Passo Tonale Ski Holidays

Why Ski In Passo Tonale?

Passo Tonale is one of Italys highest now sure resorts which is a great place for beginners to learn but also has a wider range of intermediate slopes than you would imagine. The village itself is purpose built and this means that all of the hotels are within walking distance of one of the many lifts and the amenities. As it’s above the tree level the resort can look rather bleak at first but you have to weigh off the pros and cons and you will soon discover that the high, snow sure, uncrowded slopes will win you over.

There are a few bars that offer really good lively après ski partying in Passo Tonale straight after the slopes close, however it does get quieter later on in the evening as the majority of skiers retreat back to their accommodations for dinner. There are a couple of nightclubs to choose from but we found them to be quite quiet even in high season. If it’s a party town you are after then Passo won’t be for you.

The Skiing In Passo Tonale

There are plenty of high runs above the trees in the main part of Passo which are all linked with many good fast lifts and a few more steeper more challenging runs in the Presena area are situated on the other side of the pass reached by cable car. The prettier tree lined slopes and a little more challenging skiing to be found down in the Ponte di Legno area which is reached via an easy blue run and then a very easy black (more like a red run!) – or you can take the gondola there instead. We found no queues when we were there and that was at half term.

There’s a terrain park and beginners park which are both served by a good fast chair.

The local pass will keep most beginner and intermediates happy for a week however not to be missed on the area pass is a day trip to Madonna di Campiglio which is around a 40 min journey away.

Beginners skiing

Passo is a beginner’s paradise with lots of wide easy runs on high sunny slopes. The local ski schools come highly recommended.

Intermediates skiing

This resort has many cruising blue runs to choose from and even the reds and blacks are pretty easy too. We’d recommend taking the blue over to the Presana area where the slopes are even less crowded and the red runs truly do challenge you more than those in Passo Tonale. There are good mountain restaurants to be found with great prices.

Advanced skiing

This really isn’t the best resort for expert skiers although there are some good off piste runs from the glacier.

Après-Ski

Passo Tonale’s après-ski is friendly, good value, and livelier than you might expect from a compact Italian resort. Activity begins on the sunny plateau at the foot of the slopes, where bars fill with skiers enjoying the classic Italian mountain drink Bombardino (a hot mix of eggnog and brandy). The atmosphere is relaxed, affordable, and appeals as much to families as to groups of friends.

Bars

La Baracca is the resort’s best-known après spot, built partly from an upturned cable car and famous for its live music and DJs. Magic Pub Ski Burger provides a pub-style setting with burgers, televised sport, and late-night dancing, while El Bait offers a quieter, cosy venue for a hot chocolate or drink. Many hotels also run evening bars; the Grand Hotel Miramonti even has a small nightclub downstairs, popular with those wanting to extend the night.

Restaurants

Dining is straightforward and typically excellent value. Options range from pizzerias and pub-style menus to traditional Trentino cuisine such as polenta, stews, and local cheeses. La Torretta is noted for its regional dishes in a rustic setting, while Ristorante Dolomiti offers more refined dining and mountain views. Most hotels include half-board packages with generous buffets, but independent venues provide variety for those who prefer to eat out.