Passo Tonale: piste guide
The Tonale slopes are entirely above the trees, but the linked slopes of Ponte di Legno are wooded – a great combination. Thirty minutes east is Marilleva, linked to Madonna di Campiglio.
Extent of the slopes
Tonale’s home slopes are limited in extent. The broad, gentle, sunny area north of the pass road, served by a row of chairs and drags, is much the larger of the two sectors, but runs are short. A gondola accesses the steeper, narrower and taller north-facing sector. A gondola goes to the top of the small Presena glacier.
A blue/red run through the trees (mostly easy but with a short steeper section) descends almost 600m to a slow chair up into the Ponte di Legno slopes. This is followed by an easy black run; you can avoid this by riding the gondola down to Ponte di Legno.
Fast lifts
The system is impressive.
Snow reliability
In a normal season, the altitude and setting ensure good conditions, though the sunny main slopes can suffer in late season. Wind can be a problem, but the wooded slopes of Ponte di Legno offer shelter. The snowmaking is impressive.
For experts
There isn’t much for experts on piste. But there is off piste to be had in the main area, and good routes from the glacier. The 10km Sgualdrina Cantiere back to Tonale is recommended, and the Pisgana takes an epic 16km to drop 1,650m to Ponte di Legno.
For intermediates
The south-facing slopes – gentle even when labelled red – are great for the timid. Adventurous intermediates will enjoy the 4.5km Alpino piste down a deserted valley to the village, and the Presena area. The glacier runs are short and not steep. The red runs at Ponte di Legno are excellent, and correctly classified. The blacks in both sectors are not steep.
For beginners
Excellent: the sunny slopes right by the village are ideal, with plenty of easy, wide blue runs too.
Snowboarding
The gentle slopes and many chairlifts mean the area is good for beginners and intermediates.
Cross-country
There are short trails here and down at Ponte di Legno and longer ones at Vermiglio (10km east).
Where to Ski and Snowboard
This guide is taken from Where to Ski and Snowboard, edited by Chris Gill and Dave Watts. Chris now produces Where to Ski guides to individual countries. Find out more and receive an exclusive book discount.
