Valchiavenna, the Madesimo and Campodolcino ski area in Lombardy, has a substantial vertical of 1,398 metres, from 1,550 metres at Madesimo up to 2,948 metres on Pizzo Groppera. It offers 39 runs over 37 kilometres, graded 41% beginner, 51% intermediate and 8% advanced, with no expert-rated pistes. The headline altitude is high for the grade, so the terrain is easy to ski while still giving a good day out. The lift system is modern and compact, with a gondola, two six-seat chairs, five quads and a Sky Express funicular from Campodolcino.

Madesimo is the main base, where the Larici gondola climbs to the mid-mountain slopes. The Sky Express climbs from Campodolcino to the Motta plateau, which opens up the second side of the area. The area is best known for the Canalone, a steep ungroomed descent from Pizzo Groppera that suits experts only, and the Val di Lei sector adds high, open terrain. MadePark offers a terrain park for freestylers. Valchiavenna suits intermediates, families and Milan weekenders, and ambitious skiers will want a local guide to explore the off-piste lines above the treeline.

Valchiavenna's 2025-2026 season runs from 29 November through 6 April, spanning approximately 19 weeks of continuous operation. The resort traditionally opens in late November when early-season snowfall combines with extensive snowmaking to establish base coverage, and operations continue into early April when spring conditions dominate the higher elevations. Opening day skiing is offered free as an annual tradition to welcome the season.

Snowfall patterns favour the ski area's location on the southern side of the main Alpine ridge, where weather systems arriving from both the Mediterranean and northern Europe deliver consistent precipitation. Annual snowfall averages between 334 and 391 centimetres depending on measurement methodology, placing Valchiavenna among the snowier Italian resorts outside the Dolomites. The summit elevation approaching 3,000 metres ensures reliable coverage even during lean periods, whilst snowmaking covers approximately 32 kilometres of piste - over 75 percent of the marked terrain - using 60 snow cannons positioned throughout the lower and mid-mountain sectors.

January through early March typically offers the most consistent conditions, with average base depths exceeding two metres at summit elevation and mid-mountain accumulations of around one metre. The snowiest week historically falls in early March. December attracts strong visitation due to proximity to Milan's Christmas holiday period, whilst February sees notably lighter crowds as Italian schools lack the week-long mid-winter break common elsewhere in Europe. Late March and early April bring spring skiing conditions with softer afternoon snow and longer daylight hours.

Night skiing operates throughout the winter season on the illuminated Pianello-Montalto slope, with sessions running Wednesday and Saturday evenings from 6:30pm to 10:45pm. The Larici gondola opens for evening access, allowing skiers to combine après-ski dining at the mountain restaurant with floodlit descents back to the village. Notable seasonal events include the Fiaccolata della Scuola Sci Madesimo Vallespluga - a torchlit procession by ski school instructors that takes place between Christmas and Epiphany, followed by fireworks and mulled wine in the village.

Daily snow reports at Valchiavenna go back to 2017, 10 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.