Madesimo, Italy

Essential Advice for the Perfect Trip

The attractive old village with its narrows streets and scattering of converted farmhouses has a considerable following among Italian families who want a quiet resort offering plenty of snow-sure intermediate skiing.

It lies close to the Swiss border, north of Lake Como, and a two-hour drive from Bergamo. Once you reach the lovely old town of Chiavenna, it’s either 45 minutes drive to St Moritz or 45 minutes to Madesimo. In fact, it is perfectly possible to take a day-trip from here to St Moritz.

During the week the slopes are blissfully uncrowded and there is a distinct lack of lift queues, although it gets busier at weekends when visitors arrive from Milan. The skiing is mostly of intermediate level and takes place on the slopes of the Pizzo Groppera, with long trails leading into the neighbouring Valle di Lei with its mainly red runs and some challenging blacks, including the famous Canalone itinerary.

The compact village means that you can be up the mountain quickly from wherever you are staying. The village has a good range of restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, bars and shopping opportunities.

We Love	We Hate
The low prices. The unspoilt village centre, not yet discovered by the masses. The uncrowded slopes. The high altitude, east-facing slopes which allow for a long ski season. The modern lift system.	The tricky mountain access road. The lack of luxury hotels.

1. 

   
   Guide to the Mountain
2. 

   
   Where to Stay
3. 

   
   Where to Eat
4. 

   
   Where to Learn
5. 

   
   Where to Party