You might not have visited Madonna di Campiglio in the Italian Dolomites yet. Here’s why it deserves your attention.

The enchantment of Italy lies in the serendipitous moments that greet you, especially when you remain open to spontaneous adventures. You could find yourself exploring a hidden alley, trying an unfamiliar dish encouraged by a knowing smile from a waiter, or witnessing a moment of daily life that feels like a scene from a beautifully directed movie.

A trip to Madonna di Campiglio, a fairy tale village sitting at 1522m (4933 ft) in the Brenta Dolomites of Italy’s Trentino region, is truly a magical experience.

If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, or snowshoeing, you might already be familiar with this historic resort—but there are many reasons to consider visiting this destination all year round.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, this area offers one of the best opportunities to immerse yourself in the unique culture of Trentino. If relaxation is what you seek, Campiglio features an impressive array of top-tier restaurants, spas, and wellness centers for your indulgence.

Don your warm socks and head to Madonna di Campiglio.

Hit the slopes!

The ski season kicks off in mid-November, and Campiglio’s 156 kms (97 miles) of pistes are alive with excitement all winter long.

Ski trails originate in the town and are interconnected by chair lifts, allowing you to glide from one spot to another (and from one meal to the next) at your leisure. You can even ski down to Pinzolo, where a new lodge and the recently opened Attic restaurant offer delightful dining options. The area is generously filled with mountain lodges as well.

Madonna di Campiglio is perfect for cross-country skiing, featuring 22 kms of trails suitable for all skill levels. If you're new to cross-country skiing, be prepared for a tough workout, but it's worth it. For a truly unique experience, consider a guided night ski adventure that concludes at a mountain lodge with food and cocktails—an unforgettable Italian après ski moment.

Connect with nature (and furry friends)!

Rediscover the joy of waking up to a snowy day (or experience it for the first time) with the Dolomiti Natural Wellness walk, a peaceful journey through a tranquil, snowy forest. You'll engage in meditation, breathing exercises, and learn about the region’s natural environment. There's even an option for a refreshing “snow bath” (which you should seriously consider).

If you want to spend time with some lovely furry companions, consider a dog-sledding adventure! You'll explore the history of dog-sledding in Madonna di Campiglio while developing a newfound appreciation for this ancient practice—if you can manage to stop petting the dogs long enough to listen, that is.

You can also enjoy traditional sledding on a designated slope.

Explore snowshoeing and trekking with a certified alpine guide

If you're not quite ready to tackle the slopes (same here), but still want to enjoy the snowy outdoors, no worries: snowshoeing and snow trekking are very popular in Madonna di Campiglio.

The best way to familiarize yourself with the area is by hiring a certified alpine guide, available for booking directly in the town center or online. These guides are incredibly adventurous, well-informed, and a joy to spend the day with.

Trekking up a snowy mountain in snowshoes is already a blast, but having a mountain guide makes it even better, so it's worth the investment. They’ll highlight local wildlife and geography, share the region's history, and provide tips on everything from the best après ski spots to festival timings—and even where to find the best coffee in town.

Most importantly, they ensure your safety; this terrain can be challenging, so having expert support is invaluable. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try ice climbing, a guide will help you plan it safely.

Indulge in the flavors of northern Italian cuisine

Campiglio is a quaint, walkable village, and the presence of three Michelin-starred restaurants speaks volumes about the quality of local dining; you’re unlikely to encounter a disappointing meal, even if you tried.

Many mountain huts also serve excellent meals, providing hearty dishes for hungry skiers; be sure to give one a shot. If possible, don’t miss the bone marrow risotto at Ill Gallo Cedrone—it’s a dish I find myself craving weekly since I first tried it.

Be sure to explore the various polenta dishes available in town: this cornmeal staple of Northern Italian cuisine comes with unique twists at every restaurant. After a day in the stunning outdoors, kick off your meal with a glass of local prosecco, a sparkling wine that’s even more enjoyable with a view of the alpine landscape.

Make sure to visit this historic landmark

As with many places in Italy, Madonna di Campiglio is steeped in history. Be sure to visit the Church of Santa Maria Antica, a neo-Gothic structure that contains some of the region's most significant artifacts. Among the triptychs, sculptures, and historical documents, the highlight is the 12th-century crucifix, which has remarkably withstood the test of time.

Activities to enjoy in spring and summer

During spring and summer, local Italian tourists flock to the region, where the high altitude keeps the temperatures pleasantly cool. If you have children who don’t ski—or are too young to try—this is likely the best time to visit, as many warm-weather activities cater to kids.

During the summer, the lifts remain operational, allowing you to discover all the region has to offer on foot. Enjoy traditional hiking and trekking, numerous rock climbing routes, canyoning, and rafting, or embark on a thrilling via ferrata adventure—the Brenta Dolomites boast one of the most extensive networks of routes in the Alps. Most activities can be arranged through the mountain guide office.

If you find yourself in Campiglio in late August or September, inquire about the Giovenche Rendena, a delightful event where cowherds, or malgari, dressed in floral adornments are paraded down from their summer pastures as they prepare for winter. Each year, the finest heifer is crowned the Queen of Pinzolo, making for a fun experience.

Getting to Madonna di Campiglio

If you're traveling by air, your best options are to fly into Milan or Venice. From there, it’s about a 3½ hour drive by car or bus. For train travelers, disembark at Trento; from there, it's a 1½ hour drive or a roughly two-hour bus ride to the slopes.

Dan visited Madonna di Campiglio at the invitation of Madonna di Campiglio Azienda per il Turismo S.p.A. Dinogo Planet contributors do not accept complimentary services in exchange for positive coverage.