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!

Statistics

119

m

1,221

m

37

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Difficult

Description

The ski area of the Passo del Tonale is definitely one of the best destinations for off-piste skiing in western Trentino thanks to a series of favourable characteristics such as elevation (ranging between 1,900 and 3,000 metres a.s.l.), exposure (mainly northerly) and the cut of the land itself which offers a range of valleys and ravines with varying slopes and difficulty levels.Off-piste 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.A typical day's skiing would usually start off with a warm-up descent along the Vescasa off-piste route which can be reached with the Alpino chairlift (southern exposure).

This would be followed by a second descent down the narrow valley of the "Il Cantiere" which can be reached with the ski-lift facilities of the Presena glacier and the day would be topped off with a final, and steeper, descent down the "Canale del Diavolo" gully which can also be reached from the facilies of the Presena glacier after a 10 minute uphill hike (a climb of about 80 metres). For all off-piste skiing activities, the proper apparel is strongly recommended.

Skiers must bear in mind that temperatures can dip quickly and garments should also be suitable for snowy conditions (such as waterproof Gore-Tex jackets).

Furthermore, gloves, cap, sun glasses and sun cream should also form part of every off-piste skier's basic gear.It's also important to bear in mind that tight fitting or insufficiently waterproof ski boots can cause frostbite.It's also COMPULSARY to carry with you an avalanche rescue kit consisting of avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel (this is also available for rent).A suitable helmet and other safety equipment are also strongly recommended (avalanche airbags etc.).