Paganella - Andalo
Ski 50km above Andalo in the Brenta Dolomites, 1,040-2,125m, with Skirama Dolomiti access and the Norwegian national team's training slopes.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
28 Nov 2026
Closes
4 Apr 2027
Days open
127
Annual snow
1.3m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Paganella sits on the Altopiano della Paganella in Trentino, above the village of Andalo and backed by the Brenta Dolomites - a UNESCO World Heritage massif that forms the western horizon from the upper mountain. The ski area spans 1,040m to 2,125m across 50km of pistes, with runs descending 1,100m of vertical on two faces of the Cima Paganella summit and returning to both Andalo and Fai della Paganella.
The terrain runs heavily intermediate, with 19 red pistes making up the bulk of the ski area alongside 11 blue runs and a single black - the Pala di Santa. Named pistes with established reputations include the 3-Tre, a race-format slope with FIS history, and the Olimpionica 2, which serves as the official European training base for the Norwegian National Alpine Ski Team and has also been used by the USA men's alpine squad. The endorsement from national teams is reflected in the quality of grooming, which the resort maintains as a signature standard across the area.
From the Cima Paganella summit at 2,125m, on a clear day the panorama takes in the Marmolada glacier to the east, the Brenta Dolomites to the west, and Lake Garda to the south - one of the more unusual viewpoints in the Trentino ski area network. Snow coverage across 100% of marked pistes is maintained by an extensive snowmaking system, critical for a south-facing area at relatively moderate altitude.
The Paganella ski pass connects into the Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta carousel, which covers 380km of slopes across eight areas including Madonna di Campiglio, Pinzolo, Folgarida-Marilleva, Passo Tonale and Monte Bondone - all accessible under a single Superskirama pass.
1085m
Vertical
31
Runs
50 km
Piste
1.3m
Annual snow
The Terrain
31 runs across 50 km of piste
Paganella rises above Andalo and Fai della Paganella in Trentino, with 50 kilometres of piste over 31 runs from a 1,040-metre base to the 2,125-metre summit. The 1,085-metre vertical is enough to feel like a proper mountain, yet the grading is gentle: 28% beginner, 68% intermediate and just 4% advanced, with no expert terrain. Almost everything here is a groomed red or blue, and the modern lift network of gondolas and fast quads keeps the whole mountain moving. It is a tidy, well-organised area in which most intermediates will find their rhythm quickly and stay comfortable all day.
From Cima Paganella, three red pistes run down towards Andalo and Fai, with Lake Garda on one side of the view and the Brenta Dolomites on the other. The Olimpionica pistes are the ones to seek out for fast, even-pitched carving. Advanced skiers will run out of challenge sooner than the numbers suggest, and freeride terrain is not a feature. Paganella suits families, progressing intermediates and groups with mixed ability, particularly those who value reliable grooming, a short transfer from the Brenner motorway and a sociable village base over big steeps.
Terrain split
31
runs
31 runs across 4 grades
Beginner9 runs · 28%
Intermediate21 runs · 68%
Advanced1 run · 4%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Paganella - Andalo
Paganella operates from early December through to late March, with the 2025-26 season running from 6 December 2025 to 30 March 2026. The season window is shorter than glacier-adjacent areas in the region, reflecting the resort's moderate summit altitude of 2,125m and predominantly south-facing aspect. Snowmaking covers 100% of marked pistes and is the primary mechanism keeping the area operational through the full season.
Annual snowfall averages 3.5 metres, with December typically the sunniest month and February delivering the deepest base. The south-facing slopes on the Andalo side benefit from morning sun and firm early conditions, while the Fai della Paganella face holds cooler temperatures and tends to preserve snow quality longer into the day. Cross-country tracks running around Andalo lake and into the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park supplement the ski area on days when conditions favour Nordic skiing.
The Paganella plateau setting - at around 1,000m before the ski area begins - means the resort villages of Andalo and Fai della Paganella sit above the valley fog that can affect lower Trentino towns during winter high-pressure periods. Night skiing on Tuesdays and Fridays adds evening programming that extends the usable ski day beyond standard afternoon close.
Proximity to Trento - around 30-40 minutes by road - means Paganella draws a strong weekend crowd from the city and surrounding valley towns. Weekday visits offer uncrowded conditions on the same pistes that the Norwegian national squad has used for European training preparation since 2011.
Season 2026 - 2027
28 Nov 2026
Opens
4 Apr 2027
Closes
127
Days open
1.3 m
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Paganella - Andalo
Daily snow reports at Paganella - Andalo go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
80 cm
Snowiest day
2 Mar 2020
18 cm
This winter · 2026-27
so far
128 cm
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
cm
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Paganella - Andalo, and where to stay
Paganella sits on the Altopiano della Paganella plateau in Trentino, accessed from the A22 Brenner motorway via the San Michele all'Adige exit. From the motorway, the resort is approximately 20 minutes by road to the Andalo base station - one of the most straightforward approach drives of any Trentino ski area. Andalo is around 35km north of Trento and 30km from the Brenner motorway's main north-south corridor.
The nearest international airports are Verona Villafranca to the south, around 130km via the A22, and Innsbruck in Austria to the north, around 100km across the Brenner Pass. Both offer direct motorway access to the San Michele exit. Bolzano Airport, smaller and with limited connections, sits around 45km to the north-east.
Trento is the primary rail hub for the area, served by frequent Trenitalia services on the Verona-Innsbruck Brenner line. From Trento station, bus services run to Andalo throughout the ski season, with the journey taking around 50 minutes. A local ski bus network links Andalo, Fai della Paganella, Molveno and surrounding plateau villages throughout the winter.
Andalo is a purpose-built resort town of around 1,000 permanent residents with a compact centre, hotels, apartments and direct ski-in access from the main gondola base. Fai della Paganella, 6km to the west at similar altitude, is a smaller and quieter base with access to the western side of the ski area. Both villages sit within the boundaries of the Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, giving the broader area a protected landscape character that extends into summer hiking and via ferrata use.
Where to stay
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Hotels and lodges near Paganella - Andalo, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Paganella - Andalo's ski season?
Paganella - Andalo's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 28 through April 4. That window is roughly 127 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Italy, Europe often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Paganella - Andalo have?
Paganella - Andalo lists about 50 km of piste of marked terrain spread across 31 named runs. That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Paganella - Andalo?
Trail grading at Paganella - Andalo breaks down roughly as 28% beginner, 68% intermediate, 4% advanced. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Blue/Red) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical metres. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Paganella - Andalo have?
Paganella - Andalo operates 17 lifts across 4 lift types. The fleet includes 9 quad chairs, 4 gondolas, 2 8-person chairs, and 2 double chairs.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Paganella - Andalo?
Base elevation at Paganella - Andalo is about 1,040 m (3,412 ft), with the summit around 2,125 m (6,972 ft), giving roughly 1,085 m (3,560 ft) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Paganella - Andalo get each season?
Paganella - Andalo averages about 128 cm (50 inches) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Paganella - Andalo lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans €18 to €58, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (multi-day passes, season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Paganella - Andalo before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 7 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Paganella - Andalo so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Paganella - Andalo have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Paganella - Andalo. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Paganella - Andalo located?
Paganella - Andalo sits in Italy, Europe. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
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