FREESTYLE ACADEMY - Madonna di Campiglio

On hearing the words “Madonna di Campiglio”, two things immediately spring to mind: snow and skiing, highlighted by the legendary Tre-3 slope, and of course mountaineering, which in this area is rich in history, epic conquests and illustrious protagonists such as Bruno Detassis, King of the Brenta Dolomites, those fantastic mountains that were added to the UNESCO list of natural world heritage sites in 2009. Along the road that leads to the Vallesinella valley, natural gateway to the peaks of the Brenta Dolomites, and hidden behind a forest of beech trees, stands the “Palazzetto dello Sport” (Sports Complex) of Madonna di Campiglio. This polyfunctional facility is managed by the staff of the Freestyle Academy and boasts two bouldering areas and an impressive 20-metre climbing wall on which various routes have been created to cater for everyone, from beginners to experts.

The policy put forward by the professionals of the Freestyle Academy in Madonna di Campiglio is however unique: access to the climbing gym is possible only if accompanied by a Mountain Guide (or a licensed climbing instructor), available on request with a 24-hour advance notice. Although such a rule may seem unusual it’s quite successful and stems from the need to guarantee the safety of climbers and, furthermore, to promote an “all in one” holiday package, supported by the experience and technical contribution of the mountain guides, professionals who have turned mountaineering and climbing into a way of life. You’ll find numerous mountain guides at the local Mountaineering school, easily distinguishable by their logo which represents the tufted horned rampion, a rare purple flower found on the slopes of the surrounding mountains. Quite often, from this indoor climbing gym, which acts as a natural trampoline, and with the complicity of the mountain guides, it’s a short and natural jump to the great outdoors and the thousands of climbing opportunities offered by the Brenta Dolomites.

INFO & MORE

• Booking is required (call +39 342 7000363)
• Gear hiring service available
• Large free car park next to the entrance
• Bar just a few metres away
• Opening hours to the public: from Monday to Friday 5pm-10pm. Booking is required