Almost always sunbathed Val di Sole valley is situated in the north-western part of the Trentino region. Beautiful scenery, with snow covered peaks stretching high into the blue sky, is covered in numerous ski trails. This review will cover the resort of Folgarida - Marilleva situated in the middle of the valley.
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The resort was formed by connecting two separated localities, Folgarida and Marilleva, which resulted in 53 kilometers of ski trails. And there is more; a link with the elite neighboring resort of Madonna di Campiglio so you can ski over even 108 km of trails without taking off your skis. The resort is reachable from Folgarida, Marilleva, or from a completely new Daolasa terminal near Comezzadura, offering integrated train - cable car link. The train leaves from Trento (about an hours' ride), passes through the valley and takes the skiers right in front of the cable car that takes 12 minutes to the peak of the resort's top station. It is a solution to the traffic jams that occur on the main road through the valley, and to preserve nature, which is a praiseworthy initiative. On the terminal, you will find a ski rent, ski depot, store, bar, office, ski schools... Actually, everything you'll need for a day on the snow. Apart from the train, there is also a free of charge ski bus passing through the valley. For those who cannot make it without a car, there are free of charge parking lots.
Ski trails are very well prepared and despite warm temperatures during our visit, they endured throughout the day. It was also due to snowmaking artillery covering as much as 90% on the trails. As for the trails, almost two kilometers long Nera Folgarida black descent is definitely worth mentioning as one of the most challenging trails at the resort. At its end it is equipped for night skiing. Equally long Nera Marilleva is descending toward Marilleva, and there are also two red trails worth notice: Dos de la Pesa and Mastellina. The trails are interesting because of the terrain's versatility and constant challenges they present the experienced skiers with. For those at the start of their skiing adventure, the advice is to explore in the area beneath the Monte Spolverino peak. Its mild slopes, lots of sun and easy chairs on the terraces are a good choice for parents with children. If you wish for a different scenery, take a tour through Madonna di Campiglio. As for the ski lifts, most of them are chair lifts of an older date, but this is soon to change.
For freestylers, there is a small Val Panciana snow park above Marilleva. Freeriders won't feel quite at home here, but tour skiers could. There are many routes for mastering the uphill climb, with lots of groomed or ungroomed trails for the descent. As for the rest winter activities, you can try yourself at snowshoeing, nordic skiing, skating, sledge riding...if you decide to visit Val di Sole during summer, you can go mountaineering, rafting, kayaking, mountain biking...
Six day adult ski lift pass costs EUR134 (EUR 146.5 in high season), and children up to 8 years of age can ski free of charge. For extra EUR42 (52.50 in high season), you will get a ski lift pass covering the whole Skirama Dolomiti Adamello-Brenta ski area, which offers 380 kilometers of ski trails at the neighboring resorts of Madonna di Campiglio, Passo Tonale, Paganella, Folgaria...you can also obtain a ski lift pass for Folgarida - Marilleva that includes a ski day at each of the neighbouring resorts.
The valley disposes with 15000 beds, with hotels being the prevailing accommodation facilities. For families, it is more convenient to stay in Folgarida, while those who want to spend most of their time skiing can consider Marilleva. It offers accommodation in unattractive concrete blocks on the trails, reminding of French ski villages. The rest of the valley offers picturesque villages abundant with classic Italian mountain architecture. The viewer will enjoy the view of the slopes planted with Melinda apple, which is one of the valley's emblems. Apart from Melinda Apple, the local specialty is also casolèt cheese offered by many rustic taverns. As for the food at the ski resort, you can choose form ordinary menus, at the following prices: pasta EUR6, polenta with sausage EUR6.5, Wiener stake EUR9.50, beer EUR3.50, coffee EUR2.50. Pizza, a symbol of Italian cuisine, is good and plentiful in Mt. Spolverino rifugio.
Folgarida - Marilleva is easily reachable from Italian A22 highway going from Modena to Innsbruck. After the exit San Michele all'Adige there is about 40 km to Val di Sole. Nearby are also airports of Verona and Bergamo with organized to/from shuttle service.
Lots of sun, versatile ski trails and good offer in general place Folgarida – Marilleva high on the priority list of everyone planning their winter holidays in Italy. It is a must visit.
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