Positioned between the Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello and Presanella peaks, Madonna di Campiglio is one of the most famous ski resorts in the Alps. It is just as perfect in the winter as it is in the summertime offering every kind of outdoor experience imaginable.

Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta Ski Area

About 70 km from the major city of Trento, the town of Madonna di Campiglio lies in the Val Rendena at an elevation of 1,500 meters (5,000 feet). Part of the Campiglio Dolomiti di Brenta ski area, Madonna di Campiglio is connected by runs with Pinzolo and Folgarida-Marilleva making it one of the largest in Italy. A total of 108 runs, 59 lifts, 4 snow parks, and altitudes ranging from 850 meters to 2,500 meters (2,800-8,200 feet) are what you can expect when you buy your single ski pass valid for the entire area. There are hundreds of instructors at the Campiglio and Pinzolo ski schools as well as equipment rental shops.

In addition to downhill, cross-country and snowboarding, there are also toboggan runs, mountaineering, snowshoeing and even dog sledding. Every season, they reinvent themselves offering amazing experiences for their visitors including skiing under the stars, dinner on the slopes, and skiing at dawn. There is also an ice rink located in town on the Conca Verde lake.

Getting Around the Area

If you’re concerned about getting around once you arrive, don’t be because Campiglio has it covered. Ski buses run from December through April. If you are traveling by train, the Freccialink bus will take you directly to Madonna di Campiglio with your Freccia train ticket. Finally, if you’re flying into Milan, Bergamo, or Verona, you can take the convenient Flyski Shuttle directly to Madonna di Campiglio (also available from the Trento train station). More information can be found here.

What do in Madonna di Campiglio in the Summer

Since snow is on the ground here as late as May, summer vacationers typically find ideal temperatures in late June through early September. The Brenta Dolomites are every outdoor enthusiast’s dream with endless hiking trails, mountain biking, horseback riding, Alpine lakes and streams, and so much more. These are the hikes we’ve selected that will be well worth your time and effort.

Giro dei cinque laghi Hike

“Five Lakes Hike” or Giro dei cinque laghi is exactly as it promises, a grand tour of five exquisite lakes. Ritort, Labin, Serodoli, Gelato, and Nambino lakes are accessible via the cableway in Madonna di Campiglio. In just a few minutes, you’ll reach almost 2,000 meters and can take the trail to Ritort and on to the other lakes.

Vallesinella Falls

If you’re not an experienced hiker or are traveling with children, don’t miss the Vallesinella Falls hike which will take you past alpine pastures and traditional malga huts. These falls are some of the most beautiful and photographed in all of Trentino.

Other Sights in Val Rendena

Whether you visit in winter or summer, there is always something to do and see in Val Rendena. From food and wine tasting tours, hiking, shopping, thermal spa treatments, horseback riding, and so much more. Here are some suggestions of what not to miss during your visit.

Salon Hofer

The exquisitely painted Salon Hofer is located inside the Grand Hotel des Alpes in Madonna di Campiglio. The area has a rich history tied to the Habsburgs and this grand ballroom was precisely where Empress “Sissi” and her Emperor Franz Joseph waltzed the night away during lavish Carnival festivities. Over a hundred years later, the festivities surrounding carnival week are still referred to as the “Habsburg Carnival”.

Baschenis Frescos

Churches scattered throughout the area date to the 15th and 16th centuries and were decorated by the famous Baschenis family of artists from Bergamo. One of the most famous is the San Vigilio Church in Pinzolo where the fresco entitled Danza Macabra can be found.

Museums include an ancient glass factory (Carisolo), a World War I museum (Spiazzo Rendena), a center for glacier study (Laghi del Mandrone) and many more.

Authentic Cuisine

Lastly, we would be remiss not to mention Val Rendena’s delicious cuisine. Dishes have been made exactly the same way for hundreds of years, only with the finest, locally-sourced ingredients. Polenta is commonly served as are rich sauces flavored with mushrooms, wild game, sausages, and mountain herbs. Apples, walnuts, and pumpkin are also widely used in both savory and sweet dishes. Cheese varieties are made from the famous Rendena cows that graze exclusively in this lush Alpine valley. Don’t forget to pick up a bottle of Grappa made with Gentian root, native to this valley.

For more details, visit the Madonna di Campiglio official website.