Ponte di Legno: skiing from forest runs to Passo Tonale and Presena Glacier

Ponte di Legno is one of the main winter resorts of upper Valle Camonica in Lombardy and forms the western side of the Pontedilegno-Tonale ski area. The village sits at roughly 1,258 metres below the Adamello and Presanella ranges and combines a lively historic centre with easy access to the slopes. Its winter appeal comes from variety: skiers can start among pine and spruce forests above the village, cross to the broad slopes of Passo Tonale and continue to the high-alpine setting of Presena Glacier.

Travellers who want to organise equipment before arrival can use the SKiSET page for ski hire in Ponte di Legno and collect their skis or snowboard from the resort’s partner shop.

Pontedilegno-Tonale: 46 pistes and 30 lifts

The official Pontedilegno-Tonale ski area has 46 pistes and 30 lifts across four sectors: Ponte di Legno, Temù, Passo Tonale and Presena Glacier. Skiing stretches from about 1,121 to 3,000 metres and includes 13 blue runs, 25 red runs and 8 black runs. One lift pass covers the complete area, linking very different mountain environments.

The combined vertical range is around 2,000 metres. Intermediates benefit from the large number of red pistes, while advanced skiers have a selection of historic black runs and long descents that change character significantly between wooded valleys and the glacier sector.

Ponte di Legno ski sector

The pistes directly above Ponte di Legno run through pine and spruce woodland, giving them a very different feel from the open terrain at Passo Tonale. Casola, Valbione and Corno d’Aola are among the main local runs. Corno d’Aola descends roughly 2.7 km towards the village and covers more than 600 metres of vertical.

Valbione also provides useful terrain for families and progressing skiers, while the higher pistes offer more technical skiing. During snowfall or flat light, the trees can provide stronger visual contrast than the exposed upper sectors.

New for 2026/27: Corno d’Aola gondola

A major upgrade is planned in Ponte di Legno for winter 2026/27. The historic Corno d’Aola chairlift and Angelo drag lift are being replaced by a 10-seat Leitner gondola. According to the official project, travel time should fall from around 15 minutes to only six and a half minutes, and the new line will include an intermediate station.

The project is designed to improve comfort and access to this important ski sector. A futuristic panoramic mountain hut at 2,120 metres is planned as the next phase for 2027/28. Final operating details should be confirmed close to the opening of the winter season.

Ponte di Legno-Passo Tonale connection

A gondola connection links Ponte di Legno with Passo Tonale, allowing skiers to move between the two main bases without driving. Once at the pass, the ski terrain becomes more open and sunny, with a particularly strong choice for beginners and intermediates.

The link makes long touring days possible. Skiers can leave Ponte di Legno in the morning, explore Tonale, climb towards Presena and return later in the day. Keeping an eye on last lift times and wind-related closures remains important.

Passo Tonale: broad pistes and family skiing

Passo Tonale is known for broad, sunny runs with clear visibility and plenty of space. Blue and red pistes, ski schools and children’s zones are concentrated around the pass. Tonale Mountain Centre and Fantaski provide conveyor lifts, games and snow activities designed for younger children.

The area also contains the resort snowpark with freestyle and ski-cross features. The open landscape is a major advantage on fine days, but its exposed position means checking lift status is sensible when strong winds are forecast.

Presena Glacier and Pista Paradiso

From Passo Tonale, lifts climb towards Presena Glacier, one of the most dramatic parts of the ski area. Terrain reaches above 3,000 metres and provides high-alpine scenery, spring skiing and access to zones used for freeride and ski touring.

The famous Pista Paradiso is one of the best-known black runs in Pontedilegno-Tonale. For 2026/27, the Paradiso gondola is due to receive new panoramic 10-seat cabins, while snowmaking improvements are planned for the Giuliana, Paradiso and Bleis pistes. A glass Skywalk viewpoint at 2,585 metres is scheduled for completion in 2027.

Temù: wooded skiing and quieter slopes

At the opposite end of the linked area, Temù adds runs between roughly 1,121 and 1,900 metres. Its pistes pass through forest and offer a calmer atmosphere with views across Valle Camonica. From Ponte di Legno, skiers can move into Temù without changing lift pass.

Red pistes form an important part of the sector and suit intermediates who enjoy continuous vertical and tree-lined skiing. During peak weeks, Temù can also be a useful alternative to busier parts of Passo Tonale.

Valsozzine cross-country centre

Ponte di Legno is home to the Valsozzine cross-country centre, located in a wooded valley close to the resort. Pontedilegno-Tonale has two principal Nordic centres: Valsozzine on the Lombardy side and Vermiglio in Trentino, where the trail network extends beyond 20 km.

Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to vary a week dominated by alpine skiing. Trail opening and grooming depend on snow conditions, so current status should be checked before heading to the start.

Snowshoeing and winter activities

The destination offers a broad choice of snowshoe and winter walking routes around Ponte di Legno, Tonale and Presena. Options range from short woodland walks to longer guided outings in side valleys and higher terrain.

Dog sledding, snowmobile excursions and fat-bike activities are also available in the wider resort. Anyone leaving prepared routes must consider avalanche conditions and snow stability. In high mountain terrain, professional guidance and safety equipment may be necessary.

Ice skating and non-ski days

Ponte di Legno has ice-skating facilities and several activities for families and non-skiing companions. The artificial rink can operate from autumn into spring, while natural ice surfaces depend directly on winter temperatures.

The pedestrian-friendly village centre also makes it easy to spend time in cafés, restaurants and shops without using a car. This gives mixed groups more flexibility when not everyone wants to ski every day.

Getting to Ponte di Legno

From Lombardy, drivers reach Ponte di Legno by following the SS42 up Valle Camonica. From Brescia or Milan, the route generally passes the Lake Iseo area before climbing through the upper valley. From Trentino, the approach comes through Val di Sole and Passo Tonale. Proper winter driving equipment is essential.

By train, the Brescia-Iseo-Edolo line reaches Edolo, about 20 km from Ponte di Legno. Buses continue from Edolo to the resort, and winter ski-bus services connect the station area with the ski slopes. Bergamo-Orio al Serio airport is approximately two hours away by car in normal conditions.

Ski buses and local mobility

During winter, the ski-bus network operates between Edolo, Temù and Ponte di Legno, making access to the Lombardy ski sectors easier. Within the ski area, the gondola towards Tonale further reduces the need for a car.

Timetables and frequencies vary during the season. Travellers relying on public transport should check the current schedule shortly before the trip, especially on arrival and departure days.

SKiSET ski hire: Pontedilegno Rent

SKiSET currently lists one shop in Ponte di Legno: Pontedilegno Rent, Piazzale Europa 62, 25056 Ponte di Legno. Created in 2017 by a company of ski instructors, the shop works closely with the Ponte di Legno ski school and is only a few minutes from the lifts.

The rental range includes alpine skis, snowboards, boots, junior gear and equipment for freeride and mountaineering. A professional workshop provides waxing, edge sharpening, repairs and binding adjustments, while heated lockers add convenient storage. Current published opening hours are 08:00-19:00 every day. Online booking allows equipment to be prepared before arrival.

Planning a ski holiday in Ponte di Legno

Ponte di Legno is a highly versatile base. Skiers have wooded runs directly above the village and, with one pass, can continue to Tonale, Presena and Temù. Families and beginners have dedicated learning terrain, while intermediates and experts can build long days around red and black pistes and major vertical differences.

For a smooth holiday, check weather and links each morning, reserve rental equipment during peak weeks and allow enough time for the return from the glacier. The 2026/27 upgrades, especially the new Corno d’Aola gondola, strengthen Ponte di Legno’s role as one of the main gateways to the entire Pontedilegno-Tonale area.