Ski mountaineering in Ponte di Legno and the Tonale Pass
Ski mountaineering in Pontedilegno-Tonale tests both strength and technique, allowing you to discover the most authentic and untamed side of winter. Ski‑mountaineering routes in Ponte di Legno and the Tonale Pass vary in difficulty, duration, and level of commitment: they range from easy, well‑trodden itineraries to demanding trails for experienced and well‑trained ski mountaineers, which may also include rocky sections requiring mountaineering equipment. Whatever your level, this discipline combines the effort of the ascent with the thrill of off‑piste descents, surrounded by fresh snow, supernatural silence, and wild landscapes. Glaciers and perennial snowfields also make it possible to do ski mountaineering in Ponte di Legno and the Tonale Pass even in spring. To get started, you can fi
One sport, a thousand emotions
Ski‑mountaineering routes on the peaks in Ponte di Legno and the Tonale Pass
The mountains, glaciers, and snowfields of Pontedilegno‑Tonale seem made for tough ascents and breathtaking descents. There are numerous ski‑mountaineering routes in Pontedilegno‑Tonale which cater to both beginners and experienced, well‑trained mountaineers.
Mount Presena, ski mountaineering on the glacier
Reaching the summit of a glacier is not for everyone, but in this case the route leading to Mount Presena is a ski‑mountaineering itinerary in Pontedilegno‑Tonale which is suitable even for less‑experienced skiers. Starting from the forest road that leads to Val Presena, you reach the Paradiso Pass; from there, you climb the glacier up to 3,000 metres, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Adamello and Pian di Neve. The descent can be done either along the ascent route or via the slopes on the Presena Glacier. If you choose to tackle this route during the ski‑lift closure period, it is possible to reach Paradiso Pass by skinning up the legendary Paradiso Black Run for a total of 1,200 metres of elevation gain.
Pisgana and Pisganino, thrilling ski mountaineering
The Pisgana route is a short, scenic, and relatively easy ski‑mountaineering itinerary above Ponte di Legno. However, the descent is quite demanding, so good skiing skills are recommended. The route starts at the Presena Pass, which can be reached by ski lifts, and continues to the Pisgana Pass: here, after just 400 metres of elevation gain, you can enjoy a 2‑km descent all the way to Ponte di Legno. If snow conditions are not optimal, it is advisable to descend via the Pisganino.
Ski mountaineering on Mount Adamello
The Gran Tour of Mount Adamello is one of the most sought‑after ski‑mountaineering itineraries in Pontedilegno‑Tonale: a two‑day outing featuring 1,400 metres of elevation gain on the ascent and 3,000 metres on the descent. Taking the ski lifts up to the Paradiso Pass, you reach the Città di Trento Mountain Hut and continue across Pian di Neve to the Caduti dell’Adamello Mountain Hut. During closure periods, both huts provide bivouac facilities equipped with bunks and essential supplies. From here, you can reach Mount Adamello and, after crossing the Venezia Pass, tackle the spectacular descent along the Vedretta del Pisgana, all the way to Ponte di Legno.
The Adamello Ski Raid: the international event in Pian di Neve
43 km, 8,000 metres of elevation gain and the spectacular scenery of Mount Adamello
The Adamello Ski Raid is one of the most renowned and spectacular ski‑mountaineering races in the entire Alpine arc. The route starts at the Tonale Pass and finishes in Ponte di Legno, crossing high‑altitude terrain and the wild landscapes of Pian di Neve. Covering 43 km and a total of 8,000 metres of elevation gain, the race challenges the strength, skills, and endurance of roughly 700 participants. It is an internationally recognised competition, part of the La Grande Course circuit, which brings together some of the most important alpine ski‑mountaineering races.
Maybe you were wondering…
What are the main ski mountaineering races in the area?
In addition to the Adamello Ski Raid, the ski mountaineering race calendar in the Pontedilegno-Tonale area also includes events with a more local character. Among these is the Lunarally, a moonlit ski mountaineering race that starts from the Military Shrine at the Tonale Pass and reaches Malga Valbiolo, Mount Tonale, and Malga Serodine, covering a route of 9.5 km and 800 metres of elevation gain.
Are there any ski mountaineering routes suitable for beginners?
Anyone wishing to try this sport can choose from the many ski mountaineering routes between Ponte di Legno and the Tonale Pass that do not require particular technical skills or physical endurance. For example, Monte Bleis starting from the Tonale Pass (878 metres of elevation gain) and Mount Savoretta starting from S. Apollonia – Ponte di Legno (1,480 metres of elevation gain).
What equipment is required?
In addition to suitable equipment and clothing, it is necessary to carry an avalanche transceiver (ARVA), a shovel, a probe, an ice axe, crampons, polarised sunglasses, sunscreen, and a helmet. Before setting out, it is mandatory to always check the avalanche bulletin and inform relatives, friends, or the accommodation facility where you are staying about your planned destination.
