Freeridingat Passo del Tonale
Freeride skiing
Freeridingat Passo del Tonale
For off-piste skiing enthusiasts, the Passo del Tonale-Presena Glacier ski area has deservedly become one of the most sought-after destinations in the entire Alps!
<p>The ski area of the Passo del Tonale is definitely one of the best destinations for off-piste skiing in western Trentino thanks to a series of favourable characteristics such as elevation (ranging between 1,900 and 3,000 metres a.s.l.), exposure (mainly northerly) and the cut of the land itself which offers a range of valleys and ravines with varying slopes and difficulty levels.</p> <p>Off-piste descents such as “Il Cantiere” (the Building Site) or the “Canale del Diavolo” (The Devil’s Channel), to name but a few, attract free-ride aficionados from across Europe.</p> <p>A typical day’s skiing would usually start off with a warm-up descent along the Vescasa off-piste route which can be reached with the Alpino chairlift (southern exposure). This would be followed by a second descent down the narrow valley of the “Il Cantiere” which can be reached with the ski-lift facilities of the Presena glacier and the day would be topped off with a final, and steeper, descent down the “Canale del Diavolo” gully which can also be reached from the facilies of the Presena glacier after a 10 minute uphill hike (a climb of about 80 metres).</p>
Freeridingat Passo del Tonale
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The ski area of the Passo del Tonale is definitely one of the best destinations for off-piste skiing in western Trentino thanks to a series of favourable characteristics such as elevation (ranging between 1,900 and 3,000 metres a.s.l.), exposure (mainly northerly) and the cut of the land itself which offers a range of valleys and ravines with varying slopes and difficulty levels.
Off-piste descents such as “Il Cantiere” (the Building Site) or the “Canale del Diavolo” (The Devil’s Channel), to name but a few, attract free-ride aficionados from across Europe.
A typical day’s skiing would usually start off with a warm-up descent along the Vescasa off-piste route which can be reached with the Alpino chairlift (southern exposure). This would be followed by a second descent down the narrow valley of the “Il Cantiere” which can be reached with the ski-lift facilities of the Presena glacier and the day would be topped off with a final, and steeper, descent down the “Canale del Diavolo” gully which can also be reached from the facilies of the Presena glacier after a 10 minute uphill hike (a climb of about 80 metres).
Author’s recommendation

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Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Remember, snowpack stability is subject to sudden and unforeseeable changes and shifts. Always check the local avalanche bulletin (www.meteotrentino.it) before departure and make sure you gather all possible information concerning current conditions at the Mountain Guides’ office. https://www.guidealpinevaldisole.it
Also remember that off-piste skiing within recognised ski areas is regulated and subject to limitations: find out about any areas that may be off-limits or inaccessible.
GPS routes are merely indicative of the more reasonable track but must not be followed blindly without first checking current slope and terrain conditions.
Please note that the practicability of the itineraries in a mountain environment is strictly linked to the contingent conditions and is therefore influenced by natural phenomena, environmental changes and weather conditions. For this reason, the information contained in this page may have changed. Before leaving for a tour, make sure the path you will approach is still accessible by contacting the owner of the mountain hut, the alpine guides or the visitor centres of the nature parks, the info offices of the local tourist board.
Tips and suggestions
Ski Area
https://www.valdisole.net/it/Adamello-Ski-Pontedilegno-Tonale/
Local mountain guides:
Directions
Follow the entire Val di Sole as far as Passo del Tonale and then leave your car in the large carpark on your left from where the ski-lift facilities for the Presena glacier depart.Parking
Plenty of parking available.Coordinates
Equipment
For all off-piste skiing activities, the proper apparel is strongly recommended. Skiers must bear in mind that temperatures can dip quickly and garments should also be suitable for snowy conditions (such as waterproof Gore-Tex jackets). Furthermore, gloves, cap, sun glasses and sun cream should also form part of every off-piste skier’s basic gear.
It’s also important to bear in mind that tight fitting or insufficiently waterproof ski boots can cause frostbite.
It’s also COMPULSARY to carry with you an avalanche rescue kit consisting of avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel (this is also available for rent).
A suitable helmet and other safety equipment are also strongly recommended (avalanche airbags etc.).
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.