Groups
Equity in resort
Equity run hotels and chalets
The main features of this popular circuit are convenience and value. The lift
system still features quite a few drags but new chairs are added all the time
and everything links nicely. Last year, they added 5 new chairlifts including
the one outside the Hotel Capanna which replaced the long tow. The lift company
are keen on moving carpet lifts for beginners.
There is plenty of skiing both above and below the tree line and the scope would
not disgrace a much bigger resort. Piste maintenance is excellent. The lift
company do a particularly good job, combing the pistes and making snow when
necessary. The link to Artesina has revolutionized the appeal of the area and
the ski pass is very good value. Last year two new runs were added so that all
levels of skiers can now access both sides of he circuit. On the Artesina side,
the skiing is more challenging whereas Prato Nevoso is easier for beginners
and early intermediates.
Prato Nevoso is an excellent choice for beginners. There's minimal walking,
easy runs both at village level and at altitude, and a caring ski school. Progression
is great which means beginners can be doing quite long blue runs before the
end of the week. There are now 2 brand new moving carpet type lifts, especially
for beginners, one outside the Hotel Galassia and one in the village. They are
over 50m long and allow novices to practise on gentle slopes in safety without
having to manage conventional lifts.Intermediates are also well served. There
are plenty of wide, long runs which invite ambitious skiers to work hard and
get off that plateau! For strong intermediates there are some tremendous reds,
especially over the Artesina side, and some exhilarating cruises in high bowls.
The two main runs back to the village are floodlit 3 times a week (Tuesday,
Friday and Saturday). Prato is also a big snowboarding area with a dedicated
snowboard park which also is floodlit 3 times a week and has been redeveloped
ready for this season. Prato Nevoso is the home of the Italian Snowboard Club
and top competitions are held here.
Prato Nevoso is notably friendly and local suppliers are always keen to give
good service and promote their resort. You will encounter none of the take-it-or-leave-it
attitude which sometimes blights the bigger names. Prato has something of a
local community with school, church and shops. As in most purpose-built resorts,
there's a long gallery of shops, bars and restaurants all conveniently located
opposite the slopes.
It's by no means busy and nightlife is limited but there's probably enough for
a week unless you want to tear it up every night. Night owls should look elsewhere,
so should devotees of death defying leaps and challenging moguls, but if you
are a beginner or early intermediate who wants a quiet resort, with uncrowded
slopes, good value, nice people, a good ski school and excellent hotels, this
is the place!
Village Facts
Pleasant village, although purpose built, with a gallery of shops and holiday
facilities. Quiet, but with sufficient aprés ski for a week unless you
want to try somewhere new every night. Big snowboard venue with expert instruction.
The hire shop is also a snowboard museum.
o Skating rink
o Skidoo hire
o Motor quad track
o Shops and boutiques
o Night club
o Restaurant and pizzerias
o Irish pub
o Night skiing 3 times a week (Tuesday, Friday and Saturday)
o Go-karting on ice
o 2 discos
o Cinema (Italian)
o Tourist office
o Doctor
o Games arcade