For those looking for unforgettable experiences, Trentino is the right place. Especially in the winter season, because in addition to the 800 kilometers of ski slopes spread over several areas, the northern Italian region also offers other activities in the snow. Snowshoeing through the quiet snowy forests, sleeping in an igloo or taking a romantic sled dog ride; these peaceful activities will give you ample time to absorb and appreciate the beautiful winter mountain scenery. Also a perfect outing to surprise your loved one on Valentine's Day.
Paths and forest roads are accessible on foot or on snowshoes (ciaspole). Wandering through the large nature reserves is one of the most relaxing activities in winter. Move without haste, to admire the most beautiful winter spectacles of nature. In every valley and village, mountain guides offer a calendar full of excursions, including evening or night trips by moonlight. An example in the village of Madonna di Campiglio is SnowMoon:encounters in the nights at full moon (February 16, March 18, April 16), walking in the snow, accompanied by music.
The most exclusive ice experience in the Adamello Brenta Natural Park in Madonna di Campiglio is staying in an igloo. Together with mountain guides, you will go snowshoeing in the evening to a small clearing in the middle of the forest, where you will then spend the night in a real igloo made of ice, surrounded by silence and nature. Before going to bed in a warm down sleeping bag, dine bivouac style by the light of headlamps. Highly recommended for those who love snow and have adaptability and a sense of adventure. This can be experienced from December to April, depending on the snow conditions.
Peace, freedom and a strong mutual bond with the dogs; this is exactly what you feel when riding a sled pulled by a team of Siberian Husky or Alaskan Malamute dogs. In the Athabaska sled dog school in San Lorenzo – Giustino, but also in Madonna di Campiglio, you can experience the emotion of driving a dog-drawn sled. Thanks to an orientation course you learn the first principles of driving a dog sled and you can then transfer to practice. Also Ciaspoldog – snowshoeing in the company of Alaskan Malamute dogs – is an experience worth trying. Connected to the four-legged friends by means of a harness, you walk on easy, flat routes and is therefore suitable for any age.
Enjoying the snowy landscape from beautiful, trained horses is possible in Val di Fassa. The horse rides are organized by Charlotte Horse Riding. Daily excursions on horseback to admire the spectacle of the Dolomiti di Brenta covered under a cloak of snow are also offered by the equestrian center of Val Rendena. It is suitable for horse riding enthusiasts or for those who just want to enjoy a relaxing experience in the winter woods.
For the more active, there is also the possibility to ride a so-called Fat bike through the snow. These are mountain bikes with very wide tires (hence the name “fat”) and they are designed to brave snowy roads. In addition to the traditional models, there are now also electric models, so that everyone can enjoy the ride, the panorama and the crunch of snow under the wheels. Dolomiti Paganella Bike offers special Fat Bike routes and also a rental service; From Monday to Friday, Fat Bike excursions are scheduled with official DPB Academy guides. There are also various routes on the Alpe Cimbra that have been specially developed for this type of bicycle and which can be ridden independently or accompanied by a guide. For the more adventurous, there are also night bike rides in the snow:you start at sunset and then enjoy the nocturnal beauty of nature and the play of light created by the surrounding villages.
Every effort is made in the Trentino region to make the ski season as safe as possible for visitors. For various activities, such as accessing the ski lifts, restaurants, wellness centers and sporting events, a corona ticket (Green Pass) is required. More information about the situation regarding Covid-19 and the current measures can be consulted on this website.
Credits header photo:Elisa Fedrizzi
