10 things to do in winter in Folgaria
Ski and have fun in the Cimbrian language area
Folgaria is the main village in the Alpe Cimbra, located 1,170 metres above sea level and just 20 km from the nearest motorway exit. It has a bustling centre with many shops, bars, restaurants and patisseries.
In winter, Folgaria becomes one of the most coveted destinations for ski aficionados, with its Alpe Cimbra ski area, the most important ski carousel in the Prealpi Trentine, part of the Skirama carousel. Its 66 slopes, adding up to around 100 kilometres in length, have made it the official training location of the US Ski and Snowboard Team.
But even if you don’t ski, there are a great many other ways to have fun in the snow in Folgaria: you can also go snowshoeing, or jump on a fat-bike or mountain bike with thick tyres to pedal on the snow.
A curious thing about Folgaria, like the other municipalities of the Alpe Cimbra, is that you can still hear Cimbrian spoken today, an ancient language of German origin, which is proudly handed down the generations by the inhabitants of these mountains.
In the list below, we have put together 10 things you should not miss if you are in Folgaria in the winter!
Ski in the training ground of world champions
In the Alpe Cimbra ski area, you can ski down 104 km of red, blue and black slopes, where international ski champions train to prepare for the World Cup.
Cross-country skiing at the Centro Fondo Passo Coe
If you prefer cross-country skiing to downhill, the nearby Centro Fondo Passo Coe has 38 km of trails, with loops of varying lengths, from easy to competitive, approved by the FISI for national and international competitions. The route alternates between wide expanses and fir forests.
Have fun at Mazinga Park
It’s great fun at Mazinga Park! It is located in Fondo Piccolo and can be accessed by chairlift. It houses three terraces with kickers of various sizes and many other structures that even the youngest children can enjoy.
Snowshoe along the “Sentiero dell’Immaginario””
The Sentiero dell’Immaginario is an easy-going themed trail with a slight elevation gain. It is recommended for families with children and crosses woods and pastures, featuring wooden statues of fantastical characters such as the Basilisk dragon and bear.
See the “Drago Alato di Vaia” dragon
This is a treat that will especially delight the little ones: the “Drago Alato di Vaia” dragon is an installation by sculptor Marco Martalar built from the trees that were knocked down in the 2018 Vaia storm. The ashes left a wound, not at all purifying, but now, thanks to a fundraising campaign, the Dragon has been reborn from its ashes.
Sledge in sledging paradise
At Fondo Piccolo there is an area entirely dedicated to sledging! Enjoy the descents without the hassle of climbing up again, by attaching your sleds or bobsleighs to the ski lift. There is just so much fun to be had!
Treat yourself to an Aufguss session
After so much excitement, it’s time for a break to clear your head and relax your body. Where, you ask? At the “Centro Wellness Milegraum” wellness centre, selected by the Associazione Italiana Saune & Aufguss (Italian Sauna and Aufguss Association) as a refuge for “wellness at high altitude”.
Discover one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”
Not far from Folgaria there is the village of Luserna: clinging to the mountainside, it is one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Ninety percent of its population still speaks Cimbrian, an ancient language of Bavarian origin. To find out more, don't forget to visit the “Haus von Prükk” house-museum, which was created by restoring a traditional Cimbrian farmhouse from the 19th century.
Walk around the village
Folgaria village is the central hub of the Alpe Cimbra. You can walk down the main street, do some shopping, stop in one of the cafés, taste a nice slice of cake in a pastry shop or have an aperitif in a bar.
Discover the Alpe Cimbra
The Alpe Cimbra, one of the largest alpine pastures in Europe, is dotted with delightful alpine villages. The main destinations are Folgaria, Lavarone and Luserna, renowned for their historic centres as well as their delicious cuisine. The area also includes the Altopiano della Vigolana, which you can explore on foot or with snowshoes..
