Madesimo
Lombardy, Italy
Snow reliability
Quick Facts
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Lombardy
- Base altitude
- 1,536m
- Peak altitude
- 2,948m
- Total pistes
- 60 km
- Total lifts
- 14
- Season
- December 6 to April 13
- Ski pass
- local
- Nearest airport
- Milan Malpensa (MXP), 2h transfer
- Snow reliability
- 7/10
Plan Your Trip
The closest major airport is Milan Malpensa (MXP), with a ~2h transfer to the resort.
Prices are indicative. Book early for the best fares.
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Budget Planner for Madesimo
Accommodation tier
Include in estimate
Estimated costs for 2 travelers, 7 nights, Mid-range · via Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Estimates based on typical Italy market rates (pricing multiplier: 1.0x). Prices vary by travel dates, availability, and booking lead time. Always check current prices before booking.
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About Madesimo
Madesimo is a hidden gem of Italian skiing — a compact resort in Lombardy's Val Chiavenna, near the Swiss border, that punches well above its weight thanks to one legendary run: the Canalone, a fearsome 1,000-vertical-metre couloir that drops from the 2,948m summit of Pizzo Groppera through a narrow rocky gully and is widely regarded as one of the most challenging marked pistes in the Alps. Beyond this headline attraction, Madesimo's 60km of piste across 14 lifts offers honest, well-groomed intermediate terrain with long descents through the valley, plus a separate beginners' area at Campodolcino linked by gondola. The resort sits just two hours from Milan Malpensa airport, making it one of the most accessible alpine ski areas from a major European hub — a compelling option for US travelers connecting through Milan. Madesimo retains an authentically Italian character: the village has excellent restaurants serving Valtellina specialities (pizzoccheri, bresaola, local wines), prices are significantly lower than the Dolomites or Aosta Valley, and the crowds are almost entirely Italian weekenders rather than international tourists. For adventurous US skiers who want genuine Italian alpine culture without the price premium of the marquee resorts, Madesimo is a genuine find.
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Resort Ratings
Madesimo
From $89/night
Common Questions
Madesimo: Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Madesimo good for beginners?
- Madesimo scores 5/10 for beginner suitability. Some beginner terrain is available, but the resort's primary focus is intermediate and advanced skiing. First-time skiers will find the options more limited than at resorts built around learning. Ski school instruction is available and recommended for anyone starting out here.
- When does Madesimo open and close for the 2026/27 ski season?
- Madesimo typically opens in December and runs through April, based on recent seasons. The 2026/27 opening and closing dates have not yet been confirmed by the resort. Exact dates vary year to year depending on snowfall and conditions. Check the resort's official website as the season approaches for confirmed dates.
- Which ski pass covers Madesimo?
- Madesimo is covered by the local. This pass may also include access to other linked resorts depending on which tier you purchase. Pricing and blackout dates vary by season; check the pass provider's official site for 2026/27 rates and the full list of included resorts.
- How do I get to Madesimo?
- The nearest major airport to Madesimo is Milan Malpensa (MXP). The transfer to the resort takes approximately 2 hours by road. Private transfers, shared shuttles, and rental cars are all available from the airport. Mountain roads can be affected by heavy snowfall in winter, so checking conditions before traveling is advisable.
Italy