SKIING FROM THE VILLA
As we’re often asked for suggestions about what to do and where to go in winter for skiing day trips, I have compiled a list of suggestions you may find useful.
Staying @Villa San Bastiano Fogazzaro you’re actually well positioned for skiing day trips into the Asiago Plateau and the Trentino area.
Our picks would be:
1) Ski area Alpe Cimbra — Folgaria - our favourite ski area: roughly 1 hr 20–40 min by car from the Villa. This would be my choice for a proper full day of downhill skiing: a substantially bigger ski experience than the smaller areas around Asiago, with plenty of variety. It also works well if your group has mixed abilities.
2) Sciovie Verena 2000 — Monte Verena: roughly 1 hr 20 min drive. Probably the nicest balance of short drive + serious skiing. It reaches 2,020 m and has about 22 km of pistes, including 4 blue, 2 red and 6 black runs. So you get a pretty good variety of ski runs for all levels of experience.
3) Ski Area Le Melette — Gallio/Asiago: around 1 hr 15–30 min drive. A smaller, relaxed option that's particularly attractive if you don't want the ski day to involve lots of driving. The wider Asiago Plateau has several separate downhill areas and around 80 km of pistes altogether, so you’re bound to find something for everyone.
4) Lavarone: roughly 1 hr 20–35 min. Another convenient Trentino option, especially good for a family/mixed-level day and easy to combine with lunch in the mountains.
5) If you're interested in cross-country skiing, I'd make a special trip to Centro Fondo Campolongo or Campomulo on the Asiago Plateau. Campomulo alone has more than 150 km of groomed Nordic trails, from beginner loops upward
As you will be based @Villa San Bastiano Fogazzaro, I'd prioritise Folgaria and Monte Verena. If you're a strong downhill skier and want the most skiing for the day, go to Folgaria. If you'd rather have a beautiful mountain day with noticeably less driving, Monte Verena is also very appealing.
One thing to bear in mind is snow reliability. The Asiago areas are relatively low compared with the high Alps, so conditions can vary considerably. Monte Verena is the highest lift-served area on the Asiago Plateau, which is one reason we'd favour it; the local snow report publishes live piste and lift conditions during the season.
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One last, important thing: You do not strictly need dedicated snow tyres in Northern Italy, but you must have either winter-rated tyres (marked M+S or 3PMSF) or carry approved snow chains/socks on board from November 15 to April 15 on most major roads and motorways.
Rental Cars: Standard hire cars in Italy rarely come fitted with winter tyres automatically; they usually provide snow chains in the boot instead. Check your rental agreement if you plan to drive through high mountain passes.
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