Passo Tonale
About 175 kilometers from Milan is the Passo Tonale ski resort, located at 1,880 meters, with lifts up to 3,088 meters. The total piste length is 100 kilometers, of which 17 percent are blue, 66 percent red, 17 percent black. A total of 30 lifts are included in the ski area.
Thanks to the Presena glacier, it is one of the few Italian resorts that is snow-proof from late October to mid-June. These good conditions allow Italian national ski teams to train there.
The Adamello ski pass is valid for the whole area
The marked slalom trails are mainly suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. Passo Tonale is also linked by lifts to the Ponte di Legno and Temù slopes, which offer greater challenges to advanced skiers and snowboarders.
The Adamello ski pass is valid for the entire area, which has been transformed into a single entity in recent years under the name Pontedilegno-Tonale.
A recommended accommodation for skiers is the three-star family-run Hotel Adamello, known for its warm welcome and friendly service. Don't miss out on a meal at Hotel La Mirandola, located well above the main resort.
The hotel dates back to the 13th century, with a vaulted stone ceiling in the restaurant, with walls that naturally have plenty of stories to tell. The hotel can be reached in the evening by snowmobile.
A gondola was installed for the 2015/16 season, which has made the glacier more accessible, from Passo Paradiso (2,585m) to Passo Presena (3,000m).
Non-skiers and unsure beginners can also use the lift to enjoy the panoramic view of the Italian Alps - the only slope from there is red.
Corvara
Located 34 miles from Milan is the lively and family-friendly ski resort of Corvara, which along with nearby, but smaller and quieter San Cassiano, lies at the center of two large adjacent ski areas.
The total length of the slopes is 433 kilometers, of which 38% are blue, 53% red and 9% black. There are 179 lifts in the ski area.
The local Alta Badia ski area provides easy access to the Sella Ronda ski area, and both are rich in easy and confidence-boosting red slopes that are usually well maintained. There are some wonderful mountain restaurants in the area.
At sunset, the rocks and cliffs of the Dolomites take on an extraordinarily brilliant pink shade. The panorama is so enchanting that the eyes are continuously drawn to the horizon, and sometimes it is difficult to concentrate on the snow under the skis.
Several luxury hotels
There is a cluster of highly regarded luxury hotels here. The 4-star La Perla in Corvara offers good food and service in a relaxed atmosphere and has a spectacular and extensive wine cellar, while the 4-star Posta Zirm is known for its fine cuisine and a feng shui-inspired spa.
Meanwhile, in San Cassiano, the five-star Rosa Alpina hotel has individually designed rooms and boasts two top-class restaurants, including St. Hubertus, which has been awarded two Michelin stars.
For those who want to eat at high altitude with great mountain views, we recommend the Piz Boé Alpine Lounge, located next to the upper station of the Boè cable car that departs from the center of Corvara.
For those wishing to stay in Corvara, the three-star Hotel Italia is recommended, with a good reputation for good food and a homely atmosphere. This family-run hotel has attractive rooms and a small spa.
Alagna
After driving almost 15 miles northwest from Milan, the ski enthusiast reaches the picturesque ski resort of Alagna.
The tiny village - complete with stone church and attractive old wooden houses - in the giant Monterosa ski area is more or less a cult for powder skiers.
Beyond the confined local downhill slopes, glorious snowfields offer endless entertainment and tough challenges for the skiing experts. In fact, some claim that this snow terrain rivals Chamonix in France.
It's not a place for beginners and any guest interested in any kind of nightlife should know that the lights go out almost immediately after dinner. But to get the most out of off-piste skiing, plenty of sleep is required.
Covered by the Monterosa ski lift pass
Alagna itself has only 15 kilometers of downhill slopes, but it is linked to the interconnecting tourist resorts of Gressoney and Champoluc - all of which are covered by the Monterosa ski lift pass and offer 200 kilometers of slopes of varying degrees of difficulty.
There are 45 lifts in the system. For off-piste, however, it is best to stay in Alagna.
The village is located at 1,212 meters and from there lifts go up to 3,275 meters, a good starting point for awesome free skiing. In the Monterosa ski area, the total length of pistes is 73 kilometers, of which 17 percent are blue, 72 percent red and 11 percent black.
A recommended accommodation in Alagna is the beautifully restored farmhouse Zimmer Casa Prati, in an excellent location just a short climb from the main lift. It offers hospitality and comfortable rooms with traditional wood and stone furnishings.
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