Italian Trentino and Lombardy regions are connected with mountain pass called Passo Tonale, set on 1883 m above the sea. Right here, between the valleys of Val di Sole and Valcamonica, an interesting ski resort has been built. Because of the winds that blow over the pass there is almost no vegetation, but that makes this ski resort a great freeride destination, one of the best in the region. A part of the resort is set in the Adamello Brenta natural park.

Village follows the narrow road that goes between the mountain massifs. Most of the slopes are on the northern side, lighted by the sun the whole day. Beginners and parents with children will be delighted with the central part of the ski resort where the slopes and lifts are set one by another. The combination of blue and red runs and easy access makes this an excellent position for the ski schools so, if you don't prefer crowds, avoid this area between 10 a.m. and 13 p.m.. Still, parents will appreciate that they can overlook the progress of their youngsters while they enjoy themselves on the slopes also. Recently, the association of Italian pediatricians officially confirmed that the local slopes are ideal for children. At the foot of the hill there is sled course, a snow kindergarten and night skiing slope (open twice a week).

More advanced skiers will be happy to try on two red slopes placed on the edges of the same, northern area. These are the Contrabbandieri slope below the pass once used by smugglers and Alpina slope, 4.5 km long. The Alpina is perhaps the most beautiful ski run here; long, with varying configuration and a beautiful view of the Presena glacier.

Glacier, located on the opposite side of the ski resort, is easily reachable with a combination of cabin lift, double chair lift and T-bar lift that carry you up to 3016 m. Here you can enjoy the paradise of eternal snow and ice which is open for skiers up to the end of June. A red-black Paradiso slope 5.7 km long winds down the glacier to the village. A demanding steep section in its central part asks for strong legs and skier's full concentration. At the end, branching slope links Passo Tonale with neighboring Pontedilegno creating a ski resort with a total of 100 km of slopes.

Along the slope to Pontedilegno look for a sled dog training ground. There are about 15 dog houses with huskies lying around and waiting for "customers". Every so often they do a wailing concert that echoes through the valley. Apart from the music, in Passo Tonale you can enjoy doing cross-country skiing, skating, riding a snowmobile ...

Passo Tonale is an ideal destination for all those who, in addition to prepared slopes, enjoy carving the deep, untouched snow. Freeride is possible almost everywhere and for everyone, from beginners to connoisseurs who are not afraid of avalanches. You can go freeriding with ski lifts or, you can mountain climb to the top of your freeride route, which is very popular here. Since the part of the ski resort is located in the natural park, a special permission must be obtained for heliskiing. Besides with escapades in deep snow, adrenaline can be built in skicross and freestyle park.

The lifts are modern, fast and comfortable. Prevailing are the hooded chairlifts that protect you from frequent winds. At the foot of the ski resort there are offices of Italian ski school, ski rent, sporting goods shops, free parking places, skipass office... Six-day ski pass which is valid for Passo Tonale, Presena and Pontedilegno costs EUR 143 (EUR 166 in high season). The ski resort is a part of Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta carousel for which six-day ski pass costs EUR 184 (EUR 208) and is valid on 380 km of slopes. It is possible to purchase skipass for Passo Tonale with a day of skiing at nearby ski resorts. Children up to eight years ski for free, accompanied by parents.

Passo Tonale will not likely take the title of a romantic or picturesque Alpine village. Main road with hotels aside reminds of a Wild West villages. Again, such plan has its advantages because almost all of the accommodation units are very close to ski slopes. Those seeking for authentic alpine atmosphere, may look for an apartment or hotel somewhat lower in the Val di Sole, in places like Ossana, Vermiglia, Mezzana ... Skibus connects the entire valley with the pass free of charge. Accommodation is reasonably priced, as well as the prices of food and drinks on the slopes. Various types of pasta are about EUR 7, main courses around EUR 10, beer and bombardino EUR 2-3. Après-ski parties start around 4 p.m. and the loudest place is the Paradiso igloo (female visitors leave an interesting mark of their visit here). Night scene is very lively, bars and discos are full with many young people from the UK, Netherlands and Belgium and this is one of the reasons that younger clientele loves this ski resort.

Passo Tonale is easily reachable from Italian A22 highway going from Modena to Innsbruck. After the San Michele all'Adige exit there is about 60 km to the pass. Nearby are also airports of Verona and Bergamo with organized to/from shuttle service. Also, you can take advantage of not too distant airports of Venice and Milan.

Altitude of the ski resorts allows for an abundant snow cover until April, so you can plan your holidays in the period when the days are longer and the weather is warmer. Plus, summer skiing on the Presena glacier is possible. If you want to change the scenery. you can explore the surrounding ski resorts such as Folgarida - Marilleva, Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Paganella ... All mentioned makes Passo Tonale a good choice for a holiday spent on the snow.