Winter tourism in Lombardy
Photo by: inLombardia
Winter tourism in Lombardy
Fun Facts
- 27 ski areas
- 14 snow parks
- 660 kilometres of ski slopes
- 324 kilometres for cross-country skiing
- 467 downhill runs
Ski Areas
Skiing in Lombardy
Lombardy, a winter in the mountains
Lombardy is an area with a surprisingly large number of mountains, unspoilt scenery, mountain peaks and areas offering unique enjoyable experiences. In winter it transforms and becomes the kingdom of snow, of high altitude fun and state-of-the-art ski resorts.
Not by chance has this region been chosen to host the 2026 Winter Olympics: it is consecrated to sport, predisposed to hospitality and easily accessible from all over Europe, thanks to its proximity to Switzerland and the presence of important airports. The most famous mountain resorts–such as Val Camonica, Valtellina, Val Brembana, Val Seriana, and the Lecco and Como areas–are at most a couple of hours away from its capital city, Milan.
Emotions on skis
From Madesimo to Foppolo and Monte Pora, Bormio to Livigno, Santa Caterina Valfurva to Ponte di Legno, not forgetting Piani di Bobbio and Valtorta, Lombardy is a true paradise for ski enthusiasts: 27 ski areas, 467 downhill runs, 324 kilometres for cross-country skiing and 14 snow parks.
Waiting for the Olympics: Valtellina
We are in one of the areas that will host the Olympic Games in 2026: this valley encompasses several ski areas, such as Bormio, which has 110 km of slopes including the Stelvio, the traditional stage for World Cups. Bormio belongs to a larger ski district, which includes Santa Caterina Valfurva and Cima Piazzi San Colombiano, all served by a single ski pass.
The Livigno ski area is no less impressive: 115 kilometres of slopes that include the famous black one named after Giorgio Rocca, a former Alpine skier and World Cup winner. Also in Livigno is Mottolino Fun Mountain, one of the best snow parks in Europe. Near Sondrio, on the other hand, the Alpe Palù area in Valmalenco offers 50 km of downhill slopes and Europe's largest cable car, the Snow Eagle, which goes from 985 metres to 2,078 metres asl. Aprica, with the legendary Baradello, the longest floodlit slope in Europe, and Madesimo with around 40 km of slopes complete the package for skiers in the province of Sondrio.
Just a step from Paradiso: Pontedilegno-Tonale and Valcamonica
Pista Paradiso in the Brescia area, at Pontedilegno-Tonale, on the border between Lombardy and Trentino, is one of the most famous ski slopes in the Alps: a 3 km concentrate of adrenalin, speed and thrills covering 700 metres of difference in altitude. The Paradiso cable car takes you to the start, at an altitude of 2,500 metres.
It is possible however to start even higher up as a second cable car takes you to the 3,000 m asl of the Presena Pass, to the top of an 11-km slope that goes down to Ponte di Legno, through some very different snowy landscapes on one of the longest slopes in Europe.
The Bergamo Valleys are perfect for family fun
The Bergamo Valleys offer numerous districts to choose from, each one packed with things to do. Presolana Monte Pora has slopes suitable for everyone, such as the 22 on Monte Pora, perfect for lessons with the Presolana ski instructors. The Valle Brembana, on the other hand, is home to Bergamo’s flagships ski areas: Foppolo, Carona and Piazzatorre ski areas and their 30 kilometres of slopes and 9 ski lifts, as well as the Piani dell'Avaro, ideal for beginners, baby parks and bobsleighs.
On skis just an hour from Milan: Piani di Bobbio and Valtorta
The valleys and mountains of Como and Lecco are a treasure chest containing a small jewel much loved by skiers, just 70 km from Lombardy’s capital city, Milan. The Piani di Bobbio and Valtorta ski area includes 17 blue, red and black slopes totalling 35 km of skiable slopes, suitable for all levels of difficulty, and a kid's area with conveyor belts for bobsleighs, sledges and ski schools for little ones.
Not only skiing: snow and wellness
Snow shoe trails
Many valleys in Lombardy have slow routes for snowshoe hikes of varying degrees of difficulty, also suitable for families with children. Your steps on the snow, amplified by the silence of nature, lend rhythm to your walk and allow you to savour the charm of a landscape bleached of colour but full of emotion. Several snowshoe events are held here.
Dog sledding school
Those who want to venture out onto the snow in wild mode can try dog sledding, on sleds pulled by Siberian dogs. Guided by expert handlers, you become a musher and follow routes through nature. Just contact the specialised centres, such as the Husky Village in Valdidentro, Valtellina, or the Italian Dog Sledding School in Pontedilegno-Tonale.
Fat bike, the snow version of the bike
Fat bikes makes you feel you are floating on the snow, thanks to their oversize tyres that ensure great stability and ease of control on all types of snowy terrain and slopes. In Lombardy, keen cyclists can contact any of the many fat bike rental agencies that organise excursions in total safety with qualified guides.
Water, snow, sun and wellness: mountain spas
After a day spent skiing or snowshoe hiking, there is no greater pleasure than a spa. Bormio is one of the most interesting choices for those wanting to combine sport and chilling, outdoor activities and wellness. A short distance from the slopes there is an establishment built on a spot where the properties of the waters have been exploited for thousands of years: the Terme di Bormio spa.
The Terme di Boario spa in Valcamonica is just minutes from various ski resorts, such as Borno, Montecampione, PontediLegno-Tonale, Aprica, and Colere. Elegant and characterised by a beautiful Liberty dome, surrounded by a centuries-old park, it is fed by no less than four springs rich in mineral salts with beneficial effects.
About thirty kilometres from the slopes of Valtorta stands the Belle Epoque-style complex of San Pellegrino Terme spa, in the heart of the Val Brembana. Here you can relax with more than thirty thermal treatments, complete with panoramic and sensorial pools, waterfalls and solarium garden.
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