Groups
Equity in resort
Equity run hotels and chalets
We regard this brilliant circuit as one of the best in Europe and it has been
one of our mainstays for ages. The 3 villages; Madonna di Campiglio (chic, old-world
and up-market), Marilleva (ugly, purpose-built and convenient), and Folgarida
(small, pretty and friendly), all link with the kind of seamless integrity which
in France would be given a snappy title and a big marketing budget. But here,
they don't bother because the Italians take up most of the capacity, which helps
keep the character. Equity skiers are the only Brits here in volume.
Everything is in place for a great ski holiday: a big, combined area, good lifts,
terrific scenery, superb hotels and friendly people. First time visitors are
astonished by the lift system which has new gondolas flying up in every direction
and great snowmaking. New chairs dramatically improve the links to Marilleva
and Madonna di Campiglio. The hands-free lift pass means that it stays in your
pocket for the whole week (small deposit). The natural snow is excellent because
of the local micro-climate and north and east facing slopes. The lower runs
are protected by trees and kept open throughout the season. We have very rarely
known this circuit to have poor snow. The runs are maintained with fanatical
devotion, and all-in-all, you would need to go a long way (North America) to
find a better system.
For beginners, this is a great place to start. Ski school is at the mid station,
to which there are easy-to-manage gondolas and a wide, gentle gradient fed by
a novices' 2-man chair. There's also a pleasant, lightly wooded little horseshoe
well out of the way of the main area. Folgarida is famous for its gentle and
scenic blue runs enabling keen beginners to get full value from the lift pass.
Intermediates have a wonderful selection of sheltered tree-runs, moderate bumps
and huge mileage. Virtually every route on the system offers a blue or a red
option. Advanced skiers enjoy the bumps under the trees, limitless off-piste
and the links to other areas. There's loads to do for every ability.
As in many Italian resorts, lunch is accorded serious priority and there's also
a terrific choice of pit stops, from cosy little log cabins to fancy restaurants
with astonishingly good food. At Madonna di Campiglio, some of the mountain
restaurants merit the attentions of Monsieur Michelin.
Gorgeous scenery is par for the course in ski resorts but these Brenta Dolomites
are something special, with their dramatic needles and stratified outcrops lightly
dusted with snow. Far below, the spreading vastness of the Val di Sole provides
one of the most spectacular panoramas in Italy. Folgarida is purpose-built but
it's both convenient and attractive. There's a small row of shops and a few
cafes and bars. It's quiet but because we have so many guests here, we have
our own après ski programme and there's something on every night if you
want it.
Village Facts
Purpose-built, but doesn't look it. Medium size, fairly quiet, good Aprés
ski provided by Equity. Some attractions are in upper Folgarida.
o Twice weekly night skiing on illuminated black run
o Fair mix of shops (supermarket tabac, souvenirs, chemist, 2 sports shops,
wine and spirits, boutique, pasticceria
o Massage
o Eta Beta Bar with Karaoke
o Gaglioppo wine bar
o Popular pizzeria
o Plenty of hotel bars
o Market day at Malé (10kms)
o Evenings out to Madonna di Campiglio (1/2hr)
o Outdoor skating rink
o Broomball
o Walking tours
o Cinema (Italian)
o Bowling in Dimaro (10 min taxi)
o Doctor
o Pharmacy
o Bank
o Post office in Dimaro
o Tourist office
o Barbecue lunch at hotel Alaska
o Bus to Madonna di Campiglio, one way about £1
o Local buses to upper Folgarida, Dimaro, Malé