Macugnaga

Macugnaga offers a raw and traditional alpine experience at the foot of Monte Rosa’s east face—the only wall in the Alps with a vertical rise exceeding 2,500m. The skiing is split between two distinct areas that aren't physically connected: the lower, tree-lined Belvedere sector and the high-altitude Monte Moro. Across these zones, you'll find 32.1km of groomed trails reaching a summit of 2,900m. While the statistics might look modest, the terrain is dominated by long, sustained intermediate runs that make up 69% of the network, including the 1,700m vertical drop of the Meccia run when conditions allow.

The village is a preserved stronghold of Walser culture, where 13th-century stone and wood architecture still defines the local aesthetic. Unlike the polished, purpose-built stations found elsewhere in Italy, Macugnaga feels like a mountaineering outpost that happens to have a lift system. There are 13 named runs in total, but the draw for many is the high-alpine atmosphere and the sheer scale of the glacial landscape. The split between 22% beginner and 9% advanced terrain means it serves progressing intermediates best, though the off-piste potential on the glaciers attracts seasoned mountain travellers.

Staying here means moving between the hamlets of Staffa and Pecetto. The lower Belvedere slopes are perfect for families and those looking for sheltered skiing amongst the larch forests, while Monte Moro provides a stark, high-altitude environment on the Swiss border. Because it’s an established mountaineering hub, the mountain huts (rifugi) here focus more on authentic Piedmontese polenta and local cheeses than the high-volume catering typical of larger commercial resorts.