Passo Tonale is a high-altitude ski resort that sits at 1,880m, forming part of the Adamello Ski area in the Italian Dolomites. Offering 100km of skiable terrain, Passo Tonale is renowned for its typically excellent snow record and boasts the Presena Glacier, which allows for skiing nearly all year round and provides breathtaking views across the Adamello-Presanella range.
With an efficient lift system connecting it to the neighbouring Ponte di Legno and Temù, there’s a wide range of terrain to traverse. Suitable for skiers of all skill levels, Passo Tonale offers exciting runs and off-piste opportunities, while also offering beginner-friendly areas. This guide will provide an in-depth overview of skiing in Passo Tonale.
Passo Tonale Ski Area
The ski area in Passo Tonale is split into three main areas: Passo Tonale itself, Ponte di Legno and Temù. The ski area in Passo Tonale comprises 42 runs, with a mix of 30% green, 45% blue, 20% red and 5% black.
Beginner Skiing in Passo Tonale
Passo Tonale is an excellent resort for beginners as it offers plenty of gentle slopes for those just starting out. The resort has two main nursery slopes, one in the village and one at the top of the Valena lift. After gaining confidence on these slopes, beginners can then progress to wider runs such as Alpino or Valbiolo. For those still building confidence, it’s advisable to take the lift back down as the pistes become more challenging towards the resort.
Intermediate Skiing in Passo Tonale
Intermediate skiers will find Passo Tonale a great destination to challenge themselves and further develop their skills. With an array of blue and red runs to explore, intermediate skiers will be far from bored. The Paradiso area is a favourite among intermediate skiers, with wide, sweeping blues like Direttissima Paradiso. For a more thrilling experience, try the black-graded Pista Nera Paradiso, which offers a challenging descent. Please bear in mind that the grading system in Passo Tonale can be more challenging than other Italian resorts, so plan your routes accordingly!
Advanced Skiing in Passo Tonale
Passo Tonale doesn’t fall short when it comes to offering thrilling experiences for advanced skiers. The area has a selection of challenging black runs to explore. The most popular of these is the Presena Glacier run, a black piste with a 1,100m vertical drop. Another challenging run is the Alpino, which has a steep incline and can get icy in the afternoons, so we recommend tackling this in the morning.
Off-piste Skiing in Passo Tonale
Passo Tonale is an ideal destination for off-piste skiing. From the Presena Glacier, skiers can access the thrilling off-piste route Canalino, which offers a challenging 1,200m vertical drop. It is crucial, however, to remember that off-piste skiing should only be undertaken with a local guide or instructor with expert knowledge of the area to ensure safety. You can find such guides at Maison Sport.
Snowparks in Passo Tonale
In addition to its pistes, Passo Tonale also offers the Adamello Snowpark, equipped with jumps, rails and boxes suitable for all levels. Whether you’re a snowboarding enthusiast or a freestyle skier, this snowpark is a must-visit.
Conclusion
Passo Tonale is a versatile resort that caters to all levels of skiers, from beginners to advanced. To maximise your skiing experience, we recommend booking a ski instructor who can guide you to the best runs suitable for your skill level.
