FREE SKI short break in Madonna di Campiglio - heart of the Dolomites

Madonna di Campiglio (1550m) is one of the most exclusive ski resorts in Italy. The elegant main piazza is lined with upmarket shops and cafés and there are a number of exclusive bars and restaurants that offer a lively nightlife.

The resort is linked with the Folgarida-Marilleva and Pinzolo ski areas to make up the 'Ski Area Campiglio Dolomiti' offering 150km of pristine slopes from 850 to 2500m, with a total of 100 pistes (45 blue, 37 red, 18 black), 61 lifts, and 5 snowparks.

Beginners have the large Campo Carlo Magno (approx 2km from the centre of Madonna di Campiglio, reachable by ski bus) to learn on, before graduating to the wide, easy blue runs in the main ski area. Intermediate skiers will love cruising along the numerous wide blue and red runs and improving their confidence, while more advanced skiers can experience the thrill of the challenging 3tre Canalone, Amazzonia and Spinale Direttissima black runs.

For Nordic ski enthusiasts there are 40km of cross country trails.

Après ski

While there are some good places to stop at on the slopes before heading down on your last run of the day, things really get going before dinner for the traditional Italian aperitivo when the smart cafés and bars around the town fill with people sipping prosecco, aperol spritz and other pre dinner drinks. There are some excellent fine dining choices, with three Michelin starred restaurants (the most of any Italian Alpine resort) and some other, more affordable options. Post dinner there are a few exclusive bars and clubs that usually get busy after midnight, often tables are available by reservation only. Madonna di Campiglio is more expensive than other Italian resorts but there are some more affordable places to eat and drink tucked away around the town.

Other activities include open air ice skating, husky dog sledging, snow shoe excursions, and even paragliding.

Savoia Palace Hotel****

This elegant 4* hotel is located right in the centre of Madonna di Campiglio, less than 50m from the 5 Laghi gondola station. The cosy hotel bar with two fireplaces and comfortable armchairs is a great place for pre/post dinner drinks and has become a popular aperitivo spot especially at weekends. Garage and outdoor parking available.

The spacious, wood lined rooms offer views over the main square and Dolomites or the pine forests and ski area behind the hotel. All rooms come complete with private bathroom with bath and overhead shower, satellite TV, free WiFi, phone, minibar, safe and hairdryer; some double rooms have balconies.

A large buffet breakfast is served in the sunny breakfast room, while the restaurant offers a selection of local, national and international dishes as well as a very good wine list.

The wellness centre offers a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, aromatherapy showers and relaxation area. Massages and other treatments are available on request, to be paid separately.

Nearest Airport: Verona – 165km / 2.5 hours

Other airports: Milan Bergamo (Orio Al Serio), Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate

By Car

From Verona take the A22/E45 to Trento, exit at Trento Nord and head towards Cles, Male, Dimaro, Madonna di Campiglio.

By Public Transport

www.flyskishuttle.it offers a direct bus service from Verona and Milan Bergamo to Madonna di Campiglio at weekends. Book online at least a week in advance.

Alternatively from Verona Airport take a shuttle to Verona Porta Nuova Train Station, every hour there is a train to Trento. From Trento Porta Nuova the bus company Trentino Trasporti www.ttesercizio.it guarantees bus service approx one every hour to Madonna di Campiglio.

By Private Transfer

Taxi available outside airport. Private transfer available on request after main booking.