Madonna di Campiglio has worked its way into our affections gradually, over many years; we now count it as one of our favourite Italian resorts. It may come second to Cortina d'Ampezzo for smart shops and bars - and for scenic drama - but it is nevertheless a lovely place which is attracting more and more readers.
The slopes offer plenty of variety, and a satisfying sense of travel across considerable distances - particularly since a gondola built in 2011 created a long-awaited link with Pinzolo; it's an amazing 17km from Folgarida.
Campiglio is a well-established, quite fashionable resort, set near the head of a heavily wooded valley. Although the clientele is mainly Italian, the resort is now attracting Russian visitors in considerable numbers. The Skirama regional lift pass covers not only the several linked resorts but also others in the Val di Sole to the north, including Pejo and Passo Tonale (which gets its own chapter).
Pros
Splendid wooded setting in the dramatic Brenta Dolomites
Pleasant, stylish village, with car-free centre and a tunnel bypass
Extensive, varied slopes, including Folgarida, Marilleva and Pinzolo
Lots of long, easy runs
Cons
Although it has a compact core, the resort spreads widely along the valley, away from the lifts
Tough pistes are few, and widely separated around a big area - and off-piste is formally banned
Quiet from dinner time onwards
