Freeride in Trentino
Adventures in the snow and wilderness, away from it all
The “wildest” side of the mountains in winter: freeride or off-piste skiing. The fresh snow and the call of the wild will make you want to get up at the break of dawn, clip on your skis and race off for those steep snowy slopes, hunting for powder and that near-primitive energy that only these experiences can unleash.
For these reasons, the practice of freeride skiing, along with its philosophy and number of aficionados, are on the rise. Although it’s quite a technical discipline, the human aspect is very important considering the experience needed. Many areas in Trentino have, in recent years, begun to offer safer marked routes and even entire mountain slopes have been entirely dedicated to freeriding.
Maybe there’s no need but it’s best to underline the fact that off-piste skiing requires proper preparation, both in mind and body, and of course some solid ski-mountaineering experience. Make sure you have the proper equipment too (including avalanche transceivers, probes and shovel) and, above all, you should know the mountain like the back of your hand.
Luckily, throughout Trentino you can always rely on local Mountain Guides and Ski Instructors for all you might need, from some lessons to training or even to accompany you on a freeride excursion in complete safety.
Col Margherita, Val di Fassa
The ski area of Passo San Pellegrino in the Val di Fassa could well be defined as "freeride-friendly”: here, on the wide sunny slopes, it’s possible to find medium length itineraries of varying difficulties. It takes just a few minutes to reach the top of Col Margherita, either with your skis over your shoulder or with your climbing skins. Remember too that you’re in the heart of the Dolomites and, between the view and the powdery snow, a breath-taking descent awaits you.
Val Canali, Pale di San Martino
This is the classic ski crossing of the Pale di San Martino Dolomites which combines both the deserted, almost lunar, landscape of these mountains with the majestic vertical peaks of the Val Canali. The itinerary is classified as medium difficulty, but you will still need a sense of direction and take great care to overcome a series of clefts, crevasses and narrow valleys to get safely to Passo Canali.
Passo del Tonale, Val di Sole
For off-piste skiing enthusiasts, the Passo del Tonale-Presena Glacier ski area has deservedly become one of the most sought-after destinations in the entire Alps. Descents such as “Il Cantiere” (the Building Site) or the “Canale del Diavolo” (The Devil’s Channel), to name but a few, attract free-ride aficionados from across Europe.
