7 Lake Garda ski resorts for all skiing abilities

While Lake Garda is renowned for its sun-soaked shores, it's not just a summer haven. The Italian lake’s proximity to the Alps transforms it into a sweeping gateway for winter sports enthusiasts. But is Lake Garda good for skiing? The lake’s surrounding areas offer excellent locations for winter sports including snowboarding, snowshoeing, ski mountaineering and, of course, skiing! 

Heading northwards on Lake Garda, you’ll find a superb selection of skiing opportunities to complement your peaceful, budget friendly holiday. And below we have gathered a list of some of the best ski resorts around Lake Garda that you can go to no matter what the ski level or ability. 

Whether you’re a beginner or experienced skier, Lake Garda is as good as any other ski spot in winters 

Let’s glide to the mountains around Lake Garda and discover the Ski Resorts 

1. Paganella Ski: ideal for lovers of stunning panoramas 

Skiers in action in front of the Garda Lake at the Paganella Resort 

With broad pistes, a snowboard park and panoramic Lake Garda views from the top, it’s easy to see why the family-friendly ski resort of Paganella has retained its popularity. The scenic resort offers cross-country skiing, night skiing, ski mountaineering and beginner-friendly slopes, whilst ski lessons are readily available at its dedicated ski school area. 

Perfect for: Families, snowboarders & skiers (of all abilities) 

Getting there: Piazzale Paganella, 4, 38010 Andalo TN, Italy 

2. Folgaria Lavarone Ski Resort: an ultimate winter sports experience 

A location steeped in alpine tradition and unspoilt natural beauty; Folgaria Lavarone (Alpe Cimbra ski area) is ideal for a full-on winter sports experience without going too far from the lake (just over an hour’s drive from Riva del Garda). The resort is serviced by a wide range of ski lifts to the Folgaria-Fiorentini ski area and Lavarone ski centre, where skiers of all abilities can enjoy the 100 km ski area of the resort. 

The town of Folgaria and Mount Cornetto in the background 

Plus, with activities ranging from alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and ski mountaineering to ice skating, sledging, snow tubing, snow biking and winter disc golf, there’s something for everyone. Beginners and novices can also perfect their form, with lessons at one of the excellent local Ski Schools. 

Perfect for: Families and intermediate level skiers, plus beginners, pros and outdoor winter sport enthusiasts. 

Getting there: Via Roma, 67, 38064 Folgaria TN, Italy 

3. Snowpark Monte Bondone: excellent for snowboarding and ski mountaineering 

Enjoy limitless ski mountaineering on Monte Bondone 

A great fixture in the winter sports programme for visitors to the Trento Alps, this snow park offers a welcome destination for those on ski boards and snowboards. The newly designed Snowpark features a kid’s park, box easy line, rail line, jumbo pro, easy lines, jibbing and slopestyle areas, a boardercross slope and a family village ideal for the youngest of boarders. With its affordable one-day passes, you’ll easily be able to enjoy some snow time escapism whilst staying on Lake Garda! 

Perfect for: Families, novice-experienced snowboarders + skiers 

Getting there: 38123 Trento, Province of Trento, Italy 

4. Montcampione Ski Area: a summer and winter destination 

A magical place for winter-time skiing and outdoor summertime activities, Montcampione attracts plenty of attention. Located in Valcamonica, the Lombardian ski resort opens for the ski season from mid-December till the end of March. Perfect for families and skiers of all abilities, Montcampione also frequently offers free ski pass incentives for under 16s, throughout key moments in December. So, keep your eyes peeled! 

Montecampione ski resort in Valcamonica, Lombardy 

Perfect for: Families + Skiers (of all abilities) 

Getting there: Via Legazzuolo Di Montecampione, 25040 Artogne BS, Italia / Via Pradosole, 2 Residence Ginepro, scala 1 interno 5, 25040 Montecampione BS, Italy 

5. Brentonico (Polsa San Valentino) Ski Resort: suitable for families with little ones 

This well-serviced resort, just half an hour from Torbole Sul Garda, offers 40km (about 24.85 mi) of slopes, which are highly accessible thanks to the cable cars. Aside from day and night skiing, the resort also offers opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing and more! There is also a baby-friendly snow park, alongside the multilingual Monte Baldo ski school, for very young skiers and beginners. Family ski packages and clubs are also available, inviting all ages to come and enjoy the snow. 

Perfect for: Families, beginner-advanced skiers, snowboarders + winter sport enthusiasts 

Getting there: Piazza Polsa, 1, 38060 Polsa, Brentonico TN, Italy 

6. Madonna di Campiglio Ski Resort: combine skiing and hiking 

Madonna di Campiglio is a renowned ski resort town in the Brenta Dolomites of the Italian Alps, part of the Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta ski area. Nestled in a scenic valley, it offers a range of slopes for skiers of all levels and attracts visitors with its picturesque landscapes. Beyond winter, the town is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities. With a charming village atmosphere, diverse accommodation options, and hosting international skiing events, Madonna di Campiglio is a sought-after destination for both winter and summer tourism. 

A stunning sunrise over the ski resort Madonna di Campiglio in the Italian Alps 

Perfect for: Families, beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers, snowboarders, nightlife seekers and luxury travelers. 

Getting there: Via G. Marconi 7 - 38027 Malé (TN)  

7. Monte Baldo: for popular and cost-effective experiences 

The Monte Baldo region near Lake Garda is famous for the Malcesine-Monte Baldo cable car, offering panoramic views from the town of Malcesine to the summit. While known for its stunning scenery, winter visitors may find opportunities for activities like hiking or snowshoeing in the colder months. 

Endless beautiful views of Lake Garda from Monte Baldo 

Monte Baldo is an ideal destination for snowboarding and skiing. With an altitude of 1800 meters (about 1.12 mi), it offers a serene environment away from crowded resorts. Snowboarders can enjoy breathtaking views, multiple ski runs, and the absence of crowds. Skiing is possible from December to March, with a cable car connecting Malcesine to four different runs. The mild climate, diverse slopes for all levels, and stunning landscapes make Monte Baldo a unique and cost-effective choice for winter sports enthusiasts. After a day on the slopes, visitors can indulge in typical mountain dishes in local restaurants. 

Perfect for: All levels snowboarders and skiers, families, seekers of serenity, cost-conscious travelers 

Getting there: Via Navene Vecchia, 12 37018 Malcesine (VR) 

Ready to ski among amazing views and cute lake towns? Check out our best properties around Lake Garda. 

Before you go… 

More information and skiing FAQs for Lake Garda 

What is the closest mountain to Lake Garda? 

Monte Baldo is the closest mountain range to Lake Garda. It is located on the eastern side of the lake and offers various outdoor activities, including hiking and winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The town of Malcesine on the eastern shore of Lake Garda serves as a gateway to Monte Baldo, with a cable car providing access to the mountain. 

Is Lake Garda in the Dolomites? 

Lake Garda is relatively close to the Dolomites. The Dolomites are a mountain range to the north, and Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, is situated to the south. The proximity allows travelers to easily visit both destinations during a single trip. The specific travel time will depend on the exact locations you are traveling to and from around Lake Garda and the Dolomites.