Madesimo emerges as a freeride and ski weekend favourite
Over the past few years, Madesimo has enjoyed a stellar snow record and as a result, has become a mecca for anyone looking to explore off-piste, hone their freeriding skills or enjoy a lively weekend getaway.
Last season saw one of the biggest snow seasons on record clocking up over 5m of snow on the upper slopes and 3m on the lower slopes which was almost double the snow depths found in Revelstoke, Val Thorens and Tignes. This abundance of snow has attracted a wave of freeride and backcountry skiers to the destination and 2014-15 will see the second instalment of the successful Madesimo Freeride Festival.
Madesimo Freeride Festival 27-29 March 2015
For a few days in March Madesimo is transformed into a haven for anyone who lives and breathes for the mountains; whether they’re freeride purists or piste addicts, everyone’s welcome to get involved. The festival is jam-packed with activities and events to exhilarate and inspire including expert clinics with instructors and guides, photo competitions, telemark and split boarding courses, transceiver training and equipment testing to name but a few. Even the most dedicated of freeriders will find something new to try and for those who are back-country first-timers it’s a fantastic way to explore recommended routes like the Canalone. The Canalone itinerary has been praised as one of the best slopes in the Alps by industry experts. It’s literal translation is ‘large couloir’; a 1000m vertical, ungroomed itinerary served by a lone cable car. Whilst it may be challenging, it is one of the most breathtaking runs in the world.
For more information on the Madesimo Freeride festival visit: madesimofreeridefestival.it
Ski For Free in Madesimo
This year, when skiers book a hotel, B&B or apartment for more than two nights before the 27th December 2014 or after the 22nd March 2015 (including Easter) will receive their ski pass (worth up to £139 for six days) absolutely free. Prices for the 2* Hotel Arlecchino, in the heart of the Madesimo and in prime position for access to the slopes start from just £325 per person for seven night’s accommodation on a half board-basis with a free ski pass.
Visit madesimo.eu/en for more information.
Take the Madesimo Express
Madesimo is now running the ‘Madesimo Express’; group transfers by coach travelling straight from the hotel doors to Milan’s Airports. The Express runs every Saturday and Sunday from the 6th December 2014 to the 12th April 2015. The coaches will leave Milan’s three airports (Orio al Serio, Linate and Malpensa) at 04:00 and 15:00, and return to the airports at 10:00 and 21:00. During December and January the service will be completely free. From February to April, there will be a charge of £31 per person per trip.
Visit madesimo.eu/en/ for more information.
NEW Italian Instruction Weekend to Madesimo with Ski Club Freshtracks
This is a ski weekend for those who want a short ski-filled break with instruction and relaxation. Not only do guests get four days on snow but they can also enjoy the spa and wellness area in the hotel and benefit from the technique-boosting tips from local instructors.
The Italian Instruction weekend to Madesimo costs £799 and includes 4 nights half board in the 3* Hotel La Meridiana, return flights from London Heathrow, resort transfers, 2 full days with an instructor and Ski Club Leader service, departing 5 February and 12 March 2015.
Visit: skiclub.co.uk/freshtracks for more information
Momentum ski offers a three night weekend rip to Madesimo, staying at the traditional 2* K2 Hotel, set in the centre of Madesimo opposite the main ski lift, with an excellent restaurant offering delicious Italian fare, an ideal hotel for those looking to ski hard and eat well. Prices start from £380 per person based on two sharing. Price includes 3 nights B&B accommodation, flights between London Gatwick and Milan Linate and car hire, the transfer from Milan Linate is 138km and takes around 2 hours.
Visit momentumski.com for more information.
Not just for skiers
Alongside Madesimo’s fabulous skiing comes a host of other alpine activities to keep the adrenaline pumping. Not to be missed is the very rare 60km of skidoo tracks up the Spluga Pass to the Swiss border. Madesimo also offers the unique opportunity to tour by skidoo at night stopping at a mountain refuge for a drink and a mountain lodge for dinner. Prices for snowmobiling start from £67 (one or two people).
Visitors to the resort can also learn to ice drive at a dedicated ice driving school. With all that snow it’s certainly a skill that will come in handy in this beautiful part of Italy. An hour’s ice driving costs £79.
Visit teamextremeteam.com/Noleggio.aspx for more information.
With a resort altitude of 1550m and with ski slopes from 3000m, the ski season is guaranteed to be a long one in Madesimo and the modern lift system, well-groomed slopes, spectacular back-country, family friendly facilities, delicious Italian food and fantastic value make this a resort worth singing about.
Flights from London Gatwick to Milan start from £93 return with easyJet.
Visit: madesimo.eu/en for more information
* Snow stats according to the Ski Club of Great Britain's industry leading snow reports and historical snow data.
