folgarida gondola is only 15 mins up the hill so Dimaro is a very good choice by coach.
- Nightclub "Azimpo"
- Ice cream parlour
- Pizzeria
- Bowling alley
- Shops
- Two supermarkets
- Sports shop
- Post office
- Couple of small bars
- Beautiful old church
- Fresh pasta shop
- Ice skating & market at Malé (10 mins)
- Swimming pool in Madonna (30 mins)
