8 must-try legendary slopes
Trentino’s ski resorts are home to some superb black-rated pistes
The breath-taking downhill tracks, canyons and gradients that have made history in Alpine Skiing.
These are the memorable tracks where the world’s strongest skiers challenged each other, heart-stopping descents that are the stuff of legend. Here is our ultimate guide to the epic downhill runs that you absolutely must try. Some are famous for their length, some for their daring gradients and some because they have played host to some of the greatest sporting events.
Take these examples: the Canalone Miramonti which hosted the famous World Cup 3-Tre; the Olimpionica Paganella- training ground for the american champion Bode Miller and the Volata in Val di Fassa where you can ski a 630m vertical drop at a gradient of 57%.
Need we say more? Get your skis on and start your own epic descent!
Pista Olimpionica 2, Dolomiti Paganella
An all-round slope with a 1000m altitude drop, it was for many years training ground of world class racers such as Bode Miller and Ted Legety, and today of the Norwegian national team. The slope is divided into 3 sections: Olimpionica 1,2 & 3. The middle section, which features a steep wall, is regarded as one of the most technical courses in the Paganella ski area.
Canalone Miramonti, Madonna di Campiglio
A legendary slope and race course of champions such as Bozon, Thoeni, Stenmark and Tomba. This challenging and technical slope was prime terrain for the World Cup qualifying for the downhill, slalom and giant slalom events. Starting at 1725m of altitude, it plunges to 1545m with an average gradient of 27% reaching 60% in some parts! The epic Canalone Miramonti is accessible to anyone who dares to try this historic run.
Little Grizzly, Val di Sole
Seasoned skiers and fans of black runs will not miss the opportunity to test their skills and nerves on the Little Grizzly in Marilleva. From the top of Mount Vigo, at 2179m of altitude, it descends the length of a canyon reaching a gradient of 70%, and then enters the woods running parallel to the Orso Bruno slope. The first wall is for true adrenaline seekers.
Tognola 1, San Martino di Castrozza
A wide and technical slope winding its way through the forests of Alpe Tognola for more than 5 km. With variable gradients and changes in direction, it features a final white-knuckle wall - a must for expert skiers. An easier detour allows you to reach the valley floor and avoid the last steep section. During the entire descent skiers can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Pale di San Martino and the Marmolada, The Queen of the Dolomites, in the backdrop.
Pista Olimpia, Val di Fiemme
A challenging black run with an altitude drop of 1400m and a 7.5 km long course divided into three sections, Olimpia is a technical and demanding slope. With optimal snow conditions guaranteed until late in the season, it descends from the Paion del Cermis, at 2250m of altitude, with breathtaking views across the Italian Alps, spanning from the Brenta Dolomites to the eastern Dolomites and the Austrian Alps.
La Volata, Val di Fassa
2,3 Km of pure adrenaline rush. From an altitude of 2514 metres, it sweeps down to Passo San Pellegrino at 1918m with an average gradient of nearly 50%. This black run, featuring an intense sequence of walls, makes for an ideal training ground for the Italian national team and a desirable setting for international competitions.
Pista Agonistica, Alpe Cimbra
With an altitude drop of 280m, the Agonistica slope is the jewel in the crown of the Folgaria Ski Circuit, the most renowned ski area in the Italian Prealps. Stage of important international competitions, thanks to its technical elements and wide course, it has over the years become a key training spot for top national teams such as Austria, Italy, Sweden and now also the United States.
Pista Tulot Audi Quattro, Pinzolo
In just a few short years, this ski slope has earned its place amongst the most beautiful pistes in the Alps. Challenging, exhilarating, with sudden and unexpected dips and turns, the Tulot Audi Quattro slope will surely take your breath away! Indeed, this black piste, with a maximum gradient of 70% and stretching for 2.6km, will instil that sense of exhilaration usually reserved for only competitive downhill skiers.
