Passo della Presolana

The ski area is now separate from that of Monte Pora and extends between approximately 1,200 and 1,370 metres above sea level. According to official Presolana Ski data, it comprises 6 slopes for a total of 7 km, predominantly blue and red runs. The slopes have limited vertical drops and generally gentle gradients, characteristics that have made Donico known as a true “skiing school”.

The resort is particularly suitable for children, families and beginners. The Giogo Beginners’ Area, served by a magic carpet, allows visitors to become familiar with skiing in a compact and easily supervised environment, while the blue runs and easier red runs enable gradual progression. The presence of ski schools, equipment rental directly at the base and an area dedicated to bobsleighs and sledges completes an offering designed above all for those taking their first steps in winter sports.

The lift system comprises the Donico–Paghera del Giogo four-seater chairlift, two ski lifts and a magic carpet. The chairlift is a fixed-grip lift that entered service in 1990: the network is therefore neither particularly modern nor fast, but the short distances and compact layout of the slopes make getting around easy. The old lift that reached the upper part of Monte Scanapà is no longer in operation, and the current resort remains concentrated in the lower Donico area.

Artificial snowmaking covers a large part of the skiable area and is essential given the limited altitude and sunny exposure. On favourable days the slopes are enjoyable and scenic, but the continuity of the season inevitably depends on temperatures. In terms of size and difficulty, Passo della Presolana is not a destination aimed at expert skiers or those looking for major vertical drops; instead, it is a convenient option for first days on snow, lessons and a few hours of skiing without having to make long journeys.

Alongside alpine skiing, it is possible to enjoy ski touring and snowshoe walks, following roads and trails that cross the woods and open out towards the high plateaus of upper Val Seriana. The proximity of Castione della Presolana, Bratto and Dorga also broadens the choice of hotels, restaurants and services available during a stay.

During the summer, the meadows of Donico become a large open-air park. Activities include a wheeled bobsleigh with a magic-carpet tow, a tubing track, archery, trampolines and other pursuits aimed primarily at children. The green areas at the foot of the lifts are also suitable for picnics and relaxing family days.

A particularly original feature is the Presolana Ski Arena 365, a facility that makes it possible to ski and train even without snow. The area covers approximately 4,000 square metres and includes a 240-metre-long Neveplast synthetic slope with permanent timing, a dedicated ski lift and a 90-metre freestyle line with boxes and rails. It is designed for learning to ski, ski-club training, snowboarding and technical development throughout the year.

Passo della Presolana is also a good starting point for excursions to Baita Cassinelli, the Grotta dei Pagani and the mountain huts at the foot of Presolana, as well as for easier walks such as the one to Salto degli Sposi. Climbing, trekking and mountain biking round out the year-round tourist appeal of a resort that, despite retaining modest dimensions, has built an active offering for every season.

Presolana is recommended above all for families and for those who want to learn to ski in a welcoming, scenic and easily accessible setting. Its limited number of kilometres of slopes and traditional lifts do not make it a destination for long holidays devoted exclusively to skiing, but the combination of its learning area, children’s activities, landscape and new synthetic slope makes it one of the most distinctive resorts in the Bergamo mountains.