Tucked high in the Italian Alps, Madonna di Campiglio is often described as the Aspen of Italy — a title that both flatters and misleads. While the resort certainly offers a touch of glamour, designer boutiques and immaculate slopes, it also exudes authentic alpine warmth and remains surprisingly affordable outside of ski season.
When we visited in July, long after the snow had melted, the resort revealed a softer side — a place where wildflowers carpet the meadows, the air hums with cowbells, and trails lead deep into the Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
The meadows around Mt Spinale
The Setting and Atmosphere
Perched at 1,522 metres above sea level, Madonna di Campiglio sits in a serene valley framed by dramatic limestone peaks. With only around 1,000 year-round residents, the town retains the feel of a small mountain village rather than a sprawling resort. Yet its location makes it a natural gateway to adventure. To the north, sheer cliffs rise into the Dolomiti di Brenta; to the south, pine forests roll towards Pinzolo and the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park. The air is fresh, crisp, and scented faintly with spruce — it’s mountain perfection.
The summertime ski slopes of Madonna Di Campiglio
In winter, the resort is alive with energy, hosting the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup’s famous night slalom and attracting skiers from across Europe. In summer, it transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, via ferrata climbing, and even motorsport events hosted by Ferrari and Ducati. Despite its prestige, the atmosphere remains friendly and laid-back — this is not an exclusive enclave, but a refined alpine retreat accessible to ordinary travellers.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Hotel Lorenzetti, located just a short walk from the town centre. It’s one of several properties owned by the Lorenzetti family, who are something of a local institution in hospitality.
Why Stay at Hotel Lorenzetti
Stunning Views: Each room has a balcony overlooking the Dolomites — the sunsets alone are worth the stay.
Spa & Wellness: The hotel’s extensive spa complex feels like a labyrinth of luxury. There are multiple saunas, Turkish baths, relaxation rooms, whirlpools, and a panoramic swimming pool with unbeatable mountain views.
Free Shuttle Service: Guests can call for a shuttle at any time — ideal for reaching the town centre, hiking trails or ski lifts without the hassle of parking.
Exceptional Service: The hotel’s matriarch, Madame Lorenzetti, personally greets guests at dinner each evening, ensuring everyone feels at home. It’s a rare touch of old-world hospitality.
Dining: Expect generous portions and excellent local cuisine. The half-board option is outstanding value, featuring Trentino specialities such as canederli (bread dumplings), polenta taragna with cheese, and rich venison stews.
The priceless view from Hotel Lorenzetti
If you prefer to stay within the town centre, you’ll find a variety of other options — from luxury spa resorts such as Hotel Spinale and DV Chalet, to cosy guesthouses and family-run B&Bs. In summer, rates drop considerably, making even the top-end hotels accessible.
Things to Do in Madonna di Campiglio
Hiking the Brenta Dolomites
The Brenta Dolomites are a hiker’s dream, offering trails for every level. The landscapes are dramatic — pale cliffs, emerald meadows, and sparkling glacial lakes. Some of the most rewarding routes include:
Lago Gelato: A moderately challenging hike through forests and alpine pastures to a serene turquoise lake. Bring a picnic and soak in the silence.
Pietra Grande: A more demanding climb, offering panoramic views across the Brenta massif — best tackled with hiking poles and good boots.
Rifugio Tuckett e Sella: A classic high-mountain route that takes you to one of the region’s most scenic refuges. You can stop for a hearty lunch of pasta and mountain cheese with breathtaking views.
Lago Gelato living up to it’s name!
The view from Mt Spinale are second to none!
Those seeking more adrenaline can tackle the Via delle Bocchette, one of Italy’s most famous Via Ferrata networks — a series of protected climbing routes linked by ladders, bridges, and iron cables.
Swimming and Relaxing at Lago Montagnoli
A short drive or walk from town, Lago Montagnoli is a man-made alpine lake surrounded by larch trees. In summer, it’s a hub for swimmers, families, and sunseekers. The clear, cool water is perfect after a hike, and there’s a small café-bar serving drinks and light snacks. If you’re lucky enough to catch it on a still day, the Dolomites reflect perfectly in the lake’s surface — a photographer’s dream.
Looking down on Madonna Di Campiglio from Pietra Grande with a tiny Lake Montagnoli visible.
Waterfalls Walk: Cascate di Campiglio
On the far side of town, an easy, well-marked trail leads to two stunning waterfalls:
Cascata di Sotto,
Cascata di Mezzo.
After rainfall, they thunder dramatically through the forest. The walk itself is gentle, making it a great morning or post-lunch outing.
The waterfalls after heavy rain in the mountains above!
Cycling and Mountain Biking
Madonna di Campiglio is part of the Dolomiti di Brenta Bike Circuit, a vast network of cycling trails that loop through forests and meadows. You can rent e-bikes or mountain bikes in town and tackle anything from leisurely scenic rides to technical downhill routes. If you prefer road cycling, several alpine passes nearby — including the Passo Carlo Magno — offer testing climbs and rewarding descents.
Some of the hiking and biking trails leading off into the mountains and beyond!
Scenic Lifts and Alpine Refuges
Even if you’re not hiking, take the Grosté Express lift up to the mountain plateau. The views from the top are extraordinary — rugged limestone towers, deep valleys, and endless alpine horizons. At the summit, stop by Ristorante Boch, a cosy mountain hut serving hearty fare, delicious cakes, and some of the best hot chocolate you’ll find anywhere in Italy.
At the top of the Grosté Express looking down the mountain.
Where to Eat and Drink in Town
Madonna di Campiglio has an impressive dining scene for a town its size. Most restaurants are clustered around Piazza Righi and Conca Verde Park, both lively hubs with outdoor terraces perfect for an aperitivo.
Here are a few favourites:
Bar Suisse: The town’s social hub — great for morning coffee, afternoon aperitifs, or an evening drink with locals.
Casa del Cioccolato: Unmissable for gelato and homemade chocolates. The stracciatella flavour was the best we had in Italy — creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced.
Doppio Malto Campiglio: A casual, welcoming restaurant offering craft beers, burgers, and pasta — a great mix of comfort food and Italian tradition.
Ristorante Le Roi: A long-standing favourite for pizza, risotto, and traditional Trentino dishes, served in a cosy alpine-style dining room.
Rifugio Vallesinella: For a memorable lunch, hike here from town — the terrace overlooks waterfalls and forests, and the homemade speck and cheese boards are sublime.
Getting There
Madonna di Campiglio is easily reached from Trento (about 70 km) or Lake Garda (around 90 km). The scenic drive winds through forests and mountain passes — allow extra time for photo stops! Alternatively, public transport connections from Trento run via Pinzolo with regular buses, especially in summer and winter. If you’re travelling from abroad, Verona Airport is the nearest major gateway (about two hours by car). Once in town, most visitors get around on foot or by using the hotel shuttles. In winter, ski buses connect the major lifts; in summer, the lifts themselves become excellent transport links for hikers.
the views from the road leading up into Madonna Di Campiglio.
Final Thoughts
Madonna di Campiglio offers a rare combination: high-end charm without high-end prices. Whether you visit for world-class skiing or alpine hiking, the town delivers impeccable scenery, outstanding hospitality, and a level of tranquillity that’s hard to find in busier Dolomite destinations.
It may not be the largest resort, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in heart, scenery, and atmosphere. With friendly locals, pristine trails, and memorable food, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking adventure wrapped in comfort. If you go, would recommend Hotel Lorenzetti — it’s the kind of place that turns a holiday into an unforgettable memory.