Monte Bondone ski resort is a great place to consider if you are looking for an affordable skiing trip in Italy. It offers both alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as one of the best snowparks in Europe. It is not a big scale ski resort but it is definitely value for money. Especially with the free Trentino Guest Card that gives access to transport, museums, castles and much more when you have booked your accommodation.
What the resort lacks in size certainly makes up for a variety of ski slopes spread across the mountain. You never feel like you are in a small resort. The 170 acres of The Monte Bondone Ski Resort is made up of wide slopes perfect for skiers of all abilities. The area also offers a wide range of other winter activities from snowshoeing, cross country skiing and tobogganing.
When off the slopes, you can indulge in Italian food with a local sparkling wine Trentodoc, while taking in impressive views across Brenta Dolomites.
I spent 2 amazing days In Monte Bondone, skiing, enjoying the sites, restaurants and apres ski bars. I was pleasantly surprised by what this small Italian ski resort has to offer. Even though we had a rental car to get around Trentino, we used the ski bus, as it was easy to get around on the mountain. Another great ski resort we visited in Trentino was Val di Fiemme.
Where Monte Bondone Ski resort is located
Monte Bondone Ski Resort is located just 15 km from the city centre of Trento in Northern Italy and is popular with the locals. It is at an elevation peak of 2,180 metres (7,152 ft) and is on one of the highest mountains of the Garda Prealps. Due to its position above the city, it is often known as the mountain of Trento. Meaning there are lots of things to do when you combined a trip to Monet Bondone with Trento city.
Monte Bondone Ski Resort
The resort gets its name from the mountain it is located on Monte Bondone. Monte Bondone is a natural terrace that offers a 360-degree view of Trentino, from the Brenta Dolomites to Adamello. There are 4 main villages that form Monte Bondone Ski Resort, Vason, Norge, Vaneze and Candriai. As well as Viote, an area dedicated to Nordic and Cross Country skiing.
All areas are located at different levels on the mountain but are easily accessible by the free ski bus. The main village is Vason at the top where most of the hotels, bars and restaurants are located. You can ski to Vason, Norge, Vaneze but not Candriai, as it is the furthest away but closest to Trento.
Make sure to have the right winter insurance for your next ski holiday, check directly here for a free quote.
Monte Bondone is the ideal location for families, children, ski clubs and ski enthusiasts who love wide slopes. It is a prime destination to ski in the Italian Alps and due to the value for money a popular place for affordable skiing and snowboarding.
Here is what you can do and information about Monte Bondone ski resort during winter.
€ Looking to save money on your next ski or snowboarding trip, then read these great tips.
Trentino Guest Card
One of the great ways to save money while in Italy is by using a Trentino Guest Card in Trento and Monte Bondone. Visitors staying in one of the hotels on Monte Bondone are entitled to a free Trentino Guest Card.
It gives you free access to public museums, castles and nature parks. Guests can also benefit from unlimited use of local public transport, including skibus festive and skibus feriale during their stay.
As soon as you book your accommodation, you can download the app straight to your phone.
Video Highlights – Monte Bondone Ski resort
The Skibus
There are two bus lines from Trento to Monte Bondone that gives you easy access to the ski resort area. Skibus festive and skibus feriale both run during the day in Vason, Norge, Vaneze and Candriai. Skibus festive runs every 12 minutes and is free on the mountain. The skibus feriale is free of charge with a Trentino Guest Card.
On presenting your Skibus ticket you can get a 10% discount at some of the restaurants at lunchtime, as well as on ski rental. If you are going skiing for the day from Trento, use a good quality backpack to carry your things. I use a women’s backpack from the Osprey range, which is comfortable to carry. I highly recommend them as their backpacks are specifically made for outdoor adventures.
The Night Ski bus
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 20.00 to 22.30 there is a night ski bus called the Happy Snow. This is a special night bus that runs during the winter season for night skiing. It costs €5 per person and it needs to be booked in advance for a min of 10 people.
The Happy Snow bus goes from Vason where the night skiing is held to Trento town.
Ski Area
The Monte Bondone ski resort covers a 70-hectare skiable ski area, 21 kilometres of ski runs. The ski runs were just the way I liked them, long wide, steep in parts across exposed areas and through the forests. 100% of the ski area is equipped with state-of-the-art snowmaking systems to guarantee great snow conditions during the season.
Those looking for some action can head to the snow park to try their tricks out on the halfpipe. If you like cross country skiing then you head to Viote ski centre. If you want to spend time together without the children, then you can drop them off at the indoor kingergarden “Kinderheim Monte Bondone Indoor”.
It will cost you around a quarter of what you’d pay in the bigger Italian Alps for a week here. If you have a ski pass for Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta a day trip to Monte Bondone skiing is included. The best bit is that no matter where you are on the mountain you always have views of the Brenta Dolomites.
Wear the right ski gloves for both the day and skiing, as well as the other outdoor winter activities. I wear Leki women’s ski gloves they are a little pricey but fantastic for keeping the cold out.
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Read MoreSki the Gran Pista for the best views of the Dolomites
If you want to take advantage of the views of the Dolomites on Monte Bondone then do the Gran Pista run. It is known as one of the top 100 ski slopes to ski in the world.
Take the Rocce- Rosse up to Fortino (1.998m) and to Malga Mezavia (1.184m), then ski down from there. It is a 4km red slope with some steep bits but the slope is quite wide in most areas. At the top you will be open to the elements then you go through lush forests with views overlooking the Brenta Dolomites.
If you want to take a break, stop at the only restaurant bar on the slope called Chalet Rocce Rosse. It is about the half way point of the Gran Pista. Here are some ideas on other places to visit in the Italian Dolomites during winter.
Night skiing
How about skiing under the stars one night before enjoying the Apres ski happy hour? On a clear night you can even see the city lit up in the distance. Night skiing is held every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 20.00 to 22.30, during the winter season.
There is also a special night skibus that also services the route to get you back to your hotel safely. Wear your thermal underwear to keep warm while skiing at night.
Ski Passes
Ski passes are really flexible in Monte Bondone Ski Resort and you can get passes from 1 to 5 days. If you don’t want to do a whole day of skiing, then 2,3,4 hour passes are available for the ski resort as well.
Check with the lift office as kids under a certain age ski free from 1 to 14 days if accompanied by an adult buying the same type of ski pass (1 paying adult = 1 free child). You must have proof though of their age. Monte Bondone prides itself on being a family resort and understands that both parents cannot always ski with the children.
A ‘6 Days Double’ will allow two different people to use the same pass (not at the same time) to allow for an adult to take care of their children.
The ticket office for ski passes is located at Vason and Vaneze village if you don’t already have one. For additional information on ski passes for Monte Bondone you can visit the official site.
Tip
- If you have a season ticket for Monte Bondone Ski Resort you can also get 3 days of skiing in either Paganell or Folgaria Ski area.
Overview of the Monte Bondone Ski Resort Area
- 70 hectares skiable ski area
- 6 Ski lifts ( 4 Chairlifts and 2 drag lifts )
- 21 kilometres of slopes that are wide and have views of the Dolomites
- SnowPark located under the Montesel Chairlift
- The longest ski slope is the Gran Pista at nearly 4kms long, which you can get to via Palon or Rocce Rosse chairlift.
- Night skiing is held on the Diagonale Montesel and Cordel blue slope, which is accessed via the Montesel Chairlift
- Cross country skiing has over 35 km of Nordic ski tracks
Cross country skiing/Nordic Ski
Located at the foot of the Tre Cime Peak of Monte Bondone is the Viote Centre, a dedicated area to Nordic and Cross Country skiing. There are over 35 kms of Nordic ski tracks there that offer various levels of difficulty through the valley of Viote, as well as a sledging run, snow-tubing piste and a playground for the kids. There are even routes created for Nordic walking
The main Viote Cross-country ski centre has a ski school, changing rooms, ski waxing, sports equipment rentals where you can hire a toboggan, sledges and snowshoes. The centre also offers a first aid service, a depot for backpacks, ample parking space and a restaurant with a bar. Another great place for cross country skiing in Italy is Val di Fiemme
A part of the SuperNordic Skipass
The Viote Cross-country ski centre is part of the Nordic Ski circuit, giving access to the main cross-country centres in the Trentino region and throughout Italy. Meaning your SuperNordicSkipass will be valid if you have one. You can easily spend a whole day here, trying the outdoor winter activities and then warming up in the restaurant. The SkiBus goes from here to the Monte Bondone ski resort villages and Trento.
Opening hours: Cross-country ski tracks: 8:45 am – 5:45 pm
Snow Park in Monte Bondone
The well equipped Monte Bondone snowpark is a popular area with both snowboarders and ski freestylers. It is one of the best snow parks in Italy with annual competitions held for snowboarder and ski freestyle athletes. The snowpark offers a variety of different obstacles, jumps and lines to try your tricks on. Don’t forget your GoPro
It is situated under the Montesel chairlift which is also what you use to access the park. The best bit is that if you just want to use the snow park then you don’t have to get a Monte Bondone ski pass, you can just get one for the area. As well as being open during the day, the snowpark is open two nights a week.
Whether you are an experienced ski and snowboard enthusiast or someone wanting to learn, there is something for everyone. Please make sure that you follow the signs with the rules to observe inside the park.
It is compulsory to wear a helmet at all times inside the park. If you don’t have one here is a great selection of ski helmets.
Areas in the Snowpark
- Jump Pro and Easy Lines
- Kids Park
- Boardercross Slope
- Rail Line
- Jibbing and Slopestyle areas
- Box easy line
- Area K-Park (junior) with furthermore net-fences.
- 120 meter half pipe
Other things to know about using Snow Park
- One Day Pass – Valid for the Montesel chairlift (Price vary depending on the time of the season)
- Follow the signs – Signs about this rule are located in many parts of the park.
- Lenght – 900 mt. width: 200 mt
- Chairlift used – Montesel
- Signs for the slope – Style lines, from beginners to advance (S-L)
il Bondonero Ski Bar
Take a break from skiing and have a local sparkling wine Trentodoc or the famous Bombardino at il Bondonero Ski Bar. It is located at the bottom of where most of the ski runs finish in Vason village. It is a nice spot if you want to do some people watching on the ski slopes.
Bar Al Sole 360
Enjoy the 360 panorama view of Trentino from Bar Al Sole, located at the highest point on top of Monte Bondone at 2090metres. Visitors can get to Bar Al Sole by the Palon chairlift or by telemark skiing up to it. You can stop here for a pizza and a drink while you warm up and recharge your energy.
If you present your skibus pass, you get a 10% discount for lunch.
Chalet Rocce Rosse Mountain Lounge
Stop off at Chalet Rocce Rosse Mountain Lounge for a drink or something to eat. Located halfway down the Gran Pista run, it has one of the best views in Monte Bondone. On a clear day, you can see all the way over the Brenta Dolomites Trento.
The restaurant serves Italian cuisine with a modern twist on classic dishes, like Spinach gnocchi and pasta. Which can be paired with a great selection of wine, especially the local wine on offer. You can either ski or snowboard there or reach it via the main road, which goes directly underneath the Rocce Rosse chairlift.
Hotels in Monte Bondone during winter
The ski resort is divided into 4 separate villages on different elevations, Vason, Norge, Vaneze and Candriai. The hotels and accommodation in Monte Bondone are allocated across all these areas with most being in Vason. Which are connected via a public bus during the day with some directly on this slope like hotel Norge. Check out Cervinia if you are wanting ski-in ski-out hotels in Italy.
Hotels open during winter in Monte Bondone range from 2 to 4 stars and are reasonably priced. Making it a great place for an affordable ski holiday in Italy. Check the availability of accommodation and hotels in Monte Bondone. There are some great places to stay if you are on a budget in Italy.
Tip
- City tax is not included in the offers and will need to be paid locally. You can do this when you check-out.
Hotel Norge, is an affordable place to stay
We stayed at the Hotel Norge a modern ski-in and ski-out hotel, located directly on the slope. It was a premier position that had panoramic views of the Dolomiti del Brenta Mountains. The hotel had a spa centre, a heated indoor swimming pool and a sauna plus steam room. As well as a restaurant and bar area with a balcony directly on the slopes.
Our room was a good size that had two large windows that took in the views of the Dolomiti range. The room also had WiFi that worked well in the room, which is a decision maker, especially for me being a travel blogger. I loved nothing more than stepping out of the hotel, clicking into my skis, and seeing the clouds lift in the distance.
Hotel Norge is giving you the opting of staying here during the summer season too.
Directions on how to get to Monte Bondone
Monte Bondone ski resort is located above Trento in Trentino and is easily accessible by car and a ski bus during the winter season. If you are flying, your best option is to hire a car at the airport and then drive. If you are wanting a cheaper option, then you can take public transport. You catch a train from Verona to Trento and then take a ski bus up the mountain.
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The best airport to fly into for skiing
If you are flying internationally the best airport to fly into for the Trentino region is Verona (Valerio Catullo), as it’s one of the closest. The major airport also offers frequent flights and a larger selection of airline carriers. If you are on a budget and looking for cheap flights, you can take Easyjet from London to Verona.
⇒ Instantly save money on airport parking before you fly from any UK airport.
Hiring a car at Verona
To keep it more affordable for a family, I suggest hiring a car from Veron airport. If you are going with friends then you can split the costs. Most of the hotels and accommodations that I saw had parking available on site.
Hiring a car for our few days skiing in Italy worked out cheaper than getting a transfer.
Transfers from Verona to Monte Bondone
Due to the size of the ski resort and where it is located there are not many options in regards to transfer companies. There are a few companies available but check prices because a lot of them cost more than just hiring a car.
Driving directions from Verona airport to Monte Bondone
Driving from Verona airport to Monte Bondone is pretty straight forward and we found it easy to get to. The distance is roughly 108 kms and it is mostly highways with tolls. Firstly, you drive along the A22/E45 from Verona to Trento town, which should take just over an hour.
Trento to Monte Bondone
Once you reach Trento, then you will need to take the Brennero motorway exit. From there it is only a 15kms away and should take about 30mins to drive depending on the snow and road conditions. Just be aware that the road up is windy and you will have to take it slowly.
Overlooking one of the villages Monte Bondone Ski Resort
Spend a day in the historical town of Trento
The historical city of Trento is only 15kms away and should take around 30 minutes to get to Monte Bondone. You can get there by ski bus if you don’t have a car. Explore the narrow streets, museums and castles for free with Trentino Guest Card. Or simply just take in the atmosphere while enjoying a meal or drink.
Another ski resort in Italy, located near a city centre and is a part of the Dolomites is Cortina D’Aampezzo
Things to know about Monte Bondone in winter
City Tax
City tax is an additional cost on top of your hotel offer, which will need to be paid locally. This can be done at your hotel when you are checking in.
Monte Bondone Ski Rental
There are six ski rental places spread across Monte Bondone. I took my ski boots but hired my skis, as I was only skiing for a few days.
Dog-friendly ski resort
Monte Bondone is dog-friendly ski resort with most of the hotels allowing them to stay with you. Dogs are also allowed on the skibus and in most restaurants and bars on the mountain.
Parking on Monte Bondone
There 7 areas on Monte Bondone if you are not staying at one of the hotels and only coming up for a day. The main car parks are in Viote ski centre, Vaneze, Norge and Vason. The Skibus also stops at these car parks, making it convenient to get around.
Information Office
The information office is located at Vaneze village near the car park and ski bus stop. You can also buy your ski passes here if you have not already purchased online.
Why Monte Bondone is a great option for a cheap ski holiday in Italy
Monte Bondone is convenient and affordable, especially for a family, making it a great option for a cheap ski holiday in Italy. Not to mention it is also in one of the worlds prettiest regions, Trento Dolomites. Its nature and wonderful slopes will keep you and your family entertained for days.
I personally would not go for a week, but that is because as a confident skier (I don’t have a family) and I tend to ski a lot of kilometres of runs. However, I would definitely go to Monte Bondone Ski Resort for a long weekend. It is affordable, has a great variety of ski slopes, it is easy to get to. Not to mention the food and local sparkling wine Trentodoc which was reasonably priced.
If you are looking for other budget ski holidays in Europe, check out Jahorina Ski Resort Sarajevo, which is a good option. It is a resort you can also combine a city trip with skiing.
Other affordable ski resorts in Italy
If you are interested in discovering other affordable Ski Resorts in Italy, then check out the following ski resort that won’t break your budget.
- Breuil-Cervinia – The Italian side of the Matterhorn
- Val Di Fiemme – A winter guide on places to ski and where to eat
- Cortina D’Ampezzo – Where luxury and skiing meet
Booking links, resources for skiing in Monte Bondone
- Accommodation and hotels available here, during the skiing season in Monte Bondone
- Link to the tourist site for additional information on winter in Monte Bondone
- book a car hire from Venona International Airport to Monte Bondone ski resort
- Get a free quote for winter activities insurance for skiing in Italy.
Thank you for reading this article ‘A weekend Ski Trip to Monte Bondone Ski Resort Italy’. I hope it helped you to decide where to go for your next weekend Ski trip. Monte Bondone Ski Resort is definitely a great little gem of a ski resort in the Dolomites.
Have you been to Monte Bondone Ski Resort Italy before? I would love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
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⇒ Looking to discover other ski resorts in Italy, then feel free to head to my Adventure Page
Disclaimer: Even though I was a guest with the Trentino Tourism and Monte Bondone Tourism. All views are my own and based on my own experience.
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The views are amazing and nice to hear that the lifts are new. The food looks delicious too! That Spinach gnocchi Chalet Rocce Rosse looks so yummy!
There is a huge glass wall at the Chalet Rocce Rosse that takes in that view all year round.
Wow I just was in Colorado and a one day ski pass was $120!! & I feel this is just as beautiful! But I guess flying from the US would outweigh the cost of the ski pass haha.
I have skied in America once and it was pretty expensive compared to Europe. I hope that you had fun in Colorado though
What a gorgeous looking resort l just love those dolomites in the background. Definitely one to consider next season for a weekend
It was really pretty there and nice look out to the Dolomites. Definitely a great weekend resort
You really do go to some different resorts Mel. It’s great because l get to learn about places l would of never heard off. Enjoy the Dolomites
Thank you very much Dean, I am so glad that you enjoy reading my posts on ski resorts
This brings back some great memories of my time in the Dolomiti! I’m a complete beginner when it comes to skiing, so this park could be a good start for me. I love Italian food, and your spinach gnocchi and apple strudel look so good! I’ll probably be returning to Trento this year, so may just need to check this place out.
The Dolomite are definitely a pretty site for sure. I do hope that you get back to Trento next year and explore more.
Wow… The view alone is so breathtaking, and it’s good to know that Monte Bondone Ski Resort is one of the most affordable ski resort in Europe. If I get a chance to visit Europe for Winter Wonderland, I suppose I will consider to put this on my itinerary. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
This place is great as it is only an about an hour and a half drive from Verona, so you can ski and do culture at the same time 😉
Gotta say, the Dolomites look a lot more impressive when covered with snow! Maybe next time we should go in winter.
I have not seen them in summer but I would love to as they are just so beautiful 🙂
I love skiing and I would love to go in Italy instead of Eastern Europe. It looks insane in the snow
This is a great affordable ski resort to go to and with the Dolomites, you won’t be able to take your eyes off them.
Looks like a really fun resort. The food looks fantastic, the views looks amazing and from what you’ve said it seems to be reasonably affordable. I’m hoping to go skiing next year for the first time, would you recommend this place for beginners?
I have a weakness for Italian food it is just so very yummy and skiing. So I was right in my element in this resort. Definitely drop me a line when you are thinking about going, as I have lots of suggestions for beginners resorts.
I live at the base of some of the most skied mountains in the US, and I must say that I never tire of beautiful, snow-capped mountains. The Hotel Norge looks like it would be in the best spot to do some serious skier-watching from the balconies, like you took advantage of. I’ve never heard of a resort offering a pass for families doing like a switch-out with the kids. So cool!
Where are you based in the US? I ski all the time too and I have to admit that I never get sick of seeing snow-capped mountains as well. As strange as it may sound they always look so different from each other. The Dolomites were definitely a bucketlist item.
You certainly sound like an avid skier. I’m not but my hubby is. But I am a photographer and I love your photos with little patches of color against the white and black background!
This is a great place for both skiers and non-skiers, as it is so small. You could go for a wander while he skis and then he come meet you for a glass of wine.
One of the regrets of my life is not having the opportunity to learn how to Ski, being resident in a tropical region. It is something that I do intend to rectify sooner than later. I never realised that Italy had such beautiful ski resorts. Any one visiting will find your recommendations and tips very useful.
The way that ski resorts are built these days, it is super easy to begin and it is never to late to learn 🙂
This seems like a great place to go skiing for a weekend. I like that it is affordable and the views are amazing. I’m not a great skier, but I do enjoy skiing, so it’s good to know that it’s an appropriate place for people who want to learn how to ski better. The spinach gnocchi looks tasty too.
This a great all round resort and definitely worth a visit, you can even spend some time in the beautiful city of Trento which is only 20mins away
As a teenager, I used to ski in Italy a few times. Unfortunately I do not know this ski resort yet. I am amazed at how expensive skiing has become in the meantime. One can hardly afford that with children …
Susanne
That is why I have said this is affordable and exampled the extra’s you get if you have children, like sharing an adult ski pass with another adult to take care of the kids 🙂
Those views are absolutely stunning! I’d love to visit Trenton for those spectacular shots. It’s a shame that I can’t ski, nor do I have the desire to do so, but I’d certainly be content on just spending some time up there, or put on some snowshoes to do some walking through the snow paths.
It is only 20mins away from the city of Trento, which is just as beautiful. You could always take a trip up there to explore.
I’m not sure anyone has ever convinced me to go skiing before, but this may well have done just that. The views look stunning and a glass of that bubbly would cap off the day nicely. Di you think it would be any good for a beginner? It would be nice not to spend loads and loads for something that I don’t know if I enjoy!
This place is definitely great for a beginner. I always tell people to go for a weekend skiing and take lesson then you can get a feel for it and then decided if you want to try it even more.
The view of Brenta Dolomites was stunning! Lovely photographs. And that spinach gnocchi looked delicious.
Thank you very much 🙂
You took some beautiful shots of the Dolomites! Not so much of a winter sports person, but if so, would definitely do it here!
Thank you very much in regards to my pictures. You can definitely go here just for the day, it is only 20mins away from the main city.
My jaw literally dropped seeing the stunning landscapes around the Monte Bondone Ski Resort Italy. I have just come back from Finland and I can imagine how beautiful it would be there. I still don’t know how to skiing , but I would rather sit and admire the amazing snow capped mountains and the amazing scenic beauty. You have given some useful tips.
I have been to Finland back I would love to go skiing there. It looks like a stunning place. This is definitely a lovely place.
What a beautiful place! I have been to many snowy places, but I have never skied before. I have the feeling that I have absolutely no talent for that haha, since I’m super clumsy. But I’m all up for sparkling wine and food in a nice winter wonderland <3
It was a cute place and definitely a nice little place to wander around and enjoy some sparkling wine 🙂
Monte Bondone Ski Resort Italy, looks really spectacular. We have been to the Swiss side of the Matterhorn, but not been on the Italy side. The place looks so beautiful and the facilities for skiing at Monte Bondone Ski Resort Italy also seem top notch. Reading your post tempted to head there in the coming winter.
Monte Bondone is nowhere Matterhorn mountain it is in the Dolomites. The Italian side of the Matterhorn is Cervinia
Thanks for such a detailed guide! I’ve definitely never thought to go skiing or snowboarding in Italy but will for sure be adding Monte Bondone to my bucket list. Love the idea of a 6 Days Double pass too. That’s a great deal!
It was a lovely spot to learn how to ski and the best bit is you can always visit Trento the city as well
Thank you for this. Monte Bondone was the first place I ever skied on a school trip in the 80s. Reminded me how fabulous it is. I will now consider revisting with my children.
Oh really, I really liked it there a lot more than I thought. Definitely, a place I would head back to for a weekend.