You’ve probably never been to Madonna di Campiglio in the Italian Dolomites. Here’s why you should go

24.05.2024 - 07:49 / lonelyplanet.com

The magic of Italy is in the almost accidental way that experiences find you, especially if you pay a little bit of attention and are willing to draw outside of the lines. You might wander down an alley on a whim, order a dish you’ve never heard of based on a knowing wink from a waiter, or witness a slice of daily life that seems like a perfectly choreographed scene from a film.

Heading to Madonna di Campiglio, a real-life fairy tale village perched at 1522m (4933 ft) in the Brenta Dolomites in Italy’s Trentino region, is one of those magical experiences. 

If you ski, snowboard, ice climb, or snowshoe you may have heard of this historic resort – but there are plenty of good reasons to put this destination on your radar, year round. 

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the region is one of the best places to experience the unique culture of Trentino. And if you just want to lay back and be pampered, Campiglio boasts an absurd concentration of world-class restaurants, spas and wellness centers. 

Pack your warm socks and get to Madonna di Campiglio.

The ski season officially kicks off in mid-November and Campiglio’s 156 kms (97 miles) of pistes buzz with activity throughout the winter. 

Trails begin in the town itself and are connected by chair lifts. The design means you can ski from place to place (and from meal to meal) to your heart’s content. You can even ski down to Pinzolo where there’s a brand-new lodge and the recently opened Attic restaurant – a very welcome addition to the area’s offerings. The area is also very generously dotted with mountain lodges.

Madonna di Campiglio is also an ideal spot for cross-country skiing, with 22 kms of runs adapted to all skill levels. If you haven’t cross-country skied before but want to try, be forewarned: it’s a serious workout but well rewarded. For the most atmospheric adventure: sign-up for cross-country skiing at night, a guided run that finishes at a mountain lodge where food and cocktails await. There’s nothing like your first Italian après ski experience.

Recapture the feeling of waking up to a snow day (or maybe discover it for the first time) with the Dolomiti Natural Wellness walk through a silent, forested winter idyll. Immersed in the landscape, you’ll be guided through meditation, breathing, and lessons in the region’s natural environment. There’s also an option to take a “snow bath” (you should seriously consider it). 

If you’re looking to spend time with some very good boys and girls, how about teaming up with your own pack of dogs for a dog-sledding adventure? You’ll learn all about the history of dog-sledding in Madonna di Campiglio and gain a whole new appreciation for the importance of this ancient practice. That is, if you can pull yourself away from