Just above the picturesque Trentino valley lies the authentic Italian ski resort of Folgaria. It is part of the Alpe Cimbra ski area, which also includes the nearby resorts of Lavarone and Fiorentini. Located at an elevation of 1,169m, this mid-alt. resort is part of the Skitour dei Forti ski area and boasts about 104km of skiable terrain within its reach.
Folgaria is the main town of Alpe Cimbra, a holiday paradise with a wide range of recreational and active offers. The plateau of Folgaria still shares its eventful history. The frontline of the 1st World War ran through the municipal territory, so three large fortresses were built by Austria-Hungary, which can still be seen today: Forte Cherle, Dosso del Sommo di Serrada and Forte Sommo Alto. That is what the name ‘Skitour dei Forti’ refers to: the many different fortresses that can be reached and visited on the slopes.
The first ever ski lift in Italy was built here in the 1930s and shortly after World War 2, the beautiful ski resort was formed.
Folgaria ski resort - Alpe Cimbra ski area
The Folgaria Ski Area, which is spread over the villages of Folgaria, Serrada and Fiorentini.
Folgaria is a very complete ski resort, which ranks among the best ski resorts in Italy for families: baby park and kindergarten on the slopes, family hotels and residences, many school camps for beginners. A wide variety of slopes allow every skier to have fun, regardless of his level of ability: blue, red and black slopes. These last ones, called Agonistica, Salizzona and Avéz del Prinzep, are often used by the big ski champions for trainings.
Folgaria is beginner-friendly, with several gentle slope for those new to the sport. The ski area in Fondo Piccolo is an excellent starting point with its wide and forgiving nursery slopes. The Cima Sommo Alto - Costa (Emozioni) is 2.5 km long and the piste crossing the highest altitude difference, 400 m, and is perfect for beginners. Once beginners gain confidence and master the basic techniques, they can explore easy runs like the blue-graded Salizzona and Agonistica.
For intermediate skiers, Folgaria is a paradise. The Costa sector is ideal for skiers looking to enhance their skills, with a plethora of red runs to explore. The Martinella run, known for its varying gradients and panoramic views, is a favourite among intermediate skiers. Another crowd-pleaser is the Ortesino run, a thrilling red run that offers a mix of steep and gentle slopes.
Although there are fewer black runs, the ones available are challenging and exhilarating. The Spitz run, renowned for its steepness and technical turns, is a must-try for expert skiers. The Fondo Grande (Martinella North) is known as the most difficult run and makes for a good thrill on 1.6 km length.
Folgaria village, apres ski
Its peculiarity is the center of the village: a long pedestrian boulevard full of shops, bars, pastries, restaurants where you can buy typical products and taste the food and wine delicacies of the Trentino gastronomy.
Folgaria boasts a vibrant après-ski scene with plenty of bars, pubs and cafes to choose from. The resort’s lively atmosphere is complemented by regular live music events, creating a lively and festive mood that lasts into the early hours. Once you are back down in the village the main venue to head if you want a few more drinks is Eta Beta. They often have karaoke and the happy hour drinks start from about half past 3. Beside this, the rest of the nightlife is mainly focused around hotel bars.Folgaria’s popular venues include the rustic Irish Pub, the lively Dancing Shaky and the vibrant Bar Alla Vecchia Stazione. For late-night revellers, the Discoteca K2 offers a high-energy dance floor and a wide selection of cocktails.