Madesimo

Madesimo is one of Lombardy’s most underrated resorts, at the head of the Valchiavenna, above 1,500 m. Thanks to the altitude and snowmaking on every run, the snow holds up for almost the whole season. The terrain is varied: it goes from the famous Canalone, northern Italy’s most technical run (you can only reach it when the Groppera and Val di Lei lifts are running), to Madepark, the snowpark at 1,800 m.

Why Go Snowboarding

Madesimo works because of its mix of technical terrain, a well-kept park, and a real mountain-village feel, without the crowds of Courmayeur or Madonna di Campiglio. The Canalone, which drops from the Pizzo Groppera area, is the resort’s signature run: a 36% average gradient, 3 km long, and north-facing, so the snow stays good. You reach it on the Groppera and Val di Lei lifts: check the official website before you go to see if they’re running. If you’re into freeriding, you can book guided heliskiing trips from the Valchiavenna onto the glaciers, and heliskiing from Madesimo is some of the most accessible in Italy.

Terrain & Slopes

The roughly 40 km of slopes are split into 39 runs: 20 blue, 16 red, and 3 black. With plenty of intermediate and advanced terrain, it’s a good place to carve fast reds. The Valle Sasso sector is quieter and has great views, while the upper runs toward Pizzo Groppera (2,900 m) and Val di Lei have the best snow in the resort when their lifts are open. Madesimo is part of the Skiarea Valchiavenna, which also includes Campodolcino.

Snowpark

Madepark, at 1,800 m, is reached from the center of Madesimo on the Larici gondola and the Montalto chairlift. It’s built mainly for riders who are still learning: flat boxes and 2, 4, and 6 m kickers (jumps), plus a down rail, rainbow rail, plug, mailbox, tank, and modular boxes. The setup changes during the season; entry is free and helmets are required.

Getting There

By car from Milan, take the SS36 to Lecco, Colico, and then Chiavenna; from there the SS36 Spluga road climbs to Campodolcino and Madesimo (about 2 hours 30 minutes). From Como, follow the SS340 Regina along the lake to Colico. By train, go to Chiavenna station (about 30 km away), then take a bus or taxi. In season there are also buses from Milan and Como.

Tips

The best time to go is December to March, and January and February have the most reliable snow. Madesimo is a small, compact village, ideal for an easy snowboard weekend. Restaurants in the village serve mountain food at fair prices compared to the big resorts. You can also ride at night on the Pianello/Montalto run.