The Tonale Pass, straddling the border between Trentino and Lombardy, offers a variety of activities for families even in the summer. In this mini-guide, we’ve compiled the experiences we’ve tried out for you over the years.
The Marmot Village… and more!
A beautiful high-altitude playground in Valbiolo, at 2,244 meters. The playground consists of several “stations” scattered along the trail that descends toward Lake Valbiolo. Children can have fun on slides, in wooden playhouses, through tunnels, and on climbing structures. It’s easily accessible by chairlift or via a walk of about an hour and a half. At Lake Valbiolo, there’s another small pond with water play features and relaxation areas, and you can walk along the floating boardwalk set up for the Water Music Festival. For enthusiasts, there are adrenaline-pumping downhill trails. All the info: Villaggio delle Marmotte at Tonale
Smugglers’ Pass from Tonale
A beautiful hike—which can be shortened by using the lifts—combining history and nature. Take the chairlift almost to the summit, keeping an eye out for marmots! Once at the top, a short but steep climb awaits you, leading to the mountain ridge, where you’ll find military outposts dating back to the “White War” and from where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Val di Viso and the Presena on the other side. We even spotted some ibex. We’ll tell you all about it here: At the Smugglers’ Pass, Among Ibex and Marmots
Multisport Center
An area at the Tonale Pass where fun is guaranteed. ATV tours, inflatable games, trampolines, and inner-tube rides. Try your hand at archery. Open during the summer months. For more information: ATV Ride at Tonale.
Presena Glacier
Take the cable car up to an elevation of 3,000 meters to the Presena Glacier, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and a surreal landscape. Don’t miss the Paradiso Tunnel halfway up the ascent : inside, you’ll find an interactive exhibition titled “Sounds and Voices of the White War.” You can then continue on foot to the Capanna Presena mountain hut and finally take the cable car back up to the summit to admire the glacier and the panoramic view. All the info: At the Presena Glacier at 3,000 meters.
AN EXTRA TIP? You can head up to the glacier at sunrise! During the summer, sunrise concerts are held right up here so you can admire the stunning colors of the sky. Simply magical! Here’s our story: Enchanting sunrise on the Presena Glacier
Valbione
Just a few kilometers past the border with Lombardy lies this mountain area that’s very popular with families. There’s a lovely little lake for fishing, plenty of playground equipment, streams and pools to play in, sandboxes, zip lines, wooden lounge chairs to relax on, and even a golf course. All of this is surrounded by beautiful forests! And if you want to take in a spectacular view, all you have to do is head even higher on the charming vintage chairlift! Read our story here: Valbione: A Paradise for Families
Strino Fort
An interesting place to visit to get a sense of what went down in history as the White War. A memorial site that now also hosts art exhibitions and is located along the Fort Tour. We visited it, too: Fort Strino and the White War
Vermiglio and the San Leonardo Lakes
A lovely walk to discover the most picturesque corners of this village, made famous by the well-known movie. You’ll discover the old farmhouse, the toll booth, the old shop, and the watermill… And then it’s time to relax and play at the San Leonardo ponds, perfect for the whole family, with water play areas, pulley rides, swings, and lawns where you can relax in the shade or the sun. Read more here: Vermiglio, at the San Leonardo ponds
Tonale Beach
Starting from the small village church, it’s an easy half-hour walk that leads to an area with small beaches and crystal-clear water. All the info: What a surprise Tonale Beach is!
Tonale Peat Bog
A vast wetland basin characterized by a remarkable variety of habitats, which in turn support an exceptional wealth of biodiversity. It is a true “botanical paradise”: carnivorous plants and plant species common in the Arctic regions but extremely rare in the Alps are just a few examples. Of course, there is no shortage of animal species either—especially insects, amphibians, and reptiles. All the info on the Tonale Peat Bog: nature and science.
Here are a few suggestions for the evening:
- Sporting Hotel with an amazing water park
- Paradiso RV Park
Info and Contact Information
Ponte di Legno-Tonale Consortium
Tel: 0364.92097
Website: www.pontedilegnotonale.com
Email: info@pontedilegnotonale.com