NEW THIS WINTER IN TRENTINO

Each morning, most skiers head north from the resort, to tackle the famous Sella Ronda circuit – leaving Ciampac-Buffaure to the south unfairly neglected. Now, more skiers will discover its compelling mix of easy, blue-rated pistes and exhilarating blacks, thanks to a new Dopplemayr D-Line gondola.

The new lift has more than twice the carrying capacity of the old Alba-Ciampac cable car, which it replaces: from 750 skiers per hour, to 2,000, with the potential to increase to 2,400 if there’s the demand. Journey time is just five minutes. There’ll be a considerable improvement in skier comfort, too. The continuous revolution of the gondola cabins means there’ll be no more hanging around, waiting for the next cable car – and once on board, skiers will be able to sit down on padded leather seats and loosen their ski boots.

This is the second stage of a lift-system upgrade that will transform the connections between the Belvedere and Ciampac-Buffaure ski areas. Last year, stage one saw the opening of the state-of-the-art Alba-Col dei Rossi cable car. The Alba-Ciampac gondola connects directly with this lift, and means Ciampac-Buffaure will now be an essential excursion for keen Sella-Ronda skiers – not least because of the plunging Ciampàc black piste. It’s one of the finest steep runs in Trentino.

Faster access from Folgarida-Marilleva to Madonna di Campiglio

Our second big lift project this year has been the construction of new four-seater, detachable chair-lift in the Vale di Sole, which will speed up the journey to the top of Monte Vigo in the Folgarida-Marilleva ski area. Not only is this a staggeringly beautiful spot. It also offers access, via the famous Malghette red piste, to the slopes of the neighbouring ski area of Madonna di Campiglio-Pinzolo.

A new Chalet FIAT on Monte Spinale in Madonna di Campiglio

Madonna di Campiglio has always been one of our most glamorous resorts, and reconfirms its status this winter with the opening of the new Chalet Fiat at the top of Monte Spinale. Designed by architects Giovanni Berti and Monica Fondriest of Artistudio, the new chalet is a luxurious boutique hotel - offering seven suites and a small, exclusive wellness centre - as well as à-la-carte and self-service restaurants and a bar. You don’t have to be a skier to reach it. A telecabine from Madonna di Campiglio offers access to everyone.

It’s well worth making the trip. The views towards the western face of the Brenta Dolomites are magnificent, and chalet takes full advantage of its setting with big windows and lots of richly-textured local wood and Dolomite stone. Sustainability and respect for the environment have been key guiding principles, and the building even reflects the local geography. Its volumes and shapes both echo those of the surrounding mountains.

Easy access to our winter resorts with the Fly Ski Shuttle and Flixbus

In the winter, a holiday in Trentino starts at the airport, thanks to the Fly Ski Shuttle service. Every Saturday and Sunday, from December 8 to April 2, there are shuttle-bus services from Verona, Bergamo, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa and Venice airports to all of the most famous winter sports resorts in Trentino.

From Verona, Bergamo, Milan Malpensa and Milan Linate the shuttle takes tourists directly to Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo, Val di Sole, Val di Fassa and Val di Fiemme, the Paganella Highlands and San Martino di Castrozza. From Venice, the shuttle includes a stop at Treviso airport and serves Val di Fiemme, Val di Fassa, and S. Martino di Castrozza.

There are shuttle buses running directly to Trentino’s resorts from several city centres, too – courtesy of low-cost carrier Flixbus. From December 22 – January 7 there are daily connections from Novara, Milan, Bergamo and Brescia to Pinzolo, Madonna di Campiglio and Val di Sole-Passo Tonale. From January 8 – April 5, the service runs on Saturdays and Sundays.

Info: visittrentino.info/snow